Idea for superior regulator bag for cheap

[Newdiv]

I would suggest a soft sided 6 pack cooler so you would have a cooler at your destination I also have been known to use a yeti soft side as my carry-on

 

[teknitroxdiver]

I learned a long time ago that a ziplock bag gets you through security very fast. And yes I laughed the first time I saw some one else plopping one down on the xray machine belt. This was in Australia and the traveller looked particularly grubby.

His only carryon was a large ziplock bag. The security guards looked at it, immediately saw what was inside and quickly waved him on. They opened everybody else's carry on and riffled through them. I stopped laughing at him after I thought about it a bit...

Now we have x-ray machines to see inside.

 

[eelnoraa]

oh ic, so this isn't just used for regulator, not a dedicated reg bag, but more like a carry on for the essential dive gears + personal item. For the same purpose, I use a 20" carry on roller for handle with care dive gear (reg, mask, computer, lights, li-on ) and some other misc non diving related items.

Once I arrive destination, all dive gears go into a REI mesh so I can carry to the site. I don't see the need for dedicated reg bag at dive site because reg will go on the tank immediately. In fact, 3 dedicated regulator bags (4 sets of regs), one came with Atomic, one was free from Scubatoy, one is SX scuba I bought for $10. I thought I will need the protection, but after a few uses, they never leave home, don't even make it into cars. They are only for long term storage. Good that I didn't spend much on them

 

[divad]

What is your criteria besides
"Why: Because I like organization and minimal spread of my gear (esp. while traveling), and because reg bags cost way too much for a small square bag."

I thought "criteria" was plural.

 

[longtimer]

Good idea. I like consolidating.

 

[Skulmoski]

Zippers seem to be the weak link in bags exposed to a marine environment (e.g. salt water). I have had zippers seize up on me with a bit of neglect. I now use a bit of silicon grease on the zippers. I wonder how well camera bag zippers will stand up to the marine environment?

I am always interested in hacks like this rather than spending top dollar for dive-oriented/specialist equipment.

Good luck with your new regulator bag.

GJS

 

[Scared Silly]

I wonder if they make clear padded zip lock bags

Best of both worlds.

In general many of the reg cases are cheap POS because they are cheap POS. Of course many products are cheap POS because people want cheap POS and would rather buy three times instead of once. We have a bunch of good regs cases most are the ones made by Atomic. They are well made with quality nylon rather than thin vinyl. Before buying those we used soft side pistol cases. We can easily put multiple sets of regs in all of those cases. AA case we use for our masks (in their own hard case), lights, tool kits, etc. Probably the cheapest case we have is from Trident. A bit small for a regulator but prefectly sized for a can light.

As for the soft sided cooler - folks with camera rigs have been using them for years to transport their camera on the boats as well as a rinse bucket. I will put in a plug for AO Coolers. I have two of their coolers and use them for diving and other activities.

 

[JimJam2]

So I was thinking about getting regulator bag just today and came across this thread. Thinking I should get something to protect the regulator (and dive light) when they get thrown into the nylon mesh backpack to carry to the dive boat and back.
Reasons?
1) Just had my 6 year old regulator overhauled and there was a tear in the HP hose. $45. Wondering what caused this but I'm guessing it was stress experienced in the nylon mesh backpack.
2) The regulator always (being the heaviest item) sinks to the bottom of the backpack and of course is the second thing that needs to come out so I figure this would help.
Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

Edit: I liked newdiv's suggestion and have a rectangular soft-sided lunch bag which could serve triple duty!
1) A fifth of Jonnie Walker Black will fit in it and ride check-in on the plane ride out. Regs are carry-on.
2) I then have a cooler to keep store-bought meats, etc. cool during transport in the FLA heat.
3) Reg bag for the boat!
I think the reg and console will fit in it (I get these back from overhaul this weekend).
Will it hurt the hoses to curl them up fairly tightly for a short period of time?

 

[snowdog61]

I stole my son's paintball gun case after he broke the gun - holds 3 reg sets with 2nds and computers. Thoughts: lays flat, very durable, double zippered (clamshell) for easy access, and has moveable velcro strips to secure everything in place. <$20 shipped. HOWEVER, it doesn't serve well as a beer cooler, but, I haven't tried it

 

[Skulmoski]

My daughter's Apeks regulator bag zipper broke last weekend. What a shame not to use a high quality zipper that costs perhaps 20 cents more. Shame on you Apeks.

GJS