Travelling with Gear

[seascallop]

I'm new to diving, but do I really need to carry mask, fins, etc with me when I travel or can I just rent that stuff when I get in country? Also do most divers own their own regulator and roughly what is the cost?

 

[warmwaterturner]

Wow, did you ask a big question with reguard to equipment expense... but as for owning ones own equipment verses renting. For me it is kinda like the american express card commercial - I don't leave home without it.

 

[stakanak]

I am new to diving as well. I will always take my mask fins (booties)and snorkel as I am comfortable with them (especially the mask) and can go free diving w/out renting gear. I also bring my regulator as IMO it is the most important tool in diving. It stays with me in my carry on.

 

[CharlesFoster00]

Hello seascallop,

I'm afraid there isn't a simple answer to your question. Mostly, it's a matter of personal preference and comfort. Personally, I prefer to have as much of my own gear as possible, and certainly mask, fins, wetsuit. They don't weigh much or take up much room in the bottom of a bag, so I just bring them.

In my opinion, before I use a rental regulator, I would want to know some things about the place that I'm diving, and who I'm renting from. I used rented regs several times without a problem, but I always made a point of knowing who was doing the service on the regs, and knowing how frequently they were serviced. It's really all a question of trust.

Regulator cost can range from $350-$1000 or higher. While many people don't own regs (and are very happy that way), those who do own them will tend to tell you how great it is. I am personally a fan of the 'rent before you buy' philosophy. Find out what you like, and what you need, before you let a salesman influence your choice. And of course, while you're renting, you'll meet other divers who own their own gear, and you can ask them questions about it. Most of them are happy to talk about their setups, and don't have any financial stake in telling you what to do.

Get in the water, have fun, and be safe.

 

[Tjack]

I agree that mask fins snorkel booties of your own are good to have. I would add a dive computer for sure. I rented BCD and Regs for years with only minor problems.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

You can rent everything. You may not want to, but this comes down to personal preference.

When I need to travel very light, I bring my mask and dive computer, compass, light and camera.

Normally, I prefer to bring everything except tanks and weights. Divers tend to develop strong personal preferences and your personal gear will always be better for you than rental gear. This means 40lbs of gear to haul and often an extra checked bag. It is a pain, but well worthwhile if I can do it within reason.

 

[diver 85]

short answer----buy your own......cost??, 150 & Uppppp

 

[TMHeimer]

I try to bring everything (even wts.) except tanks. This is very difficult now since you pay for all checked bags on U.S. planes now. But I found that UAL permits a carry on that can be 50 pounds, as long as it's small enough. And also one "personal" item-laptop, purse, etc. You can bring something the size of a laptop bag and cram other stuff in there instead. I have a plan for a future trip to fit one suitcase inside another and pay for it on the return flight if it's needed. So far, in Canada you still get 2 checked bags free, but for how long? Can't wait to board the plane and get my meal that's included in the fare......

 

[MD_Diver]

I travel with my own gear, Mask, Fins, Reg, BCD, computer, etc. I'm much more comfortable with my stuff as I know a) where everything is/goes and
b) I know its maintained.

 

[rongoodman]

I try to bring everything (even wts.) except tanks. This is very difficult now since you pay for all checked bags on U.S. planes now.

Actually, you don't--it seems to be hit and miss, with lots of variation among carriers and destinations. I paid nothing to check a bag on Continental to Cancun a couple of weeks back, but the trip before on a different carrier to the Bahamas involved a nominal fee. What hasn't changed in a long time is the 50 lb weight limit, and that's a lot of gear, especially if you carry on a couple of heavier items, such as regulators and primary lights.