We've been stuffing all our gear (except the carry-on stuff such as regs, masks, and puters) into our Tumi rolling luggage for trips along with all our "regular" stuff such as clothing. This is getting harder to do now with 3 divers. Everything has to fit "just so," and if we buy anything on a trip we're screwed.
I've seen discussions of using a Rubbermaid or similar rectangular plastic tub inside a rolling duffel for dive gear. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. It's waterproof, cheap (ish), and not readily identifiable in the airport as holding expensive toys.
The tub's not a problem - they're everywhere, in a range of sizes. I might have to get a few to figure out what holds our gear (especially fins) the best. My problem has been finding the rolling duffel. I've checked Wal-Mart, Sam's, and Costco. They all seemed to have tons of rolling duffels a couple of years ago, but none (that I can find) right now. I'm also concerned about finding one that'll hold a big ol' plastic tub and has decent wheels and handle (spoiled by the Tumi, I guess).
Cost isn't really the main issue. I've considered a huge Pelican or Otter box, too, but this is an area where their rigidity and weight would be strikes against them. My BC. wetsuit, and fins just need protection from sharp stuff, not crushing or whatever. I've also considered specialty dive bags from the various great manufacturers out there, but in the end don't want anything identifiable as holding dive gear. I mostly want something into which I can just toss wet gear for the trip home. This would include BC's, fins, wetsuits & boots/hoods/gloves, boat bags, lights, and other stuff that's hard to carry-on and not particularly fragile. I imagine there's no way to fit 3 peoples gear in one, but perhaps two setups would hold it all.
Any suggestions from divers in the know would be welcome. What specific tubs work for you? Where did you get your rolling duffel? (Specific manufacturer and model on duffels would be great, too.) Is there a better solution?
I've seen discussions of using a Rubbermaid or similar rectangular plastic tub inside a rolling duffel for dive gear. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. It's waterproof, cheap (ish), and not readily identifiable in the airport as holding expensive toys.
The tub's not a problem - they're everywhere, in a range of sizes. I might have to get a few to figure out what holds our gear (especially fins) the best. My problem has been finding the rolling duffel. I've checked Wal-Mart, Sam's, and Costco. They all seemed to have tons of rolling duffels a couple of years ago, but none (that I can find) right now. I'm also concerned about finding one that'll hold a big ol' plastic tub and has decent wheels and handle (spoiled by the Tumi, I guess).
Cost isn't really the main issue. I've considered a huge Pelican or Otter box, too, but this is an area where their rigidity and weight would be strikes against them. My BC. wetsuit, and fins just need protection from sharp stuff, not crushing or whatever. I've also considered specialty dive bags from the various great manufacturers out there, but in the end don't want anything identifiable as holding dive gear. I mostly want something into which I can just toss wet gear for the trip home. This would include BC's, fins, wetsuits & boots/hoods/gloves, boat bags, lights, and other stuff that's hard to carry-on and not particularly fragile. I imagine there's no way to fit 3 peoples gear in one, but perhaps two setups would hold it all.
Any suggestions from divers in the know would be welcome. What specific tubs work for you? Where did you get your rolling duffel? (Specific manufacturer and model on duffels would be great, too.) Is there a better solution?
