Homegrown thigh pocket

[fjpatrum]

I recently started thinking about some thigh pockets because my harness was getting a little more crowded than I like and I just didn't like how my SMB was attached to my plate. As a result I built an adjustable thigh pocket that can move from suit to suit, rather than gluing them onto my suits. Here are some details of the pocket:

Materials:
Cordura nylon, I think 1000 but possibly 800. (Maybe 1/2 a yard)
Non-slip rubber "Glove grip" type material. (1/4 yard)
1 pair of used thigh high nylons (specifically with the "no-slip" rubber elastic)
~18 inches of 1/8" bungee cord
~24 inches of 1" nylon webbing
1 3/4 inch plastic d-ring
2 1 inch plastic quick release clip buckles
~24 inches of reflective tape
6"x3" piece of mesh material
6" length of 3/4" velcro
3" length of 2" velcro

These are all materials I had on hand but if I had to buy them new, it would be cheaper to go ahead and just buy the pocket.

I made a few mistakes here and there, but overall I'm pretty pleased with the way it worked out. The basics are the non-slip rubber material was used for the back of the pocket. That, along with the non-slip rubber elastic from the stockings keep the pocket firmly in place while I'm walking around. I haven't dived with it yet, but I have no concerns about it rotating on my leg. Cordura for the remaining walls and flap cover. Velcro for closing pocket(s), and buckles and webbing for attaching to me. Bungee was used for making gear loops.

Features:
The pocket has an adjustable length attachment that loops through my waist belt and the thigh strap is approximately 3 inches wide with a 1" clip buckle attachment on the inside of the leg. A mesh bottom allows water to escape the pocket. The main pocket flap also has a small pocket for a signal mirror and whistle, or for carrying id cards and things like that. Integrated sheath for my EMT sheers, a 3 position daisy chain on the front of the pocket, 4 internal gear loops, and a light reflective trim on the flap.

All told it took about 3 hours to design and sew.

 

[undrwater]

I'm building something very similar that will attach to my weight belt since my dry suit is not ideal for pockets (fusion sport). I hadn't thought of the possibility of rotation, so I may attach some kind of non-slip material to the back, thanks! I like the side pocket for shears. I'll consider that as well. I am considering hard attaching the pocket to my weight belt since I wear it regardless of exposure protection.

Did you use a machine for the sewing? Mine is not turning out as nice as yours, but it should be functional. Thanks for posting!

 

[fjpatrum]

Yes I used a standard home-use type sewing machine with regular polyester thread. Good luck with yours. I didn't want to attach mine permanently to the belt but if you did the "quick release buckle" off the belt you could still then use the belt (or loan it) without having the pocket permanently attached.

 

[gert7to3]

Dive Rite makes a pocket like this. They're about $50 (US).

SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - Thigh Pocket w/Daisy Chain

Not that your's isn't a nice looking project.

 

[undrwater]

Dive Rite makes a pocket like this. They're about $50 (US).

SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - Thigh Pocket w/Daisy Chain

Not that your's isn't a nice looking project.

You realize you posted a product in the DIY section??? Thanks anyway.

 

[fjpatrum]

Dive Rite makes a pocket like this. They're about $50 (US).

SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - Thigh Pocket w/Daisy Chain

Not that your's isn't a nice looking project.

Yes, I realize that several companies make pockets like this. In my other thread in the basic scuba section asking about pocket sizes, I mentioned that mine ended up quite a lot like the DR version of this pocket. It's also why I said in my original post that "if I had to buy materials it would be cheaper to just go ahead and buy the pocket."

I made mine for free (because I had materials on hand). I didn't want to spend $50 for something I knew I had materials for and could make in about 2 hours. Besides, I don't know if I'll like it so if I don't, I haven't lost any money on it...

 

[JIsgren]

Amazing job putting that together. Do you think you might need to add a drain hole and grommet? Otherwise you might dump a bunch of water topside.

 

[undrwater]

Amazing job putting that together. Do you think you might need to add a drain hole and grommet? Otherwise you might dump a bunch of water topside.

Take a close look. He's got mesh on the bottom where water drains.

 

[Drx6x]

You realize you posted a product in the DIY section??? Thanks anyway.

yeah im putting together a a full kit and after seeing the price of trim pockets/weight belts/pockets/buckles ect... I couldn't help but think there crazy; when I can spend 10 bucks and 15 minuets at my sewing machine and have the same item.

 

[Brewone0to]

Amazing job putting that together. Do you think you might need to add a drain hole and grommet? Otherwise you might dump a bunch of water topside.

I would put grommets in as drains.
The netting material tends to come apart at sewn in edges.
It creates just what every divers needs, a convenient place to lose things from. LOL

---------- Post added April 7th, 2012 at 08:20 AM ----------

Dive Rite makes a pocket like this. They're about $50 (US).

SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - Thigh Pocket w/Daisy Chain

Not that your's isn't a nice looking project.

I have one of these pockets, Only dove with it 4 times.
I thought I did something wrong on the 3 dives following the 1st one.

You can't frog kick with it on.(Standard Tec kick)
It's straps migrate below your knees, then you can't straighten your leg.
Unless you glue it on with Aqua Seal, it's the worst designed POS I own.

Basically what I am saying is try not to copy Dive Rites version too closely.
Does anyone remember when if you needed tec gear you have to DIY because it just wasn't available?