Patagonia Wetsuits
April 3rd, 2007
Reading a thread on Scubaboard, I came across these new Patagonia wetsuits. They look pretty good, though I’m not sure that the insulation they claim to provide is actually as good as advertised. I dive in the PNW regularly, and I can’t picture going diving here in a 3mm fullsuit and also staying warm. But, Patagonia does make very good alpine gear, usually of excellent quality for a premium price (which is why the company is sometimes referred to as “PataGucci” by climbers and hikers) – so I wouldn’t be surprised if these suits measured up against some of the best, when it comes to diving in warm water.
From Patagonia:
Patagonia wetsuits use the highest quality Japanese neoprene – made from 80% non-petroleum based ingredients – which has a 98% higher closed cell ratio than other neoprene. We line the entire wetsuit with a merino wool grid, bonded to recycled polyester, to trap more insulative dead-air space and quickly wick moisture away from the skin. (Pat. Pending) As a result, our 2mm suit will keep you warm in water ranging from 55 to 65 degrees and our 3mm will keep you surfing when water temps range between 48 and 55 degrees.
We use recycled polyester, chlorine-free wool, non-petroleum based neoprene and PVC-free kneepads to reduce our impact on the environment (see rollovers below for details).
Keep in mind that these are designed for surfing, so the water temp guidelines they provide might actually make sense if you’re at the surface and exerting yourself as is typically the case while surfing. If anyone’s seen one of these in person, or used one while diving, please post your impressions below.
Entry Filed under: Gear
7 Comments
Add your ownJune 12th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
This is the most comfortable wet suit have ever owned. Very easy to get in and out of, very warm, suprisingly the 2mm feels more like a 3/4.Very elastic without the slightest inhibition of movement.
July 18th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
The blurb from Patagonia sounds like the sales pitch from PInnacle about their wetsuits with merino lining. I have two of the Pinnacle merino suits and I am not a believer in the merino hype. My 3mm does not feel like a 5mm and my 7/5mm is cold as heck in 57 degree F water.
July 18th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Robert,
Thanks for your comment.
I don’t buy into the exothermic pitch about Merino either. I have a 5/4 Pinnacle suit and I love it, but because it’s a good suit, not because it ‘heats up’ when I get wet in it.
Lastly, I think you’ll get cold in pretty much any 7/5mm suit in 57 degree water. Heck, that’s only a few degrees warmer than the water here in the Puget Sound and I get cold in a crushed neoprene drysuit at times!
September 9th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
man up, we where 5/4′s – 6/5′s in 34 degree water on the great lakes for hours on end. you don’t see us complaining.
September 9th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Surfing is quite different than diving. For one thing, the pure exertion involved with surfing keeps you warmer. While diving, we try to keep our heart rates low and exertion to a minimum, to conserve gas. As a result, body temperature tends to be cooler.
Also, being totally immersed in water, you’re a lot more subject to the temperature of that water – since water is a much better conductor of thermal energy than is air.
November 24th, 2007 at 10:18 am
I purchased a 2mm Patagonia wetsuit in November of ’07. I use it in the Southern Ca. area where the water temp. is moderate. The wetsuit is the most comfortable I have ever worn. But I don’t believe its any warmer than a good 3/2 from any other manufacture.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I’d appreciate experienced Patagonia user comments, re: temps 50-60 deg. /Central Coast. waters vs R3 full suit/hood for windsurfing.
We transport enough equip. w/o adding bulkiness.
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed