If a wetsuit is too tight, it can make for an uncomfortable experience underwater, preventing you from enjoying your dive and may even make you panic. But if it’s too big with gaping areas across the body, it will leak during your dive and won’t trap a warm layer against your skin, potentially making you cold underwater.

 We’ve taken the guess work out of the process to bring you this guide on how a wetsuit should fit.
 

SIZE

One big advantage of owning your own wetsuit is that it will fit you perfectly. Your wetsuit needs to be snug. The whole concept of a wetsuit is to trap a layer of water against your skin to heat up and therefore keep your body warm. The size and fit of your wetsuit are crucial for it to serve its purpose of insulation and protection from the elements.

The wetsuit needs to be snug across your body but you should still be able to move. If the neckline is too tight, it will make it harder to breath and you will be uncomfortable underwater, which may make you stressed during your dive. If you feel hunched over in your wetsuit, chances are it is too small and will restrict your movement.

If your wetsuit slouches and sags around your knees, chest and back, then it’s too big. A wetsuit that is too big won’t trap the water close to your skin and cold water will flush through your suit.

SIZING TIPS

1. Try to bend your knees or crouch down when trying on a wetsuit. If it is too uncomfortable or your wetsuit is restricting your movement significantly then you might need a bigger size.

2. Pinch the wetsuit away from your body to check for excess space. If it pulls away from your skin too easily and creates a large air pocket then your wetsuit is too big.

Keep in mind that a wetsuit will feel tighter on dry land than what it will be like in the water.

John Francis of ScubaDiving.com explains the best fitting wetsuit should move when you move. When you get air pockets, it acts as a pump and sucks in water from the outside and reduces your body heat.

LENGTH

Getting the right length wetsuit is another important factor in protecting your joints from the elements. You might have the right fit through your body, but if you have long arms and legs, the wetsuit might stop a bit too short, exposing your wrists and ankles.

On the other hand, if the wetsuit arms and legs are too long, it won’t create a proper seal at the joints and water may flush up through the sleeves or legs. Again, this steals body heat as it allows cold water from the outside to get into your suit – defeating its purpose of trapping a layer of water against your skin as insulation.

VIDEO: KNOW WHAT A WELL-FITTING WETSUIT SHOULD LOOK LIKE

FITTING A TWO-PIECE WETSUIT

Some scuba divers prefer a two-piece wetsuit while others prefer a one piece. A two piece suit comprising of an overalls-style bottom layer and pullover top can offer more mobility, if you find a one-piece too restrictive. Both pieces should still fit snugly against your body. Two piece wetsuits, also known as “Farmer John” suits, are more common among spearfishermen due to the increased mobility of a separate top and bottom.

The two piece is a bulkier option but can provide more warmth around your core. They usually have a hood attached to the top, so be sure to check that the hood fits over your head comfortably, while still creating a tight seal around the face.

If the hood is too tight, you might find yourself with neck strain and headaches, so don’t forget this crucial step in wetsuit sizing.

TIPS FOR GETTING A WETSUIT ON WITH EASE

If your wetsuit fits nice and snug, then expect to find it a bit challenging getting into it when dry. You can roll up the legs and arms into a doughnut first, or you could try one of these two common tricks used among scuba divers to ease into your wetsuit without requiring an army of assistance to pull you through.

1. THE PLASTIC BAG TRICK

All you need for the plastic bag trick is…a plastic bag! Put the plastic bag over your foot or hand, then simply push through your wetsuit. The plastic bag helps glide your limbs into place. You’ll still need to wiggle around to ensure the suit fits snugly across your core and isn’t sagging around the waist or crotch area.

2. THE SHAMPOO TRICK

Keep a bottle of water with a little shampoo in it with your dive kit. Before you put your suit on, pour and swish the soapy water around the inside of your wetsuit and slather a little onto your skin. This acts as a lubricant and will make even the tightest wetsuit slip on like a silk shirt.

CARING FOR YOUR WETSUIT

Diving gear is an investment so it’s important that you learn how to store and maintain your scuba equipment. Proper care of your wetsuit will keep it in good condition and storing it correctly will prevent it from stretching out of shape. After the effort it takes to find the right fitting wetsuit, you don’t want to ruin the shape and face another day wiggling in and out of different sized suits!

Make sure to give your suit a fresh water rinse after every dive and allow it to drip dry in a shady place. Leaving it in the sun for too long can cause damage. As mentioned by Surfer Mag Editor Justin Houseman, always use a proper clothes hanger rather than using pegs so as not to stretch the chest and shoulders. The HangAir Hanger is a popular choice amongst divers.

The post How Should A Wetsuit Fit? appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Staying warm underwater is key for having a safe and enjoyable time underwater to do this you’ll need some kind of thermal protection suit. Divers have two main choices – wetsuits or drysuits. Which one to choose is not just down to water temperature, there are other factors to consider.

