Traveling with a Backplate

[StPeteDiver]

Greetings,
I made the transition to a backplate from a jacket this year. I have a heavy SS plate that is close to 7lbs and accounts for most of my weight for bouyency. I have other small pouch weights that I attach to the plate for trim. I travel a lot for scuba and want to get a light-weight aluminum kit to do so. My question for you guys is, when you travel with an aluminum plate for say a liveaboard trip, what do you do about weights? I want to avoid a weight belt at all cost. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Troy

 

[Nemrod]

Greetings,
I made the transition to a backplate from a jacket this year. I have a heavy SS plate that is close to 7lbs and accounts for most of my weight for bouyency. I have other small pouch weights that I attach to the plate for trim. I travel a lot for scuba and want to get a light-weight aluminum kit to do so. My question for you guys is, when you travel with an aluminum plate for say a liveaboard trip, what do you do about weights? I want to avoid a weight belt at all cost. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Troy

I use an OxyCheq textile travel plate and either an Oxy 18 wing or a VDH 18/23. I use two trim weight pockets and mount one to each camband pushed down low. On the waist harness I use two QR weight pockets (XS or DGX-Dive Rite). These give me the flexibility to dive with up to a 5mm suit or no suit and with either a steel or aluminum tank. My wing/BP with full standard Hog harness, crotch strap, DGX mini-light and a rescue cutter ready to go weighs 5 pounds even.





Depending on the situation, I may move both trim pockets to the top or rarely bottom cam band. Pushed down low they act as chocks to help prevent tank roll.

I got tired of metal plates pinching my wings, cutting and bruising me and just in general being a travel PITA due to weight and size I went to the textile plates and will never go back to a metal plate for recreational travel diving. I have photo gear I need to carry and cannot afford heavy metal plates using up my valuable allotment.

 

[CT Sean]

with my old wetsuit, I only needed 4 lbs so i just put 2 2's in my tank strap pockets. New suit is more buoyant and i need 4 more (it's a bit annoying). I put in on a belt (so 4 on belt, 4 on upper tank strap)and dont even notice it.

 

[rongoodman]

I usually travel with my SS plate. I have Halcyon trim weight pouches on the waist belt and upper tank band to add weight where needed. If I need 1# weights for the tank band I bring those along too, as most boat’s don’t have them.

 

[Wants2divemore]

Another option is to keep your SS plate put it, your wing, and other stuff (regs, computer, mask, etc.) into your airline carry-on bag then check another bag with your clothes, etc. that typically weigh less. I can fit my entire kit into my carry-on and personal item.

 

[lexvil]

I generally prefer a stainless plate, I remove the wing and STA if I’m using one, pack things between them and or roll the wing up lengthwise and wrap something like shirts. I will also use small pouches on the plate or cam bands, it’s really pretty simple.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Greetings,
I made the transition to a backplate from a jacket this year. I have a heavy SS plate that is close to 7lbs and accounts for most of my weight for bouyency. I have other small pouch weights that I attach to the plate for trim. I travel a lot for scuba and want to get a light-weight aluminum kit to do so. My question for you guys is, when you travel with an aluminum plate for say a liveaboard trip, what do you do about weights? I want to avoid a weight belt at all cost. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Troy

I travel with my Sub Gravity aluminum backplate all the time. I use weight pockets that slide on the waist strap and attach to the backplate. I use the Sub Gravity Drop Down small weight pockets, but there are other makes and sizes available. Paragon Weight System - SubGravity
They also make trim weights that attach to your backplate or ones that attach to your tank strap.

Backplate Trim Weight Pockets (pair) - SubGravity

sub-gravity.com

Trim Weight Pocket - SubGravity

A favorite among tech divers, these simple trim pockets are perfect for dialing your trim down perfectly. Includes one belt slide, allowing the pocket a secure hold on your harness, while still being fully adjustable. Sold individually. Can carry one 3-4 lbs (1.5-1.8 kg) weight block Fits any...

sub-gravity.com

 

[Invader]

Trim pouches on the cam bands for weights.

 

[rjack321]

An 6, 8 or 10lb weight belt is the simplest hogarthian way.

 

[passedoutwookie]

I disassemble stick my steel backplate in my roller carry on with my regs, computer, lights, batteries, STA, etc. There’s no weight limit on a carry on and with a roller it’s not like you have to actually carry all that weight around anyway.