Bungeed Backup Regulator: Setup and Why

A bungeed backup is your second regulator, held on a loop of bungee or surgical tubing around your neck so it rests just under your chin. When you donate your long-hose primary, take the backup with your left hand and breathe. We specify a 22- to 24-inch hose and a snug necklace.

By Jeremiah Gardner · Last reviewed October 16, 2026

In the DIR configuration, you don't have an "octopus" somewhere on your chest. You have a backup regulator on a necklace, right under your chin, always in the same place. It's the regulator you'll breathe from the moment you donate your primary.

What is a bungeed backup?

Your backup second stage sits on a short hose, held by a loop of bungee cord or surgical tubing that goes around your neck. The loop keeps the regulator just under your chin, so you can take it the instant you need it.

It works together with the long hose. You breathe from the primary on a long hose and donate that one to a teammate who's out of gas. Then you take the backup with your left hand and breathe. See Long Hose Configuration.

Why wear it on a necklace?

It's always in the same place. You never search for it, even in the dark or without a mask.
It's ready immediately. The moment your primary leaves your mouth, your backup is right there.
It stays clean. It isn't dragging through sand or banging on the bottom.
It's stowed close. Correct fit reduces loose hose and makes recovery predictable; the necklace and hose still need inspection.

How do you set it up?

The hose. Gardner Underwater's equipment list specifies a 22- to 24-inch hose for the backup. On a single tank it comes from the left side of the first stage; on backmount doubles it comes from the left post. It should reach your mouth with your head turned, without loops hanging below your chin.

The necklace. A loop of bungee cord or surgical tubing, secured to the regulator just behind the mouthpiece. Have your instructor or regulator technician check the attachment, mouthpiece security and fit; the necklace must not compromise regulator operation.

The size. The loop should be big enough to go over your head and let the regulator come to your mouth easily, but small enough that the regulator sits right under your chin rather than hanging at your chest. Try it on with your exposure suit and hood.

The regulator's position. With the necklace on, the regulator should sit the right way up, ready to go straight into your mouth. Ask your regulator technician or instructor to set up the second stage and hose for the left-side routing.

How do you check it before the dive?

Breathe it on land and in the water, with your eyes on the pressure gauge.
Check the bungee for cracks, stretching or a loose attachment.
Check the mouthpiece for tears or bite-through.
Look for bubbles during the bubble check at the start of the descent.

What can go wrong?

Problem	What happens	Fix
Necklace too loose	Regulator hangs at your chest and you have to search for it	Shorten the loop
Necklace too tight	Uncomfortable, and the regulator pulls your head	Lengthen the loop slightly
Perished bungee	The loop snaps and the regulator drops away	Replace bungee regularly
Hose too long	A loop hangs below your chin and snags	Use the specified hose length
Torn mouthpiece	Hard to breathe from cleanly	Replace it
Free-flow	Loud loss of gas from the backup	Practiced response, taught in training

Learn to use it

Switching to your backup is part of every gas-sharing drill, and part of the Basic Six skills in UTD training. Learn it in Essentials of Recreational Diving. For the rest of the configuration, read DIR Gear Configuration, Piece by Piece.

Frequently asked questions

How long should the backup regulator hose be?

Gardner Underwater's equipment list specifies a 22- to 24-inch hose for the necklace backup. Short enough to stay neat under your chin, long enough to turn your head comfortably.

What do I tie the necklace from?

A loop of bungee cord or surgical tubing, secured to the regulator just behind the mouthpiece. Size it so the regulator sits under your chin and comes to your mouth easily.

Which hand do I use to take the backup?

Your left hand. After presenting your primary to the out-of-gas diver, take the backup with your left hand and breathe.

Why not keep the backup in a clip on my chest?

Because a necklace keeps it in exactly the same place every dive, right where you need it. A clipped octopus can come loose, collect debris and be hard to find.