Choosing a drysuit isn’t something most divers take lightly. It’s not just another piece of
gear—it’s something you rely on for comfort, safety, and performance in some pretty unforgiving
environments.
After a lot of research and time in the water, I landed on the BARE X-Mission Drysuit and for
me, it came down to one key idea: I didn’t just want any drysuit—I wanted my drysuit.
BUILT FOR THE WAY I DIVE
The X-Mission has a reputation for being designed with serious divers in mind—people who
spend time in caves, on wrecks, and in cold, demanding conditions.
That gave me confidence straight away.
It’s tough where it needs to be, lightweight enough to travel with, and designed for real-world
diving—not just looking good on a hanger. Whether I’m doing local cold-water dives or pushing
into more technical environments, it feels like a suit that can handle it.
LIGHTWEIGHT, DURABLE, AND TRAVEL-FRIENDLY
One of the standout things about the X-Mission is how light it is for a trilaminate suit.
It’s easy to carry, easy to pack, and doesn’t feel like a burden before or after a dive. But at the
same time, it doesn’t feel fragile. The material is rugged enough to deal with abrasion, tight
entries, and general wear without making me worry about every little scrape.
That balance between durability and weight was a big factor in my decision.
MOBILITY WITHOUT THE BULK
Fit matters—a lot.
The X-Mission’s streamlined “cave cut” design means there’s less excess material, which
translates into better movement underwater. Valve drills, finning, reaching for gear—it all feels
natural.
Even with a decent undersuit underneath, I never feel restricted. It moves with me rather than
against me, which is exactly what you want when you’re focused on the dive, not your gear.
FULLY CUSTOMISABLE – A SUIT THAT’S ACTUALLY YOURS
This is where the X-Mission really stood out for me.
The level of customisation available meant I wasn’t just buying something off the rack—I was
building a suit around how I dive.
One of my favourite features is the Si-Tech Quick Cuff system on both the wrists and the neck.
Being able to quickly swap seals without tools is a game changer. If something goes wrong, I’m
not losing a dive—I can fix it on the spot and get back in the water.
On top of that, I had the option to personalise the suit itself—including having my name added
to the pocket. It might seem like a small detail, but it adds a sense of ownership. This isn’t just a
drysuit—it’s my drysuit.
And beyond that, there are so many configuration options:
● Seal types
● Boot choices
● Pocket layouts
● Fit adjustments
It all adds up to a suit that feels tailored, not generic.
COMFORT THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
All the performance in the world doesn’t matter if a suit isn’t comfortable—and this is another
area where the X-Mission delivers.
The telescopic torso makes getting in and out straightforward, the front-entry zipper means I can
suit up without needing help, and everything just feels well thought out.
Once I’m in the water, it disappears in the best possible way. I’m not thinking about my suit—I’m
thinking about the dive.
PRACTICAL FEATURES FOR REAL DIVING
This isn’t a stripped-back minimalist shell—it’s a working diver’s suit.
The pockets are spacious and usable, not just there for show. I can carry what I need without it
getting in the way, and everything is positioned where it makes sense.
Every feature feels intentional, like it was designed by someone who actually dives.
ONE SUIT THAT DOES IT ALL
Another big reason I chose the X-Mission is its versatility.
It’s just as comfortable on a local cold-water dive as it is on a trip away. It handles recreational
dives with ease but has the capability to step into more demanding, technical situations when
needed.
That kind of flexibility means I don’t feel like I’ll outgrow it anytime soon.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At the end of the day, choosing a drysuit is about finding something that fits your diving—not just
physically, but in how it performs and adapts to your needs.
For me, the BARE X-Mission Drysuit ticks every box:
● Lightweight but tough
● Streamlined but comfortable
● Fully customisable to suit how I dive
It’s reliable, adaptable, and personal.
And that’s exactly why I choose to dive the X-Mission.