One of our big goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to give you the knowledge you need to make important scuba gear buying decisions. In this article you’ll discover the difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit, the advantages and disadvantages of each and one which is best for you.

HOW DO WETSUITS & DRYSUITS WORK?

To learn which type of exposure protection suit is best for you, you need to understand how each one works.

Wetsuits work by trapping a layer of water against your skin and reducing the flow of water in and out of the suit. Your body heat then warms this water up to close to body temperature, so that you are surrounded by a warm layer of water. The insulation is provided by the neoprene fabric of the suit.

Neoprene is a foam-like material trapping thousands of tiny air bubbles; these spaces are what provide the insulating properties of this material. The thicker the neoprene of the suit, the more insulated and warm it is. This is why you can use a 2 mm suit in the tropics, while in cold water you can opt for a 7 mm or double up to 14 mm.

Drysuits are totally different, they are completely watertight with seals around the wrists and ankles. This leaves the diver dry in the suit, wrapped in a layer of air. Most drysuits do not provide any insulation or warmth themselves, a diver stays warm by wearing undergarments inside the suit.

There are many different garments available depending on how cold the water is, from light undergarments suitable for the tropics to battery powered heated ones for ice diving. So, drysuits can be used in a larger range of temperatures.

Unlike wetsuits which are all made of neoprene, drysuits are made of either neoprene or a trilaminate material.

PROS & CONS OF A WETSUIT

ADVANTAGES

Wetsuits are easy to find, and if you get the right wetsuit or two, you can happily dive most places on the planet.

There are plenty of options and styles available, and almost every dive centre in the world has them as key pieces of rental equipment.

Wetsuits are generally much cheaper than drysuits.

Maintenance is simple. Just rise your suit after every dive with fresh water and hang it up. SDITDI gives some more tips for taking care of your wetsuit.

DISADVANTAGES

Wetsuits are not the best choice for colder waters. Even in warm water divers can get cold on long dives.

Putting a wet wetsuit on is unpleasant. This is why some divers who regularly venture on liveaboard trips have 2 suits that they alternate between dives so that they are always putting on a nice and dry wetsuit.

Loss of thermal insulation the deeper you go. This is one of the biggest problems with wetsuits, particularly for those who like deep diving. This is due to the neoprene, which is full of air bubbles, being compressed with depth.

PROS & CONS OF A DRYSUIT

ADVANTAGES

Drysuits are warm, super warm! If you plan on doing any kind of diving in chilly water, they are a must in your cold water gear dive bag. As mentioned earlier, just select the right undergarments and you are ready to go, even in icy waters.

Getting changed into and out of the suit in colder climates is a breeze – no more struggling with a cold, wet and clammy wetsuit.

Improve your diving. A drysuit makes it easier to establish and maintain perfect trim (body shape) in the water – this is one of the many reasons technical divers prefer to use them. Although they can be cumbersome, the benefits of drysuits tempt a significant number of divers, according to DUI, One of the world’s leaders in drysuit technology.

DISADVANTAGES

Drysuits are more expensive than wetsuits. Entry-level suits cost several hundred dollars, and high-end suits several thousand.

Not as easy to use underwater. Divers need training and time to master their drysuit. Unlike wetsuits, drysuits need to be inflated during diving – like a BCD – to stop them from squeezing the diver. This creates task-loading on inexperienced divers since they are now using the suit and BCD to control their buoyancy.

Require a lot of maintenance both post-dive and seasonally. You will need to keep the zipper well lubricated so it doesn’t break and protect the seals when the suit will not be used for a long time. There’s an inside joke amongst drysuit divers that they lavish more attention on their suit than they do on their first born!

VIDEO: HOW TO DRYSUIT LIKE A PRO

To get a good idea of the amount of preparation and efforts required to use a drysuit, check out this video from Magma Dive about gearing up before a dive in Iceland.

WHAT ABOUT SEMI-DRY SUITS?

Semi-dry suits are basically a thick wetsuit with better seals (gaskets) at the wrist neck and ankles. These seals keep water circulation to a minimum. While this type of suit does tend to be warmer than a wetsuit of similar thickness, you still get wet.

These suits are typically more expensive than your standard wetsuit. They are a good option for divers looking for extra warmth but don’t want to splurge on a drysuit or go through the training required to use one.

WHEN SHOULD I USE EACH SUIT?

The key deciding factor on which suit to choose is the water temperature. The table below should give you a good guide on when to use each. Keep in mind that this is just a rough guide; you need to factor in your own individual comfort and tolerance to cold water.

+80F°/26C°: 2mm wetsuit

68-79F°/20-26C°: 7mm wetsuit

58-68F°/14-20C°:7mm double layer wetsuit/ semi drysuit/ full drysuit

– 58F°/14C°: Full drysuit

WHY DO SOME DIVERS WEAR DRYSUITS IN THE TROPICS?

