Is a basic hog harness really comfortable (more so than a back inflate BC)? Or is it used more for its simplicity and customization in tech diving, where comfort is overlooked for practicality?
Yes, it is equally as comfortable. Even when wearing a rash guard and shorts.
Yes, it is more simple and less stressful via decreased task loading.
Yes, it is infinitely customizable for any body shape or configuration.
Never having used one, it seems that a hog harness will keep the tanks somewhat loose on your back, whereas a BC will keep things tighter and more secure. And from pictures, it seems the hog harness straps restrict the divers arms somewhat.
The tanks are held closer to your back and the backplate spreads the load equally across your upper torse. There is far less wiggle and roll.
The BCD has adjustments that you crank tight, but the actually design of the jacket (
with air cells around the torso - that have to inflate and deflate) will always cause more wobble and instability.
In contrast, the Hog harness is custom fitted to the diver, and does not restrict the torso and arms by having volumes of bellowing nylon wrapped around. Neither does the harness have to deal with changes to the fit, caused by changing the volume of air cells that surround the body.
A properly fitted Hog harness should be quite loose on the arms (
surprisingly so!). The waist strap and crotch strap do the main work in holding the system snug against your body. As an example, my harness is sufficiently loose that I can remove both arms from the harness (still in place due to the waist belt) whilst swimming along.
It's hard to describe... but if you try one, and get it fitted properly, then you'll understand in an instant.
