looking for gear bag

[Raven8020]

Okay, just went and bought all my gear; bcd, regulator, integrated backup, set of gauges, 3mm shorty. Thought about getting a gear bag from the shop as well, but couldn't justify the $175 or $200 price for a rolling bag. I'm not traveling much right now, work schedule being what it is, but would like to get a bag that can carry all my gear and keep it somewhat organized. What gear bags have people found that work well and don't cost an arm and a leg?

 

[bdshort]

If you just need something to hold your gear while you drive to your dive site, a cheap plastic bin from Wal-Mart works well, though I suppose better for shore diving than a boat dive. I have an Akona roller duffel I really like. I generally use it for travel and boat dives, while the aforementioned plastic bin gets used for shore diving, which are 95% of my dives.

 

[Scott from LongIsland]

i just use a big duffel bag...it holds everything fine.

 

[scblade27]

Blue Reef Mesh Dive Flag Bag from LeisurePro.com

That is the bag I use. I picked it up from Divers Direct on Sale for about $15. It has worked very well so far, being mesh it allows the gear to dry out to a certain extent and not stink too bad.

 

[RedFishBlueFish]

IMO get a rolling mesh bag. LeisurePro sells an XS Scuba wheeled duffel bag for $59. My husband got one and it works great. I have a mesh duffel and HATE it. I'd rather pull my gear that carry it on my back and the wheeled duffel is easier to load your gear into since it has a huge zippered flap at the top. At $59 it is a great investment IMO.

 

[OldNSalty]

I have seen in the shop some oceanic backpacks that appear to compartmentalize things nicely (which I love) and are just under $100 which isn’t bad. Disclaimer-I don’t own one and I haven’t tried packing my gear into it so I don’t know if it is a good buy or not.

One reason dive bags cost so much is because they have to be designed to stand up to some pretty harsh conditions. I thought just like you when I first started diving and bought a relatively cheap bag that was not intended to carry dive gear. With all the salts and sea spray, hot sun, etc, it didn’t make it through the summer so the $50 or so that I spent was really a waste. In contrast, the Akona bag I bought to replace it has lasted for years (but I am finding that it is too large for one diver in a warm area)

 

[Buoyant1]

Akona Mesh Boat Duffel Bag (AKB514) from LeisurePro.com

I've had this one for a few years and use it all of the time....home, away, etc...

Sturdy and strong, and it holds all of my gear....

 

[Dr Neil]

I use a custom bag for travel I purchased from a local company (London Bridge Traders) who caters to special forces. The bag was expensive, but it has gone around the world and still looks new. I has interior and exterior pockets. The zippers are extra heavy duty. The only thing it does not have is rollers. This company also has a life-time warranty to repair the gear it makes.

I use a mesh duffle from REI for a boat bag. It goes in my travel bag as a part of my gear. I also sewed several d-rings on the interior of the bag so I can clip lights, wreck reels, etc.

 

[Teamcasa]

I use three.
For local SoCal boat dives I use either the AquaLung Mariner Mesh Bag.

For trip that require air travel, I use the Akona Roller AKB144

For local shore diving or trips to Catalina, I use a Stanley roll tool chest.

If you only see a RED X, right click on it and select show picture.

 

[Dave Distel]

^^ I think everyone should post pictures when they’re talking about anything, makes life easier.