Dixie,You are correct.I have done that also,and it is comfortable.
I like my Sunray hipmount bag best,but to keep the detector up
higher from the water,the backpack is best.I made mine water-
resistant with a zip-lock bag and some duct tape.Could take a
splash or quick dunk and have no problems,but wouldn't want
to let it submerge like that.Great for shallow water in the winter,
and makes changing coils easy.Also more quiet headphones than
my Excals in the wind.Almost sold my Sov. recently,then used it
again,now I hate to part with it.Great machines to keep in the
car for a quick beach hunt.HH Joe