Question Show me how you keep gear streamlined [Pics Requested]

[BHWookiee]

The hydros is a good B/C but it has some limitations, I’ve sold mine and just do bp/w again. The hydros has a ridged plastic backplate and can accommodate a crotch strap, the D rings are small but are generally adequate for a few things clipped off, the webbing is soft so it’s best (as far as I was concerned) to tie some small bungee into loops for securing gear leaving the loop loose and leaving a knot for something to grab to resecure things like the light if you were to use it.

The trick is to think about what you want to carry and find a way to put it where it will be useable without worrying about how it looks.

So basically just tie off a couple of loops on each side so I can randomly attach stuff whenever? Assume at least two points per item to prevent swinging.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

So basically just tie off a couple of loops on each side so I can randomly attach stuff whenever? Assume at least two points per item to prevent swinging.

You will need to attach a bolt snap and clip off to the d-ring, like on the light in my photo. This will do 2 things-1) Allow you to use just one bungee loop, 2) Keep your item from slipping out from under the bungee and into the oblivion.

 

[lexvil]

So basically just tie off a couple of loops on each side so I can randomly attach stuff whenever? Assume at least two points per item to prevent swinging.

Basically yes, you’ll have the clipped end to the D ring and a loop one the shoulder strap to keep it from swinging around. I’ll take some pics after my gear dries a bit.

Adding a few pics
The most streamlining is with rubber (cut from inner tube usually) that will hold everything tight

With soft webbing these can be hard to use or with dry gloves it’s hard to restore the loose end, so

A loose loop of bungee with a knot can serve to resecure things and be easier to do with gloved on.

 

[BHWookiee]

Basically yes, you’ll have the clipped end to the D ring and a loop one the shoulder strap to keep it from swinging around. I’ll take some pics after my gear dries a bit.

Adding a few pics
The most streamlining is with rubber (cut from inner tube usually) that will hold everything tight
View attachment 900423
With soft webbing these can be hard to use or with dry gloves it’s hard to restore the loose end, so
View attachment 900424
A loose loop of bungee with a knot can serve to resecure things and be easier to do with gloved on.

Excellent, thank you!

 

[BHWookiee]

Below are a couple of pics of my updates, really liking the flashlight with bungee cord loop on the chest strap. Not sure if I love the GoPro positioning but it’s nice and secure there.

 

[BoltSnap]

Below are a couple of pics of my updates, really liking the flashlight with bungee cord loop on the chest strap. Not sure if I love the GoPro positioning but it’s nice and secure there.

View attachment 900676
View attachment 900677
View attachment 900678

I have the SP side pocket, but I no longer use it due to a design flaw. The leg strap isn’t elastic, so it either loosens as you descend and your wetsuit compresses, or becomes uncomfortably tight if adjusted underwater and then you ascend. I wish they had used an elastic strap that could automatically adapt—tightening as the suit compresses at depth and loosening as it expands near the surface.

 

[BHWookiee]

I have the SP side pocket, but I no longer use it due to a design flaw. The leg strap isn’t elastic, so it either loosens as you descend and your wetsuit compresses, or becomes uncomfortably tight if adjusted underwater and then you ascend. I wish they had used an elastic strap that could automatically adapt—tightening as the suit compresses at depth and loosening as it expands near the surface.

Yeah, I’ve noticed that it’s too uncomfortably high when clipped, but without the clip it’s too loose.

Curious, have you found a pouch that works better?

 

[BoltSnap]

Curious, have you found a pouch that works better?

I got the Hollis pocket. It works, but I wish the strap that attaches to the D-ring on the bc was narrower and softer. It works well after you install it.

What will be ideal is a pocket that has a boltsnap that attaches to the BC's d-ring so it becomes easier to remove it completely from the BC. I use a semi-dry suit with pockets when I dive in colder water so I don't need the pocket attached to the BC with this semi-dry suit.

 

[Sascha314]

On my bcd I Put a bungee Loop to the end of the pocket (there are holes to let water out). Then I can attach my backup lights there and they are not dangling or having a too big impact on streamline.
As the bcd has the buckles and you need to fasten them, actually in my bcd pretty long way, it is a hazzle to attach them there. It interferes with fastening and it has a odd position because of the buckle system.

Its time to get a bpw

 

[BoltSnap]

On my bcd I Put a bungee Loop to the end of the pocket (there are holes to let water out). Then I can attach my backup lights there and they are not dangling or having a too big impact on streamline.
As the bcd has the buckles and you need to fasten them, actually in my bcd pretty long way, it is a hazzle to attach them there. It interferes with fastening and it has a odd position because of the buckle system.

Its time to get a bpw

I have the same BC (and I own several others including BP/W's) and it is no issue at all. I don't use my BP/W for recreational diving at all anymore. I can adjust the shoulder straps with no issue with or without the light or anything else attached. I have two lights attached, the main one on the right and the backup on the left.

With the Hydros, no need to go to a BP/W for single-tank recreational diving at all, none.