Re: [Paddlewise] Layering wetsuits

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 07:50:51 -0800
JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
>[snip] is it the opinion of members of the list that layering a two mil
> thick vest and a pair of rodeo shorts --- and let's use neoprene and not the
> new Malden fabrics for the sake of argument --- over a two mil longjohn yields
> the protection of a four mil wetsuit in the core body areas? 
[snip]

Others have already administered all the caveats, Joq.

The bottom line is that thicker is always warmer.  And, yes, 2 + 2 is pretty close to 4 in the
warmth category.  It may help to remember that the outer 2 mil layer keeps the outside of the inner
2 mil layer warmer, so the inner layer of the inner 2 mil layer will be warmer yet.  [This logic is
transparent only for those who are "innies" in the navel department, or those who have read a lot of
Dr Seuss!]

The other bottom line is that the "layer of warm water" in wetsuits is like Santa Claus and the
tooth fairy.  You have to really work at it to prevent water from circulating in/out of a wetsuit,
*without cutting off your OWN circulation.*  Add in the usual "variation" in body part size most of
us experience from season to season, and that layer of water becomes a lake at times, unless you
have a wetsuit for the "fat" season and different wetsuit for the "skinny" season.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
(most usually helping my wetsuit by maintaining at the "fat" season profile)
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Received on Thu Oct 29 1998 - 08:13:21 PST

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