New to drysuits (advice please)

[Ivan66]

I’m thinking of getting a dry suit but know nothing about them.

I’ve heard of Tri laminate, crushed neoprene, membrane etc but haven’t got a clue what difference to the diver one makes from the other.

What is the best way to kit up under the suit in really cold weather/water? I.e. what’s the difference between base layers and under suits? One last thing, I take it I can just wear a t-shirt and shorts under the suit in hot weather or even just shorts.

Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

Ivan66

[NeilP]

Originally Posted by Ivan66

I’ve heard of Tri laminate, crushed neoprene, membrane etc but haven’t got a clue what difference to the diver one makes from the other.

You'll get loads of pros/cons for each type of drysuit.

Trilaminate is a material that Membrane drysuits were/used to be made from. Alot still are, although alot of manufacturers are now turning them out made from Cordura.
Crushed Neoprene has more insulation properties - infact a membrane has no insulation at all.

Originally Posted by Ivan66

What is the best way to kit up under the suit in really cold weather/water? I.e. what’s the difference between base layers and under suits? One last thing, I take it I can just wear a t-shirt and shorts under the suit in hot weather or even just shorts.

Membrane suits have no insultaion, so you do need a warmer undersuit. A base layer goes underneath the undersuit.
And finally, yes, you can get away with wearing T-shirt & shorts under a crushed neoprene suit in the summer.

[Reikimaster]

whatever you go for make sure it has got cargo pockets on the legs

[Rookie]

As written by an idiot, so please feel free, all, to correct as required!

Membrane Suits

As said, made of a thin material, including trilaminate, or the slightly fuzzy cordura. They have no insulation properties, so you will need a good range of undergarments. An thickish undersuit, plus thermals/base layers, for when its really cold. Resonably flexible, easy to dry (mine is anyway), pretty hard wareing. Can look baggy and unftted, if not, well..... fitted!

Neoprene

Thick air bubble filled material, about 6mm (I think). Much warmer than a membrane, so less undergarments required. The neoprene will compress at depth though, so will loose insulation. More flexible than membrane, and a bit stretchy. Usually a closer fit, as less is worn under it. Warmer if it floods. Not as hard wareing (think of all the nicks you can easily pick up in neoprene wet suits!)

Compressed neoprene.

As above, but the material is compressed and injected with a resin (or something), to keep it compressed. Less insulation than neoprene, nut more than membrane. Will not compress with depth. Very hard wareing, but not as flexible as neoprene. These will cost you plenty though!

Personally I have an otter membrane (though still not used it outdoors yet .) The choise is purely personal, as each has its benifits, and drawbacks. Just make sure it fits well, you can reach your valves and are still flexible, and you can get enough on under it to stay warm. I would recommend you get a suit with thigh pockets, or at least get them fitted aftermarket!

Hope this helps

Rookie (self confessed idiot)

Please note, the above content may be full of crap!

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by Ivan66

I’m thinking of getting a dry suit but know nothing about them.

I used to write reams when this sort of thing came up until one day I decided to save it somewhere.

My self opinionated twaddle.