Downsize my gear please.

[SangP]

Hi guys,

Need some travel advice here as I'll be lugging along 2 sets of gear for myself and gf to Thailand in Sept n need to lighten the load as much as I can.

Before I begin, there are some things I won't do....

1. I won't get another set of regs as I'm going to stick to my Apeks DS4 and XTX100 which I use to technical dives.
2. I won't use anything else but a bp/w cus I'm really comfortable with my aluminum Halcyon.

That leaves pretty much everything else like gauges, hoses, suits etc.

Many thanks,

SangP

[vladimir]

I have recently lightened my luggage by a couple of kgs with Cosmolite (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IKC6XY/ref=s9_simh_gw_p193_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=056TNMQXT9G1WRTPKATN&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846) bags. I have abandoned the SPG that used to back up my AI computer. I dropped the rear D-ring, the crotch strap D-ring, and the right hip D-ring, which I never used. I use shears, no knife. From what I've read here, the jury is still out on Miflex hoses, at least the high-pressure ones, but I am interested. I no longer bring my laptop, which I used to consider an integral part of my camera gear.

My save-a-dive kit has been stripped down too: no longer do I bring allen wrench sets, just the particular wrenches I use. No extra hoses, no duct tape, etc--my general philosophy is that my equipment is well-maintained, in the event of a failure I can probably rent, and I can live with the <1% chance of a trip going sour. And it's all wrapped in a soft fabric bag--no more pelican case.

[SangP]

Thanks vladimir,

Thank goodness I don't carry a laptop, camera gear or pelican cases : )

My heaviest stuff are the regs n fins n thanks for the advice on d the rings.

I might consider these changes, remove unnecessary D rings, delrin cam bands, lighter fins & maybe just maybe an Oxycheq ultra lite travel back plate.

Any more info would be much appreciated.

SangP

[BarrelRoll]

APS Mantaray fins are the lightest thing I've seen, they're not as sturdy as Jets, but they're sufficient.

[Garrobo]

If I was going on a trip to the South Seas and was concerned about weight I'd s**t can everything except my regulator set and prescription mask. I installed a Miflex hose to my primary reg which works out nicely so I'm replacing all my hoses with Miflex. Most of the first stage regulators which I have owned are pretty heavy so I'd try to find one which isn't so heavy, used, new or borrowed. Lighten up on the clothes which you take. You can buy shorts, T-shirts and undies when you get there which is all you'll need most of the time. Same for cosmetics and shaving stuff, especially liquids. Lots cheaper than paying a couple hundred for overweight or additional bags which might be lost in transit. As far as dragging a BCD or backpack wing around ( a piece of gear which I think is useless). I'd rent something when I got there. How about a horse collar and backplate instead? Lots lighter. Use a weight belt instead of an integrated BCD. The same for fins. And wetsuit if you think you'd need one in tropical waters. Try diving with a rash guard only. Get it down to a minimum for stuff you think you'll really need and can't buy or rent. Do you really need a compass on guided dives, a hooded upper, a knife, a snorkel, a bunch of tools, etc.?

[vladimir]

You can buy shorts, T-shirts and undies when you get there which is all you'll need most of the time. Same for cosmetics and shaving stuff, especially liquids. That's what I want to do when I get to Bora Bora--spend a day shopping for t-shirts, underwear, cosmetics, and shaving stuff. :confused:

[diver 85]

That's what I want to do when I get to Bora Bora--spend a day shopping for t-shirts, underwear, cosmetics, and shaving stuff. :confused:


might get expensive---compared to back home, no?

[diver 85]

here's my answer to that problem........from a previous post:(click below link)

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/330737-flying-your-gear-spare-air-3.html#post5172934

[highdesert]

I quit carrying any cotton clothes to warm diving destinations. They're bulky and heavy, and the new synthetic stuff is cheap (Target, Walmart) and more comfortable in the humidity. I can pack ALL of my clothes for a 3-week trip into a space about the size and weight of a loaf of good bread.