There are two types of divers who wear drysuits in the tropics. The first are recreational divers who are quite susceptible to cold, especially on multiple dives a day over multiple days, and choose to wear a drysuit to stay warmer and enjoy their diving.

The second group are technical divers; a significant number opt for drysuits even in the tropics for multiple reasons. Some divers prefer to dive the same equipment configuration – drysuit included – all the time.

Other divers will get cold on longer technical dives, and some even prefer the enhanced body trim a drysuit affords its wearer. Divers involved with deep trimix diving wear drysuits since the water at depth – even in the tropics – tends to be colder, and breathing helium-rich mixtures removes a lot of heat from the diver’s body due to the high specific heat capacity of helium.

SO, WHICH SUIT IS BEST FOR ME?

So now that we’ve gone over all details about the differences between wetsuits or drysuits, do you know which suit is best for you? Unfortunately there’s no one size fits all answer! Most divers have multiple suits to cover their different needs. Full times dive pros may have as many as 4 that they use as and when needed!

If you dive in cold water often and are happy to invest in your comfort and warmth, a drysuit is a clear winner. If you don’t have the budget for a drysuit but still need some decent exposure protection, consider looking at a semidry suit and some extra accessories like a hooded vest, thick dive boots and gloves.

The post The Differences Between a Wetsuit and a Drysuit appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

A high-quality pair of gloves should cushion and insulate your hands without restricting movement. They should be easy to don and doff, fit comfortably, and offer just the right amount of protection for the climate and conditions you’re planning to explore. Keep reading to learn about the most exciting models available and our top tips for shopping.

For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the Best Dive Boots.

Reviews - The Best Gloves for Diving

Tusa Tropical

Specs

• Closure: Hook and Loop Wrist Strap
• Seams: Sewn
• Style: Full Finger
• Thickness: Uninsulated
• Materials: Poly-Mesh, Poly-Vinyl

Features

• Textured Palm for Added Grip
• Adjustable Wrist Closure for Custom Fit
• Lightweight and Travel-Friendly
• Soft and Stretchable Backing for Added Comfort

BEST FOR: WARM WATER

If you’re a warm water diver or snorkeler in search of lightweight hand protection, the TUSA Tropical is one of your best options. These gloves feature a texturized palm that offers plenty of non-slip grip, perfect for grasping and adjusting your gear underwater. They combine an adjustable wrist closure and super stretchy backing for a nearly custom fit. Their ultra-light, foldable design makes them perfect for dive travel or to carry for backup in your BCD pocket. And, sewn seams add plenty of warmth without the bulk of thick Neoprene. Best of all, the TUSA Tropical is one of the most affordable options on the market.

View at Amazon

Mustang Survival Traction

Specs

• Closure: Hook and Loop Wrist Strap
• Seams: Sewn
• Style: Open Finger
• Thickness: Uninsulated
• Materials: Nylon, Rubber, Suede

Features

• 3/4 Finger Design for Increased Dexterity
• Suede Palm for Added Grip
• Useful for Multiple Sports
• Available in Multiple Colors

BEST FOR: TECH DIVERS

The Mustang Survival Traction glove wasn’t designed for diving. But, that doesn’t take away from its popularity and usefulness. Its open finger design provides the most dexterity and grip possible, while still offering plenty of protection. This feature is perfect for fine-tuning gear, working with tools, and adjusting camera equipment underwater. A suede palm gives you plenty of cushion while carrying tanks and setting up your kit before diving, too. This model is lightweight and flexible, and even the largest of sizes will take up very little room in your gear bag. Plus, these gloves work well for watersports of all kinds, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.

View at REI

Lavacore Five Finger

Specs

• Closure: None
• Seams: Sewn
• Style: Full Finger
• Thickness: Uninsulated
• Materials: Lycra, Polyurethane Film, Fleece

Features

• Overlapped Flat Lock Seams Decrease Water Flow
• Moisture Wicking Anti-Bacterial Liner
• Can Be Worn as a Primary Glove or Used for Layering
• Quick Drying Water Resistant Outer Layer

BEST FOR: LAYERING 

The Lavacore Five Finger glove can be worn as your primary hand protection in warm water, or combined with other layers in icy conditions. In fact, it’s one of the most popular options around for a drysuit base layer. This model uses a combination of Merino fleece, Stretch Polyurethane, and Lycra to keep the chill away, no matter what temperature you’re diving in. And, because it doesn’t use any Neoprene, the Lavacore Five Finger is ultra-thin, easy to don and doff, and neutrally buoyant. Plus, its moisture-wicking fuzzy interior and windproof shell make this glove comfortable enough to wear between your dives.

