Moved to a backpack harness on SB advice - thank you

[Kharon]

I transitioned to a soft backpack with a harness on my recent trip to Bonaire. This is a shout out to all the posters who gave me advice and the courage to make this transition. Don't think I'll ever use a BC again. Even in cold water.

I admit that I was a sissy. I got a high end scuba vest to wear under the harness - just in case. I dive solo so I think that's only prudent.

Once I established the weight I needed (easy) I only had to inflate with a very minor amount of air/breath at any depth. I found I could hover at least as well as with a BC and my bottom time increased by about a third. Make my day.

The kit is much easier to don and doff, much easier to rinse, more comfortable, much more streamlined, and way, way easier to pack to transport on a plane.

So a big thank you to the SB posters for their advice and support.

 

[rongoodman]

So you don't need any weight at all? If you do, what's the advantage over a BP and small wing?

 

[Alastor]

Good for you, and another example of the same story in diving gear ... nobody can tell how it would be and everybody has to try on their own.

BTW: happy new year !

 

[iamrushman]

how about some photos so we can see how nice it is?

 

[kablooey]

Yes! The first dive with just a backpack was a little frightening. The mind repelled. Will I sink straight to the bottom?

Since then I've made about 110 dives with the backpack, including a whole week of wreck diving at Truk. I love it. It feels so good to be streamlined and unencumbered. It's also a really great way to master accurate weighting and effective breath control, which are valuable skills even when using other configurations.

That said, I only backpak in optimal conditions, and with a rescue-competent and well equipped buddy… just in case.