I use an Akona mesh duffle bag for boat dives. For beach/shore dives, I use heavy duty real milk crates for one part of gear and the Akona bag for the bigger items like suits and BP/W.
How many of you use a diving gear bag?
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To be fair, some dive bags don't have any markings that a would-be thief would recognize as indicating dive gear. My Stahlsac has no silly dive flag or other markings on it--it's solid black. Perhaps the manufacturer's name is somewhere, but I can't recall noticing it.
I've been using a heavy canvas wheeled duffle that had been rubberized inside. I didn't dive when I first purchased, longer ago than I can recall, so 30+ years? Once I started traveling to dive, it became the answer. The zipper teeth aren't metal. This bag finally met a handler or a luggage transporter in SE Asia, that didn't like it and some of the material has been pulled away on two corners by the wheels. I was going to get it fixed but by complete coincidence received an Oceanic duffle as a gift. It's not brand new but looks barely used. Haven't tried it out yet but it looks more than up to the task, maybe too much so. I'm concerned that it is heavier than my old bag, which is a drag at weigh in. We shall see.
For liveaboards, the duffle is all I've taken, other than a carry-on.
Upon arrival for land-based, when necessary, I've used my ancient Mares mesh duffle with backpack straps to transport gear to the shop. Mine weighs almost nothing and folds into next to nothing in a suitcase. The newer ones seem heavier but mine has lasted around 20 years.
None of the above is really significant in the scheme of things with regard to your question, in my mind.
Here's the thing, I also carry large garbage bags. It's been exceedingly rare that my gear wasn't dry enough to put into the duffle luggage but when in a pinch, out came a large garbage bag.
If you're driving your own vehicle to do day dives, another idea many of my friends use is a plastic/rubber tub in trunk or back of SUV. (Some like wheels, some don't) They throw their gear in there and seal it. I've even heard that some have two tubs. One with fresh water in it and their gear rinses itself on the way home. A person would want tubs with excellent seals in that case, I'd think. Anything else wet and not in need of immediate rinse, goes into the second tub.
Frankly, I'm pretty sure I'm going to miss my old duffle but I'd be surprised if anyone makes one like it anymore.
For liveaboards, the duffle is all I've taken, other than a carry-on.
Upon arrival for land-based, when necessary, I've used my ancient Mares mesh duffle with backpack straps to transport gear to the shop. Mine weighs almost nothing and folds into next to nothing in a suitcase. The newer ones seem heavier but mine has lasted around 20 years.
None of the above is really significant in the scheme of things with regard to your question, in my mind.
Here's the thing, I also carry large garbage bags. It's been exceedingly rare that my gear wasn't dry enough to put into the duffle luggage but when in a pinch, out came a large garbage bag.
If you're driving your own vehicle to do day dives, another idea many of my friends use is a plastic/rubber tub in trunk or back of SUV. (Some like wheels, some don't) They throw their gear in there and seal it. I've even heard that some have two tubs. One with fresh water in it and their gear rinses itself on the way home. A person would want tubs with excellent seals in that case, I'd think. Anything else wet and not in need of immediate rinse, goes into the second tub.
Frankly, I'm pretty sure I'm going to miss my old duffle but I'd be surprised if anyone makes one like it anymore.
Dogbowl
Contributor
I use the North Face Rolling Thunder (30" I believe), which was recommended to me by @outofofficebrb . Filled with all my stuff, it is just under 50lbs.
ROLLING THUNDER—30" | Canada
At the location, for carrying gear to the dive boat/dive op from the hotel, I use the Mares Cruise Deluxe Mesh Backpack:
https://www.amazon.ca/Mares-Cruise-...8&qid=1543275891&sr=1-1&keywords=mares+cruise
ROLLING THUNDER—30" | Canada
At the location, for carrying gear to the dive boat/dive op from the hotel, I use the Mares Cruise Deluxe Mesh Backpack:
https://www.amazon.ca/Mares-Cruise-...8&qid=1543275891&sr=1-1&keywords=mares+cruise
Dogbowl
Contributor
It is not "light" but it is sturdy, and mine has a print on it from a prior season, so unlikely anyone can walk off with it without me noticing. My husband had to settle for plain blue, because I snagged the last print one. At least it's not black.
JamesBon92007
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Do you mean as a checked bag on an airliner or just to haul gear when you get there?
