Travel BC vs standard BC

[DevonDiver]

Specifically designed 'travel BCDs' only appeared on the market in response to an emerging tendancy for airlines to reduce their weight allowances and charge extortionate 'excess baggage' fees.

They perform the same function as 'regular' BCDs, but tend to use lightweight materials and have less fabric (less pockets, less D-rings etc).

If you will be flying to join the cruise, then investigate your baggage allowance (and excess charges). Pack and weigh what you intend to take. Typically, airlines allow a 20kg checked bag, a 7kg carry-on and a laptop bag.

If your luggage will be over-weight, spend some time analysing your requirements and trim your packing list where you can. Than, and only then, if you cannot 'make weight' - consider investing in some specific lightweight gear (BCD, Fins, wetsuit etc).

This is especially valid if you intend to fly with your scuba gear regularly. You can calculate how much extra baggage charges you would have to pay over XX years with your current kit... and use that to decide whether it is cost effective to pay for specific lightweight 'travel' equipment for your holidays.

If you did want a lightweight travel BCD, then I'd recommend either:
Zeagle Express Tech or
Oxycheq 18lb Mach V wing, with super-light nylon backplate and Hog harness.

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

Everyone here is bringing up great points!
1. If getting NEW Gear - test out before trip, not on trip
2. Pack Regs, Comp, Mask, Log book, Bathing suit in Carry on
3. Pack light - do not need a lot of clothes, especially on Live-A-Board
4. Wetsuit - I recommend nothing less then a full 3mm - can always dive with the zipper down in the back if too hot. If doing 3 to 5 dives a day, hard to keep up with heat loss.

* If looking for New BC, Alum BP&W is the lightest (I prefer SS BP&W & no weight) , if not big on that idea or BP&W then the NEW DiveRite Travel Pac has been getting real popular. Great quality without skipping back on materials like most "travel BC's" that are currently made.

Dive Rite Travel Pac @ DIVESEEKERS.com

 

[Allison Finch]

I carry a lot of photo equipment when I travel to dive. The weight limits continue to go down, making it really hard to avoid overweight charges (the new revenue for airlines!!). I went to the local dive shop and demoed the Zuma. I found it comfortable and easy to use. While it got rid of some bells and whistles, it still had all the safety stuff I liked...like plenty of dump valves (three).

I bought it and practiced with it in a pool to get accustomed to it. Yes, it is lightweight material, but held up well in my month long hard diving trip to the Philippines.

It sure is nice to just roll it up and stash it in the corner of a suitcase....

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

I would bring all my gear. Like everyone said, you dont want to learn new gear on a liveaboard.

Happy diving! I look forward to a detailed trip report.

 

[Shasta_man]

I agree with taking the BC you are comfortable with. What's most important is enjoying the trip. You won't save that much weight just by switching BC.

I also used a Ranger in many warm water places. I recently switched to a Zeagle Escape. Incidentally, it still has enough lift to do cold water diving too, meaning you could switch to that and still get familiar with it in cold water. THe first thing to do on the liveaboard is get your weighting exactly right. I use the "float at eye level" to great effect.

 

[gatedreamer]

Thanks Herman, that is exactly the kind of info I was looking for! I will use my Zeagle this time and see how it goes. it's already become a bit pricey and I want some more serious diving time with my current BC.

 

[Karloss]

I agree with diving with what you already have. Recently I purchased a used BC that is similar to mine minus the extra rear dump valve and pockets. While it did not ruin my trip it did take me 10 dives maybe fewer to get used to my new set up. I'm still pondering on which BC I want to take to Cozumel, I believe I can pack one just a small as the other. I wished I had read about the new Zeagel and or Diverite before making this purchase. Pack lite(clothes wise) and dive with what your comfortable with. I can get all my gear in a 20" carry on and a backpack. There is a need to get creative with the fins but have not run into any issues yet. One attendant did make a remark about "that's one way to do it", I assume she meant "beat" the system.

 

[highlandfarmwv]

I have a larger back inflate BC I wear when diving open Atlantic and a smaller vest inflate one for taking to the tropics. I have absolutrely NO problem adjusting from one to the other. Buoyancy is buoyancy. Your body will adjust to different equipment in a few minutes. If you can afford a more appropriate one for the tropics, go for it. Have a great time!

 

[diversteve]

My buddy and I go somewhere in the Caribbean at least yearly. And have done 2-3 liveaboards. We both have Rangers. We travel with one >50 lb. checked bag - I don't use a wetsuit so I can get mine down to 42-3 lbs. As mentioned previously, carry-on regs, computer, camera gear, mask, divelight etc. I have an airline legal roller bag and fit all that plus a video camera/housing, laptop and at least one days worth of clothes. And a swimsuit. And Li-Ion batteries for the camera since you can't check them.

For clothes I bring lightweight shirts, 2-3 pairs of lightweight mcirofiber shorts and one rolled up pair of dockers for the last night dinner on-shore. And a couple of swimsuits. The microfiber shorts double as extra swimsuits. The last couple of boats I've been on you take your shoes off at the dock so don't bring any extra.

My buddy gets really close to 50# so he bought one of those $25 portable luggage scales a couple years ago, we bring it with just in case we buy souvenirs or if the gear doesn't have time to dry completely. Twice on our return I've had to carry something of his to keep under 50#. Balanzza Ergo Hand-Held Digital Luggage Scale

I travel with a big rolling duffel bag. It has a hard bottom but is fairly lightweight. It also collapses so you can shove it under your bed all week. Although on the Aggressor they may have bag storage space - Explorer does.

Don't overpack, the last plane to Utila is a small one. Unless you're doing the ferries from Roatan.

 

[Shasta_man]

Note that, if you know you will be overweight, it may be cheaper to pay for and use a 3rd bag rather than the overweight fee, depending on the flight. On a recent trip, a 3rd bag for Bali to SFO was ~$120, while the overweight fee for ANY amount over the 50 lb limit was going to be a flat rate $330. The fee varied depending on the flight.

When the OP has more than 50 dives, it'll probably be pretty easy for them to adjust too.