View at Amazon

Aqua Lung Thermocline

Specs

• Closure: Zipper, Hook and Loop Wrist Strap
• Seams: Glued, Sewn
• Style: Full Finger
• Thickness: 5mm
• Materials: Nylon 2 Neoprene

Features

• Textured Palm for Added Grip
• Adjustable Wrist Closure for Custom Fit
• Zippered Closure for Easy Donning and Doffing
• Gusseted for Extra Warmth and Flexibility

BEST FOR: COMFORT

Have you ever struggled to pull thick gloves on and off between dives? If you have, you know it isn’t much fun. The Aqua Lung Thermocline helps avoid this issue by combining a gusseted wrist, thick and easy to grasp zipper, and a hook and loop tab. These features work together to make this one of the most comfortable models on the market to don and doff. This glove’s body is 5mm Neoprene with glued and sewn seams to reduce water exchange, so it’ll keep your hands nice and warm no matter how cold the climate is. And, its texturized palm increases your grip underwater, allowing you to grasp and adjust dive gear with ease.

View at Amazon

Scubapro Everflex

Specs

• Closure: Rolled Cuff
• Seams: Glued, Sewn
• Style: Full Finger
• Thickness: 3mm
• Materials: Nylon 2 Neoprene

Features

• Textured Palm for Added Grip
• Lightweight and Travel-Friendly
• Quick Drying Water Resistant Outer Layer
• Smooth Interior Finish for Ease of Donning and Doffing

BEST FOR: DIVE TRAVEL

The ScubaPro Everflex is the ultimate glove for dive travel. Despite its thickness, this model is lightweight and foldable, so it’s super easy to pack or stuff inside a BCD pocket for backup. And, it offers the perfect combination of warmth and dexterity for warm and temperate water divers. Its 3mm Neoprene exterior features glued and sewn seams and a rolled wristband to keep cold water out. A smooth, easy to pull on liner and quick-drying outer layer combine to make the Everflex easy to get in and out of. These features also help draw moisture away from your skin so you’ll never start a dive with soaking wet hands.

View at Amazon

XS Scuba Dry Five

Specs

• Closure: Semi-Dry Rubber Cuff
• Seams: Glued, Sewn, Taped
• Style: Full Finger
• Thickness: 5mm
• Materials: Nylon 2 Neoprene

Features

• Textured Palm for Added Grip
• Triple Sealed Seams Decrease Water Flow
• Semi-Dry Wrist Seal for Extra Warmth
• Anatomically Cut and Bent Fingers
• Travel Bag Included

BEST FOR: OVERALL VALUE

Cold water divers know how hard it can be to keep their hands warm. The XS Scuba Dry Five tackles this problem with a semi-dry wrist seal and triple-sealed seams to keep cold water out. Texturized palms, paired with highly flexible Neoprene, make it easy to grasp and grip even the smallest of objects underwater. And, anatomically cut and bent fingers give you plenty of flexibility. These gloves aren’t the most lightweight or compact, but they are one of the warmest options out there. For divers who tend to get cold, the Dry Five is well worth the extra space it’ll take up in your gear bag.

View at Amazon

Bare Three Finger Mitt

Specs

• Closure: Gauntlet Style Cuff
• Seams: Double Glued, Sewn
• Style: Three Finger Mitten
• Thickness: 7mm
• Materials: Nylon 2 Neoprene

Features

• Textured Palm for Added Grip
• Adjustable Wrist Closure for Custom Fit
• Sold in a Wide Range of Sizes
• Blind Stitched for Reduced Water Flow
• Forearm Gauntlet for Added Warmth
• Anatomically Cut and Bent Fingers

BEST FOR: DIVE MITTEN 

If you’re a cold water diver, you may have experienced white, nearly frozen fingers on a dive. But, with the Bare Three Finger Mitt, you’ll never have to worry about this issue again. This practical model is far from stylish, but it gets the job done, even in the coldest of climates. Pre-bent fingers and a texturized palm let plenty of blood flow to your fingers while still offering tons of grip. Its gauntlet style forearm cuff is easy to pull on and off, and adds an extra layer of warmth around your wetsuit’s wrist seal. Plus, these gloves are available in sizes from XXSmall – XXLarge, so you’re sure to find a perfect fit, no matter how big or small your hands are.

