Adding Weight to a Sidemount Diving Harness

This is a very simple, quick and cost-effective for adding weight to a sidemount diving harness.  It’s a technique I now use when initially working with students to add/remove weights in-water, during initial set-up and configuration dives.  

It also has an application for travelling sidemount divers, who don’t want to buy expensive weight stowage accessories, but need to constantly add or remove rental weights as they move around.

Many thanks to Berny Marsden (ValueLifter1951) for sharing this on Youtube.  See video below..

Sidemount Diving Harness – Bungee Weight Stowage Method

Step 1:

Take an 8″ length of bungee (6mm is ideal) and tie it in a loop using a simple fisherman’s knot.

 Step 2:

Place the bungee loop behind the webbing, to make 2 loops above the webbing strap.

 Step 3:

Place the loops through the slots provided in a standard lead weight.

Step 4:

Fold the bungee loops back over the edge of the weight, to lock it in position.

Step 5:

With both loops folded around the edges, the weight is now secure.  It shouldn’t slide on the webbing.

Step 6 (optional):

Add a cable-tie (zip-tie) at the rear to lock the bungee into position more securely.

Sidemount Diving Harness – Bungee Weight Stowage Method – Video

If you need any advice on configuring a DIY sidemount rig, please feel free to contact me.  I also run frequent clinics to help tailor and tweek your sidemount for optimum performance.  Of course, I also provide formal sidemount certification training also – offering the PADI Sidemount Diver, TecRec Tec Sidemount and ANDI Sidemount courses.