Dry Suits for Cold Water Scuba

by John Wren
Dry Suits for Cold Water Scuba

Scuba diving in cold water is a challenging activity, and the right equipment is essential. Cold water scuba diving requires special clothing and equipment to remain safe and comfortable. The right suit can make a big difference, whether it’s keeping you warm or protecting you from the chill. If you’re planning on diving in cold water, we recommend that you get yourself a dry suit – also known as a hot-water suit or thermal suit. A dry suit is a waterproof garment worn as an outer layer instead of traditional wet-and-dry dive suits used by most recreational divers. This article covers everything you need to know about cold water scuba gear featuring dry suits for men and women.

What to look for in a Cold Water Scuba Suit

When selecting a cold water scuba suit, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. Cold water scuba suits are designed to protect you from the cold, keep you warm, and provide extra protection against cuts and scrapes. When selecting a cold water scuba suit, the following criteria are important: Fabric – The fabric of your cold water scuba suit will determine how warm it keeps you and how much it resists water. There are two basic types of fabric that scuba suits are made from: Neoprene – Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is naturally very good at retaining heat. It is the perfect choice for cold water scuba diving as it keeps you warm, but it does not dry quickly. You’ll need to hang your suit out to dry after every dive. Polyester – A polyester or synthetic fabric suit is generally easier to dry than neoprene, but it will not keep you as warm. Rubber thickness – The thickness of the rubber in a scuba suit is an important consideration. A thicker rubber will be more resistant to cuts and abrasions when you are exploring the sea floor. However, thicker rubber also holds more heat in, so it can make it harder to stay warm. A thinner rubber thickness is easier to swim in, but it will allow more cold water to get in, making it harder to stay warm.

Men’s dry suits

If you dive in cold water conditions, a dry suit is the best scuba gear for you. Dry suits keep you warm and dry, which makes them especially popular among fishermen and divers who need to work in a wet environment. When selecting a dry suit, you have two options: Neoprene – Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is naturally very good at retaining heat. It is the perfect choice for cold water scuba diving as it keeps you warm, but it does not dry quickly. Neoprene dry suits are available in two styles: Full-body – A full-body scuba dry suit covers your legs and your arms. Full-body scuba dry suits are great for cold water diving because they keep all of your body warm. However, they are also more expensive than standard full-body scuba suits. Standard – A standard scuba dry suit covers your torso, but not your legs and arms. Standard scuba dry suits are cheaper than full-body scuba suits and are often the best choice for scuba divers who want to keep their hands free.

Women’s dry suits

Dry suits are a great choice for women who dive in cold water. Neoprene is the most common fabric used in dry suits and it is naturally good at retaining heat. A good dry suit will keep you warm, dry, and free from cuts and scrapes. Full-body dry suits are the best choice for colder water temperatures but standard dry suits may be enough for milder conditions. Neoprene dry suits are available in two styles: Full-body – A full-body scuba dry suit covers your legs and your arms. Full-body scuba dry suits are great for cold water diving because they keep all of your body warm. However, they are also more expensive than standard full-body scuba suits. Standard – A standard scuba dry suit covers your torso, but not your legs and arms. Standard scuba dry suits are cheaper than full-body scuba suits and are often the best choice for scuba divers who want to keep their hands free.

How to find the right size

When you are purchasing a cold water scuba suit, it’s important to find a suit that fits you well. A too-large suit will not provide the warmth or protection that you need, and a too-small suit will be uncomfortable and difficult to move in. When purchasing a cold water scuba suit, it’s best to try on a few different sizes to find one that fits you well. Women and men’s suits tend to be different sizes, so it’s important to try on a suit of each type to make sure you get the right size.

