Gear bags are completely unnecessary...

[Schwob]

I now travel with a sturdy duffel that i bought from a mountain equipment shop. It is so much better than a purpose made gear bag....

Which duffel is it that you came to appreciate in that way?

 

[Diver0001]

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Travelbag - Black, Medium: Amazon.co.uk: Luggage

 

[kelemvor]

I'm glad to hear that marked bags aren't a huge target. I recently switched to full face masks and can't come up with a good way to keep them safe from damage while traveling other than a pelican case. I'd rather it look like scuba gear than camera gear so I think I'll put stickers on it.

 

[Schwob]

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Travelbag - Black, Medium: Amazon.co.uk: Luggage

Thank you. It's hard to read through internet reviews and really get a sense of if a bag is or is not real sturdy (or just appears sturdy to people who pack clothing for weekend trips). So, I appreciate.

 

[gopbroek]

Which duffel is it that you came to appreciate in that way?

I find a newer style side load military style duffel bag works well. I see them in surplus stores and on Amazon, the Walmart site also has them for $36. They only weight about 2 1/2 lbs and I find that a Mesh / boat gear bag will fit right into them. A big issue is dimensions, they come in at 58", any thing with a total dimension over 62" (H+L+W) can cost you dearly in extra baggage fees (just because the nice folks at your local counter will let an oversized bag go on with a wink does not mean that return leg airport will also do so).

 

[drbill]

I wouldn't travel without my bag. I have a full checklist of gear I take and it usually maxes out at 48-49# so I'm just under the weigh limit on the airlines I travel with. Of course the gear also the includes some of my video gear too.

 

[Brian Khan18]

I was told that you dont need a regulator bag, it just bulky unesscessary padding, wraping it in a towel works just as well and saves space.

 

[kelemvor]

I was told that you dont need a regulator bag, it just bulky unesscessary padding, wraping it in a towel works just as well and saves space.

When packing "normal" regulators, I put my first and second stages into a (clean) sweat sock then put it into my carry-on suitcase. I stopped packing towels because I always stay at hotels and just use their towels.

 

[ronscuba]

I was told that you dont need a regulator bag, it just bulky unesscessary padding, wraping it in a towel works just as well and saves space.

A towel works just as well until TSA inspects your bag, unwraps the towel to inspect what is inside and then throws your reg back into the bag without wrapping it in the towel again.

I had this happen with some delicate lighting gear and it got damaged.

 

[BDinSH]

After trying several method (sock/towel wrap, hard case) I end up using a cheap ($3) clear box picked up in Thailand for Regs & a few misc items - when airport security can see through the box they tend not open it. The Timberland is bit long (35") but not enough to trigger a measurement vs total dimensions. Still searching for more ideas.