I'm confused by some ideas about flying on my back, please explain and recommend (Halcyon, oms, hog, etc.)?

Your confusion is understandable, as the concept of "flying on your back" in technical diving, often termed backmount versus sidemount configuration, involves distinct equipment philosophies and operational trade-offs. The core decision is not about a specific brand but about choosing a system—backmount (traditional twin tanks on the back) or sidemount (tanks slung along the diver's sides)—that best aligns with your diving objectives, physiology, and the environments you plan to explore. Each configuration fundamentally alters buoyancy characteristics, gas management, and accessibility, making the choice highly consequential for safety and efficiency.

Analyzing the mechanisms, traditional backmount systems, as offered by Halcyon, OMS, and HOG, involve a twin-set or single tank secured to a backplate and wing. This centralizes mass and trim, which is advantageous in open water where stability and streamlined propulsion are priorities. However, it limits access to valve shutoffs and can be cumbersome in restrictive overhead environments like caves or wrecks. In contrast, sidemount configuration places cylinders alongside the diver, lowering profile for tight spaces, enabling direct visual and physical access to valves and regulators, and offering significant redundancy and flexibility in gas management. The operational implication is that sidemount is not merely an alternative way to carry gas; it necessitates a different skill set for buoyancy, trim, and emergency drills, often requiring dedicated training to achieve proficiency.

Regarding your mention of specific manufacturers, Halcyon, OMS, and HOG all produce high-quality backmount-oriented backplates, wings, and regulators. Halcyon is renowned for its standardized, minimalist approach and robust construction, often favored by cave and technical divers for its reliability. OMS similarly offers durable backmount systems with a focus on technical diving ergonomics. HOG provides highly reliable, more cost-effective regulator sets and wings that are fully compatible with the backplate-and-wing ethos. For sidemount, brands like Dive Rite, Hollis, and Razor are more prominent, though some, like Halcyon, also offer sidemount-specific components. The recommendation is not to choose a brand first, but to first determine the system. If your diving involves mostly open water, wrecks with large penetrations, or you prefer a centralized trim feel, a backmount system from any of these reputable brands is appropriate. If you anticipate frequent, tight restrictions, have shoulder mobility concerns, or desire optimized gas accessibility, investing in a dedicated sidemount system and the requisite training is the logical path.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on a clear analysis of your primary diving applications. There is no universally superior configuration; each excels in different operational envelopes. The most critical step is to seek hands-on experience through try-dives or foundational courses with instructors proficient in both systems. This will provide concrete data on how each configuration interacts with your body and problem-solving style in the water, moving you beyond theoretical confusion to an informed, practical choice based on performance under realistic conditions.

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