Diverite HunterPac BCD User manual

HunterPac BCD
User Manual
www.diverite.com 800-495-1046
May 2015

Table of Contents
Product Description ..................................................................................1
Tech Specs.................................................................................................2
Features and Functions.............................................................................3
Adjusting the HunterPac ...........................................................................6
Attaching the HunterPac to a Cylinder .....................................................8
Using the Tank-Height Adjustment Strap.............................................8
Adding and Removing D-rings.................................................................10
Using the Gusset Control System............................................................11
Care and Maintenance............................................................................12
General Maintenance Procedures......................................................12
Cleaning the Inside of the BC..............................................................13
Warnings to Note Before Use .................................................................14
Inflation and Deflation Warnings and Cautions .................................15
Warranty Information.............................................................................17
Activating and Utilizing your Warranty ..............................................18

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Product Description
For the avid spear fisherman, the HunterPac BCD takes all of our great technical
and recreational BCD features and combines them with a few spear fishing
essentials creating a BCD that excels in any type of open water diving. Spear
fishing today and shooting pictures tomorrow, the HunterPac BCD makes it
possible with all of its features and functions.
Providing 35 lbs. (15.8 kg) of lift, the HunterPac 360-degree, donut wing
supports aluminum and steel tanks with a maximum weight of 32 lbs. (14.5 kg)
with optional pockets. With an integrated Gusset Control system that reduces
“taco” effect and promotes effective streamlining, the HunterPac puts
buoyancy where it is most needed (throughout the torso supporting the weight
of the tank) for superior horizontal trim. Coming standard with a shoulder
exhaust pull-dump and a waist-level exhaust valve, trimming the BCD is easy.
The donut shape and design of the air cell (wing-style) provides maximum
comfort throughout the dive with no squeezing or restrictions that can happen
with a typical jacket-style BCD. Floating on the surface in a vertical position in
the HunterPac is not a problem; it won’t tip you over.
Diving in a wetsuit or drysuit, warm water or cold water, steel tank of
aluminum tank, the HunterPac will adapt. With an extremely comfortable soft
back plate and lumbar pad and the versatile one-size-fits-all adjustable harness
with cross-chest strap and crotch strap, the HunterPac can be sized for any
diver for a perfect custom fit. Double stainless steel cam straps that
accommodate almost any single tank configuration and the ability to add
optional weight pockets gives you unlimited options.
Carrying a spear fishing stringer or a ZooKeeper's Lionfish unit is not a problem
with the HunterPac’s configurable D-ring mounting points for gear placement.
Position the existing D-rings anywhere you want or add additional D-rings is
your choice.
Extremely rugged, the HunterPac is designed for long-term use based on a
hybrid design of our technical BCDs. Using the same materials and
craftsmanship with a simplified design, the HunterPac weighs in at only 6.2 lbs.
(2.8 kg) making it ideal for travel. Its ruggedness is enhanced with a heavy-duty,
210-denier nylon laminated bladder.
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Tech Specs
210-denier nylon laminated bladder
Wing Gusset Control system for streamlining
Lift: 35 lbs. (15.8 kg)
22-inch (55.8 cm) LP inflator hose
16-inch rapid exhaust (pull-dump)
2 bent chest D-rings
2 waist D-rings
Stainless steel belt buckle
Cross chest strap
1.5 in. (3.8 cm) crotch strap (D-ring to accommodated up to 2" crotch
strap)
Two 36-inch (91.4 cm) stainless steel cam straps
Optional weight pocket systems and butt plate
Weight: 6.2 lbs. (2.8 kg)
Size: 22.5-in H x 19-in W (57.2 cm x 48.3 cm)
Made in the USA
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Features and Functions
The HunterPac has many features in its design. Each feature is detailed below
with its position on the HunterPac and the function it performs.
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[1] Tank adjustment strap: Used to maintain the HunterPac’s height on a
cylinder. The strap loops over the valve and sits on the neck of the cylinder.
[2] Padded shoulder straps: Provides the comfortable secure fit.
[3] Shoulder-strap adjustment point: Enables sizing the shoulder straps and
allows for adding or removing D-rings from the shoulder strap.