View at Amazon

Pinnacle Merino Karbon Flex

Specs

• Closure: Hook and Loop Wrist Strap
• Seams: Glued, Sewn
• Style: Full Finger
• Thickness: 4mm
• Materials: Nylon 2 Neoprene, Merino, Kevlar

Features

• Kevlar Palm for Extra Protection
• Adjustable Wrist Closure for Custom Fit
• Lightweight and Travel-Friendly
• Moisture Wicking Anti-Bacterial Liner
• Overlapped Flat Lock Seams Decrease Water Flow

BEST FOR: HARDCORE WEAR AND TEAR

Do your dive plans include spearfishing, wreck penetration, salvage, or other tough jobs underwater? The Pinnacle Merino Karbon Flex glove is packed with features like an easy to pull on and adjust wrist seal, glued and sewn seams, and a super stretchy outer layer. These gloves are lightweight, travel-friendly, and easy to fold and store in your BCD pocket until you need them. Plus, their merino liner wicks moisture away from your hands and prevents bacterial growth, making them a top pick for daily use. Best of all, a kevlar enforced palm promises the most hardcore hand protection on the market.

View at Amazon

Waterproof G1

Specs

• Closure: Zipper
• Seams: Glued, Sewn
• Style: Three Finger Mitten
• Thickness: 7mm
• Materials: Nylon 2 Neoprene, Polyurethane, Nylon Thread

Features

• Zippered Closure for Easy Donning and Doffing
• Gusseted for Extra Warmth and Flexibility
• Semi-Dry Wrist Seal for Extra Warmth
• Anatomically Cut and Bent Fingers
• ID Plate for Easy Labeling

BEST FOR: COLD CLIMATES  

Are you taking the plunge in freezing temperatures? The Waterproof G1 is one of the warmest gloves on the market. This model is easy to slip on and off thanks to its flexible internal gusset and extra long zipper. Its semi-dry seal locks moisture out at the wrist, and its glued and sewn seams prevent unwanted seepage while you dive. Pre-bent and anatomically cut fingers prevent constriction at depth and make this one of the most flexible diving mitts around. And, an internal label plate makes it easy to mark your gear, so you’ll never mix your gloves up with other divers in your group.

View at Amazon

Scubapro Easy Don

Specs

• Closure: Drysuit Seal
• Seams: Solid Construction
• Style: Full Finger
• Thickness: Insulated Liner
• Materials: Vulcanized Latex

Features

• All Over Texture for Added Grip
• Dry Wrist Seal for 100% Waterproof Protection
• Anatomically Cut and Bent Fingers
• Removable Liner for Added Warmth

BEST FOR: DRY GLOVE  

The Scubapro Easy Don dry glove is the warmest option on our list. But, it isn’t meant for use with a standard wetsuit. This model uses a rubber wrist coupling to lock into your dry suit’s wrist seal and maintain 100% waterproof protection. Unlike a standard diving glove, the Easy Don’s exterior doesn’t insulate against the cold. Instead, it’s worn with a removable liner for extra warmth. Its anatomically cut and bent fingers plus all over texture offer about as much dexterity as any dry glove can, but do keep in mind that multiple layers do reduce your grip and range of motion.

View at Amazon

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING DIVE GLOVES

FIT

As always, fit is the most crucial factor to look for when shopping for dive gloves. To ensure a proper fit, follow these easy steps.

Because your two hands are not identical, you should try on both gloves in each pair. As you slide your hands in, expect to feel some slight resistance. But, you shouldn’t struggle excessively. Keep in mind that gloves become more difficult to don and doff once they are wet. Once your hands are inside, try bending your fingers and making a fist. You shouldn’t feel strong binding or pinching anywhere in your fingers or palm, as this can lead to a painful squeeze as you descend during a dive. 

Remember that you’ll want gloves that fit tight enough to keep water out, or you’ll lose vital warmth. But, don’t select a model that constricts or restricts your hands. A glove that’s too tight will be uncomfortable at depth, and you won’t want to use it. 

STYLE

Dive gloves come in three main styles. Which is best for you depends on the water temperature you’ll be diving in and how much dexterity you’ll want underwater.

Open finger gloves offer less insulation and protection than their full finger counterparts because they only cover your palm and the first half of each finger. But, what these gloves lack in warmth, they more than make up for in grip and range of motion, making it easy to operate camera equipment and use small tools underwater. That’s why technical divers often favor an open finger design.

Full finger gloves offer more protection and insulation than open finger designs. However, covering the tip of each finger reduces your ability to grasp and grip small items underwater. Keep in mind that the thicker your gloves are, the less flexible they will feel during your dives. Thicker gloves also mean warmer hands, so divers who tend to get cold should opt for a model with full fingers. 

Dive mittens are intended for extremely cold climates. These gloves do not separate each finger, but instead, group them to retain body heat. Unfortunately, this glove style makes it very hard to perform small and detailed tasks underwater. If you are diving in cold but not freezing water, consider a thicker full finger glove instead. You will likely prefer their added dexterity, flexibility, and grip.

