"Dive" bags

[Moray]

I just wanted to get some thoughts on several dive bags that I see in the market. In particular, the Stahlsac Caicos and Curacao, as well as other well-known names such as the Mares Cruise roller bag. I like that they are duffle-style roller bags.

I currently use a soft-sided "luggage" style bag and because it's light to begin with, I do not go beyond the 50lbs. limit, even if my bag is full. And in terms of size, it is definitely under the 62 inch linear limit for Air Canada (and many other airlines). So this bag works. But it's starting to get old and it needs to retire after a few more trips.

I've found that some bags are nice and big (i.e. a full 62" linear measurement) but if you fill that bag full, it's actually overweight. So that kind of doesn't make sense. So I've found that a bag under 62" linear measurement works the best, but then it doesn't fit everything that I need for a 1 week trip (i.e., 1 full set of scuba gear plus personal items). So, I'm thinking of adding a backpack for carry-on, where I can put my regulator and mask.

That's what I'm thinking will work. Does anyone have any suggestions? Recommendations on actual bags I can get will be helpful too.

High Sierra luggage, small to extra large rolling duffles

 

[Diving Dubai]

As for the perfect bag... I'm still looking.

I have a Mares Cruise Roller and cannot recommend it. Yes it holds a lot, but not as much as they claim, but the material doesn't stand up to rough handling. It's heavy and unwieldy when fully packed, and the rollers are only suitable for smooth airport floors.

I've used my North Face holdall a few times, it's been abused over 10 years of air travel carrying everything from soft cloths to hard items like tools and apart from some scuffs has stood up well

My perfect bag would be something sturdy enough to take all my gear, and is manageable. I prefer to pack my clothes in a separate bag

My precious items (like phone, tablet/computer chargers and thing I want in the cabin, go in a back pack. I dislike people who try to put everything they own in the overheads and use more than their allowance of space.

So being able to clip my clothes or back pack to my dive bag when dragging away from the airport would be a bonus. Once I reach my destination my dive gear goes into a mesh back (which I carry) so it doesn't take up room on a boat etc.

I've travelled by air internationally at least once or twice a month for the last 20 years. I've only had my baggage go missing one (domestic flight in the UK and was reunited 24 hrs later) and never had anything stolen. Although I appreciate there is a first time for everything.

 

[outofofficebrb]

I strongly disagree with this. I believe it to be an old wives tale passed on between people and fuelled by paranoia (not aimed at poster)

I have on a number of occasions checked all my gear (except dive computer) in XS scuba mesh bag with the zipper "secured" with just a zip tie) and travelled to the Philippines and Thailand. All my gear arrived safely and intact.

It's my belief that persons wanting to steel want small high value items (electronics, jewellery and duty free) that can easily be hidden and disposed of.

Dive gear is bulky and of low value (for on selling) unless the thief is or knows a diver, they will target something better. Actually I believe that branded bags are safer because thieves ignore them

Each person does what they are comfortable with. For myself, I avoid the dive logos if I can because I think there is a benefit to being less conspicuous. I am not saying thieves target dive logo bags specifically, but the benefit, if any, far outweighs the potential risk, if any. I don’t have anything to lose by blending in a bit more. If I ever travel with a bag with a logo and do get anything taken, I’ll have wondered if it would have been different if I had a more plain looking bag. I don’t care to find out and hope to keep my belongings as is. While I know many people have anecdotal evidence of their items being fine in a bag with logos time after time, it’s a chance I’d rather not take. If it does happen, I can console myself that I have tried my best to minimize or avoid it from happening, that’s all there is to my thinking. It doesn’t bother me how others choose to pack or travel - whatever works best for them or that they are happy with!

 

[KevinNM]

When we first started diving we both bought carry-on sized pelicans and full size pelicans. What an expensive mistake! I still use my carry-on for the gear I won't part with (and it makes a great ottoman on wheels during layovers!), but the big pelican is too heavy to begin with! I'll be watching the responses here because I find that if I pack a 'regulation size' bag it practically begs me to overpack and is always pushing the 50 pound limit. The only dive gear I pack in my checked bag are my BC, boots, fins and a wetsuit. Everything else stays with me.

