Heading out to the ocean, help with cases/bags

[oharag]

I'm heading out to the ocean for my second dive (Virginia). I'm new to diving, and really do not have decent gear bags. I have a Akona Mesh bag which I have a tendancy to throw everything into. This is not good since I could crush my regs. I would like to find an excellent soft regulator bag large enough for 2 regs setups (one main with 7 foot hose, other alternate setup). I found this on Leisurepro.com:

http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/weba...lay?prmenbr=946&prrfnbr=79906&merchant_rn=946

What do you think? I would like extra space to keep extra hoses, tuck away my computer and bottom timer, and keep a small kit for tools, and misc repair items (ie. o-rings et al.).

I would also like to find a small/medium sized hard case to keep my computer and bottom timer. I was looking at the Pelican cases. Here's what I found:

http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/weba...946&cgrfnbr=970&parentCategory=965&sort=ppprc

My fear with this is the depth is too shallow. Any recs on a case that is a little deeper? Again My dive computer and bottom timer goes in here.

I would also like a hard case that can hold 2 reg sets, computers, and spare items for travel. It would be nice to have it fairly petite to fit on ariplanes as carry-on. Any recs????

oharag

 

[oharag]

Oh, what about a good dry bag that can eventually hold dry suit underwear and street clothes? What about this bag:
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=8613&prmenbr=946

oharag

 

[ScottNY]

A lot of NY/NJ divers use milk crates for the boat. That is, do whatever you want to get to the boat, but on the boat, almost anyone not a newbie had a couple of the more rectangular size milk crates.

Actually, two milk crates. The bottom of one would be cut out and attached to the top of a complete one using those plastic zipper things. Basically, all your gear would go in there. A small dry bag can hold the enroute stuff and some of the little stuff, (o-rings, etc.).

It only takes 15 - 20 minutes to make this with the crates, a saw and some of the plastic ties. The benefit is they don't take up a lot of space, easy access, you can actually just hose your stuff down in place and let it dry a bit.

Scott

 

[jgarysmith]

Check out Akona's Mesh boat bag. Half is mesh, and half is nylon. holds everything you will need $39.at LP. It is now available with a handle and wheels with a security cover. At LP it is $99.
As for a regulator bag, Akona's double bag is awesome. I own one and it keeps my 2 regs, camare, computer and others items. It has backpack straps or a long shoulder strap. Don't know how to put links on the reply like you did or I would show you that way.

 

[The Kraken]

I use a mesh bag most of the time for my gear. However, I have separate pelican case for my computer and another into which I store my mask and camera. I have a soft bag for my regulator. The reason I don't have a hard case for the reg is that I set it up on the tank as soon as I board the boat and have staked out a location. Hard cases are not cheap, but they're a heck of a lot cheaper than having to buy a new mask or send the computer back to the manufacturer for repair.

 

[oceancrest67]

I have used different kinds of gear bags over the years...from a Tilos equipment bag (which I now use for other things)...to an Akona mesh type backpack equipment bag with side zippers and small pocket...the backpack style is light and convenient. When you want to rinse things...just dump the bag in a rinse tank or hose it down. I keep my dive computer in a Pelican case...I wrap my mask in a hood with my gloves. I put my regs in last and on top of everything else. When I get on the boat, I am setting things up right then and there.

If I am traveling to NC for wreck diving and such...where the trunk of my car is loaded with equipment...I use a plastic tub from Target or Wallmart to put my wet gear in...that way the trunk of my car stays relatively dry.

To store my equipment for non-use and over the winter months...I use a plastic tub or trunk with wheels...The Container Store has great selections for all kinds of storage from small to large.

I hope this helps.

 

[RICHinNC]

I dont see where you are located....but in NC milk crates or anything that cant fold up and go under a very small boat bench is frowned upon. The boats in NC are small and regularly are full so anything like a crate or pelican bag would just cause problems.

im surprised oceancrest67 hasnt encounted that when he showed with his plastic tub. I have seen people be told...the gear is welcome...leave the tub on the pier.

Rich

 

[oceancrest67]

Rich: I apologize if my posting was a bit confusing. I did not mean to run on with things and confuse things.

I live in the DC area and I drive down to either Morehead City or Hatteras, NC for wreck diving...I usually use a plastic tub to store my gear in the car (NOT the boat) for the trip down and up ...when on the boat, I use my Akone gear bag.

The wreck diving operations I use: Olympus Dive Center out of Morehead and Outerbanks Diving out of Hatteras use big boats for large groups...I would not go 20+ miles out in some small craft for a dive...tanks sloshing all over, forget it.

Thanks.

 

[zboss]

Along the lines of the milk crates, I would suggest a rubbermaid container. I cut a hole in the bottom and put in a stopper. After the dive, I can put all my wet dive gear in there with a lid on top, open up the drain, and tilt it up a bit and let the water drip out.

When we get back to the dock, I put the stopper back in and slide the whole thing into the back of the car.