Packing for a dive trip

[jl_va_21]

Hey all - I'll soon start packing for an upcoming dive trip. Trying to decide how to split up my gear between my carry-on and checked bags. Typically I just carry on the stuff that I cannot replace or would be a pain to rent (prescription mask and dive computer) and put the rest in my checked bag. I've heard a lot of people talk about carrying on their regs too. I guess I'm just wondering why? I'll never be able to fit everything in my carry on so if my checked bag gets lost, it would be bad either way. But if there is some additional logic to carrying on my regs, I'm open to it. I do have some apprehensions as to the level of protection my regs get, when thrown around in my duffle style roller bag that I check - even though it does have a separate zipper section for my reg bag - so that right there might be reason enough not to use it. But I was just curious what you all thought...

 

[redacted]

I put a few essentials, hard to replace things, and heavy things in carry-on and about 48 pounds of other stuff in my checked bag. I converted an old, hard sided brief case into a reg case that will carry 3 regs & our computers. This counts as a personal item so I carry it on in addition to my authorize one carry-on bag.

 

[BDSC]

Here's how I do it.

I can fit my BC, fins, booties, mask, and reg into one of those Akona mesh bags. I use that as my carry-on because it will easily fit into the overhead bin. For my personal item I can fit my computer, a camera, passport, and any other essentials I need to make sure arrives.

Then I put my clothes, wetsuit, and whatever into a checked piece of luggage. I have plenty of room for extra scuba gear like a spare mask/masks, spare hoses, lights, etc. I have always had this thing about diving with my own gear so I like to carry it on to make sure it gets there with me and have never had a problem with using the mesh bag and carrying on my gear.

 

[diverjean]

I never check my log (c-card), computer, prescription mask, or my reg. You'll find out that it's quite easy to fit all of these things into your reg bag. My reg bag is small enough that it is considered a purse. The idea of wrapping my mouth around a reg that someone else has been sucking air on is just too disgusting for words.

 

[Doc]

I've heard a lot of people talk about carrying on their regs too. I guess I'm just wondering why?

You asked about regs.

They are essentially bulletproof and now that they are used (once outside the display case in the LDS), they have practically no value in the theft fenced items market.

To assume that someone in the baggage handling flow would bother to try and hide a bulky reg set on their person or workplace is ridiculous- especially when you think about it's non-existent resale value.

Tag your bags well, three times over with your flight numbers and destination contact info.

Carry on your camera, computer and anything that has a prescription. A pair of swim trunks and a t-shirt.

The more you travel, the less you will carry.

 

[acwest]

You asked about regs.
To assume that someone in the baggage handling flow would bother to try and hide a bulky reg set on their person or workplace is ridiculous- especially when you think about it's non-existent resale value.

The reason you carry on your regs isn't because they are likely to get stolen. It's to allow you to dive even if your bags end up in a different country than you do. Airlines are still pretty good at that trick...
-Craig

 

[The Blue Whale]

This is a great topic to discuss as there are so many great ideas. I'm going to try the "DiveCaddy" out on an upcoming trip to see if I can actually get all of my dive gear and camera gear as a carry-on and check nothing. This would lead to a great side business... Knife Rentals.

I realize that trying to carry-on everything for a week long trip is pretty much impossible. Of course the chance that the airlines might send your bag to London while you're headed to Fiji is an increasing possibility with each flight. On a recent cruise, one of two suitcases missed the boat. Fortunately, the airline routed the bags to catch up to the ship on the 5th day. Imagine not having your critical dive gear for that long?

In this day of TSA and their changing rules, we've got to keep the discussions going and share some tips on packing for dive trips. I'll give you an update on the "DiveCaddy" system when I return from Roatan later this month.

 

[lavachickie]

I bought my husband a Dive Caddy bag for Valentine's Day. He loved it. We allowed a friend to borrow it, and he's getting one, too. I admit I"m thinking about it. The packing seems complicated, but do it once and you have an "Aha!" moment and then each time you pack it gets easier, faster, and smaller. The videos on their web site helped us the first time.

My main concern isn't theft or damage, but having the gear with me when I land and head straight for the shop for a tank and then the water! =-) While I haven't had problems with lost luggage, I know that just means my time is coming!

I packed on my back my entire kit when I went to Maui in May. I'm a hard fit for gear (fat girl with boobs), and I had my entire trousseau from skin to backup light in an Akona mesh backpack gear bag. Yeah... I was kinda surprised no one stopped me, too, because it was NOT a small little package for I didn't pack it very efficiently.

We have an awesome suitcase that is a two chambered semi hardside case. It holds a lot -- I can see in the future carrying on only a travel BC, regs, computer, camera, light. The rest (fins, booties, save a dive kit, markers, backup iteams, dif exposure suits, all the little assorted things) going in the suitcase. Those are items that it wouldn't kill me to rent.

 

[TSandM]

I carry on my computer and my light heads (because they are relatively fragile). We often carry on chargers as well. The rest of the gear goes in checked luggage.

 

[BrianOrange]

I'm interested to hear everyone's strategies regarding carry on luggage/equipment as well.

I just returned from a liveaboard trip to Belize. The ONLY slight problem I had on the trip -- weather, diving, anything -- was when the gate person in Newark told me my equipment back with ALL my stuff in it was too big. Now, it's a big bag for sure ... but it does fit into the overhead compartment (even vertically let alone horizontally). With a tight connection in Houston and the liveaboard leaving port that night, I couldn't risk checking my stuff. Long story short, the woman did make me check the bag but she told me to bring it down below and leave it outside the plane right before I got in. So I did that ... but took the bag on anyway and had no problems. Take that airport worker!

Anyways, back to your question, I think in the future I will take my computer, reg and anything else I can fit into my carry on bag. Everything else will get checked I guess. I just worry about the bag getting on connecting flights and stuff. If it's a non-stop, especially where I am not leaving the country, I would feel much more comfortable checking the bag.

Bottom line is that if my bag didn't make it to Belize I would have been screwed big time. With no equipment I would have to rent, which is more money, and it would have put me in a pissy mood. Sometimes you gotta chance it.