The newish pelican luggage units are apparently pretty nice, much lighter. Ran into a guy who used them all the time at the airport. But not cheap.

I've pretty much just used a LBT load out bag for the last few years, but they are typically very expensive except when they run their screaming deals.

 

[Diving Dubai]

@outofofficebrb That's a fair and valid comment. I posted my opinion because the same old statements about dive bags and logos always get rolled out.

That said, I find that most dive bags are badly designed. My best bag was one that was used for my Dive X Sccoter. Once I took all the internal foam out it was a great bag, just a huge interior with no compartments and you could throw everything in easily.

While everyone is different, I don't want separate compartments for fins - especially on the outside - or silly zip pockets which hold very little.

I do sometime wonder if teh dive bag designers have actually carried any gear

My regs go in padded bags (I travel with more than one set, and rather than use the provided internal straps I pack my gear and use luggage straps to bundle it and keep it from moving around the bags

I like the Stahlsac idea of internal vented area for wet-suits and boots etc, but yet to see one in the flesh. I prefer to touch and feel before I buy with bags

 

[rongoodman]

I've been happy with a Patagonia Black Hole wheeled duffel. Expensive, but bombproof.

 

[Dogbowl]

I’ve been traveling with The North Face’s Medium Rolling Thunder for the last 10 years where I go on one big international, multi-week and multi-airport (stopover) trip annually. Since 2014 it is now 2-3 big trips a year and in 2015 I got certified so that’s when dive vacations started. All my scuba gear goes in there 2-3 times a year now and we go faaaaar. Day and a half to get there far. This bag is basically their famous Base Camp Duffel but with wheels. I fit everything in it - clothing, toiletries, BC, fins (Mares Avanti Quattro + so they are stiff and full sized), boots, 5mm full wetsuit plus 3/4/5 hooded vest OR my 8/7 semidry, backup mask, DSMB, and other essentials.

Check out their Refractor duffel clamshell backpack for carry on for your regulator, mask, etc. It’s amazing and has comfortable straps and room for laptop and other items. My go-to. More recently I started traveling with UW photo gear so my reg gets checked into the Rolling Thunder as well.

Both these bags have lifetime warranties including zippers and stitching. They have proven the test of time and are both made out of tarpaulin and are therefore water resistant. I will not use anything else - I love them so much. Mr. OOO also has the same Rolling Thunder and his is still going. I highly recommend. The handle is high quality as are the wheels. Smooth, easy to maneuver even on uneven terrain, and quiet.

Thanks, I’m going to look into your recommendations for sure!

 

[Dogbowl]

I've been happy with a Patagonia Black Hole wheeled duffel. Expensive, but bombproof.

Another option to look at. Thanks!

 

[Kimela]

It's my belief that persons wanting to steel want small high value items (electronics, jewellery and duty free) that can easily be hidden and disposed of.

This makes a lot of sense. I've been trying to sell some Atomic jet fins on ebay and I can't get rid of them for a decent price. Most of our dive gear would be too big to slip inside a jacket and walk away - and I'd guess most of us pack the high ticket, smaller items (dive computers) in our carry-on's (which can have all sorts of stickers since they stay with us at all times!).

I've gone through Samsonite and other name brand bags and have learned that they're all going to get beat up. I'm not buying anything with cloth or zippers as that's the first part to rip, tear, or get caught on a belt and yanked. And to discourage me from overpacking I'm now using a smaller bag than I was. If it doesn't fit, too bad.

 

[Doctorfish]

For dive ( and most other ) travel, I used a mid sized wheeled duffle with a hard base made by Delsey. My fins sit right on the bottom so they don't get bent and I can fit in 2 wetsuits, BC, mask, mesh bag etc. as well as the limited clothing required for a dive trip. I put my reg, computer, number 1 mask , camera and one bathing suit in my carry on. I switched to a travel BC a few years ago which is small and lighter, which makes packing the main bag easier. For Caribbean diving this Scubapro Lighthawk works just fine and I don't miss my Dive right wing and BP at all.

I do not go over weight limits with this routine. I stopped investing in good quality luggage years ago as the baggage handlers treat it all like garbage. If a bag gets ripped, there is always duct tape to get home.