Planning a cold water scuba dive? This is the gear I personally use and trust for deep, low-temperature dives. Each item listed below has been tested by me in real-world conditions. While my current mask and the Scubapro G200 regulator are no longer available due to age, I’ve included high-quality, up-to-date alternatives. Click the links to view prices on Amazon or Dive Right In Scuba — these are affiliate links, which help support ScubaBlast.com at no extra cost to you.
Scuba Equipment I Trust: My Personal Dive Setup
Bare Reactive 7mm Wetsuit
The Bare Reactive 7mm wetsuit is the suit I use on all of my dives — and I highly recommend it for anyone diving in cold water. I’ve personally used this wetsuit in temperatures as low as 43°F, and it consistently delivers warmth, flexibility, and comfort.
What makes the Bare Reactive stand out is its infrared thermal lining, which reflects your body heat to keep you warmer without sacrificing mobility. The full-stretch neoprene construction allows for an easy, snug fit without feeling restrictive, and the seamless design around the shoulders and back makes it ideal for long, multi-dive days.
Whether you're diving in fresh or saltwater, wrecks or open water, this suit offers outstanding insulation and durability. I trust it on every dive, and it's one of the best cold water wetsuits I've ever owned.
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Aqua Lung
Axiom Scuba Diving BCD
The AquaLung Axiom BCD is one of the most comfortable and reliable buoyancy compensators I’ve used in over 30 years of diving. I personally dive with the Axiom in cold water environments and I highly recommend it.
This jacket-style BCD features AquaLung’s Wrapture™ Harness System, which keeps the tank stable and evenly balanced without squeezing your torso. The SureLock II weight integration system makes ditching weights easy and secure, while the adjustable chest and shoulder straps ensure a snug, customized fit. I especially like how streamlined it feels in the water — it doesn’t ride up or shift during the dive.
With multiple stainless steel D-rings, large utility pockets, and durable construction, the Axiom is a top choice for divers who want performance, comfort, and versatility in one package.
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Aqua Lung 7mm Echozip Scuba Diving Boots
The Aqua Lung 7mm Echozip scuba diving boots are my personal choice for cold water diving, and I wear them on every dive. If you're looking for warmth, comfort, and a snug fit that holds up in tough conditions, I highly recommend these boots.
Designed for cold water environments, the 7mm neoprene construction provides excellent insulation, helping keep your feet warm even in water temperatures below 50°F. The durable zipper with a water-entry barrier minimizes flushing, and the thick rubber sole offers solid grip and protection on slippery boat decks and rocky shore entries.
I’ve used these boots for all my dives which are cold water and found them to be both flexible and tough.
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Aqualung 3MM Thermocline Dive Gloves
I’ve personally used the AquaLung 3mm Thermocline dive gloves on multiple dives, and they’re a great choice for moderate water temperatures and warm-water wreck dives. They’re easy to put on and take off, even after a long dive when your hands are wet or tired — which I really appreciate.
These gloves offer a good balance of warmth, dexterity, and flexibility, making them ideal for shallower or warmer dives where full insulation isn't critical. The textured palm adds solid grip, and the snug cuff design helps keep water flushing to a minimum.
That said, if you're diving deeper or in cold water (like the Great Lakes at depth), I recommend going with a heavier glove — something in the 5mm range. I still use the 5mm gloves that came with my original wetsuit for those conditions, and the added insulation makes a big difference.
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H1 5/7mm Vented Anatomical Dive Hood
The H1 5/7mm Vented Anatomical Dive Hood is my go-to hood for cold water diving, and I use it regularly. If you're looking for reliable thermal protection and comfort, I highly recommend this dive hood.
Designed for extreme conditions, the H1 features 5mm neoprene around the face and 7mm insulation over the head and neck, offering excellent warmth where you need it most. The anatomical shape ensures a snug fit without restricting movement or causing pressure points. What I really like is the vented design, which allows trapped air to escape — reducing bubbling and making it more comfortable during descent.
Whether you’re diving in near-freezing freshwater or cold ocean temps, this hood has done a great job of keeping me warm and protected from the elements.
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Although my current dive mask is no longer in production, I’ve been researching a replacement — and the Atomic Frameless Mask is the one I’ll be switching to next. I’ve tried it on, and it fits incredibly well with a soft, low-profile silicone skirt that seals comfortably and securely on my face.
As someone who's been diving for decades, comfort and clarity are essential. The Atomic Frameless Mask offers a wide field of view, high-quality tempered glass, and a frameless design that sits closer to the face — reducing volume and improving visibility. The strap and buckle system is also simple to adjust, even with gloves on.
This is a top-rated option among both recreational and technical divers, and based on my own fit test and research, I’ll be using it as my go-to once my current mask finally retires.
Atomic:
Frameless Mask
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The Seac Propulsion Fins are my current go-to fins for diving. I recently changed from my rocket fins to the Seac Propulsion fins and I am anticipating great things with an increase in my energy and less fatique. I highly recommend them for divers who want a balance of power, speed, and control.
Compared to my old Rocket Fins, the Seac Propulsion Fins are about 1.5 times longer, offering significantly better thrust with each kick. That extra length gives you more propulsion without added effort, which is especially helpful in currents or when diving with heavier gear. Despite their longer size, they’re surprisingly easy to maneuver and don’t cause leg fatigue — even on longer dives.
The flexible yet sturdy blade design and comfortable foot pocket make these fins a great choice for divers who want efficiency without sacrificing comfort.