When it comes to enhancing your drysuit for both recreational and technical diving, adding or upgrading drysuit pockets is a practical choice that can make a significant difference in organization and accessibility underwater. Drysuit pockets are designed to provide secure, streamlined storage for essential gear such as slates, backup lights, reels, cutting tools, and SMBs, keeping them close at hand without cluttering your BCD or harness. Many divers find that pockets mounted on the side of the thigh strike the perfect balance between accessibility and hydrodynamics. This placement allows for a natural reach, whether standing on a boat deck or hovering mid-water, and keeps the contents protected and streamlined under your BCD or harness straps. Features like robust Velcro closures are preferred over zippers for most divers, as they offer reliable, glove-friendly access even in cold water or emergency situations. Internal bungee loops and dividers are invaluable for securing smaller items, ensuring that nothing rattles around or gets lost during a dive. Riveted drainage grommets are another key detail, allowing water to flow freely in and out so the pocket doesn’t balloon or drag as you swim. Durable materials, such as Cordura, are favored for their resistance to abrasion and longevity, especially for divers who frequently explore wrecks, caves, or rocky shorelines.
Selecting the right drysuit pocket involves considering your unique diving style, the type of gear you carry, and your suit’s design. For those diving in colder waters or with thick gloves, larger pockets with wide openings and easy-to-grip tabs can make all the difference. Technical divers and instructors often appreciate extra compartments or internal organization for carrying backup tools, wetnotes, or markers, while photographers might prioritize quick access to lens cloths or spare batteries. If you’re outfitting a new drysuit, or looking to retrofit an existing one, professional installation is recommended to ensure watertight seams and optimal placement—ideally positioned high enough on the thigh to avoid interfering with the knee when bending, but low enough for easy access. Divers using side-mount configurations may experiment with alternative placements, but it’s important to avoid locations that could impede finning or be awkward when sitting on a dive boat. For those who enjoy gifting practical gear, drysuit pockets can be a thoughtful present for a dive buddy preparing for a big trip, an instructor upgrading their kit, or anyone who values a more organized dive experience. As the weather warms and dive season stretches from early summer into fall, having the right storage solutions on your suit means more time exploring and less time fumbling for essentials underwater.
Whether you’re a seasoned technical diver or just starting to customize your exposure protection, the right drysuit pockets can streamline your setup and give you peace of mind on every dive. Consider how your needs might change across different environments—cold lakes, temperate coastal waters, or even travel to new destinations—and choose pockets that balance capacity, durability, and ease of use. If you’re also interested in exposure suits with built-in storage, you might find inspiration by exploring our curated selection of
Wetsuits With Pockets, which offer similar convenience for those diving in milder conditions. Ultimately, a well-chosen pocket system can transform your underwater routine, keeping your gear organized and your focus on the adventure ahead.