Most drysuits which are available today are designed to keep you dry, not warm. This crucial difference means these garments are not meant to provide warmth.

Most drysuits today are ‘shell’ drysuits. Divers usually don’t think about the undergarments they need to wear underneath, which can leave them feeling very cold.

Insulation relies on trapped air. The warmth of a fluffy parka comes from its ability to trap air, which can protect you from the cold. If you want to freeze in a drysuit like a pro, keep reading.

What SHOULD YOU DO to Freeze in a Drysuit?

Wear Undergarments Designed For Scuba Diving

• Not All Insulation is Created Equal: Be aware that different types of insulation have different qualities and effectiveness.
• Polartec® PowerStretch® Pro: This specific high-density fleece is an excellent material for trapping air. This advantage makes it very efficient at maintaining warmth. It also offers superior stretch which makes it a great choice for snug, lightweight wear.
• Thinsulate™ Type B: This type is ideal for scuba divers, as this degree of insulation is needed in certain DiveWear undergarments. It is already compressed and known for being the warmest insulation due to its thickness. In addition to that, it is hydrophobic. That means it doesn’t absorb water, which is crucial for maintaining warmth even in wet conditions.
• Plus 5 Vest: This vest is a great addition to your insulation strategy, as it enhanses your overall warmth.

Wear Multible layers For Added Warmth

When you add a layer, it will give you extra warmth and enables you to adjust your insulation according to your diving needs. Is the water too cold for your clothes?

Add a base layer made from good materials. Need a little more? Try to wear a vest. You can wear up to three layers. If you need more, then it is better to switch to a heavier garment.

It is a fact that it’s easy to feel cold even when wearing a drysuit. But giving a little attention to your underneath clothes, you can make every dive like a tropical vacation. It’s your passion, so fully enjoy it

What NOT to Do to Freeze in a Drysuit

Don’t Wear Cotton

To freeze in a drysuit like a pro, avoid wearing a cotton garment under a drysuit. As mentioned in a previous article, divers sweat just like everyone else,. That makes their bodies moisture factories while wearing a drysuit.

Your drysuit traps moisture. If you wear a cotton garment, it will absorb the moisture, causing a chilling effect. This means it will absorb more and more water until it loses its insulation properties.

Cotton materials not only lose their warmth, but they also add cold. Is it a good idea to sleep with a wet blanket?

Heading to the dive site in cold, miserable weather, in addition to drinking a cold beverage and underdress will make you feel cold before you even start scuba diving. This will only make you colder during the dive. Before your dive, keep warm, drink something warm, and wear gloves if it’s cold.

Down compresses and absorbs water, making it unsuitable for drysuit divers.

Don’t Fall For The Fluff

Remember that big, fluffy parka? It works great on the ski hill, so why not take it diving? It’s colder there than today’s diving temperatures.

Sorry to dampen your enthusiasm, but it’s not a good idea. The pressure of the water will flatten your fluffy parka, and all the insulation will disappear.

Don’t Wear Old Underwear

That might sound unpleasant, but it’s just that old undergarments lose warmth. The lint in the dryer tray isn’t magic.That’s fiber from your clothes. DiveWear loses insulation due to laundering, repeated compressions, and wear. Get yourself some new undies.