Wetsuit Buying Guide
Wetsuits are an essential piece of kit when out in the water. You may think that wetsuits are resigned to cold winter days in freezing waves but wearing wetsuits with varying thicknesses throughout the year can keep you enjoying the water longer and more safely. To discover what kind of wetsuit you need to wear, and when, read our wetsuit-buying guide below.
What is a wetsuit and how does it work?
Whilst it's important to check individual care instructions, the majority of backpacks can be cleaned in a washing machine or by hand. However, it is important that special care is taken to ensure your backpack continues to look and perform as it should. This guide will outline how to wash a backpack and show you how to care for your pack to ensure it stays clean.
What thickness of wetsuit do I need?
| Thickness | Perfect For.... | Examples of Product |
| Between 2-3 mm | Use through spring – early autumn. Great for bodyboarding or surfboarding as it offers good flexibility. Perfect for people new to water sports. | Men's Full Wetsuit Women's Full Wetsuit Men's Shorty Wetsuit Women's Shorty Wetsuit |
| Between 4-5mm | Use through winter. Great for long periods of time in the water. | Submerge Winter Wetsuit |
The thickness of a wetsuit is measured in millimeters (mm). The body of the wetsuit will be slightly thicker than the arms and legs, this is to account for movement and because you need the most insulation around your core. In the winter, look for wetsuits with 2 or 3mm on their sleeves; in the summer, you’ll be comfortable with 2mm of sleeve thickness.
Our wetsuits are not designed for triathlons, they are too thick and will cause severe discomfort and potential chaffing injuries if used.
Do I need a Short or Full wetsuit?
A short wetsuit doesn’t cover your lower legs or arms, giving you unrestricted movement. They are usually used in the summer, depending on the weather and temperature of the water. Short wetsuits are great because they keep your core warm while allowing you to move freely.
Full wetsuits cover everything apart from your feet, hands, and head. They are designed for colder weather and will keep you warmer than a short wetsuit. They still offer flexibility, but you may find more restrictions in your arms and legs than if you wore a short style.
Wetsuits are designed for use in the sea and not as a beach cover-up. Therefore, if you wear your wetsuit for prolonged periods of time on a beach without sea use, they can cause heat rashes.
What size wetsuit do I want?
Wetsuits should be close fitting to your body without any bagginess, while still being able to move your arms and legs comfortably. However, it shouldn’t be too easy to get on and off, if it is easily done without much effort, it may be too big. Your wetsuit should have a good seal at the neck, sleeve, and ankle hem so that water cannot ingress easily. If your wetsuit doesn’t fit your body properly, cold water won’t get trapped in the neoprene and will cause you to feel the chill a lot quicker. If in doubt, you can take a look at our Mountain Warehouse size guide.
If your wetsuit is too big it can lead to chaffing and friction burns at joints.
Extra Features
You’ll find some of our wetsuits contain features for added comfort and practicality.
- Key Pocket
A discreet pocket to keep small keys safe while out in the ocean.
- Rubber Panel
Added rubber on the chest area for improved grip.
- Adjustable Neck Closure
Adjustable fit around the neck.
- Easy Glide Zip
An extended zip pull, making it easier to pull up the zip.
- Reinforced Knees
Double layer scuff guard panels at the knees, ensure longer lasting wear.
When should I wear accessories with my wetsuit?
Once you pick a wetsuit, you may decide you also need extra accessories, depending on what activity you’re planning, the time of year and where you’re doing it.
- Boots
Neoprene boots keep your feet warm in cold waters, we’d recommend them for winter sessions, to keep you comfortable in the water for longer. For summer sessions, you may want to try Aqua shoes, they’re great for protecting the bottom of your feet from sharp objects on the coastline.
- Gloves
Extreme explorers may benefit from gloves in cold waters. You can find neoprene gloves in different thickness depending on how cold you expect your session to get.
- Hood
If you find cold ears, head and neck being a factor in making you get out of the ocean earlier than you’d like, it may be time to invest in a neoprene hood. A hood covers your entire head and neck, giving you ultimate protection for freezing adventures.
Now you know which wetsuit is the perfect fit for you, it’s time to start shopping!
