Highland Deluxe Wet Notes Review
A dependable, pocket-sized underwater notebook that have earned a permanent place in my dive kit. I’ve used them for mapping, communication, and training dives across a wide range of conditions without a single issue. The Cordura cover, waterproof pages, and internal bungee loop keep everything secure and usable, even in cold or overhead environments. I swapped the pencil for a graphite one, but otherwise left it stock. The clear internal sleeve adds optional versatility. For divers who write underwater regularly, this is one of the best-value options available.
Overall Score: 8.8 / 10 (Strong)
Last updated: July 2025
I carry the Highland Deluxe Wet Notes on every single dive. They live in my right thigh pocket and have been with me for everything from underwater mapping drills to real-time team communication. I swapped out the stock pencil for a full graphite version early on, but otherwise the setup has stayed exactly as delivered and I’ve had zero issues in cold water, current, or overhead environments.
Yes. It’s a permanent part of my kit and lives in my right thigh pocket — no exceptions.
No problems at all. It’s been through overheads, current, and cold water without a single issue with the pages, binding, or closure.
I replaced the included pencil with a full graphite one for smoother writing. That’s it. Everything else stayed stock.
Not currently, but I like having the option. It was actually one of the main reasons I chose this model.
I compared specs and photos online and chose this one because of the clear sleeve, the bungee page loop, and the Velcro quick closure. It's also cheaper than some of the premium options.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable waterproof pages | Stock pencil isn't ideal |
| Fits well in thigh pocket | Clear sleeve not sealed |
| Velcro closure is quick and reliable | Replacement pages require planning |
| Clear internal sleeve is useful | |
| Bungee loop holds pages securely |
Why I Chose Highland Deluxe Wet Notes
I needed something durable, slim, and reliable for mapping dives and underwater communication. This model stood out because of the clear sleeve on the back, the bungee page loop, and the quick Velcro closure. I considered other options like the Halcyon and DGX versions, but based on descriptions and images, this one offered the features I wanted at a lower price.
Verdict
These are a core piece of my kit. They’ve never failed, never gotten in the way, and always delivered what I needed. I’ve used them extensively in training and operational dives, and they remain exactly where they started in my right thigh pocket.
Would I buy it again? Yes. Without hesitation.
Who Highland Deluxe Wet Notes Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Divers who do underwater mapping, cue cards, or plan execution
- Anyone using a wetnotes-based dive plan or checklist system
- Recreational divers building a serious pocket kit
It may not be ideal for:
- Divers looking for fully sealed or zippered notebooks
- People who don't use pocket kits or write underwater regularly
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.
| Category | Score | Raw Score | Weight | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | Exceptional | 9.0 | 30% | 2.70 |
| Ease of Use | Exceptional | 9.0 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Versatility | Exceptional | 9.0 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Durability & Build Quality | Exceptional | 9.0 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Value | Exceptional | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | Good | 7.0 | 10% | 0.70 |
| Total | 8.80 / 10 | |||
Rounded Display Score: 8.8 / 10 — Strong
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 9: Reliable for all underwater writing needs. Pages don’t wear, and everything stays put.
- Ease of Use – 9: Quick Velcro closure and slim design make it easy to access and stow.
- Versatility – 9: Excellent for mapping, team communication, and running checklists in all diving environments. Exactly what wetnotes are meant for.Excellent for mapping, team communication, and running checklists in all diving environments. Exactly what wetnotes are meant for.
- Durability & Build Quality – 9: No wear issues, even after repeated exposure to cold, overhead, and silty dives.
- Value – 9: Performs as well as more expensive models at a lower cost.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 7: Highland is solid but low-profile. Sold through reputable dive retailers.
My Custom Setup or Configuration
The only change I made was replacing the included pencil with a full graphite pencil for better underwater writing feel. Everything else is stock and has worked perfectly.
- Graphite Pencil: Easier to handle and smoother to write with, especially in gloves
There’s nothing I’d change about the configuration at this point. It just works.
Performance in the Water
- Accessibility: Fast to pull and return, even with gloves
- Writing: Smooth surface that takes marks cleanly and doesn’t smudge badly
- Durability: No warping, page wear, or Velcro failure over time
- Usefulness: Ideal for mapping, note-taking, and communication in any dive scenario