5mm vs 3mm westsuit.

Wondering how much warmer the 5mm suit is than a 3? Ive been using my 3mm the past couple weeks and it leaves me really cold after a few hrs. Ive worn a 5mm suit before (just to try one on) and it was super stiff. It was pretty uncomfortable. But if it would keep me warmer it might be worth it. Also the possibility of going in the drink in my 3mm suit would be tuff. I dont know how long i could stand it.

Try adding some long underwear (not cotton, but synthetic) under the 3 mm, and/or a splash jacket and pants over it. And try a "squid lid" (surfer's hood) when it gets even colder.

Are you talking about a farmer John, or a full wetsuit? I would get way too warm in a 5 mm wetsuit. I use a 3 mm farmer John wetsuit. Sometimes I get cold, but as stated above, I just wear a jacket, I like my semi dry top on top of my farmer John’s in the cold.

I wear a 7mm farmer john with just underwear and a long sleeve t-shirt under it. Then I add quick dry outdoor pants and long sleeve shirt so I have pockets and NeoSport type neoprene water boots. Then I wear rain pants and rain coat and gloves without fingertips. I’m never cold.

When my 3 mm started to wear out, I switched from 3 mm to 5 mm farmer John last fall for more confidence in colder weather/water. Also got a 3 mm long sleeve wetsuit jacket for really cold days. It’s definitely stiffer and warmer in the 5 mm, and the jacket often has to come off as it warms up. A little water helps cool things down when the 5 mm is too hot, but there are times it’s really warm and sweaty. Still, I’m glad for the extra protection.

Not a full wetsuit, just a farmer. Ive tried the long johns and it did help a little bit. Im just gonna have to deal with it for the rest of the year, Rf closes in a month anyway. Just bring some hot tea on the kayak with me.

Thanks for the responses 👍

It helps if you synch up your pfd also.