Backup Breathers

Cressi XS Octopus

88 reviews

SKU: CSBOXS

~~$189.95~~ Save: $60 (32%)

^$129.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A reliable and high-performance Cressi XS Octopus with a lightweight design and dependable valve.

Pros

Great performance and breathability
Good value for the price
Easy to use and adjust
Budget-friendly
Reliable and durable

Catalina Pony Bottle Tanks with Pro Valve

70 reviews

SKU: AQUTP40

~~$299.95~~ Save: $49 (16%)

^$250.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A reliable, nitrox-ready aluminum pony tank with high flow capacity valve and convertible K-valve.

Pros

Perfect size for various needs
Sufficient air capacity
Economical price
Reliable backup option
Versatile for different diving scenarios

Scubapro Air 2, Combination Octopus/Inflator Regulator

49 reviews

SKU: SCPA2GYR

^$329

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable and versatile combination octopus/inflator regulator with easy-to-use features and a classic design.

Pros

Breathability
Reduces clutter and eliminates hoses
Convenient and practical
Combination of octopus and inflator
Streamlined design

Atomic Aquatics Safe Second Inflator (SS1), Stainless Steel

34 reviews

SKU: ATMSS1SRD

^$449.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A lightweight, streamlined stainless steel inflator with high flow 2nd stage and easy single hand operation.

Pros

Convenient
No leaks
Streamlined setup
Easy breathing at depth
Versatility

Mares Prestige Octopus

29 reviews

SKU: MRSPRO

~~$169.95~~ Save: $45.00 (26%)

^$124.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A compact and reliable octopus with easy breathing and durable housing.

Pros

Good value for the price
Suitable for beginners
Durable and long-lasting
Easy breathing
Reliable performance

Aqualung Calypso/Titan Octopus

28 reviews

SKU: UDRCTO

^$239

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A reliable and easy-to-use octopus with a silicone mouthpiece and polycarbonate housing.

Pros

Great breathability
Reliable and easy to use
Prompt delivery and well-packed
Inexpensive and good value
Works well in cold water

Oceanic Alpha 8 SP5 Piston Regulator, Black

13 reviews

SKU: OCNA8SP5BK

^$334.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable black piston regulator with easy breathing, Nitrox compatibility, and exceeding safety standards.

Tusa SS-0002 Duo Air II Alternate Combo Inflator

10 reviews

SKU: TBTSS02

^$299

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A combination octopus regulator/power inflator with an air balanced power inflator valve and classic downstream regulator valve.

Spare-Air 3000 Kit

10 reviews

SKU: SX27B

^$299.99

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A reliable and compact backup air supply kit for emergency out-of-air situations during diving, available in multiple sizes and colors.

Cressi XS2/AC2 Regulator and XS Octopus Package

9 reviews

SKU: PCKXS2

~~$344.90~~ Save: $69.95 (20%)

^$274.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A lightweight, high-performance regulator and octopus package with a non-balanced flow-by piston design.

Cressi XS Compact Octopus

9 reviews

SKU: CSBOC

^$159.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A reliable and comfortable Cressi octopus with a low profile design and non-corrosive materials.

Princeton Tec League 420 Lumens Dive Light

8 reviews

SKU: PTCL4BK

^$56.99

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A compact and powerful waterproof light with a 420-lumen output, perfect for scuba diving and outdoor activities.

Aqualung Airsource Complete

6 reviews

SKU: UDRAS3QD

^$279

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A pneumatically balanced octopus and BCD inflator combo with soft-touch purge cover and rapid-exhaust valve.

Scubapro A700 Regulator, Second Stage Only

5 reviews

SKU: SCPA700

^$820

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable, high-performance second stage regulator with adjustable features for optimal breathing sensitivity.

Cressi Octopus Compact Pro

4 reviews

SKU: CSBOCPN

^$179.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A low profile octopus with a comfortable silicone mouthpiece and smooth operation.

OMS Evoque 2nd Stage Only (No Hose)

4 reviews

SKU: OMSRESS

^$250

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A lightweight, adjustable 2nd stage regulator with a pneumatically balanced valve and ergonomic venturi lever.

Atomic Aquatics Safe Second Inflator (SS1), Titanium

4 reviews

SKU: ATMSS1T

^$519.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A streamlined titanium inflator with high flow 2nd stage and oversized buttons for easy single hand operation.

