Question Show me how you keep gear streamlined [Pics Requested]

[Wants2divemore]

Point 1). I have not found that I would ever use the same BC/wing/plate for all diving from swimsuit to dry suit. I would recommend having multiple sets of gear optimized to those specific requirments. A fit that is custom is by definition a fixed dimension. If it is adjustable then it is not custom fitted but anyone fitted.

I use the same BPW for all my various exposure protection suits (swimsuit to drysuit) but adjust the positions of my straps, D-rings, and weight pockets based on which suit I'm wearing. The Halcyon webbing with the printed Hs makes this much easier (e.g. right shoulder D ring at 4th H, right shoulder strap through backplate slot BP at 10th H, waist belt D ring holding weight pocket at 12th H, etc.)

 

[Subcooled]

ScubaPro Hydros Pro BCD

The BCD looks complicated.

I’m trying my best to setup my gear so it’s streamlined for good trim.

Streamlined and trim. Two (somewhat) different things.

For a good trim (i.e. being horizontal in the water column for less drag) requires some use of muscles. If you dangle from your BCD like a cooked spaghetti, there won't be any good trim. Legs will sink and act as brakes. If you arc your back instead, and use some static muscle tension to keep your head and legs above you abdomen, then gravity will position you nicely. The same is true in surface swimming, too. Just try it, and then bring the learned skill under water.

But I’ve got a bit of stuff to bring on dives (SMB & Finger Reel, Torch, GoPro on a stick).

Streamlining: It is very hard to give advice without seeing you in actual diving gear with all that stuff. A torch is often clipped to the shoulder D-ring and a bungee loop around the shoulder strap keeps it at bay. A GoPro on a stick is something one might be carrying in hand. You do not want to bend that stick. There is a price to pay for filming, I fear (not streamlined). I would carry a finger reel (=a spool) on the other D-ring for easy access. Sure, it can go to a pouch too.

So far, I’ve purchased a thigh pouch for the SMB so that it’s not dangling. I’ve got clips for the octo and spg. But not really sure if I like the thigh pouch

Where do you mount the thing pouch? Behind the tank with two double enders? On your chest using a chest strap? Surely not dangling?

and what to do with the flashlight

D-ring + bungee. Look at how cave divers carry spare lights.

and go pro.

No good film without pain.

I seem to find recommendations for bungee loops, webbing, shock cord, horizontal pouch, and ScubaPro Ninja Pocket. But I’m not really sure what most of these would look like in practice. I would like to ask the community here, if you have a nice streamlined setup, how did you pull it off? I would love to see pictures of your gear.

You need to try and test.

 

[Still Kicking]

I put a pocket on the right waist band and hold in place with a weight buckle, like a can light. Accessories are clipped off to a loop inside the pocket but if I need to, I can undo the buckle, pull the pocket off the strap and deal with items with two hands. It's especially easier to restow items in front of me rather than one-handed, out of sight.

 

[lairdb]

Yeah it seems that Tech Shorts might be the best option, kind of don’t want to spend $350 on a pair of pants, but here we are. Haha.

What appears to be the OEM for the Apeks shorts sells them direct on Aliexpress, typically around USD80.

Currently available example: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801507157084.html

There are also imitations for about half that if you just wanted to try something to see — but the (OEM) originals have some nice features.

 

[Nemrod]

I use the same BPW for all my various exposure protection suits (swimsuit to drysuit) but adjust the positions of my straps, D-rings, and weight pockets based on which suit I'm wearing. The Halcyon webbing with the printed Hs makes this much easier (e.g. right shoulder D ring at 4th H, right shoulder strap through backplate slot BP at 10th H, waist belt D ring holding weight pocket at 12th H, etc.)

Okay, if that works for you. For myself, I use an 18-22 pounds wing for single tank tropical, 30 pounds for single and temperate and for doubles and heavy exposure gear, the only time I wear heavy exposure gear, I have a 45 pounds wing. The modularity of the BP/wing is one of it's strong points, I enjoy using that feature by changing plates and wings as my needs for a dive or a trip warrant. I understand using one rig for everything, just is not optimal for me.

The tech shorts with pockets do seem to be a good solution. Kind of dorky looking but scuba has never been a fashion sport. Goofy masks covering our faces, green stuff coming out of noses, hair in a mess, hub cap regulators stuck in our mouths, what more could dorky pocket shorts hurt, if it works for you, go for it.

 

[Olsen_No]

D-ring + bungee. Look at how cave divers carry spare lights.

not a cave diver but this is how I run my backup lights.

And yea.. I don’t care that the plate and webbing are of different brands

 

[Wants2divemore]

Okay, if that works for you. For myself, I use an 18-22 pounds wing for single tank tropical, 30 pounds for single and temperate and for doubles and heavy exposure gear, the only time I wear heavy exposure gear, I have a 45 pounds wing. The modularity of the BP/wing is one of it's strong points, I enjoy using that feature by changing plates and wings as my needs for a dive or a trip warrant. I understand using one rig for everything, just is not optimal for me.

