Recommendations on a gear bag.

[rhwestfall]

if you aren't talking an airline bag, this one is tremendous for anything else:

https://www.divegearexpress.com/bcs/hunterpac.shtml#16

 

[rx7diver]

... if you have a good bag, dont be shy to list it here ...

I use an old US Army duffle bag. Thick canvas, OD color (dk green). My dad (career Army) gave it to me when I left for college in the early 1970's. It had already been used hard when I took possession of it. It's traveled quite a bit all these years. Camping, diving. Air, train, car. It's tough, relatively light in weight, collapses small when empty, can be washed periodically in a washing machine, doesn't draw attention, is convenient to carry (due to its built-in handle and shoulder strap). Probably can be obtained at an army surplus store for a song.

I can pack everything in it, even when diving dry, even my regulators and gauges (though I generally pack these with my mask and swimsuit in a smaller, hand-carried, padded bag that doesn't leave my sight).

Safe Diving,

rx7diver

 

[Scuba7]

if you aren't talking an airline bag, this one is tremendous for anything else:

https://www.divegearexpress.com/bcs/hunterpac.shtml#16

Thank you but I need one with a shoulder strap.

---------- Post added February 13th, 2015 at 05:59 PM ----------

I use an old US Army duffle bag.
rx7diver

Thank you, that is a good idea.

 

[Doc]

Get the biggest one that your wife can carry so it's not too long and she drags it on the ground.

If this doesn't work out well, get a taller Sheila.

Consider all the important parameters.

BTW- You got any Military Surplus stores there down under?

 

[diver 85]

For 30 years now, I've only used the (cheaper---maybe 20 bucks??/) mesh ones---in fact, my Stahlsac that I'm currently using in well over 20 years old & still going strong......Here's a pic of it drying out on Bonaire from a couple summers ago(the red & blue bag hanging on the upstairs railing)........

EDIT:.I use it for diving only-ie no airline baggage etc etc etc...

[/URL]Our unit @ Buddy's by GEAUXtiger, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[videofly]

My large mesh Stahlsac works well.

 

[WildcatChris]

I hesitate to post because you said you wanted a shoulder strap, but I really like the Armor rolling mesh duffel:

164 Rolling Mesh Duffel | Armor Products, LLC

It's a rubberized mesh so it holds up really well, and will fit a full set of dive gear, including weights. If I travel internationally I usually put the mesh duffel inside of a larger travel bag with my clothes, etc. Then have this to use as a boat/dunk bag on the other end.

 

[rx7diver]

Thank you, that is a good idea.

Scuba7,

I should add: I use a simple, lightweight, top-zippered, quick-drying, nylon duffel to actually dive out of. I use the canvas army duffel to travel my dive gear. The nylon duffel is folded and packed inside the army duffel (along with my dive gear) when traveling. When I arrive at the hotel or dive boat, I transfer my dive gear from the army duffel to the nylon duffel. The top zipper makes it much easier to dive out of, especially when diving on a small and/or crowded dive boat.

Save Diving,

rx7diver

 

[TN-Steve]

I've got 2 bags I use. If I'm not flying everything goes into a large REI mesh duffel bag. It's got a full length #10 plastic zipper, full sized pockets at both ends (One mesh, one solid for stuff you want to keep out of sight). I can fit fins, ranger LTD bc, 2 reg bags, 5mm full suit and all the rest of my gear in it with ease. I use that any time I'm not flying.

If I'm flying, I've got a 29" "Airlight" suitcase. All the gear fits in it, and I stay well below the 50# limit. I like the idea that it provides a bit of extra protection to the gear by being fairly rigid. It also has the advantage that it doesn't scream "Expensive Scuba Gear Inside". When I fly, the reg, mask and DC go in my carry on. I also toss the mesh duffel in the suitcase (takes no room at all), and then I've got a great boat / transport bag at my destination.

IF I travel with weights (and that's only if it's a car trip) I have a dedicated weight bag from XS Scuba. For me the extra sturdy construction and super heavy handle is worth it. I tried using a mesh backpack for the weights, always felt like it was on the verge of self destructing.

Just my .02.

Steve

 

[Scuba7]

BTW- You got any Military Surplus stores there down under?

Yes. Something to check out.
We have target and K mart but they are about half the size of walmart.

---------- Post added February 14th, 2015 at 08:45 AM ----------

My large mesh Stahlsac works well.

Thanks, sounds like the way to go.