Types of material used in dry suits

Neoprene is the most common fabric used in dry suits and it is naturally good at retaining heat. Dry suits can also be made from other fabrics such as synthetic rubber or polyester. A good dry suit will keep you warm, dry, and free from cuts and scrapes. Neoprene – Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is naturally very good at retaining heat. It is the perfect choice for cold water scuba diving as it keeps you warm, but it does not dry quickly. Neoprene dry suits are available in two styles: Full-body – A full-body scuba dry suit covers your legs and your arms. Full-body scuba dry suits are great for cold water diving because they keep all of your body warm. However, they are also more expensive than standard full-body scuba suits. Standard – A standard scuba dry suit covers your torso, but not your legs and arms. Standard scuba dry suits are cheaper than full-body scuba suits and are often the best choice for scuba divers who want to keep their hands free.

Bestseller No. 1
Crewsaver Atacama Sport Sailing Yachting and Dinghy Drysuit with Front Zip & Undersuit - 3 Layer Breathable Fabric All Over
  • 3 layer fully breathable fabric all over and Glideskin neoprene wrist and neck seals.
  • Crewsaver is recognised as a world leading designer and manufacturer of lifejackets and sailing equipment. As a respected authority on personal marine safety and with a history dating back more than...
  • Includes an elasticated waist, adjustable internal braces and articulated arms and legs to create a custom-fit providing the ultimate in freedom of movement and lightweight breathability.
  • Leg pocket with D-ring attachment. Elasticated waist. YKK Aquaseal flexible zip construction.
  • Removable braces with Reinforced seat and knees. Articulated arms and legs for increased freedom of movement.
Bestseller No. 2
O'Neill Men's Boost 300g Drysuit, Black, X-Large
  • 3 layer breathable nylon shell
  • Loose fit drysuit
  • Neoprene neck seal
  • Laytex wrist and ankle seals
  • Waterproof horizontal back zip
Bestseller No. 3
SEAC Unifleece, Insulating Undergarment Dry Suit
  • Lightweight, breathable, 2-layer undergarment keeps you warm while diving in cold environments
  • Outer layer repels water to help keep you dry
  • Double-Ended front zipper gets you in and out quickly
  • Ankle stirrups prevent bunching when putting on your drysuit
  • Easy-access zippered pockets for carrying extra gear
Bestseller No. 4
Gill Dry suit - Fully Taped & Waterproof Ideal for Watersports such as Dinghy, Sailing, Kayaking & Paddleboard (Black, M)
  • A perfect choice for a range of water activities the Drysuit features XPLORE+ 3 layer fabric technology for a highly durable breathable and waterproof finish.
  • With in-built adjustable braces a flexible YKK Aquaseal waterproof zipper and pre marked glideskin collar and cuffs the suit will adjust to fit your body. Benefiting from fabric socks to increase suit...
  • Wear over your usual layers this - drysuit is ideal for sailing dinghy sailing paddle sports and board sports such as stand up paddle boarding and kayaking.
  • Main Fabric: 100% Nylon PU coated. Reinforcement: 100% Polyester PU coated. Hand Wash. Do Not Bleach. Do Not Tumble Dry. No Iron. Do Not Dry Clean. Do not store wet. After use rinse in fresh water.
Bestseller No. 5
Waterproof Kayak Drysuit with Stowable Hood Breathable Dry Suit for Men in Cold Water (X-Large)
  • Constructed with 3-Layer 100% Nylon with DWR finish for best-in-class durable, waterproof-windproof-breathable performance.
  • Features stowable and removable hood,Waterproof front entry and relief zipper,tough latex neck and wrist gaskets,two splashproof zippered chest pocket,self-drain water hole,reflective patches increase...
  • Neoprene waist overskirt with double-pull hook-and-loop closure fits over your sprayskirt tunnel for a watertight seal.Drryfsh drysuit perfect for...
  • Drryfsh factory's dry suit has a very thoughtful design, which is much more comfortable than other competitors' drysuits,The knee and dropseat of the suit with removable neoprene patches increasing...
  • Every suit 100% fill tested for maximum performance,guaranteed to be dry.Please contact us if you have problems, We will offer you a satisfactory solution and the best service within 24 hours.
Bestseller No. 6
SEAC Men's Warmdry 4mm Neoprene Dry Suit, Black, XX-Large Plus (Model: 0060001009141A)
