For as long as I can remember, I’ve been attracted to the water. From snorkeling and diving to anything but graceful surfing attempts, I’ve enjoyed playing in the ocean. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found I get cold very quickly. Instead of cutting my time in the water short, I layer up with the Exowear Hooded Vest by BARE.
I discovered the Exowear Hooded Vest while diving on Hawaii Island with Kona Diving Company. A divemaster raved about how it kept her warm and toasty, so once I dried off, (and warmed up) I went to the dive shop and bought my own. I don’t think I’ve been diving or snorkeling without it in more than two years.
The vest is comprised of an outer layer, membrane, and soft, quick-dry inner fleece. Exowear’s 3-Layer fabric uses what the company calls OMNIRED™ Infrared Technology to keep users warm. According the BARE’s website, “OMNIRED™ Infrared Technology applies 13 thermo-reactive minerals woven into the suit’s fabric to convert outbound body heat into infrared energy and reflect it back to your body.” That’s a high-tech way to say it’s designed to keep you warm when you’re in the water.
The vest is slightly buoyant. I don’t notice it much when snorkeling, but it does require me to add a touch of extra weight when diving. It’s designed to fit snugly, so putting it on and taking it off takes a bit of wiggling, but it’s a small price to pay for staying warm.
While I wear the Exowear Hooded Vest primarily when snorkeling and diving, I can see it being a great option for surfing and SUP adventures.
BARE’s Exowear Hooded Vest is only offered in black. Cost is $159.95 on the BARE website.