Back Inflated BCDs

When you’re on a dive, your BCD, or buoyancy compensator device, helps you maintain a certain depth so you can explore more easily without tiring yourself out. Finding the perfect BCD style and features for you is an important part of becoming a more experienced and successful Scuba diver.

Selecting a BCD Style

BCDs come in three main styles: jacket style, backplate and wing, and back-inflation style. Back-inflate BCDs are popular for divers who prefer to feel unencumbered on their front and sides. That’s because these models feature inflatable bladders only on the back panel. 

This configuration is especially useful when you prefer to stay horizontal as you dive, letting you feel freer and more nimble as you swim and explore.

Back-Inflation BCDs for Travel

If you prefer to own all your own diving gear and you regularly fly to destination dive locations, a compact, travel BCD is a worthy investment. Rigid components like backplates on travel BCDs are smaller, allowing you to fit the BCD in your luggage more easily.

Travel BCDs are also significantly lighter, saving you from additional airline complications and fees as you travel.

Padding and Comfort Focused Features

Comfort is a key component when you’re choosing a BCD. Ideally, your back-inflate BCD will have swiveling shoulder straps so you can find the perfect positioning to suit your body. You should also select a model with plenty of padding to insulate you from the weight of your gear.

Some BCD systems are designed with female contours in mind, so you won’t have to worry about poorly placed straps digging into your chest or sides.

Cylinder Attachment

Your gas cylinders should stay securely attached to your BCD. Look for back-inflate BCDs with dual tank straps and ratcheting CAM-LOKs so you can be certain your tanks are stable throughout your dive.

Pockets, Octopus Integration, and Other Features

Storage pockets make it easier to carry a backup flashlight or dive knife, while providing room to collect samples and specimens to take back to the surface. An integrated octopus ensures you always have a backup air supply ready in case of emergency. And if you prefer to keep your waist free from a weight belt, look for a weight-integrated BCD.

Back-Inflation BCDs from Leading Brands

Professional divers rely on BCDs by well-respected brands like Scubapro, Aqualung, Zeagle, and Hollis. These and other leading manufacturers produce top-of-the-line BCDs to suit any type of diver.