I just purchased a shell type tri-lam dry suit, and it came with a carrying bag, and folding instructions. When not in use, should I leave it folded in the bag, or hang it by the feet on a hanger?
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I just purchased a shell type tri-lam dry suit, and it came with a carrying bag, and folding instructions. When not in use, should I leave it folded in the bag, or hang it by the feet on a hanger?
Hey John.
My answer is "Neither". Once I unwrapped my DUI the first time from its bag, I KNEW (instructions or not) it was NEVER gonna fit in that bag again. So, I leave my suit out to dry after a dive. Then I have a large tote box that I gently roll the suit into and place my 400G thinsulate in with it. May or may not be the best thing for it. Dunno. But it's served me well for 3 years now.
Personally, I wouldn't mess with the new bag. Get you a tote.
Me too!Quote:
Originally Posted by aw
Mine barely has time to dry out between dives. :)
To dry I hang it on a broad-shouldered dry suit hanger. Occasionally, when it starts to smell a little funky, I turn it inside out and hang it that way for a few days.
If I won't be diving dry for a few weeks I do fold it up and store it in the carry case.
You probably already know, but it is best to NOT hang it near a water heater or other gas appliance. Or in direct sunlight either.
Enjoy your suit,
WJH
I hang mine by the feet and have a small vertical fan that I put inside the chest area. I extend the arms and let air circulate inside the suit for a full day to dry it out.
I have a DU CLX 450, dive it, dry it and fold neatly back in bag. Maybe it's a chick thing...
Do make sure it is dry before you store it (however you decide to). Mold does grow on damp suits and it makes them stink (one of my buddies' suit did that, yuck!!)
Dive safe,
Celia
Thanks everyone. I think I will go with the rubbermaid tote. I just want to make my investment last.
By the feet with the zippers open. If it was very wet inside turn it inside out and let it dry out completely. I fold it and put it in the bag (zipper open) to transport it to the dive site. For long term storage (summer diving in a wet suit) I hang it by the feet in an open area where air can circulate (my back porch) out of the direct sunlight. It's five years old and not any leaks, stink, or tears. I did have new seals put on it in Nov. 05, but seals wearout with use not storage.
I used to hang mine out under the porch as well in a spot that never saw any sunlight. I say used to as my seals dry rotted after only a month or so of being stored there. I now keep it hung up in the closet when it needs to be stored for extended periods. I like to keep mine hung up and stored out of the way when not in use, and then toss it in a rubber maid container when I start out to go diving somewhere. I have not encountered any problems with my seals since I went to storing my suit in a dark closet.Quote:
Originally Posted by metaldector
I simply lay it flat on the carpeted floor in the bedroom dedicated to dive gear, zipper open.
Tranpsort it to the dive site in a Rubbermaid tote bin...folded loosely at the waist, with sleeves and legs tucked in. I try to minimize any contortions to the zipper.
That's how I do it also.Quote:
Originally Posted by Oxtox
I just leave mine on its PVC drying rack. Two 6 foot sections of 1.5 inch to 2 inch PVC with elbows on the end that fit into the boots with a couple of crossover pieces and a T at the bottom that I can stick an inflatable bed (NOT DOLL) inflator in to circulate dry air to the feet and back out. The whole thing inserts through the back zipper and the dry suit stays on it in my basement until it goes into the Rubbermaid and then the truck.
Are you saying my inflatable doll inflator won't work?
NO. No I am not. They work quite well, but mine has a burned out motor.
I hang mine right side out to dry first, then flip it inside out to dry inside. Once dry it hangs on a wide drysuit hanger and gets zipped up inside a canvas garment bag that hangs in the closet....one of those wide rectangular ones that are meant for long term clothing storage of several items. I have all my wetsuits, drysuits, and kayaking clothing in them. The drysuit gets one all its own.
Hello,
There is an article in DIVER, uk diving mag, recent issue. I think you can probably read it on the website, all about dry suit care.
The basiscs are that you let it air, try to avoid strong sun on a regular basis, little point in drying the exterior rapidly unless you need to pack it for travel, for example. Hang up by the boots are drape over something wide so the whole exterior is exposed, as far as possible to the air.
I have an 03 neo resin impreganted...toasty and nice. We all know the pros and cons of tri vs neo so i won't bother with that but in all cases, the zip and seals need extra care.
When not in use, and mine rarely is these days as I live in warmer climes, dry suit is folded from boot upward to avoid bending or strtching the zip, and it is folded away nicely in the bag, ready for the call when my mates say...you coming to scapa this year...
kinetic