Whether you’re diving into tropical waters or catching waves along the UK coast, the Osprey Source Wetsuit is designed to balance flexibility and warmth for warm-weather conditions.
Combining 3mm of premium neoprene with thermal insulation, this wetsuit aims to keep you warm while maintaining flexibility for activities like surfing, scuba diving, and paddleboarding.
I’ll be exploring the wetsuit’s standout features and seeing how it truly performs across different water conditions. But does the Osprey Source Wetsuit really combine sustainability, comfort, and ease of use?
Keep reading to find out if this eco-friendly wetsuit lives up to expectations.
Table of Contents
Introducing Osprey Source 3mm Wetsuit
The Osprey Source 3mm Wetsuit is an eco-friendly, limestone-based neoprene wetsuit designed for watersport enthusiasts.
Its flexible and lightweight design reduces petroleum use, making it a more sustainable choice. Ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers, divers, and paddleboarders, this wetsuit offers reliable performance in moderate water temperatures, blending comfort and environmental consciousness.
Key Activities: Surfing, Diving, and General Watersports
The Osprey Source 3mm Wetsuit is perfect for those participating in surfing, diving, paddleboarding, and general watersports in warm to moderate water conditions. In the UK, it’s suitable for summer surfing, and with some layering, it can be used in cooler waters. The wetsuit’s eco-friendly construction appeals to those looking to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing performance or comfort.
Key Features of the Osprey Source Wetsuit:
- 3mm Limestone-Based Neoprene: Eco-friendly, flexible, and comfortable
- Flatlock Seams: Durable and designed to prevent water entry
- Back Zipper: Easy pull tab for efficient water sealing
- Ergonomic Fit: Streamlined for comfort during long sessions
- Wrist and Ankle Seals: Prevent water flushing for better insulation
First Impressions
What Are the Key Features of the Osprey Source Wetsuit?
The Osprey Source Wetsuit combines sustainability and performance, offering eco-friendly materials and superior functionality.
Designed for all body types, the wetsuit ensures flexibility, warmth, and durability in moderate water conditions.
Material and Thickness
The Osprey Source Wetsuit uses 86% recycled nylon and limestone-based neoprene treated with Japanese limestone, eliminating all Petro Chemical ingredients.
This material offers improved stretch, warmth, and durability. The 3/2mm thickness provides an ideal balance between insulation and flexibility.
This is easily the softest wetsuit I have ever tried on, it is like a second skin.
Seams and Construction
The wetsuit features durable flatlock seams, which are designed to lie flat against the skin, preventing irritation and chafing during extended use.
These seams also enhance water resistance by minimising water entry, while ensuring flexibility and long-lasting comfort in various water conditions.
Zipper Design and Placement
The front YKK zipper allows easy entry and exit, and includes a button lock to secure the zip in place, preventing any accidental unzipping.
Additional features like wind-resistant mesh and a key loop enhance practicality for surfers. It wasn’t till I was in the wetsuit that I noticed them. These small features aren’t apparent at first glance, but Osprey have certainly considered the smaller details here.
Ergonomic Design
The wetsuit features ergonomic panelling for enhanced movement, with 3mm on the chest and 2mm on the arms and legs to ensure flexibility without sacrificing warmth. The super stretch collar adds extra comfort and helps prevent water flushing into the wetsuit.
Additional Features
The water-based glue used in construction is non-toxic and reflects Osprey’s commitment to the environment, further enhancing the wetsuit’s eco-friendly credentials.
How Does the Osprey Source Wetsuit Perform in Cold Water Conditions?
The Osprey Source Wetsuit provides reliable insulation for moderate water temperatures, balancing warmth and flexibility.
Below, we explore its performance across different conditions and its ideal water temperature range.
Thermal Insulation & Warmth
The Osprey Source Wetsuit features 3mm limestone-based neoprene, providing moderate thermal insulation suitable for spring and autumn conditions. While it efficiently retains body heat, keeping your core warm in cooler waters, it may not be sufficient for winter dives. The eco-friendly neoprene ensures comfort during extended surf or dive (only summer for UK scuba divers) sessions by maintaining warmth effectively.
Year-round Suitability
Best suited for warmer months, the Osprey Source excels in temperatures from late spring to autumn.
For winter or extreme cold water conditions, users may want to layer up or choose a thicker wetsuit. Its versatility makes it a go-to option for mild climates, though not the top choice for icy waters.
Different Water Conditions
The Osprey Source Wetsuit is perfect for UK surfers, providing reliable insulation for spring and autumn. However, its 3mm thickness may feel too thin for winter waters. For warmer conditions abroad, it’s ideal for scuba diving and watersports, offering flexibility and comfort without overheating.
How Comfortable is the Osprey Source Wetsuit During Long Sessions?
The Osprey Source 3mm wetsuit excels in comfort, offering a combination of eco-friendly materials, thoughtful design, and high performance. After trying it myself, I can confidently say it’s one of the most comfortable wetsuits I’ve ever worn—and I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting that level of softness and flexibility.
Let’s break down the key features that contribute to its superior comfort:
Fit and Sizing
The Osprey Source wetsuit provides a snug, flexible fit, running true to size for most users.
For those with broader shoulders or who require more mobility, going a size up can offer extra comfort without restricting movement.
The wetsuit stretches to your body shape perfectly, thanks to the limestone-based neoprene, which conforms to the body for a customised fit. Always refer to the sizing chart to ensure the best fit for your water activities.
Flexibility and Movement
The limestone neoprene offers superior stretch and flexibility, making it easy to paddle, surf, or manoeuvre underwater. When I wore it, the wetsuit felt lightweight and unrestrictive, which is crucial during long water sessions.
The material’s softness really stood out—it stretches perfectly to my body, which adds to the overall confidence when out on the water.
Chafing and Irritation
The soft seals around the neck and cuffs are designed to minimise irritation, even during extended periods in the water.
I found the seals did a great job at keeping irritation at bay, and for most users, the wetsuit should feel comfortable during long sessions. However, for those with particularly sensitive skin, wearing a rash guard underneath could provide extra protection.
Normally, I want to exit my wetsuit as soon as quick as I can after coming out the water, but this one was so comfortable, I was happy to keep it on. So, if you’re a surfer or swimmer that spends hours in and out the water, it’s a super comfortable option.
This is not the first Osprey wetsuit I have been lucky enough to try. I tested one of their previous range, the Long Jane. Although made from traditional neoprene, this was still a great entry level wetsuit.
How Does the Osprey Source Wetsuit Look?
The Osprey Source Wetsuit not only performs well but also looks fantastic. I personally love its minimalistic design—it’s clean, stylish, and makes you feel the part the moment you put it on. The wetsuit’s sleek black and gold colour scheme adds a touch of sophistication, helping you stand out while maintaining a refined look.
For me, the way this wetsuit fits is a huge part of its appeal. It’s snug without being restrictive, and the limestone-based neoprene stretches perfectly to your body shape, giving it a tailored feel. The fit really enhances the overall look, making you feel confident and comfortable both in and out of the water.
What Should You know About Osprey Action Sports?
Osprey Action Sports are a trusted business with a 4.4 rating on Trustpilot and 4.5 rating on Google Reviews.
They’re known for their eco and sustainability as well as easy to order process.
Sustainability
1 order = 1kg ocean bound plastic removed
Easy Returns
30-day return policy if you change your mind
UK Based
A small, UK-based company with experience
Free Delivery
Free delivery that takes 1 to 3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Osprey Source Wetsuit?
At £89.99, the Osprey Source wetsuit offers affordability while maintaining eco-conscious features. It stands out as a budget-friendly option for those looking for a high-performing wetsuit without breaking the bank, making it ideal for beginners or those not ready to invest in premium alternatives.
Are Osprey wetsuits good?
Yes, Osprey wetsuits are highly regarded for their comfort and quality. Having tested both the Source and Long Jane, I can say they deliver excellent performance. The Source wetsuit stands out with its eco-friendly design, featuring petrochemical-free limestone-based neoprene and other sustainable materials, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious water sports enthusiasts.
Is a 3mm wetsuit ok for the UK?
A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for the UK’s water temperatures between July and October when the average sea temperature is around 15°C. In these conditions, additional gear like gloves, boots, or a hood isn’t necessary, making the 3mm thickness perfect for most UK surfers during these months.
