Hoods

A lot of body heat can be lost through the head in cold water. I therefore think hoods are an item that should get a lot more thought given to them than is typical.

I have three hoods I typically use, depending on conditions.

If it's not too cold, I'll use a Reed Chillcheater hood - this is very thin and has no buoyancy. It's the equivalent of 2mm neoprene.

If it's a bit colder, I use a Mares hood - the first hood I ever owned that was comfortable and easy to put on. And if it's even colder still, or I'm planning a long dive, I'll wear my chillcheater hood under the neoprene one.

If it's REALLY COLD, single-figure temperatures, I use an extra piece of neoprene around my mouth to prevent any exposure to the water. It makes switching regulators a bit fiddly, but the benefits outweigh this minor niggle. I also use this hood if I'm worried about jellyfish or other potential stingers - Literally no skin is exposed when I'm wearing this bit of neoprene with a hood plus drysuit and gloves.

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