Diving shorts w/pockets or strap on thigh pocket?

[Nasser]

I need some extra storage space for safety spools, spare mask, slates, etc. As I dive in a wetsuit with a BP&W, I was considering either diving shorts with cargo pockets or the thigh pockets that can be strapped/glued around the thigh. I'm not crazy about adding the extra neoprene and buoyancy that the shorts add (although negligible) and am leaning more towards the thigh pocket.

Anyone have any experience with either of these items? Feedback appreciated

cheers.

 

[KnightDvr]

I have them both, recommend the shorts. Especially with a BP&W. Strapped thigh pockets move around too much for me.

 

[zider]

I'd recommend pocket shorts as well. I've got the shorts from DiveGear Express and have used them on about a dozen dives. These shorts are really well made and much cheaper than some of the others on the market.

DGX Neoprene Pocket Shorts

 

[JohnN]

+1 on the DGX shorts. I couldn't say if they add buoyancy because the spool/DSMB/shears/backup computer/double-enders I stuff into them certainly make the whole package negative

I had (and sold) an OMS thigh pocket. It just wasn't comfortable to dive with (IMHO of course)

 

[runsongas]

the dgx shorts work fine, thicker material but bigger pockets than scubapro. the scubapro shorts are less bulky and also thinner for less buoyancy. the apeks shorts are too darn expensive imo. not sure if you can still get the irikonji shorts anymore, but they are made out of nylon so are lightweight and dry quickly.

 

[rhwestfall]

I found a pair of Irikonji (sp) dive shorts that I really like (not neoprene). Tons of pockets and space. Prior to that, I used the DR thigh pocket (clips to waist belt and wraps on thigh. I liked that too.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I was involved in a project to make a usable strap on thigh pocket ~10+ years ago. The effort was ended after 5+ prototypes.

The ones that were secure were waay to much effort to don, and the ones that could be "hooked up" quickly and easily sucked in use.

It may be possible to design a strap on pocket balances stability and ease of use, but I haven't seen one yet.

I'd vote for the shorts too.

Tobin

 

[AlexL]

the dgx shorts work fine, thicker material but bigger pockets than scubapro.

the DGX pockets are awesome!

only downside of the DGX version is that they do not come in all sizes. while down in flordia, found a pair of highland/XS scuba stocked in the needed XL. they appear to be the exact same design as the DGX shorts, but at a slightly higher price point of $75 vs $50.

 

[Steve_C]

Have tried both, belt with pockets is a pain and I gave them away. Shorts work good in principal but I find that, at least with the ones I have, that while they fit nice and snug when I put them on sometimes at the end of the dive they are drooping some. Probably a combination of the fact that there is wetsuit compression and I am somewhat barrel shaped. Hips only slightly larger than waist. So only use them when I have some extra stuff like a digging tool for fossils. Note that these are no neoprene which may be part of the problem/

 

[boulderjohn]

I use the XS pocket shorts, and I am currently on my second pair. The first pair wore out at the crotch because of the wear and tear of the crotch strap. They are still usable, but they look raggedy. I have worn them over a 3mm suits, a 5mm suit, and a 7mm suit. The 7mm suit was a rental suit I took with me on an unusual trip--I don't own a 7mm suit because I would normally dive a dry suit at those temperatures. I have worn them over dive shop wetsuits in pool sessions. That is one clear advantage of the shorts--you can wear them over anything, even over stuff you don't own.