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Scuba Gear Checklist

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scuba gear checklist

Ultimate Scuba Diving Packing List

Rationale – How to Use this List

This scuba diving gear check list is a long one that includes most items of gear you might conceivably want to include for basic recreational diving.  It is not to suggest that everything described here is necessary, but it can inform or remind you of the range and scope of equipment that is available.  Also, there is certainly not an effort here to embrace the range of equipment needs for advanced, specialty and technical levels.

Each item is placed in the following framework:

  1. Key Equipment
  2. Exposure Gear
  3. Accessories
  4. Safety Gear
  5. Bags and Carrying Gear
  6. Miscellaneous Other Items

Next to each item, you will see a few categories to consider.  Here is a brief explanation of each.

  • Function: what it is used for, a quick insight on why you might need that piece of gear
  • Price Range: an idea of how much each item will cost so you can budget accordingly
  • Key Factors: some basic considerations for how to choose your gear
  • My Choice: top pick based on the quality and value
  • Budget Choice: a choice for divers with price limitations,  this gear will still be high quality but with less impact on the pocket book
  • More Information: a full post on how to choose that particular piece of gear
  • Best Models: a post describing and comparing the top models

1) Key Equipment

Scuba Regulator

Octopus Regulator

BCD

Mask

Depth and Pressure Gauges

Fins

Computer 

Weights, Weight Belt, Pockets 

Tank 

2) Exposure Gear

Wetsuits 

Drysuits 

Gloves

 

Boots 

 

Hoods 

3) Accessories

Dive Knife 

Dive Lights 

Compass 

Snorkel 

  • Purpose: breath with face underwater at the surface
  • Price Range: $20-$50
  • Key Factors: easy breathing, quality mouthpiece
  • My Choice: Cressi Supernova
  • More Information & Best Models: Best Dry Snorkel Review

 

Tool Kit

 

Save a Dive Kit 

  • Purpose: replace broken components
  • Price Range: $20-$50
  • Key Factors: quality parts
  • My Choice: XS Save a Dive Kit

 

 

DIver Alert 

  • Purpose: get attention above or below the surface
  • Price Range: $50-$100
  • Key Factors: quality design, mechanism works submerged or out of water
  • My Choice: New Ideation Dive Alert Plus Version 2

Dive Log 

4) Safety Gear

SMB (Surface Market Buoy) 

Reel 

Diver Below Marker 

 

First Aid Kit 

  • Purpose: first responder care
  • Price Range: $20-$60
  • Key Factors: waterproof container, sufficient basic supplies
  • My Choice: Witz Waterproof First Aid Kit

 

 

Spare Air 

  • Purpose: emergency supply of air
  • Price Range: $200-$300
  • Key Factors: connects to BCD, has fill adapter
  • My Choice: Spare-Air 3000 3.0 Kit

 

 

Marine Rescue Radio with GPS 

  • Purpose: for rescue in an emergency
  • Price Range: $200-$300
  • Key Factors: transmits GPS position and calls for help
  • My Choice: Nautilus LifeLine Marine GPS 

5) Bags and Carrying Gear

Dive Bag

Regulator Bag 

  • Purpose: to transport and protect your regulator
  • Price Range: $15-$60
  • Key Factors: quality materials, craftsmanship and padding
  • My Choice: Aqua Lung Traveler 70 Regulator Bag

 

Dive Computer Bag 

  • Purpose: to transport and protect your dive computer and other instruments
  • Price Range: $15-$60
  • Key Factors: quality materials, craftsmanship and padding
  • My Choice: Cressi Instrument Bag

 

Mask Bag 

  • Purpose: to transport and protect your dive mask
  • Price Range: $15-$60
  • Key Factors: quality materials, craftsmanship and padding
  • My Choice: Akona Mask Bag

 

Weight Bag 

  • Purpose: to transport and store your scuba weights
  • Price Range: $15-$60
  • Key Factors: sturdy, quality materials, craftsmanship and padding
  • My Choice: Scubamax Deluxe Weight Bag

6) Miscellaneous Other Items

  • mask strap wrapper
  • mask defogging liquid
  • wetsuit and drysuit specialty hangers
  • changing pad

I hope you found this Scuba Gear Checklist post interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

The Best Dive Compasses Reviewed

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Compass Navigation - Best Dive Compasses
Compass Navigation

Getting your bearings underwater is not as easy as it is on land where you can pick out a mountain or other landmark in the distance.  Perhaps there is bad visibility or you’re in blue water with no reference points.  You might find yourself in a swift current or washing machine like conditions on a dive.  These are all times when a compass would be a big help, if not essential.  A good reliable compass with give you some piece of mind and aid substantially in keeping you safe.

