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.

By Tyler Allison · Updated July 2025
Highland Deluxe Wet Notes
Use
Mapping, communication, and training dives
Current role
Underwater writing in my right thigh pocket
Still in my kit
Yes

The Short Version

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.

What Works

  • Durable waterproof pages
  • Fits well in thigh pocket
  • Velcro closure is quick and reliable
  • Clear internal sleeve is useful
  • Bungee loop holds pages securely

What Doesn't

  • Stock pencil isn't ideal
  • Clear sleeve not sealed
  • Replacement pages require planning

My Experience

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.

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.

Who It Makes Sense 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:

  • People who don't use pocket kits or write underwater regularly

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.

What It Is Like to Dive

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

Ownership and Value

There has been no page wear, warping, or Velcro failure across repeated cold, silty, and overhead dives. The slim cover makes the notebook easy to access and stow, and the graphite pencil gives me a better writing feel than the original. Its feature set offered the value I wanted without paying for the more expensive alternatives I considered.