Caving Suit Colours

[snebbit]

I tried a day-glo orange one from a Russian company called Splav a couple of years ago, and it certainly got a few comments in the 2 months that it lasted before falling to pieces...

 

[Stevie]

I’m still rocking a purple suit from Daleswear. Cast off from a cave retired Aunt. But I hear 90’s fashion is back!

 

[afraidofthedank]

I’m still rocking a purple suit from Daleswear. Cast off from a cave retired Aunt. But I hear 90’s fashion is back!

A purple suit is what I really want tbh. The only place I’ve found one is a US retailer selling them for $300 with a 6-9 week lead time 😬 I think that’s more than I’m willing to commit (my last one was £30).

 

[shotlighter]

I’m still rocking a purple suit from Daleswear. Cast off from a cave retired Aunt. But I hear 90’s fashion is back!

I had bought a shocking pink/electric blue fleece jacket from Dalesman - it was cheap for some reason.

 

[ClimbingCaver]

Has anyone else heard the recent whisperings of a company producing caving suits that address a few common issues?

I believe they are planning to offer multiple colour options, red not being one. Also I heard they had reinforced the usual weak spot where the 4 panels join under the crotch area but I haven't has that confirmed. Another thing I heard was they were making the suits with taped seams to help prevent water ingress, which personally I have always wondered why this isn't standard.

I may of been dreaming but if anyone else knows of these suits or where to get them would be ace to hear!

 

[ChrisB]

suits with taped seams to help prevent water ingress, which personally I have always wondered why this isn't standard

I think the reason may be that unless the wrists, ankles and neck are sealed (=drysuit), water will always get in, and if the seams are taped it can't get out unless you orientate your limbs to facilitate it, which isn't often easy to do while caving.

 

[ClimbingCaver]

I think the reason may be that unless the wrists, ankles and neck are sealed (=drysuit), water will always get in, and if the seams are taped it can't get out unless you orientate your limbs to facilitate it, which isn't often easy to do while caving.

I don't think I quite agree, I get what you're saying but on my AV suit the seams don't really let much water out, only in when under a flow such as waterfall. I think we all accept that when crawling or laying through water nothing is going to stop water ingress unless you wear a dry suit. Like you point out the cuffs and legs are open so water can freely move in and out of these. I imagine the thought process was, hood up, light waterfall, stop as much water gaining access as possible? Not sure.

The reinforcement crotch however, this is definitely an area all suit designers need to address, I don't know how many people I know that have had the suit fail here. I hope it wasn't just a rumour and that something is actually being done about it.

 

[Pitlamp]

Make a set of bungee leg loops (say 4 mm diamemeter bungee) which is held up by a belt passing through the middle bit. It'll hold the crutch up so it's not strained every time you lift your legs up but its elasticity means you'll not know you're wearing it. I started doing this many years ago when I watched people caving in a sit harness, purely to keep up the suit crutch (in caves with no pitches). The bungee leg loop idea replicates this but stops you wearing out an expensive item.

 

[rm128]

Make a set of bungee leg loops (say 4 mm diamemeter bungee) which is held up by a belt passing through the middle bit. It'll hold the crutch up so it's not strained every time you lift your legs up but its elasticity means you'll not know you're wearing it. I started doing this many years ago when I watched people caving in a sit harness, purely to keep up the suit crutch (in caves with no pitches). The bungee leg loop idea replicates this but stops you wearing out an expensive item.

I use a simple waist belt for this same reason. I guess the bungee leg loops may do a better job.

 

[Pony]

Reinforcing the crotch is a difficult problem to solve. As it's an area that is constantly flexing, reinforcing with a stronger material, multiple layers, extra stitching for example will lead to extra bulk and therefore be less flexible. Will be interesting to see how they've solved the problem.

 

[Flotsam]

Black suits are better for going through squeezes

 

[mrodoc]

Who cares? Unless you are a photographer of course!

 

[BikinGlynn]

They should deff do a camo one for those more discrete explores!

 

[ChrisB]

camo one for those more discrete explores

 

[LadyMud]

Is that in case someone wanted to hide in a herbaceous border?
💐 🌸 🌷 🌹 🥀 🌺

 

[ClimbingCaver]

I guess I just think red suits are a bit boring now. A few extra colours to to choose from wouldn't go amiss... No 'need' for them but would be nice to have.

I agree about the bulk, it's a very tricky thing to overcome that one!

 

[cap n chris]

Red is the best colour for photography; nothing else comes close to being as easily visible.

 

[ClimbingCaver]

Red is the best colour for photography; nothing else comes close to being as easily visible.

Well there we go, that's the answer why most are red, fair point. I have learnt something new. I would still like more options though, just because, well, why not.

 

[tim.rose2]

I guess we could put the colour point to a vote... (for the record I agree with Chris, red is best):

 

[ClimbingCaver]

The red does 'pop' I agree, very clear. Though even a red suit covered is mud is a suit covered in mud. Many a time have I come out looking more brown than red.