Travel BC vs. BP/W

[2airishuman]

I have a DSS stainless steel backplate, DIR harness, and two wings (older 30# DSS and a 55# Hollis). It's been with me in the ocean and also in the local rivers, lakes, and mud puddles. I like it in the water, although with time I may get a newer, smaller capacity, more streamlined donut wing.

The weight and bulk are a liability while traveling to locations where I'll only be diving with a single tank and minimal ballast.

I'm tempted by products like the Aeris (now Oceanic) Jetpack. Light weight, less bulk, back inflate, adjustable harness like a BP/W, designed for travel.

On the other hand there are lightweight BP/W options to consider.

Any advice?

 

[CuzzA]

Dive Rite HunterPac BCD | Dive Gear Express®

Can't say enough good things about this BC. At 6 lbs. it's light for travel, yet robust enough for big steel tanks. My only complaint is the tank rides a little high, so you'll want to adjust the harness shoulder straps so the back sits lower. Basically it's an integrated webbing harness with a soft back pad and integrated donut wing.

 

[Stoo]

I dive BP/W at home, but use a travel BC south. The pockets come in handy. I use a Zeagle Scout. It has minimal lift, but it also has some nice little trim pockets to carry the 6# of lead I need with my 3mm suit. I sometimes sling an 80 stage as well, and it supports both tanks no problem.

I love the thing...

 

[kensuf]

Regs go in the carry-on, so they don't contribute to the luggage weight and I just say pack the BP/W and pack a few less clothes.

 

[tbone1004]

the hunterpac is the only one you should consider IF you are trying to save weight, but it still weighs 6.2lbs. I'm not sure how you are thinking that something can pack with less bulk than your DSS rig though.... You can cut some weight out of it by switching to a kydex plate, but I'm not aware of anything that actually packs smaller and lighter than the DSS Kydex rigs with a small singles wing...

 

[2airishuman]

the hunterpac is the only one you should consider IF you are trying to save weight, but it still weighs 6.2lbs. I'm not sure how you are thinking that something can pack with less bulk than your DSS rig though.... You can cut some weight out of it by switching to a kydex plate, but I'm not aware of anything that actually packs smaller and lighter than the DSS Kydex rigs with a small singles wing...

You may be right. I don't have the Kydex plate in hand, nor the smaller wing, nor for that matter a travel BC, so I really have no idea what the difference would be.

 

[tbone1004]

roughly 5lbs lighter

 

[DiverDownD3]

Regs go in the carry-on, so they don't contribute to the luggage weight and I just say pack the BP/W and pack a few less clothes.

This is what I have done. I have even debated separating the wing from the BP and taking my BP on my carry-on as well.

 

[tbone1004]

and good lord are reg sets heavy.... 6-8lbs on their own...

 

[rongoodman]

With a the current weight limits I've never had an issue taking a SS plate with me. If you're pushing the limits, just put the regulators in your carry on. I usually try to fit the wing there too, to prevent potential damage in transit.