Which undersuit is right for me?

Are you in the market for a new undersuit? We have a range of options from lightweight breathable suits for dry expedition caving to neoprene suits for the longest coldest wettest dales trips…

AV Illamina- The OG 

Best for: cool to cold, moderately wet trips. 

Highlights: Warm, flexible, quick draining, knee pockets for additional knee pads. 

Negatives: Too warm for some, no hood or pockets 

AV Arphidia- The standard 

Best for: warm to cool, potentially wet trips. 

Highlights: Lighter material than illamina allows for more flexibility and faster draining, thick heavy-duty zip, more padding on knees and pockets for additional knee pads 

Negatives: May be too cool, no hood or pockets 

NB that we are looking to discontinue this version of the Arphidia, to replace it with the Arbas. So when these Arphidia are gone, they’re gone! 

AV Arbas- The new Arphidia 

Very similar to the Arphidia but with a rainbow zip (around the top of bum – like a rainbow!) as well as a front zip. 

Best for:  warmer cavers, or warmer trips (if you anticipate a lot of waiting around then you will need to think about adding layers).  

Highlights:  relatively low bulk of the material facilitates fast draining and extra flexibility, rainbow zip allowing those who squat to pee to do so without stripping off, extra knee padding and pockets for additional knee pads. 

Negatives: May be too cool, no hood or pockets 

MTDE Cotero- The all-rounder 

This is a very useful and good value medium-weight suit for clubs and anyone starting out in caving. 

Best for: warm to cool, fairly dry trips 

Highlights: Good value for money, all way round zip, hip and chest pockets, Nylon reinforcements on elbows and knees 

Negatives: May not be warm or close-fitting enough for some, does not drain as well as AVs

Alp X-Pile- The warm one 

Best for: cold to very cold, moderately wet trips 

Highlights: Warmest option, high collar, close fitting cuffs 

Negatives: May be too warm, only two way stretch fabric, no hood or pockets

MTDE Butron- The lightweight one 

Best for: warm or high energy trips, layering, a great base layer for underground camping 

Highlights: Very lightweight and flexible. Quick draining, padding at knees and elbows, all the way round zip, hood, zipped chest pocket 

Negatives: Too lightweight? 

Warmbac Neofleece- The wet one 

Basically, a thin (3mm) wetsuit to just above the knee and elbow joints, with fleece lower arms and legs.  

Best for: very wet trips 

Highlights: flexible despite neoprene, heavy duty zip, sewn in neoprene knee and elbow pads 

Negatives: Not suitable for dry trips