What size hose

[Jbell8289]

I think ive found the solution to my problem i should just go buy a can light ...i mean why spend money on two hoses when a can light would solve all my problems hmmm...wonder if my better half will go for that lol......

 

[rongoodman]

also i recently saw a pic of a guy with a 7' hose and no can light he had the hose routed down his right side up across his chest and under his left arm pit and then around the back of his head....is this a good way of controlling excess hose? or should this be avoided....pretty sure he was DIR too.

Sounds like a complete cluster--think about the contortions he'd have to go through to get a reg to you if you needed air. If you have too much hose and no can light, just tuck it in your belt.

 

[fisheater]

Can lights are awesome. Once you use one, you won't feel right diving without one.

 

[tbone1004]

For the hose, for simulation purposes, you can use even a piece of rope, x length and wrap it around. throw a bottle on your back, tie the rope off to the valve, and mark off 5 6 and 7 feet. This way you can wrap it around however you want. A hose is obviously going to be a bit stiffer, but you probably have a rope laying around so it's better than buying two. I have a huge chest so the 5 footer doesn't work for me. The 7 foot is a bit snug as well so I use a right angle on it, or use a 9 footer with a foot wrapped up on itself since my can is on the side of my plate not my hip

 

[boulderjohn]

I have never used a 5 foot hose, so I can't compare. What I can say is that if you can figure out what to do with the excess hose in the absence of a can light (like tuck it under a waist strap), then you should have no trouble dealing with a 7 foot hose for the first time. If you know you are going to use a 7 foot hose in the future, then I would say that buying a 5 foot hose you will discard in a few months is a waste of money.

 

[Peter_C]

I think ive found the solution to my problem i should just go buy a can light ...i mean why spend money on two hoses when a can light would solve all my problems hmmm...wonder if my better half will go for that lol......

There is the solution! If you plan to do cavern you are going to need one anyhow.

I would recommend starting in a 7' hose whether you have a can light or not. Practice with what you are going to use eventually, plus buy what you are going to use eventually.

If you do not get a can light the hose can be tucked into your waist harness, or a pair of shears in a case on the right hip works too. Of course a pocket on the harness also works.

FWIW I like the Halcyon hoses instead of the cheaper and thicker more common hoses. Not because they are "H" brand but because they are better quality.

For the backup on singles I like a 24" hose.

No right angles if you plan to work towards a Hogarthian kit. It will inhibit donation from how you grab your hose.

Also I would recommend getting with someone that uses a long hose and go thru some drills.