Hood — What It Is and Why It Matters

A diving hood is a neoprene head covering that reduces heat loss from the head and protects the ears and neck in cold water. The head is responsible for a significant portion of body heat loss, making a hood essential in water below about 21°C (70°F). Hoods come in separate pull-on styles or as attached components of wetsuits and drysuits.

Hood thickness ranges from 3mm for mild cold to 7mm or more for very cold water. Proper fit is important — too tight causes jaw fatigue and headaches, too loose allows water flushing. Vented hoods have small openings over the ears to equalize pressure during descent.