Specifications

Features:

• Designed to fit all divers with only two sizes
• Rear-positioned ripcord weight system
• Unique backpad with additional support for lumbar area
• Removable crotch strap

Performance:

The TravLite positions its two integrated-weight pouches alongside the tank. Each zippered pouch takes up to 14 pounds of ballast. Since the pouches are behind you, they have to be loaded before you climb into the BC, making it harder to heft the rig onto your back. That also means you can’t remove weights before climbing out of the water. Both issues made it harder for test divers to use this system compared with the other integrated-weight systems. However, ditching weights couldn’t be easier. Just pull the single yellow handle on the right shoulder and all ballast drops. The TravLite offers a comfortable fit with an uncluttered chest area and nice padding in the lumbar area. It comes with a removable crotch strap but no cargo pockets. Test divers found the soft pack and dual tank-strap system caused the rig to wobble, and together with the positioning of the ballast weights sometimes created a roll effect.

Bottom Line:

Test divers liked the design and feel of the TravLite, but the lack of stability was a drawback. It also carries about 2-and-a-half pounds of inherent buoyancy, among the highest of this year’s tests.