Odd idea for a Halcyon backpack

[ScoobaChef]

I live in Sydney and mostly rely on public transport to get around. I use a halcyon gear bag to schlep my stuff to dive sites and while it's not that huge an issue, I just got to thinking....

I have this strong and comfortable harness and backplate and yet I'm carrying it around in another bag. Why not design a gear bag that can be bolted to the backplate so I can make use of the harness to carry everything around much more easily.

I'm thinking this might be worth a DIY experiment, but I figured I'd throw it out there first and get some opinions.

Thoughts?

 

[g1138]

There are those who just wrap their duffle in the cambands. Probably are looping the bands through the duffle straps and tightening them down as needed.

 

[ScoobaChef]

There are those who just wrap their duffle in the cambands. Probably are looping the bands through the duffle straps and tightening them down as needed.

I did think of that at first, but I'm thinking a bit more heavy duty. I'm going to restart this thread in DIY, it's more appropriate there. Unless Halcyon is building one already?

 

[fisheater]

Do a search. There's a thread (with pix) from someone who did just as you propose, using an Ikea bag. It was dirt cheap and functional.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JamesK]

I am actually in the process of designing one. It will be very heavy duty and waterproof. The design I have in mind will hold everything you need inside except for the fins which will strap the outside. Hopefully I can finish it sometime this decade life is very busy.

 

[Gombessa]

I've seen a few of these over the years (all very nice homebrew designs using an existing backpack). Most just use a grommet tool, and a length of webbing stitched between them to distribute the stress when the backpack is full. I agree it would be great to see something like this manufactured to production standards.

 

[fisheater]

Do a search. There's a thread (with pix) from someone who did just as you propose, using an Ikea bag. It was dirt cheap and functional.

Found it: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ma...3852-ikea-dive-pack-poor-mans-dive-caddy.html

 

[ScoobaChef]

Found it: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ma...3852-ikea-dive-pack-poor-mans-dive-caddy.html

I already looked that one up, .

JK - i'm thinking more like what you're working on. Heavy duty canvas or nylon, pockets or loops to hold all the gear and hopefully cam bands to hold a tank in there as well. I'm not too sure if it will be strong enough, but I have in mind a zip system to let you roll the bag out flat for easy access when gearing up.

i'd love to see what you have so far.

 

[JamesK]

I don't have any pictures, and it is not here with me. What I am basically doing is modifying one of my assault packs. I am removing the straps, and adding another backplate inside of the bag. The two backplates will bolt together sandwiching the bag. The bag is large enough for a regulator, mask, gloves, booties, wetsuit, camera, and can light. It is also covered in MOLLE webbing allowing me to add other pockets to the outside for any additional items I might want to carry, and for a very easy attachment point for my fins. I am also looking at a way to modify it to attach to my sidemount harness by clipping in to it.

 

[Gombessa]

Here's one Don made back in the day:

Backplate and backpack