Have you considered a weight harness?
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I had a hydros briefly, but the sticky monoprene drove me to a standard BP/W which I find FAR easier to get on/off.
I suggest you consider a heavier stainless BP with your drysuit diving, which will require less lead to be carried.
The prudent approach is to simply purchase spare shoulder straps so you can continue the remaining days on a liveaboard trip with your normal rig IF it fails. I suspect that is low probability, but Risk is the product of likelihood of occurrence AND severity of consequence. Only you can assess the latter.
This is good practice but easily avoidable if you do two things:
transport it on your back or carry from BCD handle + tank valve
or notify dive operator to lift from said handle
What'd you get?I didn't go with the hydros
This isn't so. You are using both straps, oriented as intended rather than wrenched sideways, maybe the waist belt, and have the friction of the monoprene. Not an issue. Now, if you just sling one strap over your shoulder and merrily bounce along on your stroll to wherever you are headed, then yes, maybe you have a problem there.And I figure that if lifting by the straps is an issue, then so is walking long distances wearing it.
This isn't so. You are using both straps, oriented as intended rather than wrenched sideways, maybe the waist belt, and have the friction of the monoprene. Not an issue. Now, if you just sling one strap over your shoulder and merrily bounce along on your stroll to wherever you are headed, then yes, maybe you have a problem there.