Gear bags vs Hardcases

[taat2d]

I own and use the Akona roller backpack. Nice bag but kinda small on the insides. Especially since my collection of gear seems to get bigger by the day. then you also gotta worry about havbing your back crushed by other on a dive boat. I'm thinking about getting a Big Rubber Maid kind of box? Any suggestions? What is every one else out here using?

[pentiumchic]

A big blue bucket from Walmart.Thought it was a great idea when I saw my buddys.*shrug*Went on boat dive the other night.Think I counted 4 or 5 buckets.

[Scubaddawg]

I use my old foot locker from the when i was in the military in canada, 20x23x12

Kinda like a composite of fiberglass and plastic

Scubaddawg

[cyklon_300]

CampMor for $9...I put my Cordura dive bag full of gear inside.

The duffle is pretty battered and has patches sewn over the numerous travel scars. Looks like checked baggage from a homeless person...

No one even looks twice at it...

For local lake dives, I toss everything into a big Rubbermaid-type bin and haul that in the car.

[Pez de Diablo]

here is a thread that discussed this question.

Gear Bag Thread (http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23910)

Good luck with your search.

Pez

[boomx5]

I do the big blue RubberMaid thing.

[FLL Diver]

The gear is in a mesh duffle bag, which sits in a 30 gallon Rubbermaid container to catch the water when the gear's wet. The lid lies beside it, and holds tanks and weights. It saves teh carpet in the trunk.

The container doubles as a rinse tub when I get home.

Marc :jester:

[canuckdiver]

I use a big rubbermaid rough tote

but I have noticed that the charter captains/crew tend to grumble a lot about them, I think because they can't cram as many into a small space ;)

[runvus4]

I have a Deep Outdoors tropical traveler that works well. I might switch to a pair of duffel bags because once I load everything in including weights, it becomes heavier than I'm comfortable lifting and carrying for those surfaces/stairs that I can't use the wheels on. With two bags, no one bag will be more than 30 lbs and thus possibly easier to carry when needed. The drawback is that with no rollers, I'll have to carry them everywhere.

[Stone]

1. Large Samsonite for air travel

2. Akona semi-mesh on friend's boats or charters

3. Rubbermaid tubs on my own boat

Some plastic containers have no place (literally) on a boat.

[Scubaroo]

I use a Rubbermaid tub - it fits under the bench of the boat I regularly dive from, it's easier to rummage around in on the boat than a wet, floppy duffle bag, everything fits in it except my drysuit which goes in a seperate bag (usually don that before getting on the boat anyway), it doubles as a rinse tub, saves the carpet in the car trunk, and my buddy and I can fit two side-by-side in his trunk.

Plus once everything's rinsed and dried, it stacks nicely in the storage cupboard at home. And it gives you somewhere to stick the DIVER sticker from COVCI on the side.

When diving from new boats that I don't know if it will fit on or not, I pack a mesh bag inside, and I can transfer everything into the mesh bag if needed at the last minute and leave the tub in the car.

For $5 or so it's one of the best value for money dive purchases you can make.

[taat2d]

I think I'm gonna switch to a big rubber maid box. Sounds like it's a lot easier to get at everything inside the box. Plus I'm sure it gives some protection for your gear.

[carfier]

My son and I use a hard plastic case that we bought at Container Store. Perfect size for our gear. Looks like a footlocker. I love it!

[taat2d]

carfier once bubbled...
My son and I use a hard plastic case that we bought at Container Store. Perfect size for our gear. Looks like a footlocker. I love it!

How much did they cost? Do they have a website?

[Sibhod]

I use the big rubbermaid tube for local dives and the pelican case for travel abroad.

[Aquamaniac]

I have Sterile (sp?) Plastic boxes for local diving, and two Hardshell Samsonlite cases for international work.
I like the samsons, cos they are unobtrusive

[cadet diver]

I waisted about 180 on an Oceanic bag. I already regret it because the bag is not taking normal wear very well at all. If I could do it again I would get a pelican case. I thought it would have been too heavy (over 70#) the first time around.

[Buffalo Dave]

For local diving, my wife and I use a 45 gallon Rubbermaid box with wheels for everything exept tanks and weights - they are bungeed onto a dollie. The dollie works great if you need to transport the heavy stuff for any distance.

For travel we'll either FedEx the gear ahead of us if it's practical, or use generic travel duffels. A good generic duffel is usually cheaper than official gear bags and seem to made just as well - if not better.

[runvus4]

I made a compromise and use both...

I used to use a Deep Outdoors Tropical Traveller, which was a great bag. The only issue I had was that with all my gear and weights in it, it was a pain to lift and carry when needed. I've switched just after the past Dutch Springs expedition we just had.

