Drysuit + BP solution for traveling to warm places

[delmolino]

Those who dive dry on cold places, what is your strategy when you go to warm places? Just take your Drysuit and wear thin undies? Or do you just dive wet? I'd love to have a warm water drysuit such as the DUI 30/30 but it is out of my budget.

For BP, do you have a different set to use for cold water (such as a AL BP)? or you take the same SS BP you use for cold water when traveling to warm water places?

Finally, I am traveling in the next month to a place that allows only 60lbs on total (carry on + checked bags + backpacks), and I am afraid that my dive gear will taks almost all of it. If I decide to dive wet, would it be a good strategy to get the Cinch Quick-Adjust for my BP/W setup?

 

[RJP]

I travel with a Halcyon steel plate + weighted STA... and a DUI 30/30. I do have an AL Halcyon plate, but don't travel with it because the steel plate trims out better.

If I was going to get a new travel rig I'd get the Halcyon Traveller Pro. The way the weight attaches to the plate ensures that it trims the same way as the steel plate w/STA.

As to total weight? I would sacrifice clothing and toiletries in favor of dive gear. You know you're a diver when you can easily fit ten days worth of clothes and toiletries into a small carry-on bag... but STILL need two large suitcases!

 

[JohnN]

Those who dive dry on cold places, what is your strategy when you go to warm places? Just take your Drysuit and wear thin undies? Or do you just dive wet? I'd love to have a warm water drysuit such as the DUI 30/30 but it is out of my budget.

For BP, do you have a different set to use for cold water (such as a AL BP)? or you take the same SS BP you use for cold water when traveling to warm water places?

Finally, I am traveling in the next month to a place that allows only 60lbs on total (carry on + checked bags + backpacks), and I am afraid that my dive gear will taks almost all of it. If I decide to dive wet, would it be a good strategy to get the Cinch Quick-Adjust for my BP/W setup?

I live in the PNW, so local diving (dry) is in 45-55 oF water. I have a steel backplate and 32 lb HOG wing and it has sufficient float for a HP120 tank (and me). When I travel to warmer places, same plate and wing (I'm cheap) and it works very well with a 3mm shortie and an AL80 (no extra weight). In a perfect world, a 17 lb wing would be better, but remember I'm cheap.

I went with the UTD adjustable harness (but apparently this is no longer available) on the right side only. I was having trouble getting the harness over my drysuit inflator valve, now it is a snap.

 

[divad]

Finally, I am traveling in the next month to a place that allows only 60lbs on total (carry on + checked bags + backpacks), and I am afraid that my dive gear will taks almost all of it.

Then get an AL BP (less than 2 lbs.) /buy or rent weights. Get a 3 mm wetsuit (mine weighs 2.75 lbs.) or just rent one. You don't need a Cinch Quick Adjust with a wetsuit even less than you don't with a dry suit.

 

[delmolino]

If I was going to get a new travel rig I'd get the Halcyon Traveller Pro. The way the weight attaches to the plate ensures that it trims the same way as the steel plate w/STA.

The Traveller Pro system costs USD700+, I already have a 30lbs eclipse and STA and do not want to spend this amount of money now. I will sacrifice other things, but it is a 2 weeks travel to a diving-honeymoon destination with a non diver wife, I have to compromise

Then get an AL BP (less than 2 lbs.) /buy or rent weights. Get a 3 mm wetsuit (mine weighs 2.75 lbs.) or just rent one. You don't need a Cinch Quick Adjust with a wetsuit even less than you don't with a dry suit.

I have a 3mm wetsuit - that I am considering selling - but I much prefer diving dry. Also the Cinch Quick Adjust (or another adjustable system) question is because my harness is adjusted for my drysuit and would have to be readjusted for a 3mil wetsuit as it gets very loose with it.

 

[ajduplessis]

I just dive wet. Its a lot less effort and lot less lead!

 

[RJP]

, but it is a 2 weeks travel to a diving-honeymoon destination with a non diver wife, I have to compromise

Um, you need to get a handle on what "compromise" means to a wife if you plan to still be married by the end of the honeymoon. (Hint: if your wife-to-be is a nondiver your honeymoon location is not - I repeat NOT - a diving location.)

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

I would put on the cinch, take your steel plate and 3mm, and dive wet.

 

[ZzzKing]

The Traveller Pro system costs USD700+, I already have a 30lbs eclipse and STA and do not want to spend this amount of money now. I will sacrifice other things, but it is a 2 weeks travel to a diving-honeymoon destination with a non diver wife, I have to compromise

You've identified your own solution. You don't have 60lbs. You have 120lbs. She only needs a couple of bathing suits. Neither one of you need anything to sleep in. 10lbs. for clothing and toiletries. 110lbs. for dive gear.

 

[RJP]

You've identified your own solution. You don't have 60lbs. You have 120lbs. She only needs a couple of bathing suits. Neither one of you need anything to sleep in. 10lbs. for clothing and toiletries. 110lbs. for dive gear.

Ah... but you're forgetting a key factor:

1 woman x 14 days x 3 meals per day = 42 pairs of shoes

OP will be lucky if he can sneak a folding snorkel and a back-up mask into his shaving kit!