I got a Hydros pro several years ago (I think I have been diving it for 7 years) and have enjoyed using it. Nothing has broken or fallen off or ripped, but I only average about 4-5 weeks of diving per year. Maybe it would not hold up so well to heavier use?
It is the first version before some of the improvements. I took off the bulky weight pockets and use the belt/harness that also comes with the Hydros, with a couple of small weight pockets. For me, I find it does not shift around on my back in the water, dries quickly and packs up very small, making travel easier. For airline travel, BCD size matters to me more than a couple pounds more or less weight. I have traveled and dived with people using BPW systems and have seen no benefit for the type of diving/traveling that I do A BPW can be assembled more cheaply and can take up even less room in luggage. But a steel backplate would be a weight issue for me, and a light plate wold mean adding weight pockets or a weight belt. The Hydros is a back inflate aircell attached to a "plate" but with traditional adjustabel shoulder and waist belt, so it is easy to don and doff and to adjust for different wetsuit thicknesses. I have no plans to dive doubles or dry suits, etc., so that is not an concern. Cost of the Hydros is not an issue for me, especially if it can last for years.
A few years ago, my wife decided to get one as well, after seeing me packing and using mine. If mine were to get stolen or ruined, I would get another. But, it may not fit you, you may want something lighter, you may want to do the backplate, wing, hogarthian kind of thing, or whatever, and that is all fine, too. But in answer to your question...the Hydros pro works well for travel, in my opinion.