I forgot to mention in my post that I only dive a single tank, even in my drysuit, so I only have one 30lb wing, which works for everything. I use a steel plate all the time. When I travel for tropical diving I take my BPW in my carryon luggage, so I haven't needed to get an aluminum plate because weight isn't an issue.

I definitely agree that each person's rig should fit them.

 

[russ805]

The hydros is a good B/C but it has some limitations, I’ve sold mine and just do bp/w again. The hydros has a ridged plastic backplate and can accommodate a crotch strap, the D rings are small but are generally adequate for a few things clipped off, the webbing is soft so it’s best (as far as I was concerned) to tie some small bungee into loops for securing gear leaving the loop loose and leaving a knot for something to grab to resecure things like the light if you were to use it.

The trick is to think about what you want to carry and find a way to put it where it will be useable without worrying about how it looks.

I did away with the larger weight pockets and use the tech belt included and added smaller weight pockets.
I didn’t like the other pockets with the colors due to feeling the weights shifting around during dives. I am usually diving in warm water so not too much weight is needed.

These smaller pouches allow some room on the belt to add sliding D rings ( I have one on each side of the weight pouch) for accessories. I also have a Gear-Keeper on each side or my SPG and other bits. I find the D ring on the shoulder harness’s on the small side and can’t hold much.

Like others have mentioned, I would suggest some tech shorts for your DSMB and reel, small notebook, whistle, flashlights, Inreach beacon and a go pro or other goodies.
I have the Apeks tech shorts and they give me plenty of room for accessories have 2 large hip pockets.

You will love the Hydros, it’s well thought out except for the limitations listed above. Instructors love the Hydros due to the ease of getting your body neutrally buoyant while diving.

IMHO Many of the Scubapro accessories are kind of crappy, I went with the hip pocket you mentioned but found it to be kinda floppy. The tech shorts or any shorts with pockets will make getting your kit set up for your needs much easier.

Just a note: I have over 80 dives on mine and love it. I added a crotch strap that was softer and more flexible. You don’t need a stiffer strap due to only diving a single tank, I went with a 1.5 inch instead of the 2 inch crotch strap like Dive Rite 1.5” crotch strap
Any suggestions or tips from many of the veterans on here will help guide you along, I’m just a recreational diver with gray hair.
Enjoy!

 

[BHWookiee]

I did away with the larger weight pockets and use the tech belt included and added smaller weight pockets.
I didn’t like the other pockets with the colors due to feeling the weights shifting around during dives. I am usually diving in warm water so not too much weight is needed.

These smaller pouches allow some room on the belt to add sliding D rings ( I have one on each side of the weight pouch) for accessories. I also have a Gear-Keeper on each side or my SPG and other bits. I find the D ring on the shoulder harness’s on the small side and can’t hold much.

Like others have mentioned, I would suggest some tech shorts for your DSMB and reel, small notebook, whistle, flashlights, Inreach beacon and a go pro or other goodies.
I have the Apeks tech shorts and they give me plenty of room for accessories have 2 large hip pockets.

You will love the Hydros, it’s well thought out except for the limitations listed above. Instructors love the Hydros due to the ease of getting your body neutrally buoyant while diving.

IMHO Many of the Scubapro accessories are kind of crappy, I went with the hip pocket you mentioned but found it to be kinda floppy. The tech shorts or any shorts with pockets will make getting your kit set up for your needs much easier.

Just a note: I have over 80 dives on mine and love it. I added a crotch strap that was softer and more flexible. You don’t need a stiffer strap due to only diving a single tank, I went with a 1.5 inch instead of the 2 inch crotch strap like Dive Rite 1.5” crotch strap
Any suggestions or tips from many of the veterans on here will help guide you along, I’m just a recreational diver with gray hair.
Enjoy!

Thanks for the kind words and solid explanation, fellow rec diver! I’ve seen a couple folks mention adding the crotch strap so I’ll definitely look into it.

 

[hammet]

My preference:
1. Modified long hose on primary. Really just a "short" long hose... enough for sharing if needed. Hose routed under right arm with 70swivel on 2nd stage side Stays close to body at all times.
2. Secondary 2nd stage reg on bungee necklace... never even know its there.
3. Ditch the SPG... stick with AI transmitter (and no, no short hose needed). Just connect to 1st stage port.
4. Fingers spool already tied to smb and bungied together. I keep this on a d-ring on my harness belt with a bolt snap. I don't want to fumble around for it if I need it. It's right there by my waist and I never notice it until I need it.
5. Gopro on small floatie handle tied to single end bolt snap clipped to harness chest d-ring.
6. Small flashlight also tied to single end bolt snap and clipped to harness chest d-ring. Kept in place with small lycra band against harness.
7. Trilobyte line cutter in nylon sheath mounted to wing corrugated hose.
8. Back up 3" knife, pryer, tank banger, murder weapon on sheath on harness belt

No pockets required.
(e.t.a. my avatar is decades old... not my current setup )