The Origin of Hogarthian Configuration

The hogarthian equipment configuration is a minimalist approach to dive gear that was originally conceived by Bill Hogarth Main and refined in the 1990's over an enormous body of dives including the cave exploration dives of the Wakulla Karst Plains Project (WKPP). The hogarthian configuration has been incorporated into holistic philosophies of diving such as Doing It Right (DIR) and the curriculum of several dive training agencies. Every piece of equipment has been considered in a synergistic relationship to every other, resulting in a configuration where carefully selected components along with the skills of the diver are integrated into a complete system. There is no latitude for 'personal preference' in the hogarthian configuration. However, refinements continue with benefit of experience, advancements in technology and availability of products tailored for the hogarthian diver. Adopted by exploration divers of all types, many expert divers view the hogarthian configuration as exceptionally streamlined, safe and relatively inexpensive.

The hogarthian equipment configuration is always a balanced rig, meaning the diver is properly weighted with a minimal amount of compensation lift to maintain neutral buoyancy. The balanced hogarthian diver is never so heavy that they require lift from the BC to ascend, and they can always swim to the surface in event of BC failure. The distribution of weight and lift on the hogarthian diver is also balanced in order to be able to easily maintain proper trim. Balance is achieved with a carefully selected combination of the cylinders, backplate, wing, exposure suit and other equipment. The most common configuration is 8-inch diameter steel cylinders with a harness, aluminum plate, wing and a drysuit. Another popular configuration is 7.25-inch diameter aluminum cylinders with a harness, steel backplate, wing and a wetsuit.

The nylon harness webbing has been carefully selected and is soft enough for comfort yet stiff enough to keep it's shape for ease of doff and don. To minimize wear, the harness also features tubular nylon webbing sleeves where the webbing would normally be in contact with the metal plate. The tubular sleeves woven through plate slots also serve to hold the straps in position. Optionally you may choose not to use the tubular sleeves and two additional belt slides are included because some divers prefer to rig the harness with belt slides behind the lower slots instead of the sleeves.

Divers commonly use bike tire inner tube as elastic bands to hold their backup lights in place. Unfortunately, tire inner tube is not durable and some divers prefer to have a spare second band. Our kit includes neoprene elastic bands that are proven exceptionally reliable. However, the kit includes additional elastic bands for those who prefer two elastic bands on each side.

Stainless-steel snap clips are used in a variety of ways with technical diving equipment configurations. The hogarthian method to attach the clip to most objects is to tie it on with braided nylon line (aka cave line). This is because nylon line is tough enough to withstand a great deal of abuse, yet can be easily cut in an emergency if the clip is jammed or entangled. A length of #24 braided nylon line is included for tying snap clips to your equipment as appropriate so they may be clipped to the D-rings. See our separate article titled How to Attach a Snap for instructions.

Follow the links for more detailed information about the individual components. Select the Rec EXP wing for 7-inch diameter doubles (eg HP100's, LP85's) and the Classic EXP wing for 8-inch doubles (eg HP130's, LP95's, LP104's). The Travel Wing is the ideal choice for 7-inch diameter singles, and the Voyager for larger 8-inch single tanks. For single tank diving you will need to add two S/S cam buckle tank straps and an optional single tank adapter if you wish, many other accessories are available. This is not a 'Frankenstein' assembly of various discontinued, off brand, or low quality components, it's an integrated system of current Dive Rite brand products. A terrific complement to your Dive Rite backplate and wing are our hogarthian configuration regulator packages.

This is not a 'Frankenstein' assembly of various discontinued, off brand, or low quality components, it's an integrated system of current HOG brand products. Select the 38lb wing for 7-inch diameter doubles (eg HP100's, LP85's) and the 58lb wing for 8-inch doubles (eg HP130's, LP95's, LP104's). The HOG 32lb Wing is the ideal choice for all single tank diving. For single tank diving you will need to add two S/S cam buckle tank straps and an optional single tank adapter if you wish, many other accessories are available. A terrific complement to your HOG backplate and wing are our hogarthian configuration regulator packages.

Related Products

About Us  |   Contact Us  |   Ordering  |   Returns  |   Shipping