[SangP]

Thanks for all the replies guys,

So far this is what I think I'll drag along:

Hand Carry
1. 2 Apeks regs n 4 2nd stage
2. Masks
3. Comps are all on my wrist

Checkins
4. 0.5mm wetsuit and a 3mm hooded vest just in case
5. Hoses (considering Milflex too)
6. SPG changed to large Cochrans
7. Long sleeve rash guard
8. 2 tees n 2 shorts will get more if needed
9. Her Atomic and my Apollo fins (seriously considering getting an oms or F1)
10. Halcyon BP/W with some reduced hardware.
11. Booties
12. The usual necessities
13. Adjustable wrench n an allen key

Think this should be fine for 7 days?

SangP

[scubafanatic]

It has been my experience that it's the 'lite weight' traveling divers that always end up approaching me to 'sponge' off various spare parts/bits and even things like whole regs sets ...or have me use my tools to conduct field repairs ! Being the good natured Good Samaritan that I am, I'll often step in and 'volunteer' such help, so maybe it's my fault, but still I guess it's just my nature, Mr. Cub Scout, Always Prepared!

[scubafanatic]

Do you really need a compass on guided dives, a hooded upper, a knife, a snorkel, a bunch of tools, etc.?

Sounds like a 'plan', UNTIL Murphy shows up and things go 'pear-shaped', then all that silly redundant/safety gear suddenly looks a lot less expendable.

[SangP]

I forgot to include that I would always carry my dive pouch with contains the fore mentioned items like sausage, spool, wrist compass, spare mask, the surgical scissors are always on my harness : )

SangP

[vladimir]

SangP, even with my stripped-down kit, I bring a spare mask, sausage, and spool. I have a digital compass in my computer, which is okay for tropical diving. And, for the record, I have never had to borrow any spare parts from scubafanatic or his ilk, but I have gotten a chuckle or two at watching them lug the kitchen sink onto a dive boat.:D If you have well-maintained, quality gear there is no reason to bring a dive shop with you. It's impossible to prepare for every contingency, and even the remotest dive operation can usually get you past any equipment obstacles. Thailand is not that far off the beaten path--I used to get dive gear there when I couldn't find it in Singapore.

[vladimir]

might get expensive---compared to back home, no?No doubt, and in a lot of the best dive destinations mounting a shopping expedition would be a real challenge and really time consuming. There was no Walmart in Port Moresby last time I checked. The real expense is the waste of your precious vacation time.

[scubafanatic]

SangP, even with my stripped-down kit, I bring a spare mask, sausage, and spool. I have a digital compass in my computer, which is okay for tropical diving. And, for the record, I have never had to borrow any spare parts from scubafanatic or his ilk, but I have gotten a chuckle or two at watching them lug the kitchen sink onto a dive boat.:D If you have well-maintained, quality gear there is no reason to bring a dive shop with you. It's impossible to prepare for every eventuality, and even the remotest dive operation can usually get you past any equipment obstacles. Thailand is not that far off the beaten path--I used to get dive gear there when I couldn't find it in Singapore.

Well, you've likely never called upon the Coast Guard either, but it's good to know they're available 'in the event', isn't it ? Common examples of things NOT available 'on site' are specialized computer/light batteries, and rental masks that actually fit.....and some dive ops won't do repairs for liability reasons.....even simple repairs like swapping out a hose or a dive computer battery, and many divers have zero mechanical aptitude, and appreciate 'Johnny on the spot'! Additonally, rental gear is usually very well worn/high mileage/low end gear, which can quickly sour that big-bucks remote liveaboard experience. YMMV

[scubafanatic]

No doubt, and in a lot of the best dive destinations mounting a shopping expedition would be a real challenge and really time consuming. There was no Walmart in Port Moresby last time I checked. The real expense is the waste of your precious vacation time.

One of my favorite examples of short-sighted divers "wasting their precious vacation time" are those who underestimate their thermal protection requirements, thinking they're going to the 'tropics' so they'll be OK in a bikini or skin, and end up sitting out a bunch of '$ 500 per dive' dives (because that's the real price of many remote dives when you factor in airfare and other ancillary expenses), penny wise and pound foolish!

[vladimir]

.....

