Fourth Element Arctic Set Review

Last updated: July 2025

• Versatile warmth: Comfortable from mid-40°F dives to cenotes
• Layer-ready: Works alone or over a base layer
• Durable build: Holds up well after regular use
• Comfortable fit: No binding or bulk in main garments
• Accessory drawbacks: Gloves are bulky and booties run small

Overall Score: 8.5 / 10 (Strong)

A robust, all-purpose undergarment for drysuit diving across a wide range of conditions. Warm, reliable, and easy to layer with, the Arctic was my first undergarment purchase and remains one of the most versatile pieces in my kit.

Pros & Cons

Why I Chose the Arctic

This was my first drysuit undergarment, and I chose it for its balance of warmth, reliability, and compatibility with my Santi drysuit. It worked well across a range of water temperatures, from Lake Michigan to the cenotes of the Yucatán. I never had any thermal issues during the dive itself.

Over time, I found the Arctic to be too warm on hot summer days, especially during surface intervals. That’s what pushed me to pick up the Fourth Element Xerotherm as a lighter option. But the Arctic still remains my go-to for general drysuit diving.

Verdict

The Arctic remains a strong value for drysuit divers who want one reliable solution that works in almost all water temperatures. It's too much for tropical drysuit diving or hot surface days, but underwater, it’s been flawless for me.

Would I buy it again? Yes. I might explore layering options sooner, but I’d still start with the Arctic if I had to do it over.

Who the Fourth Element Arctic Set Is Best For

This item is best suited for:

• Divers needing a dependable, all-purpose drysuit undergarment
• Cold-water or temperate divers who want one set for varied conditions
• Those layering over a lighter base for added warmth

It may not be ideal for:

• Tropical drysuit divers or anyone diving in hot surface conditions
• Divers seeking low-cost undergarment alternatives

Deep Dive into the Score

Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.

Rounded Display Score: 8.7 / 10 — Strong

Deep Dive Score Explanations

• Function & Performance – 9.0: Kept me warm in all intended dive conditions, from cool quarries to cenotes.
• Ease of Use – 9.0: No interference with seals or valves, goes on easily. Gloves and booties were less successful.
• Versatility – 8.0: Works across a wide range of temps, but surface comfort is a limiter.
• Durability & Build Quality – 9.0: Still in great shape after a full year of use and washing.
• Value – 7.0: Expensive compared to other options, though justified by performance and build.
• Brand Trust & Transparency – 9.0: Fourth Element remains one of the most respected brands in dive wear.

Performance in the Water

• Temperature Range: Suitable down to mid 40s °F in my experience, even in Lake Michigan. Too warm for surface wear in hot sun.
• Fit & Flexibility: No binding or bulk complaints with the main garments. However, the Arctic gloves were extremely bulky, and the booties did not fit my feet well (too small).
• Layering: Can be layered over a Xerotherm or similar base layer for extended thermal protection.
• Comfort: The base garments are warm and comfortable. I now use plain wool socks and wool gloves with liners instead of the Arctic accessories.