Looking for a recommended dive bag

[pughio83]

I have just bought my first setup, a bcd, regs and gauge, and have fins, mask and snorkel plus SMB etc... I now need a dive bag, reg bag, and mesh bag for the boats.

Any recommendations for the dive bag mainly? I have been looking at stahlsac catalina and Truk Lagoon (both which looks amazing but higher end cost - which is ok if worth it), Scubapro dive N Roll deluxe and Cressi Moby XL. I am looking for a large bag because i need both gear and clothes to go in (more clothes the better). My fins are Tusa xpert zoom split fin full heeled so not that long.

Any ideas. Can anyone reccomend the stahlsac catalina?

Reg bags seem all similar will prob get a standard one aqualung/cressi or mares. Mesh bag similar thing it just needs to do a job.

Any info very helpful cheers

 

[DMDavid]

Are you talking about a mesh dive bag for the boat or a solid bag for traveling with?

 

[DiverDean59]

I have the following bags that I use on the boat and have been pleased.

EVO Mesh Dive Flag Scuba Gear Bag

EVO Insert Regulator Scuba Gear Bag

 

[DMDavid]

I have the following bags that I use on the boat and have been pleased.

EVO Mesh Dive Flag Scuba Gear Bag

That's exactly what I have using for years with no complaints.

It does a fantastic job at letting your wet gear air out on your way back home.

 

[Damselfish]

I assume you are looking for a bag for air travel since you mention clothes. I suggest looking at bags from regular luggage brands also, not just the scuba brands. There are many out there that will work as well if not better than the "dive" ones, possibly for less money. (And note that many people feel dive logos on a bag advertise gear unnecessarily; don't know if this is a legit concern in reality, but it's certainly not an advantage either.) I prefer a wheeled duffel with hard bottom and handle that extends. The handle does add a little weight but it's worth it to me as I find it much easier to move around. Some people like plain duffels which can be much lighter, and some like bags with a backpack option, especially if they tend to travel to places it's a pain to carry or roll a bag around.

As far larger being better, remember you will be restricted on weight and size by the airlines. So getting a bag that is over airline size limits, or will probably be overweight if you fill it with clothes and gear, is not a great idea. Choosing a lighter bag so you are not using your weight allowance for the bag itself is a good idea, as is learning to pack fewer clothes - you'll likely find you don't need as many clothes as usual in most dive destinations.


For a mesh boat bag, I find backpack straps are a very good idea, it gives you the option of having your hands free for other things when wandering down to the dock or wherever.


Reg bags are not actually a necessity, lots of people just make sure to wrap gauges in a tshirt for travel and generally pack carefully. Regs are just not that fragile. I recently started to coil my regs in a packing cube (zipper bag with no padding) just to keep things neater if my bag is searched.

 

[greylion]

Stahlsac Bonaire Mesh Backpack reviews and discounts, Stahlsac

Stahlsac Jamaican Smuggler Roller Dive Bag reviews and discounts, Stahlsac

I use a clear plastic garment bag my wife bought at Target for a couple of bucks and put all my clothes in that before i put it in the roller bag. It's 42 pounds packed with everything for a week trip.

 

[Kilili]

Esp. if you fly, look at the large duffles from REI. Good price, very tough, and only 4 lbs. Depending on where you go, it can be a plus to use a bag that doesn't scream "scuba gear inside".

 

[pughio83]

cheers guys, yeah i was talking about the main bag to be checked in with the airline. Im worried that the catalina stahlsac will cause the overall weight to be too much as itself weighs over 12lbs and the temptation to pack to many clothes will devastate the check in weight. Maybe i will try take the regs as part of carryon to reduce overall weight. Will check out some lighter travel bags but still would like to fit maybe 7-10days worth of clothes in it.