Breathable vs Non-Breathable Drysuits

Drysuit Showdown: Breathable vs. Non-Breathable Explained

So you've decided to conquer cold water diving. Awesome. You're ready to stay warm, dry, and maybe even a little bit smug about it. But when it comes to choosing a drysuit, the decision isn't as simple as "cold water = drysuit." There's a subtle but significant choice to be made: breathable or non-breathable? It's a topic we often discuss with divers in the shop, as it's a nuanced trade-off between comfort on the surface and a suit's long-term performance. Let's break down the differences and help you decide which one is right for you.

The Tale of Two Drysuits: What's the Difference?

At a glance, both types of drysuits do the same job—they keep liquid water out and your body heat in. But their materials and function differ in a key way.

  • Non-Breathable Drysuits: These are the traditional workhorses of the diving world. They are made from rugged, impermeable materials like vulcanized rubber or specific types of trilaminate. Their design is simple: keep water out, period. As a result, they offer unmatched durability and longevity. The downside? They do not allow moisture (like sweat) to escape, which can lead to a less comfortable, "swampy" feeling on the surface.

  • Breathable Drysuits: These suits are made from a material that allows water vapor to escape while still keeping liquid water from getting in. This makes them great for watersports like kayaking or for divers who want to stay comfortable on hot days out of the water. The trade-off, however, is in their longevity.

The Core Trade-Off: Comfort Now vs. Durability Later

Here's where the decision gets real. The primary appeal of a breathable drysuit is the comfort it provides on a hot day. For a diver in a place like the Midwest, where it can be hot topside, that ability to prevent sweat from building up is a huge plus. They are also often less expensive than their non-breathable counterparts.

However, that added comfort comes at a cost. The breathable material is not as durable as the non-breathable material, and it degrades more quickly as it gets soaked. Storing a breathable suit while it is still wet for months at a time will only speed up this process, causing it to become a shadow of its former self. Ultimately, with a breathable drysuit, you're sacrificing a long-lasting suit for comfort.

The Diver's Choice: Why We Recommend Non-Breathable

Given this core trade-off, we tend to recommend non-breathable drysuits for diving. Here's why:

  • Long-Term Investment: A non-breathable drysuit is a long-lasting, durable piece of equipment. While the initial cost may be higher, you are investing in a suit that will withstand the rigors of diving for many more years than a breathable suit.

  • Durability Over Comfort: We acknowledge that a non-breathable drysuit is going to suck a bit more on a hot day. You will get warm on the surface. But we are divers; we have suffered through worse. A suit's primary function is to keep you warm and dry underwater, and the most durable material is going to be the most reliable for that purpose.

Pro Tips for Both Types

  • Care for Breathable Suits: If you opt for a breathable suit, proper care is paramount. You absolutely should not store it wet in a bag for months. This will accelerate its degradation. After each use, rinse it thoroughly and hang it to dry completely before storing.

  • Dealing with Non-Breathable Suits: If you go with a non-breathable suit, there are ways to manage the heat on the surface. Try venting the suit between dives by opening the neck seal or staying in the shade as much as possible.

Your Drysuit, Your Call: Let's Find Your Perfect Fit.

So, the choice between a breathable and non-breathable drysuit isn't about one being "better" than the other; it's about making a smart decision for your kind of diving. It's a trade-off between surface comfort and long-term durability, and it's a conversation you should have with an expert.

Here at Dive Right In Scuba, we don't just sell drysuits; we help you find the right tool for the job. Our staff understands the nuances of each material and can walk you through the pros and cons based on your diving goals, whether you're a watersports enthusiast or a dedicated cold-water explorer. We're about making sure you have the right gear, not just any gear. So, come on in or give us a call. Let's talk drysuits and get you outfitted for a season of warm, dry, and memorable diving.