Now I use a Rubbermaid 16.3 gallon tub for the backplate/wing, fins, light cannister, spool, reel, liftbag, hood, DC gloves. It's a much smaller size than most of the hardcases/rubbermaid tubs that most other people use and is easy to tuck away, yet large enough to hold the kit fully assembled and ready to dive.

For the drysuit undergarment, spare clothes, regulator, snacks, cards/logs, toolkit, spare parts, computer, compass, O2 analyzer, mask (in box), snorkle, backup lights, cutting tools, zipper wax, KY, lotion, lip balm, other misc garbage, etc. I pack into a Deep Outdoors Medium Submariner.

The drysuit goes folded nicely into a seperate stuff sack. Soft weights for the weight pockets go into another small plastic food container.

I roll it all around bungied Ruxxac folding luggage cart. Rubbermaid on bottom, bag on top of tub and stuff sack+small plastic food container on top of that.

[kiko]

i have a rubbermaid case. Its called the " Action Packer" by rubbermaid. I advice u to use this one

[ColdH20diving]

I like my monster pelican case, I can lock it and secure the darn thing in the bed of my truck. I also bring a large rubber maid tub to throw all my wet gear in after diving.

[ivansie]

me and my wife carry dive bags (meshed) and we have a big rubbermaid contained in the trunk of the car to put the dive bags in an catch water in case it has not drained completely.

Its easier to take the bags in the boat but better to have something to catch water and avoid wetting the carpet.

For shore diving I just take the rubbermaid full of gear

bye
Ivan:)

[lisacats]

It's made for kayaking, but keeps the inside of my truck from constant exposure to salt water and it's easy to throw on the boat! A bargain at $25.

Lisa

[jfusaro]

I use a double length milk crate. It fits under the bench on the boat and holds alot of gear

[WaterDawg]

RuberMaid Action Packer. You can put 2 pad locks on it, its vertually indestrucable,it floats, Its $20, and you can put stickers on it.

[walt williams]

About the Akona bag -- I'm thinking of buying that one for my wife for her birthday. You mention that it's a bit small -- how small. She has only basic gear and I carry the save-a-dive kit, first aid, etc.

How do you like the bag otherwise -- quality, ruggedness, wheels, etc.?

Thanks.

Walt

[Al Mialkovsky]

I use the pelican case for airline travel and rubbermaid for home stuff. On any boat I use a regular gear bag as they collaspe and don't take up as much space when empty. Space is always a concern on a boat so I feel it's not the place for anything else than a gear bag.

[el-ninio]

I'm using a rubbermaid like tub, but I've got the ultimate improvment for it. The real problem with the plastic box setup is the sand and water that comes along with the wet gear. As it sometimes takes me 4-6 hours untill I can get home and was the stuff, all the gear in well marinated. Now, salty water are not so hot, but sand is really unwanted.

but I have a simpute solution for this: I placed a 2-cm thick plastic grid on the bottom of the tub, and now all the sand and water accumulate there, not on my gear.

attached is a pucture of the setup.

now, if I could only get a decent rubbermaid bix here in israel... the boxes I'm using are way too fragile for the job.

[el-ninio]

its from an old office light setup, but any rubber door-mat should do at least as well.

[Otter]

When I dive locally from the shore (and hence my car), I use a rubbermaid bin. When I go over to Catalina to dive Casino Point on the Flyer, I use my Stahlsac roller. When I dive on boat locally, I either use the Stahlsac roller or their large mesh backpack style bag. When I fly to dive, I use the big ole' Pelican.

Otter

[Otter]

As it sometimes takes me 4-6 hours untill I can get home and was the stuff, all the gear in well marinated.

Actually well marinated is a good thing. If you aren't able to rinse your gear, you would prefer it to remain wet so that salt crystals don't form. I agree on the sand and your invention is a good idea. You could then, place that on top of all your gear when soaking it in the bin to keep it from floating (placing lead on top).

Otter

[agstreet]

It depends on where I'm diving and how much travelling is involved. I take dive gear on business trips, and for that it travels in a rolling bag (can't remember the brand) that has a single external zipper and nothing on it that says, "steal me, I'm diving equipment." For actually getting on the boat, everything is in a mesh bag.

[JohnF]

agstreet once bubbled...
It depends on where I'm diving and how much travelling is involved. I take dive gear on business trips, and for that it travels in a rolling bag (can't remember the brand) that has a single external zipper and nothing on it that says, "steal me, I'm diving equipment." For actually getting on the boat, everything is in a mesh bag.

For air travel I use a cheap Samsonite clam style case which retails for under $100 in Cdn funds.