THICKNESS

SCUBA diving gloves are sold in a range of thicknesses, from completely uninsulated up to a 100% dry sealed interior. If you dive in warm or tropical waters, consider an uninsulated or 1mm Neoprene model. In temperate climates, you’ll be more comfortable in a thicker glove with 3 to 5mm of protection. And, for divers splashing into icy conditions, a 7mm or dry glove is best. Remember that thick gloves make it harder to use your hands underwater. So, it’s essential to choose a glove that is warm enough for the conditions you’re diving in, but not so thick that you struggle with dexterity and grip. 

CLOSURE

How your gloves close determines how easy they are to get on and off, and how warm they keep your hands. The most basic designs often feature no closure at all, simply sliding on over the hand.

A hook and loop closure, featuring an adjustable Velcro tab is one of the most common options. This design element’s loop also comes in handy for hang drying your gloves after diving. 

Other closures like high-quality zippers, forearm gauntlets, and semi-dry cuffs are highly effective for keeping your hands dry but can present a challenge while donning and doffing. If your gloves feature these details, you might need a buddy to help you get them on. 

SEAMS 

You may have noticed that most dive gloves have seams, just like a wetsuit. The most basic seams are sewn, using a flatlock or blind stitch. Gloves intended for cold water use often feature glued and sewn seams to keep water out. And, the warmest models on the market are triple sealed using a combination of stitching, glue, and tape. 

MATERIALS 

Most gloves are made from diver friendly fabrics like rubber, neoprene, and Lycra. But, others feature materials like Merino and latex that you might not be as familiar with. When choosing a glove, keep in mind that different materials retain heat differently. If you tend to get cold during your dives, select a model with multiple layers or a moisture-wicking liner. And when in doubt, always pick the warmest option available within your budget.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

TEXTURE

Most surfaces are slippery when wet, so added texture is a standard feature for diving gloves. The most common design feature is a texturized palm for added grip. But, some gloves meant for extreme cold feature an all-over texture. Others, intended for spearfishing, wreck penetration, and other challenging tasks underwater, use a texturized Kevlar palm for extra protection.

MULTI-SPORT

Some gloves work well for multiple water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. If you’re hoping to use one pair of gloves for many applications, choose a style made from fast-drying materials. And, for the most flexibility and dexterity possible, opt for an open finger design. 

MOISTURE WICKING LINER  

A moisture-wicking liner will help your hands stay drier for longer, and prevent bacterial growth in your gloves. This feature adds to your internal warmth underwater and reduces the “old wetsuit smell” that wet dive gear can take on. No matter what your gloves are lined with, drying them inside out will keep them looking and smelling fresh. 

GUSSETED 

A gusset is a small panel of flexible material used to widen a glove’s wrist. This extra space makes it easier to pass your hand through the opening. A gusset also adds additional warmth because it folds in on itself, creating a thicker section of layered fabric. 

BENT FINGERS

Thick Neoprene gloves often lack flexibility, making it difficult to bend your fingers. Some models use anatomically correct pre-bent fingers to combat this issue. This feature improves your dexterity and grip underwater and helps to prevent painful binding and pinching in your fingers. 

REMOVABLE LINER 

Divers who get cold quickly underwater can opt for a dry or semi-dry glove with a removable liner. These models can be layered, too, using a base glove for extra insulation. 

The post Best Dive Gloves of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

A scuba wetsuit keeps you warm underwater and it also protects you from the sun, cuts, scrapes and stings. Pretty important, right? A good quality wetsuit is an investment in both your comfort and safety while diving.

The most rewarding part about having your own wetsuit is you’ll never have to deal with the pain of those terrible pee scented rental suits ever again. If that doesn’t get you excited about buying a wetsuit, I don’t know what will!

When it comes time to start your search for the best wetsuit for diving, you’ll need to find one that will keep you warm and can hold up for years of underwater adventures. There’s a ton of models and styles out there. So, which is the best scuba diving wetsuit for you?

Well, that’s why we’re here. We’ve already talked about how to choose other scuba gear like dive computers, scuba masks, dive regulators and more. So, now let’s talk about the best dive wetsuits.

For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the Best Diving Wetsuits for Women. 

QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST WETSUITS FOR SCUBA DIVING

1. Scubapro Everflex
2. Henderson Thermoprene
3. Mares Flexa
4. Bare Velocity
5. Xcel Thermoflex
6. NeoSport Premium
7. Hollis Neo Tek
8. Aqua Lung Aqua Flex Jumpsuit
9. Cressi Playa
10. Fourth Element Proteus

DIVE WETSUITS REVIEWS

SCUBAPRO EVERFLEX 

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

XCEL THERMOFLEX

NEOSPORT PREMIUM

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

HENDERSON THERMOPRENE

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

MARES FLEXA

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

BARE VELOCITY

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

HOLLIS NEO TEK SEMI-DRY

AQUA LUNG AQUA FLEX

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

CRESSI PLAYA

FOURTH ELEMENT PROTEUS

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

COMPARISON TABLE – THE BEST WETSUITS FOR DIVING

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WETSUITS FOR DIVING

THICKNESS

Scuba diving wetsuits come in different thicknesses. Most models will come in at least 3 mm, 5 mm and 7 mm. There are also some that are specifically for warm water diving and come in 1 mm and 2 mm versions. 