  • Semi-rigid boots turn inside-out for fast drying
  • Bellowed 1000-denier Cordura pockets hold necessary gear
  • Glide skin taped collar and smooth aquastop wrist closures keep water out
  • Fabric storage bag, hood, hose and straps included
  • Fabric storage bag, hood, hose and straps included
Bestseller No. 7
Drryfsh Mens Semi-Dry Suits with Neoprene Gaskets for Fishing Sailing Paddling,Boating,Crafting or ATV Sport(Neoprene Gaskets, Medium)
  • Drryfsh dry suits made of durable 3-layer fabric with membrane, which provides water, wind and damage protection.. High water resistance 20 000 mm. Breathability 7000g/m2/24h.
  • Waterproof front entry zipper much easier to put on and take off than traditional dry suits,and the men's relief zipper lets you answer nature's call without having to take the whole drysuit off.The...
  • Semi dry suits comes with:neoprene wrist,neck gaskets and black fabric socks,neoprene gaskets more comfortable than latex seal,prevent abrasions of the skin,the suit is equipped with two splash-proof...
  • There maybe have a little bit of water leakage at the wrists and neck when swimming or upside down from gaskets, but none when sitting on the boat and getting smashed by big waves.The best choice for...
  • Quality control is a fundamental part of our manufacturing process.If you are not 100% satisfied with what you have purchased from Drryfsh, return it within 30 days of purchase and take advantage of...
Bestseller No. 8
O'Neill Men's Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit, Black/Graphite, Large
  • Loose upper fit and performance lower fit
  • Smooth skin Dry seals
  • 100% waterproof
  • Fluid seam Weld
  • Body: 3mm Fluid Flex foam Neoprene
Bestseller No. 9
Zhik Mens Front Zip Drysuit Dry Suit - Platinum - Lightweight Breathable 3 Layer Dry Suit Waterproof Sprayproof Mens Size - L
  • 3-Layer Vecta Fabric Technology
  • Combining technologies from Ocean racing and fast paced inshore sailing, this versatile drysuit is optimised for competitive sailing across a range of disciplines.
  • Fully seam taped with critical junctions further reinforced. 450D Nylon Oxford reinforced knee, rear, crotch & foot panels to maximise durability. Asymmetrically placed zipper for ease of entry/exit...
  • Highly breathable with a 10K (mm H20/g/m2/day) rating. 80/20 Durable Water Repellence (DWR). Latex seals for maximum comfort and durability. German engineered TiZip waterproof zipper. Streamlined...
  • The result is an agile, lightweight drysuit that avoids bulk while remaining highly durable.
Bestseller No. 10
Kayaking Dry suit with Detachable Hood Drysuits for Men in Cold Water (Latex Ankel Gaskets, Large)
  • Drryfsh dry suits made of durable 3-layer fabric with membrane, which provides water, wind and damage protection.. Waterproof 20 000 mm. Breathability 7000g/m2/24h. It is guaranteed that you will...
  • Waterproof front entry zipper much easier to put on and take off than traditional dry suits,and the men's relief zipper lets you answer nature's call without having to take the whole drysuit off.The...
  • This dry suits comes with:latex neck,wrist gaskets and ankle seal,it is advantage you can maximum contact and "feel" through your feet and keep water out(the ankle openings are tight so it doesn't let...
  • The suit itself is perfectly functional and does have a number of features aimed at increasing your comfort. Lightweight removable moulded knee and drop seat pads give you added protection against...
  • If you need reliable, high performance drysuit that will provide comfort and maximum range of movement in every weather and conditions - the Drryfsh ankle seal dry suits is right for you. Whether you...
Bestseller No. 11
Kokatat Men's Hydrus 3.0 Swift Entry Dry Suit w/Relief Zipper & Socks-Tangerine-XXL
  • Proprietary Hydrus 3.0 three-layer waterproof & breathable fabric
  • Self-draining reinforced seat & knee patches
  • Waterproof nylon front-entry zipper for easy on & off
  • Latex neck & wrist gaskets w/ adjustable hook & loop cuffs
  • Integrated Hydrus 3.0 fabric socks keep you dry & cozy all day long
Bestseller No. 12
Gill Junior/Kids Dry suit - Fully Taped & Waterproof Ideal for Watersports such as Dinghy, Sailing, Kayaking & Paddleboard
  • Size JL - Average Height (cm) 5'0"-5'2" (152-158) Chest (cm) 30"-32.5" (76-83) Waist (cm) 25"-27" (64-68)
  • A perfect choice for a range of water activities the Drysuit features XPLORE+ 3 layer fabric technology for a highly durable breathable and waterproof finish.
