Traveling with a Backplate

[Wants2divemore]

There’s no weight limit on a carry on and with a roller it’s not like you have to actually carry all that weight around anyway.

While the major domestic US airlines don't have a weight limit for carry on, many other carriers do.

Carry-on Luggage Size Chart for 64 Major Airlines [Dimensions, Sizes]

We detail the most popular airlines' carry-on restrictions, including the size and weight of a standard carry-on by cabins.

upgradedpoints.com

 

[dmaziuk]

I did use an Alu BP for a bit and experimented with larger "trim" pockets on the shoulder straps and smaller ones on both cambands... it all worked but SS backplate works better. And considering the overall cost of a trip to the Caribbean, an extra $30 for a checked bag that we pay anyway (because sharpies and liquids and stuff) is not that big a deal.

 

[USFpsychDiver]

I have a steel plate for local diving and a soft plate for air travel (actually a couple of them: Zeagle Express Tech and Oxychec). I have weight pockets on the waistband attached to the plate (ditchable weights) and small weight pockets on the shoulder straps (XSScuba) just above the upper shoulder D-rings held in place by triglides.

BC goes in my checked bag with other bulky lighter-weight things (non-diving gear, exposure protection, fins, masks, etc.); carryon (I use a backpack) has smaller, heavier, more valuable, and non-checkable gear (regs, lights, computers, cameras, batteries, etc).

 

[kodiak81]

An 6, 8 or 10lb weight belt is the simplest hogarthian way.

I really dislike weight belts. Harness pockets feel so much better.

 

[Joneill]

An 6, 8 or 10lb weight belt is the simplest hogarthian way.

But doesn’t allow for trim adjustments as the weights are in the wrong place for many folks!

 

[Zef]

I recommend a set of Tecline long trim pockets. They attach to your cam straps and have separators inside so you can easily position the weights you will use higher or lower:

Product description​

LONG TRIM POCKETS

DESCRIPTION:
- Long trim pockets allow for perfect weights distribution to achieve the perfect position underwater
- Our pockets can be attached to the tank bands of your BCD
- Ideal tool for scuba diving instructors

SPECIFICATION:
- The set includes: 2 pockets + additional fastening strap
- Pocket length: 40cm
- Color: black
- Max load: 6kg / pocket
- Closure: YKK zipper
- There are 3 separable compartments in each pocket which ease the weights distribution

-Z

 

[eelpout]

These are plates made by Highland (XS Scuba). I use them when I travel with my BP wing. I have a SS and AL plate, but if I am flying I take my aluminum plate and these plates to dive and save on the weight restrictions for travel. You can mount them wherever your webbing allows you to on your harness has space where you need it. Most of the weights in my years of travel are in the solid weights that are made to fit a weight belt, so these plates work with the same weights

 

[lexvil]

These are plates made by Highland (XS Scuba). I use them when I travel with my BP wing. I have a SS and AL plate, but if I am flying I take my aluminum plate and these plates to dive and save on the weight restrictions for travel. You can mount them wherever your webbing allows you to on your harness has space where you need it. Most of the weights in my years of travel are in the solid weights that are made to fit a weight belt, so these plates work with the same weights

These are ok but after several days with just a rash guard I found the knots very uncomfortable digging into my side, still good to bring along.

 

[skyye99]

FWIW there definitely are weight limits on carryons outside of the US, but you can often dodge any weight requirements by using a big backpack instead of a roller bag.

That being said, the delta between a steel and aluminum plate really isn't enough to make a difference along with the rest of the gear, imo. My second pair of fins weighs more than I would gain by switching to aluminum.

In a more practical sense, this came up on my first liveaboard trip in the red sea - I had a steel plate, my buddy had aluminium, and he had an embarassing buoyancy moment on our check dive, due to the combo of a new wetsuit, the light plate, and the extra salty water there

 

[lexvil]

Aluminum plate vs light weight stainless

I like that it’s only one pound difference and it’s more negative in use.