I use a 7 foot for everything. When not using a can light sometimes I hang a pocket on the belt and sometimes I don't do anything with it. When horizantal the hose lays where it should. If you go vertical the hose may want to float up. I just stay horizantal. I'm going to try a 5 ft hose toninght in the pool. I have also noticed that a 5 ft is too short for large people. A smaller diver not using a can light may want to shorten up the hose (for open water) if they don't want to hang something on the belt just to hold down the hose.