  • With in-built adjustable braces a flexible YKK Aquaseal waterproof zipper and pre marked glideskin collar and cuffs the suit will adjust to fit your body. Benefiting from fabric socks to increase suit...
  • Wear over your usual layers this - drysuit is ideal for sailing dinghy sailing paddle sports and board sports such as stand up paddle boarding and kayaking.
  • Main Fabric: 100% Nylon PU coated. Reinforcement: 100% Polyester PU coated. Hand Wash. Do Not Bleach. Do Not Tumble Dry. No Iron. Do Not Dry Clean. Do not store wet. After use rinse in fresh water.
Bestseller No. 13
Dry Suits for Men in Cold Water Water Rescue Suit with Detachable Hood for Whitewater Canyoneering Kayaking Exploring (Green, X-Large)
  • 【MATERIAL】3-Layer nylon fabric offers waterproof/breathable protection,fabric is made of 100% recycled materials.
  • 【TOUGH GASKETS】British latex neck and wrist gaskets are protected with fabric overcuffs.Reflective patches and stripe increase visibility in low-light。
  • 【DETACHABLE HOOD】The packable and removable hood create a customized fit,in warmer conditions or in between sessions you can quickly change dry suit into the “standby mode” by simply opening...
  • 【DOUBLE TUNNEL】Neoprene waist overskirt with double-pull hook-and-loop closure fits over your sprayskirt tunnel for a watertight seal
  • 【WATERPROOF ZIPPER】Front-entry wateproof zipper with protective flap;splashproof zippered thigh pockets; punture through hole;relief zipper; 3-layer waterproof fabric socks.Whistle and repair kit...
Bestseller No. 14
Kokatat Supernova Angler Hydrus 3.0 Semi-Dry Suit-Sage-L
  • Hydrus 3.0 (3-layer) fabric
  • Nylon waterproof front entry zipper
  • Drawcord waist
  • Neo cinch neck
  • Cordura reinforcement on lap, seat, knees, and elbows
Bestseller No. 15
O'Neill Wetsuits Men's Epic 4/3mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit, Black/Black/Black, X-Large
  • Ideal Value Driven Wetsuit; Perfect For Surfing, Diving, Paddle Sports, Lake Activities, And Beach Days
  • Backzip System Provides Easy Entry And Exit With A Water Tight Seal
  • Ultra Stretch Neoprene: Incredibly Soft Premium Material Has Superior Feel, Flexibility, And Elevates Performance
  • Seams Are Blind Stitched And Triple Glued (GBS); Keeping Water Out And Increases Durability Of The Product
  • Wind-Resistant FluidFlex Firewall Panels Provide Extra Insulation And Protection Against The Cold
Bestseller No. 17
Body Glove mens water drysuits, Silver, Medium
  • Water resistant nylon upper
  • 3mm neoprene strech fabric for lower body and legs
  • 2.5mm neopreme strech on neck,wrist, and ankles
  • 400D fabric on cuffs and T1 dry zip
  • seal seams and dry zip
Bestseller No. 18
Kokatat Men's Hydrus 3.0 SuperNova Semi Dry Suit-Tangerine-L
  • Proprietary Hydrus 3.0 waterproof & breathable fabric
  • Hydrus Tough reinforced self-draining seat & knee patches
  • Integrated Hydrus 3L socks keep feet cozy all day long
  • Adjustable neoprene neck collar comfortably seals out water
  • Latex wrist gaskets w/ protective overcuffs
Bestseller No. 19
Mens Drysuits for Kayaking & Cold Water Sports (Large)
  • 【Material】-Drryfsh drysuits constructed with 3-Layer Nylon with tricot finish backed by fully taped seams to prevent leakage.Waterproof Breathable and more durable than its counterparts.
  • 【FEATURES】-Kayak dry suits comes with tough latex neck and wrist gaskets.,removable and stowable hood,rear-entry and relief zipper,double waist overskirt,two splashproof zippered thigh...
  • 【UNIQUE DESIGN】-Drryfsh dry suit is a relaible and comfortable drysuit, it with removable knee and drop seat pads to prevent abrasion and protective injure from accidents.while a slightly more...
  • 【OCCASION】-Kayak drysuits perfect for kayaking,rafting,touring,swimming,paddling,boating,sailing,canoeing in cold water.
  • 【Drryfsh Guarantee】-Every suit 100% fill tested;guaranteed to be dry.Please contact us if you have problems, We will offer you a satisfactory solution and the best service within 24 hours.
Bestseller No. 20
Kokatat Men's Meridian GORE-TEX Pro Dry Suit-Red-L
  • Nylon waterproof front relief zipper
  • GORE-TEX Pro Evolution fabric was developed over years of paddling all over the world
  • Front-entry zipper for easy on & off
  • Latex neck & wrist gaskets with neoprene punch through collar & cuffs
  • Integrated socks with adjustable overcuffs keep you dry & cozy all day long

