Dry Suit Question

[John L.]

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?

[aw]

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.

[Jason B.]

Hey John.

My answer is "Neither". Once I unwrapped my DUI the first time from it's 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!

[WJH]

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

[OutlawCaver]

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.

[amphipod06]

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

[John L.]

Thanks everyone. I think I will go with the rubbermaid tote. I just want to make my investment last.

[metaldector]

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.

[DeWayne]

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.

[Oxtox]

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.