Welcome to the Cave Diver's Forum.
+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 18
  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Underwater
    Posts
    316

    Default What Undergarments are used?

    I have a USIA exotherm II for cold water diving, but the problem issue is its very thick, and its very difficult to get into my front entry dry-suit.
    I noticed that there are other options for undergarments, for hiking/mountain climbing, etc. that are more flexible, not as thick but also provide warmth and whisk the sweat away from you.

    Has anyone tried/used these types? or what types of undergarments are you using for your diving?


  2. #2
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Buffalo, NY
    Posts
    1,617

    Default

    When I was doing cold water (32 deg) diving in the lakes, I used a wool sweat suit next to my skin (comfort), and a wet suit as thermal insulation. I found the wet suit gave me better insulation, at lower volume than my dry suit "wooly bears" AND gave me a redundant insulation/buoyancy in case of dry suit failure.

    Nobody ever accused me of being lacking originality, but my sanity has been called into question repeately.

    Do not go gentle into that good night.
    Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
    Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

  3. #3
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Springfield, Mo
    Age
    63
    Posts
    333

    Default

    I use a layering approach and circumstances dictate how much of it I wear.
    I use a base top t-shirt that is a wicking agent, such as a typical UnderArmor workout t-shirt. Snug, but not too tight to allow good blood flow. Also keeps the sink out of the other garments.
    Then I layer on a good quality Merino Wool thermal top and bottom, for added warmth and wicking, with very little bulk. Loose fitting to allow freedom of movement.
    Finally, I put on a 400 gram DUI suit or a Weezle Extreme suit. Both of these allow for good shoulder movement while donning the suit and freedom of movement during dive, such as working valves on my backmount setup.
    And when called for I also add a heated vest on top of the Merino wool layer, but under the "snow suit".

    I can vary all that depending on water temps, activity of the planned dive, length of deco, etc. I don't really need anything else, just various combinations of all those layers.

    Chris Hill
    www.ocda.org

    "Every man dies, but not every man really lives." William Wallace - Braveheart

  4. #4
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Detroit and Key Largo
    Posts
    466

    Default

    I love my 4th Element Undergarments for the coldest of conditions. I had a Weezle one piece undergarment but it was way to bulky for me. I also have 400 and 200gm fleece jumpers for warmer conditions. For Florida cave divng I never go thicker than my 200gm with maybe a light wicking pullover.

    Jeff


  5. #5
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    553

    Default

    I am a layering guy, too.
    I start with a hydrophobic tight fitting 1st layer like an UA tank top and compression style shorts.
    My next layer is another wicking hydrophobic layer. Right now I am using UA Base gear that is heavier in the core and thinner underarm and lower legs (I think it's called Base 2.5) I also have some standard base layers.
    My final insulation layer is 4th Element Exotherm and Arctic.
    Usually I wear one of them depending on water temps. Arctic up here in MO, Exotherm in FL and both of them for the Great Lake deco dives.
    Only when I wear all of it do I have to add a few lbs of ballast.
    Mobility is fine with just one outer layer, but with both, it does affect the flex, but not as bad as the Thermolite style I tried a couple of times.

    When you're there you know there's a There there.
    Jobst Brandt

  6. #6
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Murfreesboro, Tennessee
    Posts
    3,270

    Default

    I dive Weezle extreme in most conditions, 75F or less, with DUI shell, TLS350. Works well down to to 45F or so as well. Lower than 45F I add REI's power dry fleece, mid-weight as a next-to-skin layer. I stay warm in 34F water for 60 minutes, give or take, then feel the chill, and don't care to stay after 75 minutes. If scootering, my hands/fingers get real cold before then, with DUI dry gloves and inserts, but I use the lightweight yellow glove liners.

    skip

    "Learning the techniques of others does not interfere with the discovery of techniques of one's own." B.F. Skinner, 1970.

  7. #7
    Administrator Forum Admin
    Join Date
    Oct 2000
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    24,000

    Default

    In Florida, I use a Weezle Compact, nice and lightweight. For north Alabama, up through Virginia, and even England, I use a 400 gram Thinsulate. I haven't dived in ice water in 30 years or so, but I would just add a layer under the Thinsulate.

    Forrest Wilson (with 2 Rs)
    Any opinions are personal.
    Sump Divers

  8. #8
    Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Chicago, IL - USA
    Posts
    1,169

    Default

    I layer too. I start with an Under Armor base layer, then depending on temps I add a thin fleece layer by Waterproof or a set of 4th element Arctics or both of them. Works for me in temps from down to the mid 30*s and up.

    Jeff Rouse
    Chicago, IL

  9. #9
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    High Springs Florida
    Age
    64
    Posts
    2,513

    Default

    Anything frilly really with just the right touch of lace.

    Www.artflowslikewater.com
    Brendan's Law - "Know what you're breathing. Analyze your gas for O2 and Co. Analyze your gas each time, everytime, anywhere."

  10. #10
    Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Chicago, IL - USA
    Posts
    1,169

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by MichaelAngelo View Post
    Anything frilly really with just the right touch of lace.
    That would explain the rumors you used to work in a drag show...

    Sent via flying butt monkies using Tapatalk 2

    Jeff Rouse
    Chicago, IL


 

Similar Threads

  1. FS: DUI Undergarments
    By Rainer in forum Gear Exchange
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 01-09-2014, 08:08 PM
  2. Nomad and undergarments
    By Caver95 in forum Gear Exchange
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-08-2012, 08:56 AM
  3. Undergarments.
    By adam0321 in forum Gear Exchange
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 12-18-2011, 09:22 AM
  4. Undergarments
    By RH in forum Gear Exchange
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 05-09-2008, 07:14 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts