In 2013, needessentials launched with one goal: make epic surf gear. Forsaking bloated marketing budgets, advertising materials, and unneccessary gimmicks, they cut straight to the heart of what a surf brand shout be. They endeavored to build wetsuits, boardshorts, and other equipment that was made to last and perform even under the most demanding conditions.
Based in Torquay, Australia, needessentials is 100-percent independently owned and operated. By surfers, for surfers. No licensing partners. No private equity money. No logos. No slick ads. They cut out all the unnecessary bullshit. And because of this they’re able to put affordability front and center. Understanding that chasing waves takes money, they put a premium on getting you out there over raking in the profits.
One of the cornerstones of needessentials has been their collaboration with wandering filmmaker Torren Martyn. Their involvement in his projects like “Lost Track” reflects the company’s belief that surf storytelling and exploration are more meaningful than traditional advertising. Needessentials isn’t simply positioning itself as a more affordable wetsuit brand. It’s rethinking what a surf company should to be today. Here are six of our favorite pieces from their deep arsenal:
4/3mm Natural Rubber Liquid Sealed Wetsuit
Natural rubber wetsuits have become an increasingly compelling alternative to conventional neoprene, and needessentials makes a strong case with its 4/3 Natural Rubber Liquid Sealed model. Constructed with OCENA-certified natural rubber rather than neoprene, the suit also incorporates recycled nylon lining and outer fabric made from approximately 45 recycled plastic bottles. Sustainability credentials aside, this is a serious cold-water suit. External liquid-sealed seams, glued and blind-stitched construction, and internal seam taping work together to minimize flushing, while sealed cuffs and a chest bib-zip entry with internal water barrier help keep cold water where it belongs: outside. Inside, the rapid-dry thermal lining provides warmth without sacrificing flexibility, and four-way stretch kneepads offer additional durability. Fair Trade Certified manufacturing and FSC-certified materials round out the package. For surfers looking to move beyond traditional neoprene without compromising performance, this 4/3 delivers a thoughtfully engineered option for winter sessions.
4/3mm Liquid Sealed Thermal Hooded Chest Zip
Liquid Sealed Thermal Hooded Chest Zip through the paces.
Courtesy Needessentials
When winter settles in and the water temperature drops, keeping your head warm can make the difference between a productive session and a quick retreat to the parking lot. The needessentials 4/3 Hooded Liquid Sealed Thermal Chest Zip Wetsuit takes a proven cold-water design and adds an integrated hood for increased heat retention. Built from 360-degree stretch limestone neoprene, the suit features external liquid-sealed seams, fully glued and blind-stitched construction, and internal seam taping to reduce water entry. An 80-percent rapid-dry thermal lining provides insulation, while the chest-zip entry incorporates an internal water barrier. Sealed cuffs and reinforced four-way stretch kneepads add practical durability, and an internal key stash takes care of the small essentials. Designed and tested for water temperatures between 47 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s a compelling option for surfers facing consistently cold conditions. The hood eliminates one more piece of gear to remember, and one more potential avenue for heat loss.
30 Litre Dry Pack
Courtesy Needessentials
Few things are more miserable than arriving at your destination with a damp sleeping bag, soggy layers, or bag full of wet gear. The needessentials 30-Liter Dry Pack is designed to prevent exactly that. Its fully welded construction and reinforced, two-centimeter main-body seams are built to keep water out, or contain the aftermath of a surf session. The 30-liter capacity offers plenty of room for wetsuits, towels, and extra layers, while a waterproof front zip pocket keeps smaller essentials separated. Unlike many minimalist dry bags, this one features a padded, ergonomic back panel and air-mesh shoulder straps, making it comfortable to carry on longer hikes to remote breaks. A flap-style rucksack closure and upper compression straps add versatility, with the latter useful for securing a jacket or rolled-up towel. At just over a kilogram, it’s a practical option for surfers who regularly combine cold-water sessions with road trips, camping, or extended outdoor adventures.
Twilight Expedition Boardshort
Courtesy Needessentials
Winter boardshorts? Absolutely. For surfers who spend time in warmer water during the colder months, or those who escape winter altogether, the needessentials Twilight Expedition Boardshort is a versatile travel companion. Made from 92-percent recycled polyester and 8-percent spandex, the 360-degree stretch fabric is lightweight, quick-drying, and designed to minimize water absorption without sacrificing mobility. The 18-inch leg length sits comfortably above the knee, while a softener wash gives the material a pleasantly broken-in feel. Thoughtful details include self-draining hip pockets with YKK wet-seal zippers, an internal key loop, and a reinforced fly gusset. The waistband features multiple adjustment points and a non-slip rubber-injected drawcord, helping keep things secure when you’re paddling out or navigating a beach break. The understated Twilight colorway and logo-free design are a welcome change from loud, heavily branded surf trunks. Simple, functional, and ready for wherever winter takes you.
Hemp/ Organic Cotton Work Shirt
Courtesy Needessentials
The needessentials Hemp / Organic Cotton Work Shirt is a heavyweight, hard-wearing layer that looks equally at home around a beach bonfire, on a chilly morning coffee run, or wrenching on boards in the garage. Made from a 55-percent organic hemp and 45-percent organic cotton blend, the 360 GSM fabric has a substantial feel, with a sueded finish and garment wash that give it a comfortable, broken-in texture right off the rack. The Dunegrass colorway leans into earthy, understated tones, while the fabric is designed to soften and fade naturally over time. It’s a relaxed, practical alternative to the usual flannel rotation, with enough heft to serve as an outer layer on mild days or a midlayer when temperatures really dip. A solid addition to any surfer’s cold-weather wardrobe.
Hemp / Organic Cotton Work Pant
Courtesy Needessentials
There’s a certain satisfaction in finding a pair of pants that can handle the demands of everyday life without looking like you’re perpetually headed to the hardware store. The needessentials Hemp / Organic Cotton Work Pant manages that balance nicely. Constructed from a heavyweight 360 GSM blend of 55-percent organic hemp and 45-percent organic cotton, these pants offer a durable, substantial feel with a sueded finish and garment wash that soften things up considerably. The relaxed, straight-leg cut keeps things comfortable and unfussy, whether you’re stacking firewood, driving to the beach, or heading out for dinner after a cold-water session. The Twilight colorway is a versatile dark shade that pairs easily with everything from hoodies to heavyweight work shirts. Hemp also brings natural strength and longevity to the fabric. These are thoughtfully designed everyday pants that feel built for the long haul, not just another seasonal wardrobe addition.
Related: Torren Martyn Flips the Script with an Experimental 4’6″ in ‘Unconventional Craft’