Wearing a hood while diving can seem a little overly intense for a lot of recreational divers. However, these wetsuit hoods increase comfort and warmth on your dive, so they can absolutely be worth wearing. Whether you are diving in tropical waters or somewhere a bit colder, this article will cover some of the best scuba diving hoods to keep you diving in comfort and style beneath the waves.
Let's dive in!
Product Overview
Best Scuba Diving Hoods to Stay Comfortable
Best Overall Scuba Diving Hood
Features At a Glance
- 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm options for varying needs
- Has a neck bib for extra warmth and compatibility with wetsuits
- Fairly priced ($$)
The Details:
The NeoSport Multi Density hood is an excellent all around dive hood. It is available in three different sizes to accommodate warm, moderate, and cold temperatures. The large neck bib ill work nicely with any wetsuit to create a full coverage seal.
Meanwhile an innovative vent on the crown of the hood eliminates trapped air to keep the fit streamlined and avoid any issues.
These hoods provide full coverage of the face with just enough room for a mask and your snorkel or regulator. While most divers will find this sufficient, you do have the option to actually trim away some of the face seal to create a better, custom with your mask if necessary.
Overall, this NeoSport hood is a high quality item made of neoprene and well-stitched and sealed. In conjunction with the anatomical fit and innovative flow vent, this scuba diving hood is an excellent all around product for a totally reasonable price.
Best Value Dive Hood
Features At a Glance
- 3mm and 5mm options
- Has a neck bib for extra warmth and compatibility with wetsuits
- Low price ($)
The Details:
Skyone is famous for offering some great diving related accessories and products. Therefore, you may have reasons to like this particular model. It comes in two variants suitable for men and women. The thickness of the hood could be either 3mm or 5mm and is enriched with a number of interesting and exciting features. Let us have a look at some of the main features that make it quite unique, long lasting and offer value for money.
To begin with is made from the best quality neoprene material. As mentioned above, you could choose between 3mm and 5 mm thick neoprene diving hood. You will surely get a comfortable fit. You can move around underwater without too much restriction. Overall you certainly will have a wonderful underwater experience and it is suitable for a range of uses.
It is capable of offering total and complete protection, not only from underwater objects like sea lice and other objects but also can offer reasonably good protection UV rays. It has a naturally form fitting and it could help quite a bit in preventing water drag. The special thermal materials that are used help the users to remain warm and that may help them to concentrate on the water sport better. It may not be a completely waterproof solution but could be much better than most wetsuits.
You can use it for snorkeling, diving, swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing and canoeing apart from a few other water based sports activities and games. You also could use it as a perfect gift for family, friends, girlfriend, and boyfriend even your parents.
Finally it is highly durable and you can expect the best value for money from it. This is because of its excellent recovery property and 150% high stretch features. It has been carefully blind stitched and glued and this offers durability and superior strength. On the whole, you have many reasons to love this scuba diving hood.
Warmest Diving Hood - for colder waters
Features At a Glance
- 7mm for extra warmth on colder dives
- Does not come with bib and more suitable for use with a dry suit
- Higher quality and step up in price ($$$)
The Details:
If you are looking for a quality diving hood that comes with 7 mm thick material, then please do not miss out on having a closer look of this particular brand and make of diving hood. It is from the house of BARE and there are reasons to believe that it has a number of useful features and functionalities.
To begin with it looks good and secondly it could be a perfect combination of good looks and the best of performance. You will find it quite reasonably in pricing and you also may be satisfied with the value for money that it offers. Let us look at some more interesting features as far as this scuba diving hood is concerned.
It comes with a unique outer fabric known as ELASTEX. This is a proven material and offers the best stretch coupled with near perfect fit. The inner fabric is also worth mentioning and it helps in protecting the face from UV rays and also low water temperatures. It is made from a material called Celliant.
The users will also love the overall durability of the scuba diving hood. This is because of the high quality blind stitching and gluing. You will love the super warmth and heat retention features that it offers. It is designed to perfectly mate with a drysuit collar form BARE. However, even otherwise, it goes well with other drysuit collars and you will like it for its resist flushing, comfortable fit and other such features. It is an excellent addition to your overall diving kit tools and accessories.