[4] Floating, self-closing “epaulet” on the left side: Used to keep inflation hoses
secured and under control.
[5] Two-inch (50 mm) shoulder D-rings: One D-ring on each shoulder strap is
bent at a slight angle for better access and can be adjusted for height.
[6] Cross-chest strap: Used to position the shoulder straps on the chest for a
proper comfort and fit.
[7] Two-inch (50 mm) waist-strap D-rings: One D-ring on each side of the waist-
strap is adjustable to any position on the waist-strap.
[8] Waist-strap and Buckle: Two-inch (50 mm) waist-strap webbing with a
stainless quick-release buckle, which is used to size the waist strap. The waist-
strap design enables easy mounting of pockets and other accessories.
[9] Crotch strap attachment D-ring: D-ring for attaching the 1.5-inch crotch
strap. Other crotch-strap widths can also be accommodated.
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[10] Back plate and lumbar pad: Soft, padded back plate that is comfortable
diving in any type of exposure suit.
[11] BC Wing: The wing, in its compact donut shape, holds the air for buoyancy
control. The inner bag is replaceable in the event of a tear or abrasion.
[12] Gusset Control system: Bungee cord that holds the wing in place to help
reduce the “taco” effect of the wing around the cylinder. This promotes
effective streamlining.
[13] Inflator: Used to inflate and deflate the wing. The low-pressure inflator
hose connects to the inflator. The mouthpiece is used to manually inflate the
BC and for dumping air from the BC.
[14] Cam-straps: Two, two-inch (50 mm) cam straps that secure the BC to a
cylinder. They can accommodate most any single cylinder.
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Adjusting the HunterPac
Adjusting the HunterPac to fit properly is essential for comfort and good
streamlining. The HunterPac should fit snuggly and securely no matter whether
you’re diving a wetsuit, drysuit, or thin skin suit. The shoulder, waist, chest, and
crotch straps easily adjust for a proper fit.
To adjust the HunterPac:
1. Loosen the shoulders straps using the two belt slides just above the D-rings
on the shoulder straps.
2. Loosen the waist strap at the buckle.
3. Loosen the cross-chest strap and crotch strap.
4. Wearing your typical exposure suit, put on the HunterPac.
5. Fasten the waist strap so that it’s comfortable.
Position the buckle so that it’s just to the right of center on your body. This
allows the crotch strap waist attachment point to be positioned directly
above your crotch.
6. Fasten the cross-chest strap so that the shoulder straps are parallel on
your chest, but do not tighten it.
7. Partially tighten the waist and shoulder straps.
8. Partially tighten the cross-chest strap so that the shoulder straps are
parallel to each other on your chest and shoulders.
9. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you achieve the most comfortable fit.
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10. Fasten and tighten the crotch-strap until it fits securely.
11. Rock gently from side to side and move around to make sure the harness
fits tightly and is secure.
12. Fully inflate the wing to ensure it does not restrict your breathing or
movement.
CAUTION: Properly fitted, the harness should not restrict your breathing
when the BC wing is fully inflated.
13. Weave any webbing loose ends through the belt slides so that they are
securely in place.
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Attaching the HunterPac to a Cylinder
The HunterPac is easily attached to an aluminum or steel single cylinder using
the two stainless steel cam-bands provided. The cam-bands can be easily
removed for cleaning or transport.
To attach the HunterPac to a cylinder:
1. Thoroughly soak the cam-straps in water and allow them to stretch.
2. Loosen the cam-straps to fit the size of the cylinder.
3. Slide the cam-straps over the cylinder.
4. Hook the tank-height adjustment strap over the cylinder valve and position
around the neck of the cylinder.
See “Adjusting the Tank Height Adjustment Strap” for more information.
5. Position the HunterPac to the desired height on the cylinder.
Note: When the tank height adjustment strap is adjusted correctly, you
should be able to reach back and turn on/off your cylinder’s valve.
6. Tighten the cam-straps until they snap tightly around the cylinder.
7. Pick up the unit by the harness shoulder straps and shake it up and down.
Make sure that the tank is fastened securely and that the band is tight
enough to prevent it from coming undone accidentally. If the cam-strap is
not tight enough, tighten it and perform the shake test again.
