Drysuit Underwear

[BG9879]

I just purchased my first drysuit and I have debating what type of underwear I should get. If anyone has any advice for me it would be great. I bought a DUI TLS350. I will be diving in MN in cold water for possibly extended times, so warmth is very important.

I was debating getting DUIs Thinsulate 400. My LDS has some Diving Concepts that they highly recommend. I am not sure what to get so I thought I would open this discussion up and see what advice people can give me.

[Charles R]

I would say the single most important under garment is DUI StretchLiner 100 JumpSuit, Drysuits, DUI, DUI StretchLiner 100 JumpSuit ot is the basic that I always where no mater the water temp

[BoomerNJ]

This is the one I use... It's warm & inexpensive. I also have the TLS350 & it gets chilly in colder water... If I need warmer, I add layers under (under armor) or over it... I would love the DUI ones, but they are extremely expensive...

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by BG9879

I just purchased my first drysuit and I have debating what type of underwear I should get. If anyone has any advice for me it would be great. I bought a DUI TLS350. I will be diving in MN in cold water for possibly extended times, so warmth is very important.

I was debating getting DUIs Thinsulate 400. My LDS has some Diving Concepts that they highly recommend. I am not sure what to get so I thought I would open this discussion up and see what advice people can give me.

You'll need serious, thick undergarments such as the ones you mention for frigid MN waters. You may also want to check out Weezle Extreme... they often get a lot of mentions from those involved in extreme cold diving. The two linked above are NOT suitable for the kinds of temps you're looking at.

On option may be the Fourth Element undergarments. They've been receiving a lot of very good press lately. I don't know if they're warm enough for your temps, however... I don't have much experience with waters colder than 45 degrees, but I know the stuff I usually use (48 is the coldest it gets in SoCal) won't cut it.

[cummings66]

Most people seem to be happy with a 400 gr suit, I'm happy with a 200 gr suit myself and our temps will get to about 36 degree's or so.

I'd say for the average diver check out the 400 gr thinsulate or the Weezle, my buddy has one and loves it but you've got to have the room for it to loft.

[terrillja]

I dive 200g with heavyweight fleece under it and smartwool socks down to 40. I have always been comfortable.

[cummings66]

You've got to admit not many people would be happy in 40 degree water like that. I'm ok with it, but most of my buddies use heavier under garments.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by cummings66

You've got to admit not many people would be happy in 40 degree water like that. I'm ok with it, but most of my buddies use heavier under garments.

Agreed. Then again I usually dive my 3/2/1 down to 55 degrees. Most people wouldn't do that either. I love cold though.

[Marcin2005]

I dive my TLS350 with 200g thinsulate and a vest from those guys SANTI.

This setup is adequate for up to 50 min dive in a water that's in the low 40s. However, for longer periods or during winter months I would want to get 400g undies.

PS. Forgot to add that SANTI undies are custom cut so they fit like a glove.

[MSilvia]

Whatever you get, make sure it fits well and doesn't limit your flexibility. You should be able to crouch into a ball, touch between your shoulder blades, and reach toward the ceiling without a problem when wearing your undergarment under your suit. For that reason, I strongly recommend trying before you buy.

That said, I dive a Weezle Extreme and was fairly comfortable doing 12 minutes of deco after my suit started leaking in 38 degree F water. I didn't close the zipper properly.