Here I will discuss the important features to look for in a compass and review and compare ten models.  After that is a short video lesson in how to use one.

List of the Best Dive Compasses

How to Choose the Best Dive Compass

Digital or Analog – A digital compass is usually an integrated part of a dive computer.  Whenever you use the battery for the first time, such as right after purchase or when changing the battery, the compass will need to be calibrated.  A digital compass is easy to read, but not as accurate or reliable and an analog model.  An analog model is a standard conventional stand alone compass that is accurate and reliable, requires no battery, and can be mounted anywhere on your equipment.

Tilt Tolerance – This refers to how far off a zero degree plane you can tilt the compass before the needle gets stuck.  The bigger the tolerance, the better.  Unfortunately high tilt tolerance compasses will tend to be thicker and heavier, but in my opinion that is no big inconvenience

Size – Most compasses are approximately the same size. What is important is that it is easy to see and read particularly in low visibility or dark conditions.  A bigger one will be easier to see and the better choice, though perhaps heavier.

Mounting Options

  • Wrist – The compass can be mounted in a housing you can strap to your wrist like a watch.  Some divers would feel uncomfortable with a computer and a compass on the same wrist and will put the compass on one and the computer on the other.
  • Console – It can be included in a boot along with the SPG and computer or depth gauge so that all three are in one handy place easily observed.  Some divers will feel this is heavy or unwieldy.
  • Retractable – The compass can be mounted by attaching a clip to a D-ring.  When you want to use the compass it can be pulled out and when you are finished it will retract back to the storage position.  These will tend to be a little more expensive.

The Best Dive Compasses

Suunto SK8

  • Many features, auto retractable, favored by professionals
  • Pros: quickly stabilizes, gun sight navigation, can tilt to a 30 degree angle, firm grip bezel, auto-retractable
  • Cons: expensive
  • Rating: 4.8
  • Price: $$$$

Check the Price

Sherwood Wisdom

  • Add on for a Wisdom Dive Computer
  • Pros: highly luminous and easily visible, super tilt can be seen from the top or at a 30 degree angle, 360 degree rotating bezel
  • Cons: add on that doesn’t mount independent of the computer
  • Rating: 4.5
  • Price: $$

Check the Price

Scubapro FS-2

  • Floating magnet separated from the compass creates a better viewing angle and permits use in the northern and southern hemispheres – a good travel model
  • Pros: durable, scratch resistant, tilts to a 35 degree angle, firm grip bezel, extra luminous
  • Cons:  a bit expensive
  • Rating: 5
  • Price: $$$

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XS Scuba Retractable Super Tilt

  • 25 inch reach with coated stainless steel cord, durable rubber boot and hose mount
  • Pros: easy to read in low light or at night, reliable, durable, retractable
  • Cons: more accurate when extended than when not extended
  • Rating: 5
  • Price: $$

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XS Scuba Highland

  • 30 inches of 4 mm of bungee cord, double bungee strap conveniently secures compass where you want it
  • Pros: large ratcheting bezel, top and side reading, illuminated faceplate at night
  • Cons: works only in the northern hemisphere
  • Rating: 5
  • Price: $$

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Oceanic Aeris Wrist Mount 

  • Use on your wrist or add to a console (works best in an Oceanic SWIV console)
  • Pros: large ratcheting bezel, luminescent floating card enables fast and long lasting glow, high visibility lubber line, easy top or side reading
  • Cons: let me know what you think
  • Rating: 5
  • Price: $$

Check the Price

Tusa Platina SCA-160

  • Liquid filled wrist mounted, Lumi-Nova light storage dials
  • Pros: gun sight accurate navigation, top and side reading, liquid filled works in northern and southern hemispheres, bright in the dark
  • Cons: let me know what you find
  • Rating: 4.7
  • Price: $$

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Scuba Choice Compass

  • Retractable, 31.5 inches extended, retracts to 7 inches
  • Pros: glows in the dark, large clear faceplate, easy to read, conveniently clips anywhere, affordable
  • Cons: limited side reading capability, some say it has a plastic, cheap feel to it
  • Rating: 4.1
  • Price: $

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Oceanic SWIV Compass Module 

  • Fits a variety of SWIV consoles
  • Pros: top and side reading, luminescent floating card enables fast and long lasting glow, smooth movement with quick response, high visibility lubber line
  • Cons: may not function properly around the metal in some computer batteries
  • Rating: 4.8
  • Price: $$

