Photo: Patagonia

Put this on your dream gear list. It’s on mine. The next time you’re investing in a wetsuit, you might want to visit your local Patagonia store.

Their wetsuits are unbelievable. I don’t own one, but I had the opportunity to try one myself during a cold fall session in Ocean Beach, San Francisco. The Patagonia neoprene is unlike any traditional neoprene on the market.

It’s lighter, softer, and more flexible. It’s made from the highest grade of Japanese neoprene and has a “98% closed-cell ratio, which adds dead air space and with it, warmth.”

Beneath the high grade neoprene is a thin layer or merino wool. The merino wool lining is brilliant. Extremely soft, it has the ability to keep the body warm even in frigid and wet conditions. Wool lining is a breakthrough in wetsuit development.

Ecologically speaking, the polyester is recycled, the wool is chlorine-free, and the PVC kneepads and neoprene are thinner than traditional wetsuits. More warmth, less neoprene. It’s not completely recycled, but Patagonia’s suits are one step closer to achieving sustainability and pushing the limits of product design.

Important wetsuit specs:
-R2 suits: 55 to 65 degrees. Cold
-R3 suits: 48 to 55 degrees. Super Cold
-R4 suits: 38 to 48 degrees. Frigid.

Needless to say. It’s the Ferraris of wetsuits. No expense is spared.

Price: Expensive | Where to buy: Patagonia Wetsuit Retailers