Right now I use a roller hockey duffel for my gear. It's huge -- larger than the max size allowed for checked, free bags -- but it holds everything easily. It's getting pretty worn out though. I will probably buy another similar bag but was wondering what else is popular. I don't want anything with a dive brand or logo on it, as I don't want to attract attention from baggage handlers. It does not need to be carry-on obviously, but it could be slightly smaller than the hockey bag. It must have wheels and ideally the wheels would be replaceable rollerblade-style wheels.
Stealth Travel Bag
- Thread starter Rick Brant
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Check out eBags.com and see what they have in the way of rolling duffles. Plenty the last time I looked.
Ontwreckdiver
Contributor
I have a Stahlsac Smuggler. When I got it, I thought there is no way all my gear will fit in it but it did. It's not the cheapest but it has a limited lifetime warranty and it doesn't have scuba plastered all over the outside. Wheeled Dive Bags: The Smuggler from Stahlsac
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So, not this?
SaltyFrog
Contributor
I buy 4-wheeled 29" regular checked bag.
Any big name brand is fine and as cheap as I can find.
Any big name brand is fine and as cheap as I can find.
I use this idea for land based trips; Samsonite that I've bought on sale.
Liveaboard trips for me, are almost always taken during winters away and in that case I've got my Samsonite that I leave land-based and a wheeled duffle for the liveaboard trip.
I first had a wheeled duffle type bag that I got decades ago. I've never been able to find one as good as it since. A new bag that I took to Raja Ampat had the wheel well break into pieces before it even arrived in Sorong. I figured on having that fixed upon return to Canada. No, the fix was going to cost more than the bag.
I bought another instead but if it comes to it, I may end up just having some fixes to the original bag that has been around the world more than a few times. It just needs some heavy duty stitching here and there from years of airport baggage handling abuse. They just don't make them like that anymore.
My recommendation is the 4 wheels 29" Samsonite (on sale) but if you really want a duffle style, then be willing to put a little extra cash into it and get the best you think you'll need.
Possibly look at military bags like deployment bags or load out bags. Seldom marked. Usually very durable.
SlugLife
Contributor
If you don't want to attract attention, I'd avoid military-style or "tacti-cool" style bags.
I forget the details, but look up how people transport guns on fights. I'm pretty certain I remember that there are ways you can transport items in the US on flights in stowed luggage, where the TSA, baggage-handlers, etc cannot open your luggage.
I forget the details, but look up how people transport guns on fights. I'm pretty certain I remember that there are ways you can transport items in the US on flights in stowed luggage, where the TSA, baggage-handlers, etc cannot open your luggage.
Our bags aren't that fancy. I use mine all the time for scuba trips. Just get the all black.
https://www.amazon.com/ARMYCAMOUSA-Military-Tactical-Deployment-Heavy-Duty/dp/B01E0CPNGY
Though I would look for ones that are similar but have the extendable handle. The military bags aren't the best for long distance walks through the airport.
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