For Diving from my van I use big Rubbermaid plastic boxes, and lots of 'em. The wet stuff goes in one and the dry stuff goes in the rest. I carry enuf gear for 2 or 3 divers on most trips.

For dive boats I use a plain mesh bag and a small drybag. The dry stuff goes in the drybag immediately after boarding and gets hung up somewhere out of the way. The stuff to be used is in the mesh bag and goes back after the dive. In a pinch the whole damned thing can be dunked to rinse post-dive.

JohnF

[Marcos]

I have a 21 gallon rubbermaid type bin that I was thinking of using for my dive gear and I'm wondering if that is too big. What size should I get that will fit under most benches on boats, or is the 21 gallon a good size?

[diveski01]

walt williams once bubbled...
About the Akona bag -- I'm thinking of buying that one for my wife for her birthday. You mention that it's a bit small -- how small. She has only basic gear and I carry the save-a-dive kit, first aid, etc.

How do you like the bag otherwise -- quality, ruggedness, wheels, etc.?

Thanks.

Walt

big akona roller bag :
I've used this bag on numerous trips with no issues until recently. Last year the zipper pulls were ripped off of the big front pocket. Airline wouldn't cover the cost to repair it. Not that big of a deal. Bag has held up fine during lots of flights.

On my last trip all of a sudden the bag was "too big for the conveyor belt" and I was charged $50 after a bit of drama by the ticket agent. Yes, I admit, by their tape measure it exceeded the combined lineal length of 62 inches even though it wasn't packed full. My beef is that no other ticket agent during at least 12 check-ins even mentioned the size as long as it was under the weight restriction. Guess it's variable between different agents perceptions?

I now own 2 brand new slightly smaller Akona bags that are well within the 62 inch limit so hopefully smooth sailing for my future trips. I just don't want that hassle at 5:00am ever again. One is an open duffle w/ wheels and handle, other is smaller version of my current big bag. Between the two I'll be able to bring everything I own :O

Anyone interested in a used large Akona roller bag?? It'll be up for sale on ebay soon.

We use the Action Packer tubs for any diving that we drive to. They're great!

[rscalzo]

I use a old milk crate. Fits enough gear to dive my doubles. Dry suit in a separate bag. Most dive boats in NJ won't allow the large tubs or hard cases on board.

[klausbh]

I recently picked up a clear 28 gallon rubbermaid tub at office depot for under 15 bucks.

http://www.officedepot.com/ddSKU.do?level=SK&id=443792

-Klaus

[El Orans]

to carry my equipment around. It fits my trunk perfectly.

By the time I start flying to divesites I'll probably get a bag.

[Wreck Wench]

Stone once bubbled...
1. Large Samsonite for air travel



This is particularily good as it doesn't look like dive gear this way...it is easier to stay within the 50 pound limitation on most airlines (or less) and you can get them CHEAP at Big Lots, Sam's Club, Kohl's, Burlington Coat Factory or any host of discount stores. They are so cheap you don't feel bad if the airlines destroy them. I CERTAINLY felt bad when they trashed the $300+ dive bags I used to buy. Plus they have WHEELS!!! (Don't forget a mesh bag and dry bag for the boat. They don't work well on boats!)



Stone once bubbled...
2. Akona semi-mesh on friend's boats or charters


This or a similar dive bag for gear on the boat and of course your dry bag for the salon or just to keep the dry stuff dry. This works very well for the Caribbean and fits in that cheap suitcase you just used to fly to your destination with.




Stone once bubbled...
3. Rubbermaid tubs on my own boat


These do work well......however try for the slightly smaller size. As others have said in this post....many boat capts. do not like these on their boats nor in many cases is there even room for them. However using these as your primary storage is great. See the post describing the benefits of storage both pre and post dives; easier checking (write your checklist in perm marker on the lid so you can make sure you have everything); easier traveling IF traveling by car. Although I've seen some folks bungee them up and fly with them. In this case....cheaper is better!

[Sprinter]

Years ago, I saw some Rubbermaid tote boxes with wheels. Bought one and have used it ever since to carry my dive gear whenever I travel.

It had a clamshell design with handles on one end and wheels on the opposite. It had a built in latch on both sides. It can carry all my gear save for the tanks and I am able to drag the whole thing behind me as I walk along.

10 years later, its scratched and battered but still in one piece. I've used it to travel by air, boat, car and to date I still get approached by divers wanting to know where I bought it (Philippines).

I've gone to the Rubbermaid website to search for the product but don't find it anymore. I still have the original sticker that showed the stock number.

