Open Box Hoods & Vests — Targeted Warmth Where You Lose It Fastest

A significant share of body heat is lost through the head, and in cold water that loss is fast enough to end a dive early. A hood is the cheapest meaningful upgrade to thermal comfort a diver can make — often the difference between a 30-minute dive and a full one at the same temperature.

Hooded vests do the same job for the core, adding a torso layer under a wetsuit without committing to a thicker suit. This collection covers hoods, bibbed hoods, and hooded vests in a range of thicknesses. Every item is inspected and graded before listing; see Product Conditions for full definitions.

Getting Hood Fit Right

A hood needs to seal against the face and neck without restricting blood flow. Too loose and cold water flushes through continuously; too tight and it presses on the carotid area, which is genuinely uncomfortable and can cause dizziness.

The face seal should sit flat against your skin with no gaps, and the neck should be snug but not constricting. Most hoods include a vent to release exhaled air that migrates up from the mask — without it, trapped air lifts the hood off your head during the dive.

Bibbed or Unbibbed?

A bibbed hood has an extended skirt that tucks under your wetsuit collar, sealing the gap at the neck where cold water otherwise flushes in. It's noticeably warmer and the standard choice for cold water. Unbibbed hoods are simpler and easier to don, and suit milder conditions or use with a drysuit neck seal.

Choosing Thickness

• 2–3mm — temperate water, or under a hooded vest as a second layer
• 5mm — the general-purpose cold water choice for most divers
• 7mm and above — genuinely cold water, ice diving, and long bottom times

Why Buy Open Box Hoods & Vests from DiveCatalog.com?

• Inspected and graded — condition stated clearly on every listing
• Expert sizing advice — our team can help you match thickness and fit to your conditions
• Fast shipping — in-stock items ship within one business day
• 30-day returns — with RMA approval; see our Returns & Exchanges page
• Rewards program — earn points on every purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

How tight should a hood be?

Snug enough that the face and neck seals sit flat with no gaps, but never tight enough to press uncomfortably on your neck or restrict movement. If you feel pressure at the sides of your throat, it's too small.

What is the vent on a hood for?

Air exhaled through your nose migrates up into the hood and collects at the crown, lifting it away from your head and breaking the seal. A vent lets that air escape so the hood stays in contact.

Should I get a bibbed hood?

For cold water, yes. The bib tucks under your wetsuit collar and closes the neck gap that would otherwise flush cold water into the suit. It's a meaningful warmth difference for a small amount of extra bulk.

Do open box hoods come with a warranty?

No. Open box and used products are not eligible for manufacturer warranty coverage.

Browse the full collection above, or see Open Box Wetsuits and all Open Box & Used gear.