My Scuba Gear for Drysuit Diving

Here’s a look at the scuba gear I currently use when I'm diving in my drysuit. As a recreational diver, you generally do not need a drysuit in Chicagoland unless you plan to be diving to the deeper wrecks on Lake Michigan.

This page reflects my personal experience and preferences based on my diving style, training, and the conditions I dive in. Gear selection is highly individual, and what works for me may not be ideal for everyone. If you're unsure about equipment choices, I always recommend testing different options in real diving conditions before making a decision.

xDeep - Zen - Stainless Steel

Cold water focused, durable, and highly refined. This is a premium single tank backplate system that delivers stability, comfort, and visual polish. There are a few tradeoffs for warm water travel or cost conscious divers.

Read Full Gear Review ( 8.7 / 10 )

Halcyon - Weighted Single Tank Adapter

Adds 6 pounds of non-ditchable ballast in line with your spine to reduce the need for weight around your hips and improve trim control.

Read Full Gear Review ( 8.3 / 10 )

xDeep - Belt Weight Pockets

These are xDeep’s dedicated system for harness-mounted ballast. They come in small (~6 lb) and large (~12 lb) versions and are designed to bolt directly to xDeep backplates. The inner weight pouch slides into a soft sleeve and is locked in place with a webbing buckle that threads through a fabric handle. This design is extremely secure but makes underwater reinsertion difficult and slow. These pockets should be considered semi-ditchable at best. Rigging is clean and modular — but only if you're already using an xDeep backplate.

Read Full Gear Review ( 6.8 / 10 )

xDeep - Tank Band Weight Pockets

These standard trim pockets are a streamlined solution for adjusting tank position and overall diver balance. Each pouch mounts securely to a standard 2-inch cam band and holds up to 5 pounds of weight, typically soft lead. They are compact, durable, and stay put without sliding or twisting. These are not meant to be ditchable but excel at fine-tuning trim, especially for backplate-and-wing divers. Best used in singles configurations, as this is the only size available for that purpose.

Read Full Gear Review ( 6.8 / 10 )

ScubaPro - MK19 EVO / G260

Cold-water ready and turret-equipped, it delivers proven reliability and performance. I chose it for its serviceability, local support, and trusted track record among Lake Michigan divers and it hasn’t disappointed.

Read Full Gear Review ( 9.1 / 10 )

Halcyon - Long Hose Stick

A simple but flawless piece of kit, it provides perfect long hose retention without a canister light or tucking. It mounts cleanly to a backplate harness and never snags, slips, or fails. This is now my standard for all long hose dives.

Read Full Gear Review ( 9.2 / 10 )

Faber - HP100 Steel Tanks (DIN)

Reliable, compact, and a favorite among cold water divers. The HP100 offers a big step up from AL80s in gas volume, buoyancy characteristics, and cold water compatibility without adding bulk.

Read Full Gear Review ( 9.3 / 10 )

- AL40 (DIN) Pony Bottle

Shearwater - Perdix II + Air Integration

A premium dive computer that earns its price with flawless air integration, unmatched customization, and proven durability. The Perdix 2 AI has been my most trusted device across more than 60 dives, from cold Lake Michigan wrecks to warm reef drifts. Whether you're a data-driven recreational diver or looking to grow into tech-style capabilities, this computer delivers reliability and confidence on every dive.

Read Full Gear Review ( 9.6 / 10 )

Santi - E.Lite+ Drysuit

A rugged yet flexible drysuit ideal for cold-water diving with semi-custom fit and long-term reliability.

Read Full Gear Review ( 9.3 / 10 )

Fourth Element - Arctic Top/Bottom

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.

Read Full Gear Review ( 8.5 / 10 )

H2 - Short Bib 5/7mm

A surprisingly comfortable and effective cold water hood that balances warmth, fit, and ease of use. It has become my go-to for drysuit diving. Ideal for divers who want a secure fit without claustrophobia or bulk.

Read Full Gear Review ( 9.3 / 10 )

Fourth Element - Xerotherm Top/Bottom

A premium base layer for drysuit diving in moderate temperatures. Lightweight, streamlined, and surprisingly warm for its thickness, but the price is hard to ignore.

Read Full Gear Review ( 8.2 / 10 )

Fourth Element - Xerotherm Gloves (Light)

Generic - Wool Sport Socks

Fourth Element - Halo AR Gloves

- Silicon Spray

4th Element - Rock Hopper

Flexible, minimalist drysuit footwear that solves ankle restriction without sacrificing fin control.

Read Full Gear Review ( 8.8 / 10 )

Santi - Heavy Duty Drysuit Gloves

Bare - Ultrawarmth Glove (5mm)

A standout wet glove for serious divers who want warmth and dexterity without bulk. These Bare Ultrawarmth gloves fit like a second skin, stay warm in cold water, and hold up to repeated use without fraying or flushing. I’ve used them extensively in both wetsuit and drysuit dives down to the low 50s and was impressed enough to buy a backup pair. They outperform cheaper gloves by a wide margin.

Read Full Gear Review ( 9.3 / 10 )

Atomic - Venom Frameless Mask

High-clarity frameless mask with exceptional comfort and prescription lens compatibility. Excellent fit for larger faces. Neoprene strap upgrade and bifocal lenses make it my primary mask, with a second non-Rx version always carried as a backup.

Read Full Gear Review ( 8.9 / 10 )

OMS - Slipstream Fins

A reliable, medium-stiff paddle fin ideal for drysuit diving and long bottom times.

Read Full Gear Review ( 8.6 / 10 )

OrcaTorch - D720

A reliable, adjustable-beam primary dive light that performs across all environments. The Orcatorch D720 has been with me on every dive for over a year, delivering consistent brightness, flexible beam control, and durable construction. Whether I’m diving cold quarries, guiding students, or traveling for warm water, this light adapts to the conditions and never lets me down.

Read Full Gear Review ( 8.4 / 10 )

Oxycheq - Raider III

A lightweight, low-profile Goodman-style handle that delivers secure control and full finger dexterity. The Oxycheq Raider III has been my preferred mount for slim dive lights like the D720, offering a stable and comfortable fit without the bulk of a rigid handle. It packs easily, holds position underwater, and has never interfered with task work or trim.

Read Full Gear Review ( 8.1 / 10 )

Princeton Tech - Large Strobe

OrcaTorch - D710

A compact, budget-friendly dive light that exceeded expectations across 100 dives. The Orcatorch D710 was my primary for a full year and now serves as a trusted backup on every dive. With solid brightness, dependable performance, and zero failures, it remains a simple but reliable part of my core kit.

Read Full Gear Review ( 8.3 / 10 )

Trilobite - Cutting Tool

- Scissors

Halcyon - 6ft Closed End dSMB (skinny)

Halcyon - Defender Spools

Suunto - SK8

One of the most reliable analog compasses available. It is fast-settling, highly accurate, and easy to read even in low visibility. I’ve used it on every dive for the past two years with a bungee mount and have never had a performance issue. If you want a compass that simply works, without bubbles, drift, or delay, this is it.

Read Full Gear Review ( 9.2 / 10 )

- Emergency Whistle

xDeep - Bolt Snaps

Divevolk - SeaTouch 4 Max+ w/ Filter Kit

Rainleaf - Microfiber Towel

Halcyon - Master SPG

A precision brass SPG with clean markings and a rugged build, it delivers what cheap gauges don’t: trust. I use it as my standard SPG across all configurations and it has never failed to perform. Clear readings, no bounce, and a red zone that starts at the right place.

Read Full Gear Review ( 9.0 / 10 )