Travelling with SP Hydros Pro - What kind of bag are you using?

[Jafo19D]

I have a Hydros Pro and right now I'm using the backpack that came with the BCD as a carry on.

I'm paranoid about getting my stuff stolen or lost and I live and dive in Colombia. The way I normally do this is break up the fins.

In my checked bah I put the following:

1. The fin foot pockets
2. Booties
3. GoPro accessories (sans batteries"
4. Dive shorts
5. Knife
6. Waterproof bag

In my Scuba Pro backpack I out the following:

1. DSMB - I would put it in checked baggage but worry that they might open up the suitcase to look at it.
2. BCD with integrated pockets
3. Regs
4. Light
5. The other half of my fins
6. Mask w/case
I could also fit my dive computer, GoPro, and other small misc stuff in the Scuba Pro backpack but sometime I put that in my computer bag (I'd love to be able to one day not take work with me on diving geaways).

For those if you with the same BCD and maybe even same fins, how do you pack and in what bags? I was thinking of getting another back just a bit bigger than the SP backpack but that will still fit as carryon.

 

[BoltSnap]

You are doing very well. I check everything in an XL Scubapro dive bag. I have this Scubapro bag wrapped in the plastic cover they have in airports. The only carry-on bags are camera and laptop bags.

Is it that bad in Colombia?

 

[Jafo19D]

I've been living here for almost 10 years and until about 2 years ago I was travelling lots, never had anythng stolen but then again my checked bag always just had clothes. One time they did manage to destroy a Samsonite bag to look inside, I'm guessing to see if there was anything good, this bag had lasted my entire consulting career at Accenture where I travelled every week - but that could have happened in either Panama or Cali.

This is why I divide up my fins, figuring they're less likeliy to steal half of a fin.

 

[landphil]

I used an Akona Globetrotter Product - Akona Adventure Gear for a carry on with my Hydros. It fits a ton of gear and still fits in the overhead bin. It even works as a carry on with for my daughter's regular jacket inflate BCD. The only issue is that once you load it up with that ton of gear it starts to get pretty uncomfortable as a backpack. Akona sells a special padded reg case that fits perfectly into the bottom of the bag, which also is big enough to hold much more than just the reg.

I've also traveled with my gear in this enormous Chrome bag - Barrage Pro 80L Pack. This is definitely a next-level carry on in both capacity, flexibility and quality. But also super heavy and uncomfortable when you overload it.

Since I've moved from my Hydros to a BPW, I've also quit traveling with a backpack. Now I run a Pelican 1535, their lightweight carry-on sized hard case. Wheeling is much more comfy than carrying all of your gear on your back; but you obviously can't overstuff it beyond the limits of carry on size (and still make it past the gate agents) like you can with a soft backpack.

 

[Jafo19D]

I used an Akona Globetrotter Product - Akona Adventure Gear for a carry on with my Hydros. It fits a ton of gear and still fits in the overhead bin. It even works as a carry on with for my daughter's regular jacket inflate BCD. The only issue is that once you load it up with that ton of gear it starts to get pretty uncomfortable as a backpack. Akona sells a special padded reg case that fits perfectly into the bottom of the bag, which also is big enough to hold much more than just the reg.

I've also traveled with my gear in this enormous Chrome bag - Barrage Pro 80L Pack. This is definitely a next-level carry on in both capacity, flexibility and quality. But also super heavy and uncomfortable when you overload it.

Since I've moved from my Hydros to a BPW, I've also quit traveling with a backpack. Now I run a Pelican 1535, their lightweight carry-on sized hard case. Wheeling is much more comfy than carrying all of your gear on your back; but you obviously can't overstuff it beyond the limits of carry on size (and still make it past the gate agents) like you can with a soft backpack.

I was looking at the Akona but there were negative comments about the straps for the fins but I might reconsider. Would you say it's more spacious than the backpack that comes with the Hydros?

 

[landphil]

I was looking at the Akona but there were negative comments about the straps for the fins but I might reconsider. Would you say it's more spacious than the backpack that comes with the Hydros?

It’s at least 2x the size of the hydros backpack. Strapping the fins on was ok if the bag was really full. It helped to weave the bag straps through the fin straps to secure them a little better. I would also use the pack as my boat bag when I got to my destination, and found the fin straps worked great to strap on your wet wetsuit & rash guard after the dives.

The only other thing is that you have to maintain the zipper if you’re going to use the bag around salt water. It will get that aluminum rot and freeze up.

I spent some time trying to find a backpack that would fit everything as a carry on. And if the Akona was a little more comfortable it would be perfect.

I also liked that Chrome Barrage pack. It’s like 3x as expensive as the Akona pack, but has a lot more utility (like if you plan to go into takeout delivery). And you could strap a tank to the back along with your fins. It’s roll top, completely waterproof and will likely survive anything

 

[Pressurehead]

I use the Hrdros pro back pack, BCD, regulators, main mask, GoPro and 2 computers, are carry on.
It all fit as I don't use the weight pockets, the travel Al plate and HOG travel wing is retired [as is the SS plate for local travel]
Everything else is checked in.

.

 

[Pressurehead]

Packed Today.

 

[QuinnyPig]

I use the Hrdros pro back pack, BCD, regulators, main mask, GoPro and 2 computers, are carry on.
It all fit as I don't use the weight pockets, the travel Al plate and HOG travel wing is retired [as is the SS plate for local travel]
Everything else is checked in.

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Where do you attach / stash the GoPro when diving with the Hydros Pro?

 

[Pressurehead]

Where do you attach / stash the GoPro when diving with the Hydros Pro

When not in use, either in my Apeks Tech shorts or clipped off to a D ring and held in place with a bungee loop, I don't like ' dingle dangles' ,like my torch.