[cdolphin]

It has been my experience that it's the 'lite weight' traveling divers that always end up approaching me to 'sponge' off various spare parts/bits and even things like whole regs sets ...or have me use my tools to conduct field repairs ! Being the good natured Good Samaritan that I am, I'll often step in and 'volunteer' such help, so maybe it's my fault, but still I guess it's just my nature, Mr. Cub Scout, Always Prepared!

PADI has a SCUBA Boy Scout badge now.:chuckle:

I get blamed for too much stuff all the time, it's the Girl Scout in me. But I don't spend two hours trying to get to the store in [insert remote vacation spot here] because I refused to carry extra batteries weighing five ounces.

[shawrg]

I pack the wal-mart brand of sythetic Ts (polyester). As you say, they pack small and light, comfortable, cheap and they also dry much quicker than cotton.
I quit carrying any cotton clothes to warm diving destinations. They're bulky and heavy, and the new synthetic stuff is cheap (Target, Walmart) and more comfortable in the humidity. I can pack ALL of my clothes for a 3-week trip into a space about the size and weight of a loaf of good bread.

[spectrum]

Same for cosmetics and shaving stuff, especially liquids. Lots cheaper than paying a couple hundred for overweight or additional bags which might be lost in transit.

You make a good point. There has been a paradigm shift is what we need to tolerate in destination prices versus bringing form home.

[Nemrod]

Oxy Mach V 18 --small and light weight and super tough
Oxy Fabric Ultralight Plate -- several pounds lighter than a traditional aluminum plate
Mares Avanti X3 fins or full foot version--two pounds approx per set lighter than Jets
B&G spg, small size
Frameless mask like Atomic
Rash guard, swimsuit, 3mm neoprene top possibly with hood or beanie.

N

[Scott L]

Oxy Mach V 18 --small and light weight and super tough
Oxy Fabric Ultralight Plate -- several pounds lighter than a traditional aluminum plate
Mares Avanti X3 fins or full foot version--two pounds approx per set lighter than Jets
B&G spg, small size
Frameless mask like Atomic
Rash guard, swimsuit, 3mm neoprene top possibly with hood or beanie.

N

Spot-on IMO. I would add Haycyon's trim weight pockets to offset AL80's 4 pound positive bouyancy...

[SangP]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the info but I'm not going to replace all my gear just to get it a little lighter. Nemrod you won't save a couple of pounds changing from an alu plate to the oxycheq ultra lite back plate. You might only just save 500g. You're also not going to save much from masks or that getting a 18lbs wing will be more practical than a 30lbs wing.

I have designed a couple of plates myself n managed to get them to about 400g but for all the effort, a lighter pair of fins would do easier n a lot less trouble.

XS Scuba weight pockets are a lot cheaper n more practical than halcyons as they are small enough to be placed on cam bands or virtually anywhere on a hog harness.

I won't compromise on regs even though I can save quite a bit there but I trust my regs with my life to 60m n beyond and if it ain't broke why fix it.

SangP

[Nemrod]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the info but I'm not going to replace all my gear just to get it a little lighter. Nemrod you won't save a couple of pounds changing from an alu plate to the oxycheq ultra lite back plate. You might only just save 500g. You're also not going to save much from masks or that getting a 18lbs wing will be more practical than a 30lbs wing.

I have designed a couple of plates myself n managed to get them to about 400g but for all the effort, a lighter pair of fins would do easier n a lot less trouble.

XS Scuba weight pockets are a lot cheaper n more practical than halcyons as they are small enough to be placed on cam bands or virtually anywhere on a hog harness.

I won't compromise on regs even though I can save quite a bit there but I trust my regs with my life to 60m n beyond and if it ain't broke why fix it.

SangP


Hi guys,

Need some travel advice here as I'll be lugging along 2 sets of gear for myself and gf to Thailand in Sept n need to lighten the load as much as I can.

Before I begin, there are some things I won't do....

1. I won't get another set of regs as I'm going to stick to my Apeks DS4 and XTX100 which I use to technical dives.
2. I won't use anything else but a bp/w cus I'm really comfortable with my aluminum Halcyon.

That leaves pretty much everything else like gauges, hoses, suits etc.