If you see a wetsuit with a thickness represented with two numbers, 3/2 mm for example, the first number is the thickness of the torso and the second is the thickness of the arms and legs. 

So, how do you know which thickness is right for you? Everyone’s cold tolerance is different but here are some guidelines to give you an idea.

2 mm: above 85° F (29° C)3 mm: 70 – 85° F (21 – 28° C)5 mm: 60 – 70° F (16 – 20° C)7 mm: 50 – 70° F (10 – 20° C)

Still unsure which one to choose because you dive in both warm tropical water and very cold water? Look at getting two different wetsuits. One specifically for warm water diving and another specifically designed for cold water diving. 

Sure, a 5mm with a hooded vest and gloves in cold water could do it’s not really the best option. You’ll have to pay a bit more upfront to buy two wetsuits, but in the long-run, it will pay off because you’ll be more comfortable underwater.

If you plan on diving in extremely cold water, you’ll need a drysuit and a good set of undergarments to keep you warm. If you’ve never used one of these suits before, check out our guides about: the difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit – the best drysuits & the best drysuit undergarments. 

STYLE

Wetsuits come in three different styles: shorties, full, and farmer john.

SHORTY WETSUIT

A shorty wetsuit typically has short sleeves and is cut just above the knee. These suits are very comfortable and easy to put on.

FULL WETSUIT

A full wetsuit adds a bit more warmth and helps protect your arms and legs from corals and jelly fish you might bump into underwater.

FARMER JOHN (JANE) WETSUIT

A farmer John or (Jane) wetsuit is a two piece suit. One piece is an overall (long legs with a sleeveless top). The second piece is a jacket. These are a great option for very cold water because they double up the insulation on the core. Free divers like this style because of the added mobility in the shoulders.

MATERIAL

Scuba diving wetsuits come in one of three types of material: open cell neoprene, closed cell neoprene and lycra.

CLOSED CELL NEOPRENE WETSUIT

A closed cell neoprene wetsuit is the most common material of the three options. They’re rigid and have a rubbery feel. While the cost less and last longer than open cell wetsuits, they have some downsides. They’re more difficult to put on and take off and don’t insulate as well as open cell models.

OPEN CELL WETSUIT

An open cell wetsuit is the best quality option out of the three materials. They are softer and more flexible than closed cell suits. These features allow them to form to the diver’s body, which provides more efficient insulation, feels nicer against the skin and gives an excellent range of motion. The downsides to open cell wetsuits is they cost more and are more susceptible to damage.

LYCRA SKIN SUIT

A lycra suit (aka skins) offer a thin layer of protection and are great for very warm water diving where you don’t even need to wear a wetsuit to stay warm. While lycra suits don’t provide any thermal insulation, they protect your skin from the sun, jellyfish and sharp corals and rocks underwater.

SCUBA SPECIFIC

While any type of wetsuit can keep you warm underwater it might not be the best wetsuit for scuba diving. Why’s that? Because diving wetsuits are designed to compress while at depth. They also take into consideration buoyancy.

STITCHING CONSTRUCTION

When reading wetsuit product descriptions, you’ll notice manufactures love to throw around stitching terms, which can make read it feel like translating a foreign language. We’ve broke these terms down for you so you can recognize each stitch and can decide if that it’s best for the type of diving you plan to do.

There are four types of seam constructions: overlock stitch, flat stitch (aka flatlock), GBS (glued and blindstitched) and GBS with seam tape.

OVERLOCK STITCH

An overlock stitch is stitched on the inside so you won’t see any stitching on the outside. It’s good for warm water 65 degrees F and up because some water might seep through these seams.

FLAT STITCH 

Flat stitch or flatlock stitching looks like railroad tracks and can be recognized from the outside. The interior seam construction is flat which makes it more comfortable against the body than the overlock stitch. Some water may seep in through these seams too so it’s recommended for warm water, 62 degrees F and up.

BLINDSTITCH

Blindstitch looks similar to the flat stitch but it’s narrower. This construction is best for colder water because the seams are glued and then stitched, to help prevent seepage.

Blindstitched with seam taping (Fluid Seal) is same as a blindstitch except that the inner seams are reinforced or covered with tape.  Very little water if any will seep through these seams which make it the best option for extremely cold water, 50 degrees F and below.

SIZE

Sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so always check the size chart before buying.

Choosing the right size is extremely important to being comfortable and warm underwater. Too big and water could leak in, too small and it will be impossible to put on.