Tips for staying warm while scuba diving

– Stay dry: Getting wet is the number one way to get cold underwater. Make sure that you stay as dry as possible by donning your suit and mask strap covers before entering the water. – Stay warm before you enter the water: Before you put your dry suit on, dress in warm layers. This will help you stay warm before you get wet and enter the water. Having extra layers to remove when you get too warm is a good idea. – Stay out of the current: Keep an eye out for where the current is coming from and try to avoid it. Currents are often warmer than the surrounding water, so they are a great way to warm up, but they can also make it difficult to stay warm. – Stay fit: Being physically fit has many benefits, including helping you stay warm underwater. If you are in good shape, your body will produce more heat, helping you stay warm while you are underwater. – Protect your extremities: Your hands, feet, and head are less able to protect themselves from the cold. Make sure to keep them warm with gloves, booties, and a warm scuba hood. – Stay dry: Getting wet is the number one way to get cold underwater. Make sure that you stay as dry as possible by donning your suit and mask strap covers before entering the water. – Stay warm before you enter the water: Before you put your dry suit on, dress in warm layers. This will help you stay warm before you get wet and enter the water. Having extra layers to remove when you get too warm is a good idea. – Stay out of the current: Keep an eye out for where the current is coming from and try to avoid it. Currents are often warmer than the surrounding water, so they are a great way to warm up, but they can also make it difficult to stay warm. – Stay fit: Being physically fit has many benefits, including helping you stay warm underwater. If you are in good shape, your body will produce more heat, helping you stay warm while you are underwater. – Protect your extremities: Your hands, feet, and head are less able to protect themselves from the cold. Make sure to keep them warm with gloves, booties, and a warm scuba hood. – Stay dry: Getting wet is the number one way to get cold underwater. Make sure that you stay as dry as possible by donning your suit and mask strap covers before entering the water. – Stay warm before you enter the water: Before you put your dry suit on, dress

You may also like

Outdoors Magazine

Embracing the Great Outdoors is a compelling blog dedicated to celebrating the beauty and thrill of outdoor activities, weaving tales of awe-inspiring hiking trails, serene fishing spots, strategic hunting expeditions, and invigorating camping adventures to inspire and guide like-minded enthusiasts.

Edtior's Picks

Latest Articles

©2023 Outdoors Magazine. All Right Reserved.