Sicel1304:
Hey guys,
I was wonderin if anyone has information about this backpack.
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate...ock/DescSort_0/Filter_2=103/AKNBWD.html?Hit=1
I'm thinking about buying it. May anyone recommend any good dive bags to me? I want something that can hold a full set of gear, but still be comfortable. Thanks!
By the way, for anyone who doesn't know, I don't even have my certification yet. However, I am in a scuba class, and we are doing our open water dives the weekend of October 20th in Arkansas! As of right now, I own my booties, and an extremly expensive mask w/ custom lenses, and a snorkel. I want something that can keep that all safe for me. Thanks!
Les
For your booties, mask, etc, that above bag will be fine. But I don't think it's the right choice. That's a wet-dry bag. It's meant to keep stuff dry, like clothes while boating, etc. I think it'd be better fitted for keeping your clothes dry on a dive trip as to keeping your gear in.
Like the others, I think it's a bit small for a complete set of gear.
For choosing a bag, perhaps if you could tell us what you want it for, folks here could provide you advice based on that.
For example, the mesh bag referrenced above is great for short trip diving such as a beach dive, snorkel gear, local diving, etc. Of course everything will get wet or sandy in that bag, but some people like to use a mesh bag to rinse gear in also.
For diving that requires airline travel, you'll want a heavy duty roller bag that will hold up to airline abuse and is lockable. I would suggest one that doesn't have "dive gear logos" all over it as it advertises what's in the bag and says "steal me first" to any thief. You can get roller bags that have backpack straps on them also, but unless it's uneven ground, you'll be more likely to pull it through an airport instead of carrying it. The ones with the extendable handles I find easier to use. Remember you'll also have to deal with your clothes luggage also, which makes wearing a heavy dive backpack harder to deal with (for most folks).
For airline travel consider bag weight also. The airlines are enforcing a 50lb rule now on most flights. International can get away with 75-80 pounds.
You can get an "el-cheap-o" ruller duffell bag at Walmart. I did this and it worked for several trips. However the wally-world bags are just not made as well with lighter weight/thickness fabric and sewn to much lighter standards. Also the fabric seems to be much weaker and less resistant to the elements, as are the zippers, which are smaller and "wimpier". Well this came to an end on a flight back from the Caribbean when I picked up the bag off the luggage carosell by the fabric and the bag just tore apart. My gear almost ended up taking a seperate ride down the luggage path if I hadn't grabbed it in time. With that I learned my lesson and bought a much better built bag. I'm just glad it happened to me and not to some airline employee, especially in another country. Chances are I wouldn't have gotten all my gear back. Also replacement bags in airports aren't that easy to come by. - My advise, get a good bag to start with.
BTW.... you can get a small mask case for your mask that will fit into any bag.
-mike