A scuba diving wetsuit should fit snug, so if you’re on the border of two sizes, going for the smaller one is a good choice.

GENDER 

Many wetsuits come in both a men’s and women’s version.

Scuba ladies, look at getting a women’s specific suit, it will fit you much better which means you’ll be warmer and more comfortable underwater.  

While you could probably get away with wearing a unisex wetsuit if you’re going to buy your own gear, why not get something that will fit you better? 

PRICE

The price of a wetsuit is determined by its thickness, stitching, and features. Diving wetsuits can range from under $100 for a thin shorty wetsuit to well over $400 for a 7mm cold water diving suit. 

When it comes to choosing scuba gear, your comfort and warmth should be the priority, not just the price tag. Try to go for the best wetsuit you can afford that best suits the type of diving you plan to use it for. Being cold during a dive isn’t only miserable, it’s dangerous. Be sure to invest wisely!

The post Best Wetsuits for Diving of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Scuba boots can be seen as a simple and non-important piece of gear while diving. While they’re not as important as a dive mask or a regulator, a bad fitting boot can ruin your dive with the uncomfortable pain of it rubbing against your toes and heel.

We’ve already talked about the best way to choose scuba gear such as dive computers, scuba masks, wetsuits and more. This article will help you find the best scuba boots on the market according to your needs.  

Here at The Adventure Junkies we like keeping things simple. Just think about what type of diving you plan to use the booties for and how much you want to invest. Then go and check out the models that fill those needs best.

Remember that it’s about finding what you need rather than buying what other people use or the most expensive model. 

For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the Best Dive Gloves.

QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST DIVE BOOTS

COMPARISON TABLE – THE BEST DIVE BOOTS

PICTURE	BOOTS	SOLE	PRICE	RATING
	Aqua Lung Superzip Ergo	Soft	$$	4.2
	Cressi Isla	Soft	$	5.0
	XS Scuba Thug	Hard	$$	5.0
	Henderson Aqua Lock	Hard	$$$	4.5
	Akona Standard	Soft	$	4.0
	Mares Trilastic	Hard	$$	4.9
	Ocean Pro Venture	Soft	$$	4.3
	TUSA Imprex	Hard	$	4.0
	Scubapro Delta	Soft	$	4.5
	Mares Flexa DS	Hard	$$	4.0
PICTURE	BOOTS	SOLE	PRICE	RATING

DIVE BOOTS REVIEWS

AQUA LUNG SUPERZIP ERGO

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

CRESSI ISLA

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

XS SCUBA THUG

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

HENDERSON AQUA LOCK

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

AKONA STANDARD

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

MARES TRILASTIC

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

OCEANIC PRO VENTURE

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

TUSA IMPREX

SCUBAPRO DELTA

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

MARES FLEXA

Check out the latest price on:

Amazon

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SCUBA BOOTS

THICKNESS

As it happens with wetsuits, dive boots come in different thicknesses.

If you plan to dive in warm water, a 3mm boot would be fine. However, for cold water diving you’ll need a boot that’s 5mm or over.

If you’re not too sure about what to choose, I would recommend to go for a thicker pair. It’s rare that your feet will be too warm when you dive, so a 5mm+ model will be more functional to dive in different places with the same boots.

HIGH CUT OR LOW CUT

Similar to hiking boots, dive boots have different cuts.

A LOW CUT SCUBA BOOT is designed to be used while snorkelling or diving in tropical water but they lack ankle protection, something important when you plan to walk with your heavy scuba equipment.

A HIGH CUT DIVING BOOT is in our opinion, the way to go. They provide extra warmth and your ankle is well supported. It’s a more functional boot as it can be used both in tropical and cold water diving.

HARD SOLE OR SOFT SOLE 

The type of diving you do will determine if you need a hard sole or a soft sole diving boot.

A HARD SOLE DIVE BOOT is a great choice if you plan to go shore diving, as it will protect your feet when walking on rocks or hot sand. If you have wide feet, make sure to get a good fit, as these models tend to be a bit stiff.

A SOFT SOLE DIVE BOOT is the popular option for people who mainly dive from a boat. They are also more flexible so they’re normally a better choice if you have wide feet.

SIZE

Most of the scuba booties come in a mens size, unless stated something different, so women should subtract 1 (or even 2) as a starting point.

They also come in whole sizes only. So if you are a half size try to round up.

A dive boot should fit similar to a normal shoe, not too tight but not too loose either. Remember that your boot will get compressed while diving so you won’t want to have your toes smashed together.

If you already have your scuba fins, it’s a good idea to bring them along to try your new booties with them.

CARING FOR YOUR DIVE BOOTS

How to care for your diving boots is very similar to how you care for your wetsuit.

First, rinse and soak them in fresh water. Using a baby shampoo would be ideal. Let them dry completely and store in a dry place out of the direct sunlight.

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