AKONA 3mm Quantum Stretch Hooded Vest
In stock — ships from Irvine, CA
This item is currently on backorder. Order now to reserve yours, and we will ship it as soon as it is back in stock.
AKONA 3mm Quantum Stretch Hooded Vest - XS (X-Small) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Pickup currently unavailable at In Store
Akona dive hood sizing. Imperial in bold, metric underneath.
| Size | Forehead in · cm |
Neck in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| XS |
19–20 48–51 |
11–12 29–32 |
| SM |
20–21 51–54 |
12–14 32–35 |
| MD |
21–22 54–57 |
14–15 35–38 |
| LG |
22–24 57–60 |
15–16 38–40 |
| XL |
24–25 60–63 |
16–17 41–43 |
| 2XL |
25–26 63–66 |
17–18 43–46 |
| 3XL |
26–27 66–68 |
18–19 46–48 |
Source: Akona’s size chart (original chart).
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Product Information
The Akona 5/3mm Hooded Vest is a hooded exposure vest built from 3mm 4-way Quantum Stretch neoprene through the torso and a 5mm 4-way Quantum Stretch hood, made to be worn on its own or layered under a wetsuit for extra core and head warmth.
Who it is for
This vest suits water sports enthusiasts wanting insulation and versatility, worn alone or paired with a wetsuit for added warmth.
Key details
The hood steps up to 5mm 4-way Quantum Stretch neoprene, with insulation placed strategically in essential warmth areas. Construction is glued and blind stitched, and the face and neck seal use a quick-drying glide skin finish. The face seal, neck, and bib are made of 3mm neoprene.
Compatibility and sizing
The vest is designed to layer under a wetsuit, and DiveCatalog stocks it in XS, S, XL, and 2XL under part number AKH506 with a size-specific suffix.
DiveCatalog.com is an authorized Akona dealer and a dive shop in Irvine, California since 2003. Call or chat with us if you have questions about sizing or how this vest fits under your wetsuit.
- 3mm Quantum Stretch torso: The body of the vest is made of 3mm 4-way Quantum Stretch neoprene.
- 5mm Quantum Stretch hood: The attached hood steps up to 5mm 4-way Quantum Stretch neoprene for added head warmth.
- Glued and blind stitched: Seams are glued and blind stitched for construction quality.
- Glide skin seals: The face and neck seal use a quick-drying glide skin material.
- 3mm seal panels: The face seal, neck, and bib are made of 3mm neoprene.
- Layering piece: Designed to be worn standalone or layered under a wetsuit for extra core warmth.
- Strategic insulation placement: Insulation is placed strategically in essential warmth areas.
- Versatile use: Suitable for water sports enthusiasts seeking insulation and versatility.
| Torso thickness | 3mm |
| Hood thickness | 5mm |
| Neoprene type | 4-way Quantum Stretch neoprene |
| Construction | Glued and blind stitched |
| Face and neck seal | Glide skin |
| Face seal, neck, and bib material | 3mm neoprene |
| Part number | AKH506 (size-specific suffix) |
| Sizes available | XS, S, XL, 2XL |
⚠️ WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness of dive boots, gloves, or hood should I choose?
As a general rule, thicker neoprene insulates more, so colder water pushes you toward thicker accessories, but fit, dive length, and personal cold tolerance matter as much as the millimeter number. Divers commonly lose a great deal of heat through the head, so a hood is often the highest-value warmth upgrade for the money. Remember that every added piece of neoprene also adds buoyancy you will need to account for.
How should dive boots fit?
Boots should fit like a snug athletic shoe, with no heel lift and no crushed toes; a little water inside is normal, a sloshing pocket is not. Try them on with the socks you would actually dive, and remember your fin foot pocket has to accommodate the boot. Hard-sole boots protect on rocky shore entries, while soft-sole boots are lighter and pack smaller for boat and travel diving.
How should dive gloves fit?
Gloves should be snug across the palm with fingertips reaching the ends without bunching, since trapped air and loose fingertips destroy dexterity. Thicker gloves are warmer but make buckles, clips, and inflator buttons harder to operate, so choose the thinnest glove that keeps you comfortable in your conditions. Try working a clip or buckle while wearing them before you commit.
How should a dive hood fit?
A hood should seal around the face and neck without restricting your throat or jaw, and lie flat on your head without pulling the mask strap out of position. A loose hood flushes cold water continuously, while an overly tight one is distracting and uncomfortable. Many hoods have a vent to release air trapped during descent, so check yours and burp out any trapped air before you go down.
Why does new neoprene feel so tight?
New neoprene compresses and relaxes with use, so a boot, glove, or hood that feels firm out of the packaging usually settles slightly after a few dives. It should still be snug afterward rather than loose, because neoprene that stretches into a loose fit was probably oversized to begin with. Buy for a snug fit when new, but never for a fit that restricts circulation or breathing.
Do I need to change my weighting when I add a hood, gloves, and boots?
Yes, because every piece of neoprene you add is buoyancy, and a hood, boots, and thick gloves together can shift your weighting noticeably. Do a proper buoyancy check any time you change your exposure protection rather than assuming your usual weight still works. The weight-check procedure is covered in your training, and a dive professional can help you re-do it.
How do I care for dive boots, gloves, and hoods?
Rinse them inside and out in fresh water after every dive day, since they hold sweat and salt more than any other gear, and dry them fully inside-out before packing. Dry them out of direct sunlight and never on a heater, because heat hardens neoprene and weakens glued seams. Store them dry and unfolded, as damp neoprene sealed in a bag is how gear picks up a permanent smell.
Can the Akona 5/3mm Hooded Vest be worn without a wetsuit?
Yes, it can be worn on its own or layered under a wetsuit for added core warmth.
What sizes does the Akona 5/3mm Hooded Vest come in?
DiveCatalog stocks this vest in XS, S, XL, and 2XL, listed under part number AKH506 with a size-specific suffix for each size. Contact DiveCatalog if you need help choosing a size for your build.
Why does the hood use a different thickness than the torso?
The hood uses 5mm 4-way Quantum Stretch neoprene while the torso uses 3mm, placing insulation in essential warmth areas.
What material is used at the face and neck seal?
The glide skin at the face and neck seal is quick-drying, and the face seal, neck, and bib use 3mm neoprene.