It is suited for a number of underwater sporting activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and a host of other such activities. It has many positive customer reviews and therefore there are reasons to believe that you will not end up buying an inferior product. It is a product that has stood the test of time.
Best Low Cost Budget Hood
Features At a Glance
- 3mm and 5mm
- Does not come with bib and more suitable for use with a dry suit
- Low price ($)
The Details:
If you are looking for a quality diving hood from a famous manufacturer, it may make sense to have a closer look at this brand and model. The hood has some interesting and exciting features that perhaps set it apart from many other similar brands. It would be interesting to have a look at a few of them.
It offers complete protection against UV rays. Your head also will stay protected from hurt by coral, jellies, sea lice and other such things. It also will help you remain warm underwater. It comes with a natural fit on the face and this goes a long way in reducing resistances and allows you to enjoy the underwater experience quite a bit.
The diving cap is made from high quality neoprene of 3mm thickness. This helps you to experience the best diving experience. It is also flexible and comfortable even when worn for long periods of time. On the whole you will enjoy the overall diving experience.
It also offers 150% more elasticity apart from having the best of gluing and binding as far as the seams are concerned. You can stay away from the worries about tearing and you surely will have it with you for a reasonably long period of time.
It has a wide range of applications and is suitable for snorkeling, scuba diving and other underwater activities.
Features At a Glance
- 3mm neoprene
- Has a neck bib for extra warmth and compatibility with wetsuits
- Low price ($)
The Details:
You may have many reasons to like this brand and make of a wetsuit hood. It comes from the house of Pandawood, who have rich experience in this field. It is available in different sizes to suit specific needs and requirements. It is made from 3 mm neoprene that has imported nylon as the base material. Further you also have many reasons to love the eco-friendly nature of the material that is used. It has high quality heat preservation and therefore you will stay warm whenever you engage in water sports.
It is comfortable and durable because the hoods are blind-stitched and glued. This can help reduce irritation and can help you in providing maximum durability and comfort. Water penetration may get reduced quite effectively and therefore you can stay in the water for a longer period of time.
It also comes with a multifunctional design. It features an integrated flow vent design. This helps bubbles to escape through the top of the hood and prevent water exchange which is a common problem with a few makes of hoods. It also has a single-side sponge inside and this makes the hood cling to the face comfortably but tightly.
You also will love the protective layer that it offers across your entire face. You can be sure that the hood will perfectly match your facial contours. It also is quite effective in offering sun protection and also protects your face from sharp sea irritants and objects. It is perfectly suited for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing and canoeing apart from a host of other sporting activities.
It also comes with a 30-day money guarantee and therefore you can be sure that you will be able to get the best value for money.
Features At a Glance
- 5mm neoprene
- Smooth, anatomical shape and design for better adherence to wetsuit and more effective seal
- Mid level price ($$)
The Details:
The SEAC Scuba Diving Hood is certainly worth having a closer look because of a number of reasons. It certainly has all the features and attributes to quality for a good wetsuit diving hood. Many customers are happy with the unique Ultraflex construction. This offers quite a few benefits including freedom of movement. It is extremely comfortable and the smooth surface around the neck is also worth-mentioning. There are other features too and we are listing down a few of them.
It has a unique anatomical shape that helps in better fit and adherence to wetsuits. Further you also can be sure that it will have a more effective seal. You also have many reasons to like the 5mm thermal fiber lining. This is perfect for cool water of around 60 to 70 degree F. The seams of the scuba diving hood are perfectly stitched and glued.
The hood will ensure almost complete protection from sea lice and other sea objects that could pierce and cause hurt and injury to your face. It is certainly a perfect combination of good looks and excellent performance. On the whole you will love it for the value for money it offers. It comes with an overall dimension of 13 x 10 x 0.5 inches and it is lightweight, weighing only 6.35 ounces. It keeps the head warm and is perfectly suited for a range of underwater activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking. It is long lasting and durable and requires very little maintenance and upkeep. On the whole a good buy according to many reviews and most customer feedback.
How to Choose a Hood for Scuba Diving (Buying Guide)
Let's take a look at some key questions and considerations when it comes to wetsuit hoods for scuba diving.
Why do you need a wetsuit hood for scuba diving?
