It’s always nice to have reassurance that your important dive equipment is not going to get crushed or damaged by other people’s luggage at the airport. It can cause less stress on you when everything is packed in an organized manner.
We still like to travel as light as possible but when you have dive gear it can mean having to bring an extra bag and even smaller bags. I’ve seen some divers pack everything in one big bag and yes, that includes all dive gear and dive accessories, regular clothing, shoes… honestly, I don’t know how they do it!
It’s also important to keep dive gear and dive accessories separate so you know what you have and not have moisture or dampness in your regular suitcase on your return trip home.
This post will tell you what features to look for in dive gear bags, the options you would want to consider, what styles are available in smaller dive bags and how to choose the gear bag that’s perfect for you!
Standard Dive Bag Features
Your main bigger gear bag can be:
- Duffel bag
- Backpack
- Hard shell
Before you go out and purchase your main big gear bag, there are some standard dive bag features to consider:
1) The material must be durable with enhanced stitching to withstand sharp objects and be able to support all your dive gear without weights (tank and weights stay home). It should also be able to endure environmental conditions, salt water, and long periods of dampness.
2) The handles, preferably YKK zippers or extremely durable zippers, clips and snaps or anything that is used of metal type must be non-corrodible and tough.
3) The straps must also have enhanced stitching to support heavy weight. Ideally it would be a good idea to look for a bag that has the strap reinforced in the stitching to go under the bag and over to prevent the strap from ripping off which further enhances durability.
Advantageous Optional Features
It’s always nice to travel to your style and in comfort especially since you will be dealing with heavier weight which may cause back pain and stress. You may want to consider…
1) Backpack straps.
- Great for carrying the bag over your shoulders
- Keeps your hands free to carry other objects
2) Pockets and detachable bags.
- These can be located inside as well as outside the bag to hold dive accessories like fins. You might want to consider detachable bags to hold your regulator set or fins so you can carry them separately.
3) Rollers.
- Wouldn’t it nice to just hold onto the handle and walk with your bag beside you instead of carrying it in your hand or as a backpack? No back pain or shoulder stress. It’s easy to walk down with it to the dive boat or at the airport.
4) Mesh areas to drain excess water.
- This is important! When your dive gear is soaked just after your dives, it’s always nice to have a bag that removes excess water out so it doesn’t get smelly especially from salt water AND to avoid mold.
Different Styles of Smaller Scuba Dive Gear Bags
The idea behind of going with smaller dive gear bags in addition to your bigger dive bag is once you arrive at your destination and prepare for your dives, you put whatever you want to take with you for that dive into the smaller gear bag.
1) Dry bags. These come in various sizes and are handy to put in smaller dive accessories you don’t want to get wet like your logbook, ID card, batteries, towel, etc.
2) Mesh bags. These also come in various sizes and you can get this in the backpack and duffel styles.
3) Padded bag or case for regulator. You can carry it on the plane with you if you’re not comfortable leaving it in your bigger bag that’s stored with all the other luggage. It provides better reinforced protection.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Scuba Dive Gear Bag
Not only is your dive gear bag an investment, you want it to last for years so your equipment will be protected. Think about…
1) What other dive interests do you have? How will you use the bags?
2) Make a list of what you want to put in your bigger dive bag.
2) Do some research by stopping at your local dive shop or at resorts and try them on. Try it on your back if it’s a backpack or if it has handles put something in it and see how it well it works. Pull the bag if it has wheels. Inspect and try out all the features. Go online and read reviews from customers who have purchased the bags or go to a site that does reviews.
3) Study the features and picture where you would place your equipment and dive accessories. Ask the sales rep if you can put some of their dive equipment in the bag. Determine how easy it is to get your item in and out of the bag. How easy is it to pack?
4) Check out the warranty.
5) Think about getting a smaller bag like dry bag, padded bag, mesh bag, etc. How will you transport your equipment …
Well folks, I hope you enjoyed this post and if you have any questions or comments, please put them in the Comment box below. Have you had any experiences with any of your dive bags, perhaps a dive bag you recommend?
