Pockets!

[mm2613]

I'm looking at into purchasing a BCD, I'm new to diving, and I wanted to ask everyone what they use their pockets for. Honestly, thinking about it, I can't think of much that I would use pockets for in a BCD. Ideally my tools would be attached somewhere, and its not like i'm taking anything back with me from the ocean.

Many of the travel bcd's come with bulky cargo pockets that I am interpreting to be a potential nuisance. Is there reason for cargo pockets on a BCD?

Mike

 

[oly5050user]

I'm looking at into purchasing a BCD, I'm new to diving, and I wanted to ask everyone what they use their pockets for. Honestly, thinking about it, I can't think of much that I would use pockets for in a BCD. Ideally my tools would be attached somewhere, and its not like i'm taking anything back with me from the ocean.

Many of the travel bcd's come with bulky cargo pockets that I am interpreting to be a potential nuisance. Is there reason for cargo pockets on a BCD?

Mike

No real need for pockets..its a marketing ploy in my opinion.Anything you need can be clipped on a d ring on your bcd or belt.Much more streamlined without pockets.I have a travel bcd in the store that weighs 6 lbs or less and it has no pockets ..or you can go with a transpak with travel wings..no pocket unless you put one on..

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Put the pockets on the thigh of your suit. Many BCD pockets are not placed where they are very user friendly for me anyway. Thigh pockets work the best if you require them.

 

[mm2613]

Thanks for the quick replies! Good to know i'm not alone on the pocket thing.. and thigh pockets.. never even thought of them.. : )

 

[mike_s]

I have two small pockets on my harness and I'm glad they are there....

I keep a small mesh goody bag, rolled up with the drawstring holding it rolled up... then clip in onto the ring in the pocket (otherwise stuff falls out of pockets).

I also keep a 3' safety sausage clipped in the pocket....

 

[scubasteve65]

Your post is a little confusing in that you are "new to diving" yet carrying "tools" and considering "travel BCD's". Without understanding the type of diving you plan to do I'll offer general advice that I'm sure others will add to. I often dive with a basic BCD that has large streamlined pockets with substantial amount of velcro closure. I don't like zippers. My uses (not in order of importance)
1. you stated "its not like i'm taking anything back with me from the ocean" ah, but you will and should - I often remove debris, plastic bottles, bags, etc that I come across particularly when diving some otherwise pristine location on vacation. I throw it out on shore or back on the dive boat and you will often get a thankful nod from the DM's or captain. Lead by example.
2. An extra speargun band
3. A small backup dive light on a night trip
4. Some extra lead if I'm diving with someone I know is inexperienced. You may even be the recipient of some extra weight in your pocket from a DM if you don't know what weight you should have. Do you know exactly what weight you require with a 7m full, a 3/2 short with boots, a 4m jacket with sleeves, etc. see what I mean?
4. a jon line
5. maybe your octo or spg holder breaks. stuff it in your pocket.
6. a snorkel. maybe you don't want to wear it on a drift dive but will want it in the event of a surface swim back to the boat
7. an extra mask
8. a surface marker bouy

These are of course not things you will carry on every dive but when you have a nice streamlined large pocket the option is always there.
There is nothing I hate worse that a BCD with a ridiculous amount of D-rings, zippered pockets, snaps, dump valves galore.
Let us know the type of diving you will be doing and perhaps some great suggestions will come of it.

 

[calwolf]

Honestly, thinking about it, I can't think of much that I would use pockets for in a BCD.

Are you sure you aren't one of those die-hard backplate/wing DIR people just posing as a newbie to convert us all to that fantastic creation that is the simple and streamlined hogarthian system?

And oh, by the way, when considering buying a BC, make sure you at least consider a backplate system. I just got mine, and am quite happy with it. Old BCD now retired.

 

[mm2613]

Sorry.. To clarify I will probably be doing most of my diving in tropical/carribean waters. By new I mean I am recently certified, and excited to start diving : ) I live in NY so most of my diving would be while traveling, which is why i'm looking at a travel bcd.

I do accept your reasons for pockets, and I would definitely be picking up junk i found in the sea (just didnt think of it while posting).

I have considered a bp/w (and i'm not die hard bp/w, just looks like everyone who started with a jacket/back inflate has moved on to bp/w after some time.. I'm looking for a streamlined setup myself, and was certified with a bp/w and had no issues with it.

Mike

 

[fnfalman]

I have a small pocket on the waist belt. I use it to keep my folding knife (with lanyard) and for containing things like small shells that I pick up while diving. One of these years I'll get thigh pockets sewn on my wetsuit.

 

[muddiver]

I dove a DiveRite Transpac for years and I always was having problems stowing my safety gear since I had not purchased pockets/pouches.

I now have my storm whistle, strobe light, signal mirror and Surface Marker Buoy stowed in a pouch that slides on to the waist belt of my BC. SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - Clipper Pocket
No more dangling stuff.

I also found that the pouch that I mounted to the front of my BD waist belt SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - Bellows Horizontal Pocket w/Daisy Chain fits a SeaLife DC800 digital camera quite nicely. That removes the "oops, I dropped it" factor, and protects the camera from damage when it is not being used.