I’m looking at the HOG BP/w systems. I’ve had it in my head that a SS backplate is the way to go, since it puts more weight on my back and less lower down in pockets or on a belt. But, for travel purposes obviously an AL backplate would be lighter, and a couple pockets on the cam bands would put the weight right back where I‘d want it. Are there other pros and cons of stainless vs. aluminum that I should be thinking about? At the end of the day, does the ease of traveling with a lighter plate tip the scales in favor of AL?
Sorry, I didn't read through all the responses, so maybe someone already mentioned this, but I'd recommend you stay away from HOG (Edge Gear) BP. Their wings are fine, but backplates suck. I have their aluminum and SS plates and they're stamped plates with sharp edges. I ended up buying other plates, which are much better. A generic SS plate for my singles setup and a CF plate for doubles. The cost was similar to HOG, but the quality is head and shoulders better, on both.
There's nothing special about a standard plate, but I'd definitely recommend something with nice eased/chamfered edges. It'll protect you, your wetsuit, your harness, etc. Depending on your budget, there are lots of options.
The wing from HOG though is fine and I have both 32lb and 23lb wings. Now that I have a lot more experience I'm much more partial to Dive Rite and in some cases Halcyon (among many other brands).
When I first started I bought into the marketing that HOG was what
technical divers use and so I thought if it's good enough for them, then it's good enough for me. Welp... now that I'm a technical diver and have a lot more experience, have seen TONS of gear configurations, etc... I buy other products. To each their own though. I'd still shy away from their BP!
P.S. As far as SS vs aluminum... you won't know until you try. For travel, neither. For drysuit SS all day long. For wetsuit it depends on your body and your choice of cylinders. For aluminum SS, for steel...depends. If money is a concern, buy a used one in the classifieds (they don't go bad) and try it. My son dives aluminum with an AL63 tank and even that's too heavy for him. I dive SS with an LP95 and its' about right. I can't sink with an SS plate and an AL80 for example, not without additional weight.
I know this is rather long, but hopefully it helps. Good luck!