Scuba Diving Gloves for Cold Water

When we think of diving, we usually envision warm, tropical waters complete with sea wreckage. However, there are a number of scuba diving sites with cold water and enthusiasts who prefer colder waters that are equally stunning. 

This includes freezing temperatures such as the waters in the Antarctic and Arctic regions all of which offer beautiful spots for divers who have appropriate equipment. This includes specially designed scuba diving gloves for cold water.

Why you need diving gloves specially made for the cold

Normal diving gloves are designed to provide divers with thermal protection, as well as, protection from sharp underwater objects such as coral. However, these only provide adequate warmth for water that falls between 30° to 40°F.

Scuba diving gloves that are specifically made to weather cold conditions are made of different thicknesses that can withstand much colder temperatures. Needless to say, the thicker the material, the more warmth you retain. Typically, most experts recommend gloves that are at most 5mm thick for divers who prefer cold waters.

Besides being thick enough to maintain your core body temperature, the rest of its features are pretty similar to scuba gloves that are meant for warm waters. For example, they have a special surface on the palm that is either made of rubber or leather which allows divers to grip objects firmly. However, unlike these, cold scuba gloves do not come with Velcro closures since the material they are made of is thick enough to create a seal around a hand.

Hypothermia risk

What makes these gloves extremely important for cold water divers is the fact that they can prevent hypothermia from setting in. This condition is not uncommon in divers who wear scuba gear that is meant for tropical settings. After submerging in water that exceeds 60° to 70°F, their normal body temperature starts to drop rapidly.

Our normal body temperature is about 98°F and hypothermia sets in when it drops below that number. When that happens, the nervous system and organs start to shut down slowly but surely. When left untreated, the condition can prove fatal. This happens more times than you can count because hypothermia sets in minutes.

With the surface miles above you, do you really want to risk it by foregoing cold-resistant scuba gloves? We lose heat from extremities first, such as our hands so if you wear thick dive gloves, you can prevent precious heat loss or make your body lose heat too slowly to allow hypothermia to set in.

BEST SCUBA DIVING GLOVES FOR COLD WATER

Here are some of the best dive gloves in the market that can keep your hands from losing warmth in freezing water.  

Conclusion

While all of the cold water scuba diving gloves are ideal for winter divers, the BARE 3-finger Mitt stands head and shoulders above them all. Unlike the others, it gives you an additional 2mm in thickness which makes a substantial difference if you are in cold water or even Arctic conditions. 

Plus, the unique 3-finger mitt design both protects your hands from injuries and keeps them warm enough to prevent the onset of hypothermia.

Remember, scuba diving gloves for cold water are essential gear for your safety not only your comfort. Gloves designed to prevent ‘white fingers’, are made so you can withstand the cold and remain stress-free during a dive. Investing in the BARE 3-finger Mitt  will ensure you are safe and comfortable while you enjoy the wonders of your cold water dive.