[uwila]

I've done 42 dives in the Arctic under ice and tried 2 different set-ups:
First 2 weeks: close fitting Merino wool jumper and leggings with Weezle Comfort under a membrane suit. Normal hood and dry gloves
Second 2 weeks: same underneath with a Northern Diver 5mm crushed neoprene suit. Gimp hood and 3-fingered mitts.

At no time did I feel that extreme cold was a problem, apart from the time my dry gloves leaked (and when I was talked into jumping in stark bollock-naked). During the first trip, I did get cold hands, but it wasn't crippling. I was warmer the second time, but felt that the biggest improvement was the hood and gloves. I'm going back in 8 days time Yeeeee-Haaaa!!!!

I've decided to revert to the membrane suit as it is more comfortable and for dive times of up to 56 minutes it was fine. I'm trying a xerotherm arctic undersuit this time over the same Merino wool base layer. I'll let you know how I get on...