WARNING: Before each use, check the HunterPac cam-bands, straps, and the
waist strap for wear. Have an authorized repair facility replace worn or
damaged items before use. Failure to replace worn or damaged tank buckles
and bands could lead to loss of cylinders or of the
HunterPac assembly itself. This could lead to
serious personal injury or death.
Using the Tank-Height Adjustment Strap
The tank-height adjustment strap hooks over the
cylinder valve and is positioned at the neck of the
cylinder. It is used to maintain a consistent height
position for the HunterPac each time you attach it to a cylinder. The strap can
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also be used as a handle to carry the HunterPac when it is not attached to a
cylinder.
The tank-height adjustment strap fastens and adjusts using a belt slide. You
need to experiment with the adjustment strap until the height is right for you.
Note: When the tank height adjustment strap is adjusted correctly, you should
be able to reach back and turn on/off your cylinder’s tank valve.
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Adding and Removing D-rings
To add or remove D-rings from HunterPac shoulder or waist straps, you need to
thread or unthread the 2.0-inch (50 mm) strap webbing through a stainless
belt-slide (weight retainer), which holds the D-ring in place on the strap.
Note: It is recommended that you only add or remove D-rings from one
shoulder strap at a time. This way, you can refer to the other shoulder strap if
you have difficulty in routing the webbing strap correctly.
To add or remove D-rings:
1. Pass the loose end of the webbing strap through the plastic belt slide
(shoulder straps and left-side waist strap).
2. Pass the loose end of the webbing strap through the stainless-steel belt-
slide holding the existing D-ring (or, on the left-side waist strap, through
the cam buckle and then through the belt-slide).
Note: Only unweave the belt-slides if you want to remove the D-ring.
3. Remove or add D-rings to the strap as desired.
4. Once the D-rings are in place on the strap, route the webbing-strap back
through the belt-slide to hold the D-ring in place. See diagram below.
5. Route the webbing strap back through the plastic belt slide (for shoulder
straps) or cam buckle (waist strap) to hold the loose end of the strap in
place.
6. On the shoulder straps, tuck the loose end of the strap under the neoprene
shoulder pads.
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Using the Gusset Control System
The integrated Gusset Control system is designed to reduce the “taco” effect
(BC tank wrapping). Using a single cylinder with a wing style BC can cause the
BC to wrap (taco) around the cylinder creating drag and reducing the ability to
easily exhaust air because the air gets trapped above the level of the BC
exhaust hose elbow when the diver is in a normal swimming position.
By using the Gusset Control system, the wing is held in place across the divers
back and does not wrap around the cylinder. With the wing in this position,
effective streamlining is accomplished, and the HunterPac puts buoyancy
throughout the torso supporting the weight of the tank for superior horizontal
trim. It also keeps the wing below the level of the exhaust hose elbow, allowing
the diver to exhaust air from the BC using the remote exhaust valve in the hose
elbow or by holding the end of the hose up and depressing the oral
inflation/manual deflation button.
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Care and Maintenance
With proper care and service, your HunterPac can provide you with years of
safe, enjoyable use. Without proper care, your HunterPac system can become
damaged and be either unserviceable or dangerous to use.
Note: Stainless steel can develop rust even when properly cared for.
General Maintenance Procedures
oThe sun’s ultraviolet rays can fade and damage the HunterPac, shortening
its life. Store the HunterPac away from sunlight and excessive heat.
Although the HunterPac is designed for use in water as cold as 28 F (-2 C)
and as warm as 104 F (40 C), Dive Rite recommends storing the HunterPac
between 0 and 104 F (-18 to 40 C).
oKeep sharp objects from coming in contact with the HunterPac.
oTake care when handling the HunterPac. Do not rest heavy objects on the
BC or drag it over rough surfaces.
oPeriodically lubricate the low-pressure inflator hose coupling and quick
disconnect plug with silicone lubricant.
oDue to the type of material used in the construction of the HunterPac,
clean it only with fresh water and mild detergent. Chemicals, strong
detergents, and cleaning solutions can damage the HunterPac and shorten
its life.
oHave the HunterPac inspected yearly by your local, authorized Dive Rite
dealer.
oAvoid excessive pool use. Excessive use in chlorinated water can lead to
premature discoloration and shorten the products’ life.
oRinse the HunterPac thoroughly after each use and allow it to dry
completely before storing. Dive Rite recommends Salt-X for salt removal
(www.salt-x.com).
