Dive Gear Guide 2016: Best Wet/Dry Accessories
Scuba diving is not always hospitable. The 2016 Gear Guide breaks down the accessories that will help you enjoy your dives no matter what the ocean throws at you.
Best Dive Wetsuits | Best Dive Drysuits | Best Dive Computers

Zach StovallAKONA SECO BOOTS
Side zipper makes getting in and out of the boot easy
Available in 3 mm or 6.5 mm for warm-, temperate-, or coldwater diving
The Seco Boots will never get sloshy or loose because they will never fi ll up with water. AKONA engineered a unique footbed and sole that permit water to conveniently drain when you reach the surface.
$52, 3 mm; $58, 6.5 mm; akona.com

Zach StovallBODY GLOVE VOYAGER 3 MM BOOTS
Side zipper stays closed with hook-and-loop security tab
Metalite interior lining is comfortable and adds warmth
Warm feet are happy feet, and that’s what the Voyager delivers. Available in 3 mm or 5 mm, this boot’s tall shaft provides plenty of wetsuit overlap. The boot includes toe and heel caps and glued and blind-stitched seams.
$36, 3 mm; bodyglove.com

Jon WhittleCAMARO TITANIUM THERMO GLOVES 1.0
Silicone-printed palms and fingers ensure a solid grip
Smooth-skin liner enhances overall warmth
Made of 1 mm SCS Titanium neoprene, these gloves keep hands warm and add protection from scrapes and stings. The seamless bonding system eliminates stitching, increases comfort and maximizes finger dexterity. Available in three sizes.
$49.95; camaro.at

Zach StovallFOURTH ELEMENT ARCTIC EXPEDITION TWO PIECE
Fabric on knees and seat off er wetness protection
Extra layers of high-density fleece increase warmth
High durability comes with an outer fabric that’s covered in a ceramic print to defeat abrasion from the inside of drysuits. Features include thumb loops that ease donning and a zippered pocket on the hip.
$464; fourthelement.com

Zach StovallFOURTH ELEMENT CYCLONE JACKET
Breathable, waterproof protection for men and women
Packs down very small
Divers stay dry in inclement weather thanks to a three-layer laminated fabric, water-resistant welded zippers and strategically taped seams. The jacket offers adjustable hood and cuff closures plus a chest pocket.
$220; fourthelement.com

Zach StovallFOURTH ELEMENT WOMEN’S J2 BASELAYER TOP AND LEGGINGS
Uses silver ion technology
Best warmth-to-weight ratio
This base layer has antibacterial technology to prevent odors. Perfect for layering and available in styles for men and women, it’s great for long dives.
$116 per piece; fourthelement.com

Zach StovallHOLLIS MEN’S AUG450 UNDERGARMENT
Hollow fleece fibers wick body moisture away from skin
Foot stirrups prevent ride-up
Offering the perfect combination of extra warmth with less bulk, this two-piece drysuit undersuit is made of 450-gram high-density stretch fabric, and comes in men’s and women’s sizes.
$140; hollis.com

Zach StovallLAVACORE MEN’S LAVASKIN LONGSLEEVE SHIRT
UPF 50+ rating protects against the sun’s rays
Thumb holes at the wrist for women and loops for men prevent ride up
Lavaskin shirts feature an outer layer that is durable and water repellent and an inner moisture wicking fleece lining.
$65; lavacoreinternational.com

Zach StovallLAVACORE MEN’S MERINO FULL ZIP JACKET
Full-length zipper and hook-and-loop wrist closures keep wind out and warmth in
Four exterior and interior pockets off er zippered closures for added security
Lightweight and durable, this jacket keeps you warm and protected, whatever the weather conditions. The water-repellent outer layer keeps rain at bay, the breathable middle layer blocks wind, and the Merino/Sorona inner lining is warm and resists odors.
$230; lavacoreinternational.com

Zach StovallLAVACORE WOMEN’S SPORTY SHORTY
Full-length rear zipper is easy to use and makes for easy donning and doffing
Grip-skin material in the chest area offers non-slip protection for board sports
This shorty offers female divers a nice balance of warmth and protection. A polytherm trilaminate material in the core area provides the warmth, while the shoulders and lower extremities use Lavaskin polyester/fleece for comfort and UV protection.
$130; lavacoreinternational.com

Zach StovallSHARKSKIN MEN’S CHILLPROOF SUIT
Sharkskin layers provide the equivalent warmth of a 2.5 mm to 3 mm wetsuit
Neutrally buoyant suit can be worn beneath a wetsuit for additional warmth.
This one-piece sports suit provides protection from the cold, the sun and the stings of sea creatures. Its outer layer is a nylon/lycra blend, its wind-proof middle layer regulates body temperature, and its micro-fleece inner layer is comfortable against the skin.
$294.95; sharkskin.com.au