When you feel cold in the water, it is uncomfortable and your body functions become affected and start to shut down. Many divers use neoprene wetsuits, booties, gloves, and even drysuits to combat the cold. The addition of a hood can also be very effective as 60% of the body’s heat is lost through the head, so it follows that it can help greatly in keeping the whole body warm if the head is warm.
The large variety of scuba diving hoods on the market can require significant research to find the one suitable for the diving you have planned. To help in that process, some of the best have been selected as an introduction. First, a buying guide is followed by a comparison table, reviews with key features, photos, some care and maintenance tips, and a video.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Best Scuba Diving Hood Buying Guide
Neoprene is a flexible, spongy rubber material filled with bubbles. When used in a diving hood it forms a close fit and traps heat between the head and the hood. The thin layer of water there becomes warm from the body’s natural heat and with a proper fit is trapped, keeping the head warm throughout the dive. If the hood is too loose and isn’t well sealed, cold water from the outside will flow through and the effect is lost.
The colder the water, the thicker the neoprene will need to be. A rule of thumb is that for a water temperature of 70°F (21°C), 1-3 mm is the appropriate neoprene thickness, for 60-70°F (15.5-21°C), 4-5 mm and 50-60°F (10-15.5°C), 6-7 mm.
A cold water hood should cover the forehead, jaw, and chin. A bib helps to eliminate water flow by tucking it into a wet or drysuit. If the drysuit has an insulated neck, the bib wouldn’t be needed.
A warm water hood is thinner, without a neoprene bib, and generally covers less of the face. For really warm water, nylon, lycra, or some other new materials may be used. While doing little to keep the head warm, a lycra hood can provide UV protection and prevent sea lice, stingers, and other irritants from getting to the skin.
As mentioned, the fit should be snug to prevent water from flowing in and out, but it should not be too tight. A firm seal around the face and neck without discomfort is desired. The newer versions of neoprene are very stretchy and flexible so donning and doffing the hood is easy. Some hoods have included a zipper or drawstring to aid in this process and in sealing.
For information about the range of equipment designed for cold water use, please check out this post:
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