Cressi XS2/AC2 Regulator, XS Octopus and Mini 2 Gauge

3 reviews

SKU: PCKXS22G

~~$544.85~~ Save: $189.90 (35%)

^$354.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A reliable and comfortable regulator system with primary, octopus, and analog pressure/depth gauge console.

Atomic Aquatics M1 Octopus, Yellow

3 reviews

SKU: ATMM1OYL

^$479.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A corrosion-proof yellow octopus with adjustable 2nd stage, suitable for cold water diving and oxygen enriched mixtures.

OTS Spectrum Ambient Breathing Valve (ABV)

3 reviews

SKU: OTSSABV

^$139

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A simple and efficient breathing valve that allows you to breathe ambient air at the surface while conserving tank air.

Princeton Tec 500 Lumens Torrent LED Dive Light

3 reviews

SKU: PTCTL5BK

^$87.99

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A small and compact handheld dive light with a focused narrow beam, double O-ring seal, and a depth rating of 330'.

Genesis Prana Octo

2 reviews

SKU: GNSPO

^$150

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A rugged and affordable octo with the reliability of a primary regulator and a low profile design.

Scubapro R105 Octo

1 reviews

SKU: SCPOR105

^$229

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A reliable Scubapro octo with effortless breathing, versatile hose attachment options, and high-viz hose.

Apeks XTX50 Octopus

1 reviews

SKU: APXXTX50O

^$359

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A flexible Apeks octopus with smooth breathing, Comfo-Bite mouthpiece, and active infection protection.

Scubapro C370 Regulator, Second Stage Only

1 reviews

SKU: SCPC370

^$380

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A compact and lightweight second stage regulator with air-balanced valve technology and adjustable venturi-initiated vacuum assist.

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Backup Breathers

Backup breathers are an essential component of any diver’s safety setup, offering critical peace of mind and a tangible layer of security when venturing beneath the surface. Whether you’re an experienced technical diver exploring deep wrecks or a recreational enthusiast gliding over vibrant reefs, the value of a redundant air supply cannot be overstated. These compact, independent systems—ranging from alternate air sources and octopus regulators to pony bottles and mini tanks—are specifically designed to provide emergency breathing gas in the event of a primary system failure. The moment you feel the reassuring weight of a backup breather clipped to your BC, you know you’ve taken an important step in managing risk. Many seasoned divers recall their earliest open water dives, when the gentle hiss of every breath was both a marvel and a reminder of their reliance on life-support equipment. Having a backup breather close at hand transforms that reliance into confidence, empowering you to handle unexpected situations with a calm, practiced response.

Selecting the right backup breather involves careful consideration of your typical dive environment, your experience level, and your dive buddy’s skills. For those who frequent colder waters or plan for extended bottom times, a robust and easily accessible alternate air source is indispensable. Instructors, dive leaders, and rescue divers often opt for high-visibility, easy-to-operate models that can be quickly deployed to assist others in distress. Meanwhile, solo divers and those embarking on deep or overhead environment dives—such as caves or shipwrecks—may choose independent air systems like pony bottles, which offer a completely redundant supply that is not dependent on the primary tank or regulator. Even casual divers benefit from the added security a backup breather provides, especially when embarking on trips to remote destinations where immediate assistance may not be available. As February brings cooler waters and fewer crowds, it’s an ideal time to review your setup and ensure your backup breather is properly maintained and suited to your current diving goals. Regular inspection and servicing are vital, as these devices must perform flawlessly in an emergency. Many divers make it a ritual to check their backup breather alongside their primary regulator during pre-dive safety checks, ensuring both systems are pressurized, purged, and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

Backup breathers also make thoughtful gifts for divers at any stage of their underwater journey. Gifting a redundant air supply is more than just a practical gesture—it’s a way of showing you care about their safety and their ability to explore the underwater world with confidence. They’re especially appreciated by new divers, who may not yet have invested in their own gear, as well as by seasoned adventurers looking to upgrade or add redundancy to their kit. When paired with a high-quality regulator—such as those found in our curated selection of Easy Breathe Regulators—a backup breather becomes an integral part of a comprehensive safety system. The stories shared by divers who have relied on their backup breather in a pinch underscore the importance of preparation and foresight. From managing an unexpected free-flow at depth to assisting a buddy who’s low on air, these devices have earned their place as a standard part of responsible dive planning. As you browse our recommended backup breathers, consider how each option fits into your unique diving style, and take pride in building a setup that prioritizes both adventure and safety.