First impressions: a suit that’s built to last
As noted, this was my first drysuit and I immediately felt confident in its protective abilities. The Northern Diver HID’s commercial-grade construction immediately communicates its primary focus: durability.
It almost feels like a technical suit designed for carrying out industrial repairs underwater.
Years after my first drysuit dive and following my experience with six other suits, the HID certainly feels like the most rigid trilaminate suit I’ve tested. It’s also heavier and slightly more constrictive by comparison to the Hollis DX-300X or Fourth Element Argonaut 3.0, for example. Remember the cost of the Northern Diver is half of the former and less than a third of the latter.
Along with the robust build of the HID, substantial pockets and a wealth of accessories will appeal to technical divers and commercial activities. I love that there’s an equipment strap, standard on this suit, to keep my dive computer in place. I’m a fan of the V-Tech valves for their low-profile.
A sub-$1,300 (£999) price tag makes it also immediately interesting for anyone who dives in cold water in general. Having used semi-drysuits a lot, this suit introduced me to the freedom to disregard temperature and all the discomfort that goes with it.
And, while not the most travel-friendly suit, it’s garnered a lot of fans for doing what it promises.
Material and construction: sturdy trilaminate
It’s like a shield of fabric. The HID’s proprietary black Aquatex fabric defines its character. This trilaminate material offers significantly more protection against abrasion and punctures than lighter suits.
The Constant Fit Tension Flex system helps manage the material’s stiffness, providing better mobility than you might expect from such robust construction. While some suits prioritize flexibility and comfort, the HID balances protection with usability.
At the knees, extra padding offers increased protection from abrasion.
Seals and zipper system: front-entry metal zip
The front-entry BDM metal zip system is a workhorse, though it demands a little more effort to open and close. It should be waxed before each use to mitigate this.
To be honest, BDM zippers aren’t my favorite. In particular when cold fingers need to work the zipper open, I don’t like feeling like a weakling when I need to get out of the suit for a pee.
The Constant Fit Tension Flex system helps reduce stress on both the zipper and neck seal during donning and doffing. This helpful design feature helps extend the life of these critical components.
Storage and functionality: plenty of pockets
The HID’s storage solutions are comprehensive but contribute to its overall bulk. The right thigh features a zipped transporter pocket with integrated knife holder, while the left thigh sports a hook-and-loop fastened bellows pocket.
The addition of the anti-slip equipment anchor for a dive computer on the forearm is something I miss on a lot of other suits.
Valves
The HID drysuit has V-Tech valves, renowned for their low-profile design, minimizing bulk and snagging. These valves have 5-star airflow for efficient inflation and deflation.
I found them to be responsive and easy to operate in cold waters. The low-profile deflator valve is also nice when putting on a BCD or backplate as it doesn’t get caught on the shoulder straps like the Si-Tech valves I have on my BARE X-Mission, for example.
Sizing and ordering: flexible options
Stock sizes range from S to XXXL. When ordering, you’ll provide your height and weight and shoe sizes. Northern Diver offers plenty of guidelines to find the right measurements.
Made-to-measure options are available for those needing custom sizing, though this requires a 12-week lead time.
My suit was generally easy to get fitted for. Some room was left for undergarments too. Contact the company or talk to a retailer when buying so you can describe the conditions you’ll be diving in order to get the ideal size.
Stock suits typically ship in 10-15 working days for delivery.
Boot sizes are pretty true to fit. I have just enough room for some thick wool socks. The boots have a decent undersole, good enough for shore diving. They’re thicker than the Flex boots that BARE uses, but they’re also noticeably bigger.
Price/Quality Ratio
The Northern Diver HID offers remarkable value, delivering commercial-grade durability at a price point that’s notably competitive. While it’s not the most refined or lightweight option available, its robust construction and comprehensive feature set make it an excellent investment for those prioritizing reliability and protection.
Do we recommend the Northern Diver HID drysuit?
We recommend the Northern Diver HID for commercial and technical divers seeking a durable, reliable suit at an accessible price point. Its heavier construction and substantial features make it less ideal for recreational divers, especially those prioritizing travel-friendly gear.
At less than $1,300, the price point makes it a very appealing entry-level drysuit too.
The included accessories package adds significant value, providing everything needed to get started: hood, valves, hose, carry bag, and maintenance supplies.
Specs & Features
| Material | Black Aquatex trilaminate |
|---|---|
| Neck seals | Neoprene |
| Wrist seals | Silicone or latex |
| Weight | Not specified |
| Fit | Off-the-rack (S to XXXL) and made-to-measure |
| Zip location | Front-entry BDM metal zip |
| Boots or socks | Attached boots |
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