Gear bags are completely unnecessary...

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

Scuba suitcases are prefect to let potential thieves know which bags to target at the airport. If you use them, make sure you've got insurance! Might not be a good idea to tell the adjuster that you advertised the contents of your bag, though.

I do bring and use a Mares Cruise Backpack Mesh Deluxe Bag when diving. When I fly, I pack it inside my regular walmart suitcase which has any other scuba gear I couldn't fit into my carry-on (fins, bcd).

For local diving, I recently replaced my milk crate with a large storage tub.

The tub keeps my car from getting wet after diving.
 
Scuba suitcases are prefect to let potential thieves know which bags to target at the airport. If you use them, make sure you've got insurance! Might not be a good idea to tell the adjuster that you advertised the contents of your bag, though.

I do bring and use a Mares Cruise Backpack Mesh Deluxe Bag when diving. When I fly, I pack it inside my regular walmart suitcase which has any other scuba gear I couldn't fit into my carry-on (fins, bcd).

For local diving, I recently replaced my milk crate with a large storage tub.

The tub keeps my car from getting wet after diving.

Costco has a great 27-gallon storage tub for like $7, btw. HomeDepot has the same one for like $12.
 
I travel multiple times a year on liveaboards and resorts. I prefer to use a bag similar to this style:
https://www.ebags.com/product/ful/workhorse-30-rolling-duffel/304357?productid=10390964

I store all my dive gear in the bottom section which has hard sides so it protects it a bit and then put the rest of my stuff in upper section. It works out well because you can just open bottom and unload the dive gear on deck etc. then send the rest to your room. It stores really easy since it collapses down. I have been using these bags for years. I found my first one at costco for $30. Never had a failure.
 
My problem with wheeled luggage is the additional weight. Wheels and extending handle on a large duffel adds 6-7 pounds.

When we travel, my wife pulls the wheeled bag, I carry the duffel. Not too difficult to keep the weight of both below the 50 pound limit.
 
Last edited:
But bring that on a boat and you'll get some seriously dirty looks.
But at least you've got a sizable emergency raft along with you if they throw you overboard.

I'll highlight the theft factor of advertising dive gear by a clearly identifiable bag when traveling.. .

Regards,
Cameron
 
I have a scuba specific gear bag and a few general luggage bags. I agree that in most situations, the former has no advantage over the latter. The only situation I can think of is when my general gear bag got splashed with water. The zipper started to get rusty and it became useless for the next dive season. Not all general purpose gear bags have marine grade stainless steel zippers but I am unsure if all dive gears also have them? Other than this, it is the same thing.
 
I will agree - I use a TNF Medium Rolling Thunder for my dive gear and travel with non-travel dive gear (full size fins, gear for warm/cold water diving such as my BC). I don't like advertising that I have dive gear in it with painfully obvious dive gear logos and brands, either. I don't have any issue with needing any special wet/dry compartments bceause most things dry within 24 hours while I have my No Fly and/or that's what trash bags are for when it comes to the items that are still slightly damp.

The only gear bag that I really do love and makes sense for my purposes is a durable, pretty stowable rolling mesh bag for local diving. I am able to put the whole bag in a storage box as well. For dayboat after traveling, I don't need a bag, I can pretty much carry everything strapped to me or carried to the boat.
 
I still use my tote for garage storage, but now I just bring the lid in the vehicle to keep the carpet dry.

Yup. I even have a folding wagon when I take out the mesh rolling bag that fits in that storage bin in car/at home so that I can wheel the gear to/from my apartment or to/from the beach where I park. :D

Costco has a great 27-gallon storage tub for like $7, btw. HomeDepot has the same one for like $12.

That's what we have. :)
 

Back
Top Bottom