Check the Price

Sherwood Genesis Compass and Accessories

  • Retractable, built-in mount, professional quality
  • Pros: highly durable, easily attachable, two different mounting clips, easy to read, excellent tilt range, top and side reading, ratchet bezel, liquid filled, luminescent dial, comes with rubber boot
  • Cons: a little expensive
  • Rating: 5
  • Price: $$$

Check the Price

PictureCompassRatingPrice
Suunto SK84.8$$$$
Sherwood Wisdom4.5$$
Scubapro FS-25$$$
XS Scuba Retractable Super Tilt5$$
XS Scuba Highland5$$
Oceanic Aeris Wrist Mount5$$
Tusa Platina SCA-1604.7$$
Scuba Choice Compass4.1$
Oceanic SWIV Compass Module4.8$$
Sherwood Genesis Compass and Accessories5$$$

I hope you found this post on compasses interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Best Dry Snorkel Review

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Mares Ergo Dry Snorkels
Mares Ergo Dry Snorkels

When swimming on the surface as a free diver or as a scuba diver before and after the dive, a snorkel makes it possible to continuously look around underwater without having to raise your head to breath.  If surface conditions are choppy with water splashing over your head or you start a descent, a dry snorkel has a mechanism to prevent water from entering the tube keeping your airway free of water and maintaining a level of comfort and safety.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of snorkels on the market today.  To help cut through your shopping and browsing time I will give some pointers on the important features to take into consideration.  After that I will describe a number of the best models available and compare them with a chart.

List of the Best Dry Snorkels

Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Dry Snorkels

Types of Snorkels – There are three: classic, semi-dry and dry snorkels.

  • Classic: This is the type that has always been around that is open at the top.  There is nothing preventing water from entering through splashing or upon descent.  Not having a purge valve at the bottom, it requires a powerful blow to clear it.  Classic snorkels are the simplest in design and cheapest.
  • Semi-dry: This type improves on the classic model by incorporating a splash guard on the top end preventing a lot of the water while your on the surface from entering.  On descent, however, it will fill with water.
  • Dry: A dry snorkel has a valve on the top that closes when water gets to the point of entry keeping all water outside.  Splashes and waves cannot get inside the tube when you are on the surface and it doesn’t fill with water on descent. When it comes time to breath through the snorkel again, no clearing is necessary.

Purge Valve

When you clear a classic snorkel all the water must exit through the top.  A purge valve at the bottom below the mouthpiece allows easier clearing by allowing you to blow the water a shorter distance out the bottom.  When not blowing, it closes preventing any entry of water through it.  Any sand or debris in the valve can cause it to leak, so it should be cleaned thoroughly after each dive.

Rigid versus Flexible Models

Cheaper and many classical models use rigid tubing.  You may not be able to position the snorkel comfortably or in the ideal location.  With flexible tubing, there is more variability in how you can place the tube against your head and the mouthpiece in your mouth.  Rigid tubing, however, will stay in place more firmly when swimming through the water.

Diameter of the Tubing

There is some variability in the diameter of the tube from model to model.  The latest models mostly use a wider gauge tubing which is easier to breathe through.  Some snorkels designed for children use a narrower tube.  Larger people may need to consider this factor in the selection process.

Replaceable Mouthpiece

Cheaper snorkels often have built-in mouthpieces that cannot be replaced.  When they wear out, it is time to buy a new snorkel.  Often these mouthpieces are not too comfortable.  Better snorkels have replaceable mouthpieces which enable using one that fits the individual and can be easily discarded when worn out.

Best Dry Snorkels

Cressi Super Nova

  • Features: purge, dry valve, flexible tube, replaceable mouthpiece, many available colors
  • Weight: 5.9 ounces
  • Pros: lightweight, low price, easy to clear, comfortable
  • Cons: let me know
  • Rating: 4.8
  • Price: $

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XS Scuba M-Line

  • Features: purge, dry valve, flexible tube, replaceable mouthpiece, several available colors
  • Weight: 9.6 ounces
  • Pros: quick release snorkel keeper, easy to clear, comfortable
  • Cons: a little heavy, large mouthpiece (can replace with size that fits better)
  • Rating: 4.8
  • Price: $$$

Check the Price

Cressi Alpha Ultra

  • Features: purge, dry valve, flexible tube, replaceable mouthpiece, several available colors
  • Weight: 6.4 ounces
  • Pros: comfortable, lightweight, dry valve seals completely and quickly
  • Cons: a few users have reported the dry valve may stick
  • Rating: 4.7
  • Price: $$$