Somebody tell Rubbermaid they may have a late bloomer here :)

[peterw]

I use a big Pelican 1660. I can fit a tank, all my gear, a towel or two, and some extra dry clothes all in one rolling container. I used to use a giant duffel bag and carry a tank seperately but I now I can fit everything into the pelican. I love it.

http://www.pelican.com/cases/3bo_1660.html

[Axeman]

I use a pelican 1650 with stickers glaore and carry my dry suit and tanks.

[Hoya97]

I dive a lot - almost exclusively from Dive Boats. The Akonia Duffle Bag lasted about a year. I refuse to recommend it. The handles ripped out (Vertically) the zipper failed and the bottom wore out due to excessive sliding over the non-skid on the deck.

I use an outstanding bag from Code Alpha now. They are a small company but produce outstanding bags (I swear I'm not a company representative). The bottom is reinforced for non-skid decks, the zippers are two sizes larger than the Akonia and the handles are double stitched both horzontally and vertically. I use this bag on boats.

When I'm traveling, I use an Armor large rollie bag. This is an outstanding bag in that all my equipment fits inside - to include the Code Alpha gear bag. I transport everything inside the Armor bag while flying, then repack everything into the Code Alpha for the boat. A nice thing about Armor bags is that they don't have dive flags plastered all over them. Baggage handlers just think it's anothe rollie. They don't know it contains SCUBA equipment.

A suggestion when travelling. The TSA won't let you lock your bag as they can't search it. I recommend you use standard cable ties to secure your bag. If TSA needs to go into it, then they place a card inside your bag stating that they cut off the cable ties and replace the cable tie with a special TSA cable tie. Baggage handlers don't normally carry around cable ties to re-secure bags they rummage through looking for valuables. So if you see your cable tie is missing and the special TSA tie is also absent, then you can call over an airline representative immediately and you both can inspect the contents. No baggage handler is going to chance cutting through a special TSA cable tie and they probably don't want to take the time to find the card inside as well. I've travelled around the world a lto and this works for me! Thought I would pass it along to all of you.

Rubbermaid Tuff Bins are great. Put your duffel in the tuff bin and you won't have to worry about salt water ruining the lining in your trunk. Helpful hint, always keep your weights seperate from the tuff bin - they will cause it to break at the handles and/or crack on the bottom.

[Hoosier]

Sorry for resurrecting this thread, but I can't resist posting that I got the same box thanks to the good information. It is a darn cheap ($20) with the limited lifetime warranty. Yahoo!!


For local diving, my wife and I use a 45 gallon Rubbermaid box with wheels for everything exept tanks and weights - they are bungeed onto a dollie. The dollie works great if you need to transport the heavy stuff for any distance.


For travel we'll either FedEx the gear ahead of us if it's practical, or use generic travel duffels. A good generic duffel is usually cheaper than official gear bags and seem to made just as well - if not better.

[mack50md]

I use a Cabela's (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/common/search/search-results1.jhtml?hasJS=true&_D%3AhasJS=+&QueryText=drysack&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jhtml.22&Go.x=24&Go.y=3&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=drysack&noImage=0) drysack. Leftover from my canoe trekking days. Roomy with shoulder straps. Fairly watertight. Fits under benches.

I use a roller bag for air travel. Stuff the drysack or a mesh duffel bag in the roller bag and use them to go from hotel to boat. Leave the roller bag in the room.

[downunder_diver]

I dont have a car so getting from A to B with dive gear is very hard!!! I catch public transport ie. 2 buses and walk a bit too. All up takes me around 2hrs.
Anyhow, I was wondering what type of bag would be handiest?
I'm thinking a Duffle bag or Mesh bag.
I dont really want to spend much - $50 max!

Thanks!
Safe Diving :)

[Mandy3206]

I used for more than 10 yrs a Back Pack, last 8 and akona similar to the AKB 114, only diference was the top pocket was bigger due to using the space for the water bottle on the current one.

I switched to a Pelican 1620 'cause I got tired of hauling my gear in my back, and don't want to hurt my back with this bag that weights a ton. So now I drag and roll the 1620 around and the only moment that is lifted is when loading/unloading from the car and same situation from the boat, both times I get the help from another person to do this.

The Akona never let me down and it resisted everything I throwed at it and can be used for another 10 yrs, maybe more.

I decided to save my back after seen this 6'-2" baseball player get hurt loading the gear into the boat and had to sit out both dives due to his back ache.

It doesn't matter if you go the softpack or hard case way, just make sure it got wheels on it.

[AcDriver]

RuberMaid Action Packer. You can put 2 pad locks on it, its vertually indestrucable,it floats, Its $20, and you can put stickers on it.

<in my best Bevis voice>, heh, hee, he said rubbermaid action packer.


Sorry! Couldn't resisit!:mooner: