Gear bags are completely unnecessary...

[StefinSB]

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

Looking at the depressed market for used scuba gear I venture to say that advertising scuba gear in your luggage will prevent actually theft.

 

[boulderjohn]

Looking at the depressed market for used scuba gear I venture to say that advertising scuba gear in your luggage will prevent actually theft.

I created a thread about a decade ago on this topic, asking if anyone had ever had scuba gear stolen from a bag or if they knew anyone who had had scuba gear stolen from a bag. No one had. Someone from the industry said that thieves are looking for small items--like jewelry--that are easily hidden for escape and easily fenced. I own a lot of scuba equipment, and I can't think of many items that would be hot items for a luggage thief. I also occasionally look through Craig's list and eBay for good deals on items I might want. I see people trying desperately to sell items that people really don't want. Do you really think a thief is going to make off with your old wetsuit instead of going after the diamond bracelet in another bag?

 

[outofofficebrb]

I created a thread about a decade ago on this topic, asking if anyone had ever had scuba gear stolen from a bag or if they knew anyone who had had scuba gear stolen from a bag. No one had. Someone from the industry said that thieves are looking for small items--like jewelry--that are easily hidden for escape and easily fenced. I own a lot of scuba equipment, and I can't think of many items that would be hot items for a luggage thief. I also occasionally look through Craig's list and eBay for good deals on items I might want. I see people trying desperately to sell items that people really don't want. Do you really think a thief is going to make off with your old wetsuit instead of going after the diamond bracelet in another bag?

You bring up a valid point. It hasn't happened yet. However, I'm in the camp of if it hasn't happened yet, it doesn't mean it never will....I don't want or need it to happen. I just don't see a reason to advertise if I don't have to and there are perfectly good bags out there that will fit the bill and work well. But I was also never the girl to be wearing a Juicy Couture velour suit with the logo across my butt. To each their own!

 

[boulderjohn]

You bring up a valid point. It hasn't happened yet. However, I'm in the camp of if it hasn't happened yet, it doesn't mean it never will....I don't want or need it to happen. I just don't see a reason to advertise if I don't have to and there are perfectly good bags out there that will fit the bill and work well. But I was also never the girl to be wearing a Juicy Couture velour suit with the logo across my butt. To each their own!

And elephants haven't stampeded through my neighborhood, running over the local citizenry. As you point out, that does not mean they never will. I am not going to take any precautions, though, because the conditions here make such a stampede extremely unlikely. As I said earlier in the thread, I don't use luggage designed for scuba, but if I had a bag I really liked that was designed for scuba, I would continue to use it because I do not believe the conditions make it all that likely that it will attract thieves.

 

[northernone]

I created a thread about a decade ago on this topic, asking if anyone had ever had scuba gear stolen from a bag or if they knew anyone who had had scuba gear stolen from a bag. No one had. Someone from the industry said that thieves are looking for small items--like jewelry--that are easily hidden for escape and easily fenced. I own a lot of scuba equipment, and I can't think of many items that would be hot items for a luggage thief. I also occasionally look through Craig's list and eBay for good deals on items I might want. I see people trying desperately to sell items that people really don't want. Do you really think a thief is going to make off with your old wetsuit instead of going after the diamond bracelet in another bag?

My wetsuit isn't high on the thief's priority list but a shearwater near a pretty penny stolen.

Might be worth renewing the thread. I've been keeping track of gear theft reports into and out of Cancun airport. Last 6 months I've talked to or seen posted on Facebook 11 people who had dive lights, reels, computers, regs etc go missing from their gear bags.

My old gear, unlikely. But I was nervous flying with my rebreather and keep electronics on me. (Regular gear 100% carry on)

 

[outofofficebrb]

And elephants haven't stampeded through my neighborhood, running over the local citizenry. As you point out, that does not mean they never will. I am not going to take any precautions, though, because the conditions here make such a stampede extremely unlikely. As I said earlier in the thread, I don't use luggage designed for scuba, but if I had a bag I really liked that was designed for scuba, I would continue to use it because I do not believe the conditions make it all that likely that it will attract thieves.

I guess it's more likely a tempted individual or a thief is around my luggage at an airport /in transit than an elephant in both our neighborhoods.

I get what you are saying and can agree with your sentiment about the baggage about using it if that is what you really liked. We are both in same camp right now - I use bag that isn't dive specific and am happy with it.

 

[boulderjohn]

I have had minor things stolen out of my suitcase. I even had a pack of food bars taken. It was obviously done by TSA officials. My unmarked suitcases get opened by TSA every time I am flying with scuba gear, and it is very easy for them to pocket anything they want, including food bars if they are hungry.

 

[Blasto]

Scuba suitcases are prefect to let potential thieves know which bags to target at the airport.

More like not to target...
The only item of scuba gear with the price/bulk ratio clearly worth going after is a computer, and that goes in your carry-on or even on your wrist.
Regs could be worth taking, but you have to spend some time removing the hoses. You also have to know your T3 or Mk25 from a worn-out Sherwood worth $20 on ebay.

 

[Diving Dubai]

My wetsuit isn't high on the thief's priority list but a shearwater near a pretty penny stolen.

But only if the thief knows it's value. Frankly unless they're a diver or know a diver then it's a PITA to get rid of

My wife and I once to save weight checked our gear only an airline in mesh bags to Thailand. No loss nor damage.

We both use XS Scuba large mesh bags for local diving

For Air transport we're still looking for something that meets our needs. Currently we have Mares Cruise bags which are too big and unwieldy - might be great for airports not so great for unpaved path or fitting into a taxi.

We generally take longer vacations so want separate bags for dive gear and clothes. Electronics go in hand baggage. I prefer separate smaller bags to one large one - I need something robust for air transport and then decant my gear at the destination to my mesh bag.

In a perfect world my gear bag while strong should fold or compress to something small for storage
It should have an aired compartment for wetsuits
Be able to attach securely a second bag to easily roll them, but be quick to disconnect for checking in or putting into taxis and the like.

I sometimes wonder if the people who make gear bags have actually traveled with gear

 

[ljwillia]

We bought a couple of cheap, duffel style carry ons with wheels from Target 6 years ago. They were $15.00 each and can fit everything but my wetsuit and fins. I can even squeeze in a change of clothes, swimsuit and tooth brush. The fins and wetsuit go in my checked luggage. I can always rent those if my luggage doesn't make it to my final destination.

Given the cost we figured we'd have to replace them early but they've held up remarkably well. Lots of side pockets for smaller items. For us they're perfect. I don't like the idea of checking my gear. Much rather be able to slip into the overhead and not worry.