Check the Price

Phantom Aquatics

  • Features: purge, dry valve, flexible tube, replaceable mouthpiece, six available colors
  • Weight: 6.4 ounces
  • Pros: low priced, comfortable angled mouthpiece, lightweight
  • Cons: a few users have reported the dry valve may stick
  • Rating: 4.6
  • Price: $

Check the Price

Tusa Hyper Dry Elite 

  • Features: purge, dry valve, flexible tube, replaceable mouthpiece, cobalt blue color
  • Weight: 5.6 ounces
  • Pros: lightweight, comfortable, stays dry, lightweight
  • Cons: not the cheapest
  • Rating: 4.6
  • Price: $$$$

Check the Price

Riffe Stable

  • Features: purge, dry valve, flexible tube, replaceable mouthpiece, vinyl tube, black color
  • Weight: 5.6 ounces
  • Pros: lightweight, high quality vinyl used, easy clearing, low profile, comfortable
  • Cons: not the cheapest
  • Rating: 4.7
  • Price: $$$$

Check the Price

Oceanic Ultra

  • Features: purge, dry valve, flexible tube, replaceable mouthpiece, two colors available
  • Weight: 7.2 ounces
  • Pros: stays dry, low profile design
  • Cons: not the cheapest
  • Rating: 4.5
  • Price: $$$$

Check the Price

SEAC Vortex

  • Features: purge, dry valve, flexible tube, replaceable mouthpiece, many color combinations available
  • Weight: 7.2 ounces
  • Pros: low priced, stays dry, oval dump valve, comfortable
  • Cons: let me know
  • Rating: 4.6
  • Price: $

Check the Price

Mares Ergo

  • Features: purge, dry valve, flexible tube, replaceable mouthpiece, many color combinations available
  • Weight: 4.8 ounces
  • Pros: lightweight, reasonably priced, stays dry, adjustable snorkel keeper, comfortable
  • Cons: some users have reported the dry valve tends to stick, clip isn’t durable
  • Rating: 4.5
  • Price: $$

Check the Price

PictureDry SnorkelsRatingPrice
Cressi Super Nova4.8$
XS Scuba M-Line4.8$$$
Cressi Alpha Ultra4.7$$$
Phantom Aquatics
4.6$
Tusa Hyper Dry Elite4.6$$$$
Riffe Stable4.7$$$$
Oceanic Ultra4.5$$$$
SEAC Vortex4.6$
Mares Ergo4.5$$

I hope you found this post on dry snorkels interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Best Scuba Gauges Reviewed and Compared

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Suunto Analog Double Gauge
Suunto Analog Double Gauge

Durable, accurate gauges are essential for a scuba diver.  The SPG (submersible pressure gauge) indicates how much air is left in the tank and the depth gauge shows what depth you are at.  These days many divers use a dive computer which provides digital depth information, but still use an analog gauge as a back-up in the case of battery problems or other computer malfunction.  Others go with the analog gauge only.  Today you can still get your SPG and depth gauge combined into a handy console mounted at the end of the high pressure hose.  Some even add a compass to the console, as well.

Here I’ll show you the important factors to consider in selection of the best combo of gauges to suit your needs.  Then I’ll introduce you to ten of the best models on the market this year, outline the main features and pros and cons, and provide a comparison in the form of a table.

Best Scuba Gauges List

Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Scuba Gauges

Unit – Gauges will come in imperial or metric units based on where you are.  Locations influenced by the United States will tend to use imperial.  I suggest you know both systems well enough to know how to do a quick calculation and know how deep you are and how much air you have left.  In selecting your own gear, go with the one you are most comfortable with.

Weight and Size – There are differences in size and weight between models.  A smaller person may feel less burdened by smaller and lighter gauges.  For travel purposes, the lighter the load the easier it is to transport and the cheaper the fees in air travel.

Temperature Indicator – It is good to know what the water temperature is for future dive planning.  Perhaps there are changes or a thermocline that would be useful to calibrate.

Maximum Depth Needle – In an analog gauge the depth need pushes another needle to the point of the maximum depth and that needle stays in position as a reference.  This is helpful for dive planning and for multi-level dives without a computer.

Color Coding and Luminescent Dials – Luminescent dials are visible in the dark allowing better visibility of your gauges.  Color coding makes key levels more evident such as lower air and deeper depths.  The more obvious the better for divers who are fatigued or under the influence of nitrogen narcosis.

