Packing shortie wetsuits

[SStrecker]

What is the best way to pack shortie wetsuits, for tropical diving, if extensive, multi-mode travel and prolonged non-diving periods are involved? Size, weight and number of pieces of luggage are issues. I need to pack shorties for 2 people. I have a Tilos Renaissance Wheeled Backpack that can just accomodate everything else. Any advice would be apprciated.

 

[diver_paula]

Use the shorties to wrap / protect / cushion breakable dive gear such as computers, regs, mask, and the like.

Paula

 

[Trisha]

Don't fold or crease neoprene, it breaks the air bubbles, which are your insulation. Don't crush or place heavy items on neoprene for the same reason.

Do rinse your neoprene wetsuits and boots as you go to keep the odor down. Do consider giving them a rest on your last day (no diving before flying, remember?) and have a leak-proof way of bringing them home in your luggage. I've heard of crushing newspaper and stuffing boots, removing and adding more newspaper to speed drying, but I haven't tried it.
Sunlight, extreme heat, chlorine and salt water can do a number on scuba gear, so be gentle. Rinsing between dives, using a good soak and drying on the last day, careful packing in something leak-proof (just in case), and immediately removing gear for final inspection back home will go a long way.

My 1.5 Dacor jumpsuit is forgiving and can be crumpled up. My 3/2 Neosport is not.

 

[Charlie99]

Don't fold or crease neoprene, it breaks the air bubbles, which are your insulation. Don't crush or place heavy items on neoprene for the same reason.

While those statements are true, I do as diver-paula suggests and sacrifice a bit of the life of the wetsuits in order to use them as protective packing for more important and/or expensive items. A few creases here and there on a 3mm shorty isn't a big deal.

 

[crpntr133]

Fold and roll, not too tight.

 

[SStrecker]

Thank you. Options abound.

 

[scubajoe]

All of the above is good advice. However our protectors at TSA will unload everything and just cram it back in, most of it anyway. I save a step and just cram everything in and hope for the best.

Joe

 

[shooter61]

How I use to pack my bag was putting the BC in the bottom, followed by fins, reg, then wetsuit, and I carry on my mask, I agree with Charlie and Paula $160 is a lot better then 16, HUNDRED!