Wetsuit hoods for scuba diving provide a variety of benefits, but primarily the additional warmth provided is the biggest reason you may want to consider one. The neoprene hoods trap air bubbles and water around the head and help trap heat, warming the head area and keeping you comfortable on your dive. This is especially useful when water temperatures are a little chillier.
Additionally, hoods keep your hair out of the way. Many women prefer diving with a hood as it becomes a way to manage long hair from getting in the way or getting tangled in their dive gear or objects in the ocean.
Lastly, diving hoods can prevent small marine life or particles from getting in your hair, such as sea louse or seaweed. The hood will also provide coverage on your head to protect against UV rays and sunburn.
Dive Hood Characteristics
Material
Most wetsuit hoods designed for diving will be made of varying thicknesses of neoprene, the same as an ordinary wetsuit. Neoprene is a flexible and spongy material that traps the heat produced by a diver's body and keeps it from escaping.
Some hoods can also be made of thinner nylon or lycra, which don't insulate as well as neoprene, but can be easier, less bulky, and more flexible to wear.
Proper Fit
A scuba hood should be snug enough so that water can't freely move in and out of your hood. The face opening should have a snug enough fit to stay in place and not have any major gaps. Of course, the hood shouldn't be too tight. You should still be able to breathe completely normally and rotate your head fully.
Cold Water VS Warm Water and Hood Thickness
A large consideration when looking for a wetsuit hood for diving will be where you are diving at and the general water temperatures that you're diving in. Colder water will require thicker hoods to be comfortable. As a general guide, 70°F (21°C) water requires 1-3mm thickness, while 60-70°F (15.5-21°C) needs 4-5 mm, and 50-60°F (10-15.5°C) needs 6-7 mm thickness. Of course, this may vary based on your own preferences and tolerance.
Bib VS No Bib
Wetsuit hoods are designed either with or without a bib, which is an extension of the hood material to cover your entire neck and part of your shoulders and collarbone. If wearing a wetsuit or dry suit, you would tuck the bib under the suit for full body coverage. Obviously this increases warmth even further. Hoods with a bib are typically designed anticipating colder water temperatures, and therefore the face coverage is often slightly more, with just enough opening for your mask and snorkel to fit over.
Hoods without a bib are typically thinner and designed for warmer water. Additionally, they may have a more exposed face around the chin and cheeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should you use a hood for scuba diving? Are they necessary?
Whether or not you should wear a hood for scuba diving is entirely preferential. The primary benefit is warmth, so many divers who aren't uncomfortable in colder water temperatures don't find a need for them. However, many divers prefer the extra comfort and security a hood provides, even in tropical waters. Again, it mainly comes down to your personal preference and what you are using it for.
What thickness wetsuit hood should I get?
As a general guide, 70°F (21°C) water requires 1-3mm thickness, while 60-70°F (15.5-21°C) needs 4-5 mm, and 50-60°F (10-15.5°C) needs 6-7 mm thickness. Of course, this may vary based on your own preferences and tolerance.
Will a wetsuit hood prevent hypothermia?
A wetsuit hood while diving can very well prevent hypothermia in extremely cold temperatures, deep dives, long dives, or some combination. If you are diving in cold waters, you should of course be properly equipped with a dry suit and related accessories, while being absolutely sure your hood fits properly. Since significant heat loss occurs from your head, a hood can be a vital piece of attire under certain circumstances.
How do you care for and maintain a wetsuit hood?
You care for and maintain your dive hood the same as you would care for a normal neoprene wetsuit. This means you should wash it in cold, fresh water after every use and leave it out to dry completely.
Can I still equalize while wearing a hood?
Some divers can have trouble equalizing when wearing a hood. The snug fit of the hood against your ears can restrict the movement of water. You can insert your finger beneath the hood and near the ear to allow water to flow more freely, or many divers carefully create small holes right near the ear canal.
Do I need a hood with a bib?
Whether or not you need a hood with a bib depends on what kind of other dive attire you are wearing. A hood with a bib can be tucked into a wetsuit as a smart addition to create a complete seal and prevent water from seeping in to create an extra layer of warmth. However, in some cases, bibs are not suitable with some dry suits that have insulated necks, or you may not want them in warmer temperatures.
How tight should a diving hood be?
The fit of your hood should be snug enough to keep water from flowing in and out, but it should not be too tight. A firm seal around the face and neck without discomfort is what you should aim for.