Eyelets on the gauge housing or rubber boot are handy to allow attachment to your person or BCD with a clip or lanyard.  This enables the diver to keep the gauges in position to use and under control so as not to damage them or the wildlife that a dangling console could slam into.

Best Scuba Gauges

Suunto Analog Double Gauge

  • Unit of measure: imperial
  • Weight: .75 pounds
  • Maximum depth: 230 feet
  • Pros: easy to read luminous dials, lightweight, durable impact-resistant console
  • Cons: a little expensive, no temperature indicator

Check the price

Oceanic Oil Filled Combo

  • Unit of measure: imperial
  • Weight: 1.1 pounds
  • Maximum depth: 150 feet
  • Pros: oil filled gauge holds form under pressure, durable design with nylon reinforced body, temperature indicator, fluorescent markings
  • Cons: no maximum depth needle, a bit bulky

Check the Price

ScubaPro Depth and Pressure Gauge

  • Unit of measure: imperial or metric
  • Weight: 1 pound
  • Maximum depth: 150 feet/45 meters
  • Pros: durable brass construction, large, easy to read dials, lightweight, lanyard attachment
  • Cons: no temperature indicator

Check the Price

Tusa 2 Gauge SCA-280

  • Unit of measure: imperial
  • Weight: 1.25 pounds
  • Maximum depth: 200 feet
  • Pros: luminescent easy to read dial, temperature indicator, eyelets for clips
  • Cons: ?

Check the Price

Cressi Mini 2

  • Unit of measure: imperial or metric available
  • Weight: .9 pounds
  • Maximum depth: 230 feet/70 meters
  • Pros: easy to read color coding on the two gauges, shock and scratch resistant, light weight, temperature indicator
  • Cons: two attachment loops are little small and difficult to manipulate during the dive

Check the Price

Sherwood Compact Console

  • Unit of measure: metric
  • Weight: .65 pounds
  • Maximum depth: 150 feet
  • Pros: compact and low profile, lightweight, color coded with low air and greater depths in red, temperature indicator
  • Cons: ?

Check the Price

Mares Mission 2

  • Unit of measure: metric
  • Weight: 1.4 pounds
  • Maximum depth: 70 meters
  • Pros: fluorescent easy to read dial in the dark, shock resistant case, color coded for low air
  • Cons: a little heavy, no temperature indicator

Check the Price

Aqua Lung 2 Gauge Console

  • Unit of measure: imperial
  • Weight: .75 pounds
  • Maximum depth: 200
  • Pros: luminescent easy to read dial, lightweight, writing slate on the back of the console, with an update a compass can be mounted in place of the slate, temperature indicator
  • Cons: ?

Check the Price

Oceanic Max Depth SWIV Combo

  • Unit of measure: imperial
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Maximum depth: 200 feet
  • Pros: nitrox compatible to 50%, luminescent easy to read dial, shock resistant, temperature indicator
  • Cons: a little heavy

Check the Price

Suunto Zoop Scuba Diving ComputerSuunto Zoop Computer

  • Unit of measure: metric
  • Weight: .75 pounds
  • Maximum depth: 100 meters
  • Pros: nitrox compatible to 50%, dive computer serves as digital depth gauge, easy navigation, stores 50 hours of dive data, data is downloadable to your PC, analog spg (submersible pressure gauge), impact resistant, temperature indicator
  • Cons: slightly more expensive

Check the Price

For more information on the Suunto Zoop, an introduction to dive computers and a buying guide, please check out my post:

PictureScuba GaugesUnitsWeightMaximum Depth
Indicator		Temperature IndicatorRatingPrice
Suunto Analog Double GaugeImperial.75 lbsYesNo4.7$$$$
Oceanic Oil Filled ComboImperial1.1 lbsNoYes4.6$$
ScubaPro Depth and Pressure GaugeImperial or Metric1 lbYes No4.7$$$
Tusa 2 Gauge SCA-280

Imperial1.25 lbsYesYes4.9$$
Cressi Mini 2Imperial or Metric.9 lbsYes No4.7$
Sherwood Compact ConsoleMetric.65 lbsYesYes4.5$$
Mares Mission 2Metric1.4 lbsYesNo4.7$
Aqua Lung 2 Gauge ConsoleImperial.75 lbsYes Yes4.8$$$
Oceanic Max Depth SWIV ComboImperial1.2 lbsYesYes4.9$$$
Suunto Zoop Scuba Diving ComputerMetric.75 lbsYesYes5$$$$

I hope you found this post on scuba gauges interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Best Cold Water Scuba Diving Equipment

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Is Scuba Diving Fun? Yes!
Is Scuba Diving Fun? Yes!

