Help What is the Lightest weight integrated travel BC for the tropics?

[scubabob1234]

I need a very light weight travel BC for tropical water, that has weight pockets, since if I can I’d rather not use a weight belt, any suggestions? I have an Aeris Atmos XT and it is way too heavy and big!

 

[HatchetJoe]

look at the Mares Icon or Pegasus.

 

[TN Traveler]

Oxycheq Ultra Lite Back Plate - with XS Scuba weight pockets on the waist belt and cambands. Less than 4#.

 

[dtykris]

I need a very light weight travel BC for tropical water, that has weight pockets, since if I can I’d rather not use a weight belt, any suggestions? I have an Aeris Atmos XT and it is way too heavy and big!

Its not quite the lightest, but I have a Oceanic Islander that travels quite well - One of the recent issues of Scuba Diving had the lowest weight travel bcds rated

David

 

[under water]

One option that you should look into.
The Zeagle Escape - Packs nicely.
Escape Zeagle Systems - Scuba Diving Equipment Manufacturer
Less than 7 lbs.. not the very lightest.. but feels great and can be used anywhere , not just for travel. I use mine with my drysuit when diving below 65 and it is comfortable with no wetsuit above 80.

 

[reefduffer]

++ on the Islander.
For packing to minimize space: Pack weight pouches outside the pockets. Take the inflator hose out of the velcro. Suck the bladder dead empty through the oral inflator. Slip the cummerbunds out of the sides slots. Turn the whole unit inside out so the tank bands and inflator hose are inside, and make it into a bundle with the cummerbunds and chest strap. I looked at unthreading the tank band from the buckle but decided that wasn't worth the trouble.

 

[mblake]

The cheaper (lower end) OceanPro is lighter then the islander...
large = 7# vs 6.7 Kinda funny that the "pro" is the low end model
Kinda like the "Advanced" in ... (sorry couldn't resist)

 

[grantctobin]

Im going to second what TN traveler said. The oxycheq ultra light back plate and speed harness weighs 9.6 ounces, while the 18lb mach v has a really low profile in the water. Add two cam straps and a pair of either xs scuba weight pockets or oxycheqs equaivalent, and you have a light, compact rig ready to dive.

 

[dtykris]

++ on the Islander.
For packing to minimize space: Pack weight pouches outside the pockets. Take the inflator hose out of the velcro. Suck the bladder dead empty through the oral inflator. Slip the cummerbunds out of the sides slots. Turn the whole unit inside out so the tank bands and inflator hose are inside, and make it into a bundle with the cummerbunds and chest strap. I looked at unthreading the tank band from the buckle but decided that wasn't worth the trouble.

Just tried it on mine!! Works great

Thanks

David