Many thanks,

SangP

You placed the specification outlined in red in YOUR quote to which I complied suggesting a light weight BP/wing and several other suggestions and did not tell you to get a lighter reg, but a Titan LX is lighter, lol, now that you bring it up.

:confused:

You asked, this is what I have done and the weight savings vs my previous gear is considerable and the fabric Ultrlight plate will indeed save about three pounds vs aluminum, I have both and have weighed it and then going from my Oxy 30 to the Oxy 18 is about another pound or slightly less.

The cumulative effect of any one item is small perhaps but in whole it is considerable, enough so that I can get two complete sets of gear and accessories into one roll around dive bag and remain under the 50 pound limit and previously I had two bags, one for her and one for me, and they both pushed 50 pounds routinely.

Which brings up another issue, dive bags, I removed the "floor" from mine and cut holes in it and that saved 1/2 pound. Maybe shop for a lighter bag if yours is heavy.

We also ditched heavy lights, replacing them with small Intova lights.

Replacing metal hardware with nylon rings and buckles will save about another .5 pounds per rig.

In any case, you asked for light weight solutions, I guess you were not serious, I don't have any anti-gravity spray in a can but I will get right on that right after I perfect my time machine.

N

[scubafanatic]

Nemrod is right, there is no 'wonder weapon', you will have to search out incremental improvements.....and sometimes the cost to benefit ratio is borderline........I'm debating spending $ 500 on a Samsonite Cosmolite suitcase, which will replace a 15 lbs suitcase with one about half that weight, so I'll have 7 - 8 more lbs to play with, but at least that suitcase will last me forever, so it's a one time investment, and I anticipate future fuel prices and financial pressures on airlines will only increase, so it will end up paying for itself.

[vladimir]

I'm debating spending $ 500 on a Samsonite Cosmolite suitcase

I can recommend that suitcase:


I have recently lightened my luggage by a couple of kgs with Cosmolite (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IKC6XY/ref=s9_simh_gw_p193_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=056TNMQXT9G1WRTPKATN&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846) bags.

I recently bought the 27" and the carry-on. They seem to be quality products, although I guess I won't really know until I've dragged it on a dozen more trips. So far so good though, and it sure beats shedding dive gear to meet baggage limits.

[SangP]

You placed the specification outlined in red in YOUR quote to which I complied suggesting a light weight BP/wing and several other suggestions and did not tell you to get a lighter reg, but a Titan LX is lighter, lol, now that you bring it up.

:confused:

You asked, this is what I have done and the weight savings vs my previous gear is considerable and the fabric Ultrlight plate will indeed save about three pounds vs aluminum, I have both and have weighed it and then going from my Oxy 30 to the Oxy 18 is about another pound or slightly less.

The cumulative effect of any one item is small perhaps but in whole it is considerable, enough so that I can get two complete sets of gear and accessories into one roll around dive bag and remain under the 50 pound limit and previously I had two bags, one for her and one for me, and they both pushed 50 pounds routinely.

Which brings up another issue, dive bags, I removed the "floor" from mine and cut holes in it and that saved 1/2 pound. Maybe shop for a lighter bag if yours is heavy.

We also ditched heavy lights, replacing them with small Intova lights.

Replacing metal hardware with nylon rings and buckles will save about another .5 pounds per rig.

In any case, you asked for light weight solutions, I guess you were not serious, I don't have any anti-gravity spray in a can but I will get right on that right after I perfect my time machine.

N

I appreciate the advice really but my dilemma is also not getting more gear that will sit idle after this trip.

Perhaps it's the difference in our training and nature of dives that make our gear choices so different.

For example, I'm going to stay away from nylon buckles, rings etc as I don't see them as practical weight savings vs a safety standpoint.

I also fail to see how the Oxycheq ultralight plate will save 3 lbs when my Halcyon n oms plate weight 770g while the ul plate is 270g when the harness hardware are the same.

Wow $500 for a suitcase! That something that's beyond what I'm willing to pay. My army duffel bag with wheels n field pack usually will do but I've also gotten a Stahlsac mesh back pack, mesh duffel and dry bag just in case.

mawashi