When most people think of scuba diving they imagine a warm tropical setting with the fantastic creatures and wrecks that have been presented in the media that we are all familiar with.  Cold water settings, though, can be equally, if not more amazing with the array of life and exploration possibilities.  Places like the Arctic and Antarctic, the Isle of Man or the San Juan Islands (all places I have reviewed on this site) are all exceptionally fascinating and accessible to divers with the right equipment.  Below I present the gear options so you will be ready when you get the chance to dive in cold water.

Drysuit Scuba Diving

If the water is really cold, the best choice is a drysuit.  It can be pretty expensive and there are other accessories to complete the package, but is the option which will keep you warmest in the most frigid conditions.

Drysuits 

Each drysuit has its own special features and characteristics and there is air inside it between your body and the suit that has an impact on buoyancy. Because of these factors you need a little practice and training before wearing it on a serious dive at depth.  Here is a post which provides a description of the features and considerations of drysuit diving in detail, followed by one with detailed descriptions of the best drysuits:

Drysuit Undergarmants 

The water is cold and you’ve decided on using a drysuit. It will keep you dry, but only offers a minimum of warmth.  You’ll need to wear something underneath that gives you proper thermal protection without overheating.  The use of drysuit undergarments is the solution.  This post explains the features and characteristics of drysuit undergarments and reviews 10 top models:

Best Drysuit Undergarments of 2019

Drysuit Gloves 

Drysuit gloves seal to the wrist of the drysuit.  There are different systems to accomplish this including the use of a ring or zipper system.  Here are several top models:

Drysuit Hoods 

Drysuit hoods are usually made of neoprene, like wetsuit hoods, but are thick and well sealed around the face and neck.  Here are several top models:

Drysuit Boots

Most divers use thick wetsuit boots with their drysuit.  Some drysuits have a soft sock attached that can be worn inside wetsuit boots or durable, hard soled drysuit boots, which add greater protection when walking over rocky surfaces:

DUI Rock Boot – Drysuit Boot

Wetsuit Scuba Diving

Drysuits are usually pretty expensive, and as stated earlier, require some extra training and practice to become safely acclimated.  For many a thick wetsuit of 7mm or more is an acceptable alternative, along with some added accessories.

Wetsuits 

A wetsuit can provide good thermal protection in very cold water if it is thick enough, fits well and has very minimal water circulation.  The proper accessories provide a good assist in maintaining optimal comfort.  Here are two posts to help you decide which wetsuit is right for you.  The first gives you an explanation of how wetsuits keep you warm and describes the features and characteristics of good wetsuits.  The second reviews 10 top wetsuits, 9 of which are available in 7mm or thicker neoprene:

Wetsuit Gloves 

For really cold water, 5mm should be the minimum thickness.  A well constructed and designed pair uses a material like stretch neoprene that provides warmth, a flexible, comfortable fit, and sturdy seams resistant to leakage.  This post provides an explanation of the best features and reviews 8 models, 4 of which come in 5mm thickness:

Best Scuba Diving Gloves of 2019

Wetsuit Hood/Hooded Vest 

For really cold water diving with a wetsuit, a hood 5mm or thicker is advised.  A hooded vest is an option which adds a layer of neoprene to the torso while eliminating the possibility of inflow at the neck.  The Bare 7/3mm Ultrawarmth Hooded Vest, shown at right, is a good example.  Here is a review and description of wetsuit hoods, 4 of which are 5mm or thicker:

Best 8 Scuba Diving Hoods of 2018

 

Wetsuit Boots 

For cold water the full foot fin without a boot is a non-starter.  You’ll want a boot with 5mm of neoprene in thickness and a thick sole is helpful.  The following post describes the features and characteristics to you look for with 9 of 12  boots reviewed having greater than 5mm in thickness:

Best Scuba Dive Boots of 2019 – Reviewed and Compared 

Other Cold Water Gear

Regulators

When diving in extremely cold water the regulator first stage freezing up is a consideration.  To avoid this, the first stage needs to have an environmental seal which won’t allow the very cold sea water to get inside. The Atomic M1 Regulator is highly rated for cold water use.  Here is my post on regulators where I describe features and characteristics and review several models rated for cold water usage:

Top 5 Best Regulators of 2019 – Reviewed and Compared

I hope you found this post on cold water equipment interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<