I put the BCs and sharp objects in my regular suitcase that gets checked. The other stuff goes in my carry-on. The zippers on my old carry-on are difficult to zip after many trips to tropic locations. I think they just need cleaning and some lube, but they reduced the carry-on size on some airlines so I got a new one anyway.
When I get there I put my stuff in a Mares Cruise Elite bag. So far, after several trips and many dive boats, the zippers are still fine. It has no wheels but doubles as a backpack. There was a discussion recently about the Mares Cruise Deluxe bag which is a little heavier than mine, but mine looks like it will hold up just fine. I used to stick my reg and mask etc in a small backpack to take on boats but the zippers all got stuck after many trips. I like my Mares Elite bag just fine.
I put the BCs and sharp objects in my regular suitcase that gets checked. The other stuff goes in my carry-on. The zippers on my old carry-on are difficult to zip after many trips to tropic locations. I think they just need cleaning and some lube, but they reduced the carry-on size on some airlines so I got a new one anyway.
When I get there I put my stuff in a Mares Cruise Elite bag. So far, after several trips and many dive boats, the zippers are still fine. It has no wheels but doubles as a backpack. There was a discussion recently about the Mares Cruise Deluxe bag which is a little heavier than mine, but mine looks like it will hold up just fine. I used to stick my reg and mask etc in a small backpack to take on boats but the zippers all got stuck after many trips. I like my Mares Elite bag just fine.
outofofficebrb
HARRO HUNNAYYY
@Dogbowl I didn’t know you picked one up! Rad!
@chillyinCanada I’ve had the same one for more than 10 years now....it is amazing how it has held up. I pack it to 50 pounds/23kg every time a few times a year and head out on lots of planes, cars, ferries, trains, etc. It has really held up. The material keeps it water resistant. The lifetime warranty on the zippers and stitching is great. Bombproof. Highly recommend.
@chillyinCanada I’ve had the same one for more than 10 years now....it is amazing how it has held up. I pack it to 50 pounds/23kg every time a few times a year and head out on lots of planes, cars, ferries, trains, etc. It has really held up. The material keeps it water resistant. The lifetime warranty on the zippers and stitching is great. Bombproof. Highly recommend.
For me, it depends
For Local diving I'll uses a vented bag - mine is like a dry bag but with heavy duty mesh down the sides for wetsuits and a small roller for other gear.
For small boats or liveaboards I decant dive gear into a mesh bag
I used to have a huge Mares Cruise bag, but it was too large and unwieldy anywhere outside of an airport
I've learnt (through hard experience) that it's easier to pack a cab with a couple of smaller bags per person than 1 large bag each and they're easier to lift and handle.
My prefered solution for overseas travel is a back back for electronics and valuables, a bag for clothes etc and a bag for dive gear.
My current preference are North Face because my duffell is 10 years old, travelled the world, been abused but shows little signs of wear.
If (like Bali) where I need to drag, I want two bags to be able to strap together but be easy and fast to detach
I'm still looking for the perfect solution - I'll be in the UK soon so will visit a North face store and physically look at their larger offerings.
I don't' mind having branding - thieves want high value small items that can be easily sold (which dive gear is not - too specialised) but most dive bags I've seen just aren't thought out for my "needs"
For Local diving I'll uses a vented bag - mine is like a dry bag but with heavy duty mesh down the sides for wetsuits and a small roller for other gear.
For small boats or liveaboards I decant dive gear into a mesh bag
I used to have a huge Mares Cruise bag, but it was too large and unwieldy anywhere outside of an airport
I've learnt (through hard experience) that it's easier to pack a cab with a couple of smaller bags per person than 1 large bag each and they're easier to lift and handle.
My prefered solution for overseas travel is a back back for electronics and valuables, a bag for clothes etc and a bag for dive gear.
My current preference are North Face because my duffell is 10 years old, travelled the world, been abused but shows little signs of wear.
If (like Bali) where I need to drag, I want two bags to be able to strap together but be easy and fast to detach
I'm still looking for the perfect solution - I'll be in the UK soon so will visit a North face store and physically look at their larger offerings.
I don't' mind having branding - thieves want high value small items that can be easily sold (which dive gear is not - too specialised) but most dive bags I've seen just aren't thought out for my "needs"
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