Help! It's my first time traveling with gear!

[aubie85]

In 2 months I will be going to Cozumel. This is the first time I will be traveling with my own scuba gear(giddy laugh ). I am not quite sure how to pack it. My presumption is that I need to pack fragile items such as the mask, snorkel, camera housing and regulator/gauge setup in the carry-on, and all other items in my checked baggage. If any one has some pointers, they would be greatly appreciated.

 

[almitywife]

how exciting for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

in my carry on i carry regs, computers, aeroskin suit, hubbys log book, eye mask for the plane trip,my seasickness tablets, book & clean pair of knickers

hubby on the other hand has all his camera gear in his carry on

everything else goes in my checked luggage

hint: after packing, take out half the clothing

enjoy!

 

[diversteve]

That's pretty much it. I'd also carry the computer on if you have one. I also don't make a big effort to carry-on my snorkel - but then it's a folding one I never use.

There's also a new TSA requirement to pack Lithium Ion batteries (except for what's in the camera/flash) individually in plastic bags or other containers in your carry-on - now they CAN'T go in your checked luggage.

 

[aubie85]

hint: after packing, take out half the clothing

enjoy!

Yeah, I don't plan on wearing clothes too often.

You're exactly right though. I have learned after my first trip how easy it is to overpack. Now, I generally plan to wear everything I pack about 3 times(except for underwear of course!). It's a 9 day trip, so, I will pack 3 of everything.


Thanks!

 

[aubie85]

That's pretty much it. I'd also carry the computer on if you have one. I also don't make a big effort to carry-on my snorkel - but then it's a folding one I never use.

There's also a new TSA requirement to pack Lithium Ion batteries (except for what's in the camera/flash) individually in plastic bags or other containers in your carry-on - now they CAN'T go in your checked luggage.

Thanks for the heads up on the batteries, I was unaware of that. I will definately check out the TSA rules before I go. They're always changing everything!

 

[jodomonk]

There's also a new TSA requirement to pack Lithium Ion batteries (except for what's in the camera/flash) individually in plastic bags or other containers in your carry-on - now they CAN'T go in your checked luggage.

So if I'm getting this correctly, I wont be able to check my computer, even if it is part of my gauge set and therefore attached to my regs? If I carry on my regs, do I still have to take the battery out of the computer?

Also, for the OP, here is a thread in which I asked many of the same questions a month ago or so.

 

[robint]

Here is what we have been doing for 7+ years of owning our own gear:
Hand carry #1.....both reg sets w/computers (no need to take batteries out), dive logs with C-cards, 1 swimsuit each, all travel documents including passports
Hand carry #2.....camera bag with cameras and batteries and accessories (this counts as a personal bag as long as it isn't too big)
Hand carry #3......husband's laptop with accessories (this also counts as a personal bag)


if you have a prescription mask, put it in one carry-on bag.

 

[Trixxie]

So if I'm getting this correctly, I wont be able to check my computer, even if it is part of my gauge set and therefore attached to my regs? If I carry on my regs, do I still have to take the battery out of the computer?

so you would want to check your computer and regs? I have always heard it's better for them if you carry them with you. I think that person thought that the cabin pressure in the cargo hold wasn't the same as in the cabin but I am pretty sure it is. The items I always carry on are: Laptop (if I take one), Camera/housing, Regs (which has my consol attached). If for some reason my luggage doesn't arrive w/me I would rather rent a BC than a reg, but that is just me.

 

[fppf]

My wife and I carry on all regs, camera's and housings, along with all electronics.
Now if you go somewhere way out there and need to fly on small planes that changes things a little.

Make sure to get a dive gear bag for all your checked gear. Standard luggage bags will not hold up.

 

[spectrum]

Do a mock packing weeks in advance. Last minute gear hunting and weight balancing is stressful. Standing on a digital bathroom scale with and with out your bag then subtracting is a very good way to get a reading. Allow a few pounds for dampness & souveniers on the way home. Make a detailed list of what goes into each case so you can reconstruct the weight for the return trip.