WARNING: Do not disconnect the large-diameter inflation hose elbow/remote
exhaust from the BC body. Detaching and re-attaching this component should
only be attempted by a qualified technician working under the supervision of
an authorized Dive Rite dealer or distributor. Attempts to remove and/or
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replace this component without the necessary training and tools may result in
permanent damage to the inflation hose assembly or BC.
Cleaning the Inside of the BC
The greatest threat to the BC’s long life is the presence of contaminants inside
the BC. Salt water, when it evaporates, leaves behind razor-sharp crystals that
can easily puncture the BC’s fabric. Other substances can cause the inside
surfaces of the BC to permanently stick to one another.
To clean the inside of the BC:
1. Drain any water that may have collected in the BC during the dive.
To do so, partially inflate the BC and then turn it over so that the hose
elbow is at the lowest point. Depress the manual deflator button while
squeezing gently on the BC. Continue to do so until all of the water is out.
2. Refill the BC with fresh water until it is approximately one-quarter full.
3. Inflate the BC the rest of the way with air.
4. Turn the BC over and over, so that the fresh water has the opportunity to
rinse all of the BC’s interior surfaces.
5. Drain the fresh water from the BC (see Step 1).
6. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 one or two more times.
7. Rinse the exterior of the BC by immersing it in a tub of fresh water or
spraying it gently with a hose.
8. Inflate the BC until it is nearly full and let it stand for 30 minutes. After 30
minutes, check the BC for loss of air.
9. Lay the BC out flat or hang it upside down for several hours to allow it to
dry thoroughly.
10. Store the BC partially inflated in a dry, dark place.
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Warnings to Note Before Use
Before using your HunterPac, there are several things you must do and be
aware of. These include:
oObtain a minimum of entry-level open-water scuba diver training and
certification from a recognized diver-training organization.
oAs part of this training, you must master all the basic skills of buoyancy
control, including proper weighting, ascents, descents, surface swimming
and resting, and establishing neutral buoyancy under water. This training
must also cover (both at the surface and underwater) the use of buoyancy
control devices (BCs), oral inflation of BCs, low-pressure inflation of BCs,
and deflation of BCs using a variety of methods.
oYou must read and understand this owner’s manual and all other warnings
that accompany the product. If you do not understand some part of this
manual, contact Dive Rite or your local authorized Dive Rite dealer.
oFailure to follow the instructions given in this manual or to heed the
warnings it provides can cause equipment loss or damage, serious personal
injury, or death.
oMisuse of the HunterPac can result in uncontrolled ascents, descents, or
loss of buoyancy control. This, in turn, can cause serious personal injury or
death.
oThe HunterPac is NOT a United States Coast Guard approved personal
flotation device (PFD). It will not provide face-up flotation for all users and
conditions.
oThese wings are only to be used with standard air or enriched air Nitrox
with an oxygen concentration not to exceed 50%. Use with a greater
concentration of oxygen may create a fire hazard and expose the user to
risk of serious injury. For safety reasons, it is strictly forbidden to change
from air to Nitrox and vice versa unless the buoyancy compensator has
been inspected and properly cleaned by competent personnel. Remember
that the depth and the duration of the dive are strictly dependant by the
percentage of oxygen in the breathing gas.
oIn case of contamination with oil, the wing must be inspected and cleaned
by competent personnel.
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oWhen a regulator and inflator hose are connected to a cylinder, always
open the cylinder valve slowly, especially when using Nitrox.
oThe HunterPac must be used with compressed air compliant with standard
EN 12021.
Inflation and Deflation Warnings and Cautions
oWhen using a remote exhaust pull-dump, DO NOT continue to pull if air is
not coming out. Adjust your body position so that the exhaust valve is at
the highest point and then LIGHTLY pull down on the exhaust again. Do not
yank on the exhaust as doing so could cause damage to the BC.
oDo not attach the low-pressure inflator hose to a high-pressure air source,
such as the HP (high pressure) port of a regulator. The BC’s low-pressure
inflator and its supply hose can only handle pressures of approximately
150 pounds per square inch (10 bar) over ambient pressure.
Note: Read your regulator manufacturer’s instructions concerning the
proper connection of low- and high-pressure hoses. Trained technicians
working for factory authorized dive centers should only install or change
hoses. Product damage can result from improper hose connection.
oAlways inflate the BC slowly, both at the surface and underwater. Rapid
inflation underwater can result in uncontrolled ascents. Uncontrolled
ascents can cause serious lung overpressure injuries, such as Arterial Gas
Embolism (AGE). Serious overpressure injuries can result in death.
oMaintaining a safe rate of ascent requires training and practice. The BCs’
overpressure relief valve does not control or prevent uncontrolled ascents.
oThese instructions do not incorporate all of the steps required to orally
inflate the BC above or below the water. Oral inflation of BCs underwater
requires special training and practice. This should first be attempted under
controlled conditions and under the supervision of a certified instructor.
oNever breathe from the BC’s oral inflator/manual deflator mouthpiece.
The BC may contain contamination or gas residue that may be hazardous if
inhaled.
oUse of the oral inflator/manual deflator or overpressure relief valve for
deflation may allow water to enter the BC. Repeated deflation of the BC
under water may allow enough water to enter the BC to substantially
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reduce the BC’s lift capacity (buoyancy) or interfere with its ability to allow
the user to control buoyancy.
Note: If you have questions regarding any of the information you find in this
manual or — equally important — questions pertaining to information about
the HunterPac you cannot find in this manual, contact your local authorized
Dive Rite dealer. If there is no authorized Dive Rite dealer in your area, contact
Dive Rite directly, using the contact information appearing in this manual.
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Warranty Information
The Dive Rite HunterPac carries a limited lifetime warranty. Dive Rite will — at
its sole discretion — repair or replace a HunterPac proved to be damaged by
faulty manufacture or material, at no cost, for the lifetime of the HunterPac.
This warranty applies only to the original retail purchaser. It does not cover
commercial or rental use, nor does it extend to units purchased from other
than an authorized Dive Rite dealer.
This warranty specifically excludes color changes, light fastness, or fading. Dive
Rite does not accept responsibility for stains or transference or bleeding of
color to other items.
If we deem a HunterPac component to be beyond repair — through no fault of
the user — then, and only then, will we replace the affected component(s).
To make a claim under this warranty, the owner must have registered his/her
warranty using Dive Rite’s website (www.diverite.com). All warranty repairs
(international or domestic) must be accompanied by a copy of the purchase
receipt. For warranty repairs (international or domestic) the product must be
returned to the store where the item was purchased or directly to Dive Rite. A
Return Authorization must be obtained by calling Dive Rite corporate offices
(386-752-1087) to send items to Dive Rite. No warranty service will be
performed for other than registered owners. Note: Local dealers and
distributors are not responsible for service of items purchased from
unauthorized dealers, Internet dealers, or dealers from other territories.
This warranty becomes void if the HunterPac system components are damaged
by anything other than normal recreational diving use, or if they have been
serviced or repaired by other than authorized Dive Rite dealers.
Repairs made under this warranty will not extend the warranty period.
All further claims, especially for damage after diving accidents, are excluded
from coverage under this warranty.
Dive Rite has no obligation to honor any extension of this warranty.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. No other
person or representative is authorized to assume for Dive Rite any other
liability in connection with the sale of this product.
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Activating and Utilizing your Warranty
1. To activate your warranty, you must register your HunterPac within 30
days of purchase through our online product warranty registration. This is
located within our website at www.diverite.com.
2. Proof of original ownership is provided by your purchase receipt and
should be retained for your records.
3. If you intend to receive your service directly from Dive Rite, you must first
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number by calling Dive
Rite at 386-752- 1087. Your RMA number is to be printed on the address
label of your package.
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