Scuba bag vs. Standard duffel bag

[dadiver]

I would like to know the pros and cons regarding the use of a gear bag designed specifically for scuba gear vs. a standard duffel bag? Most of our diving will require us to travel via commercial airliner.

If anyone has recommendations for a dive bag preferably for (2) sets of equipment (BC, Fins, Regs, Mask/Snorkel, Boots and Wet suits) I would appreciate the input.

[RICHinNC]

I use to use the Pelican cases prior to 9/11. Now they just attract attention, cause TSA to you-know-what a brick, and are now even causing attention at check in for additional fees.

I have gone to a local store....walmart...lowes...home depot...with my bcd...and found a very tough "tupper ware" like plastic container that my bcd will fit it well but snuggly and a few other items...hood...mask...small things.

Then i put this plastic container into a BUM bag which is nothing more than a duffle with a huge zipper.

This does a couple of things for me. It gives me a little more assurance the 'luggage apes' wont damage my bck and integrated air source by tossing it like a sack of fertilizer....and the bag is non-descript so it does not yelll ''dive gear...steal me!!!''' .... nor does it cause attention at check in to cause an additional fee for hauling dive gear (ALL airlines have clauses allowing them to charge for dive gear...BY THE PIECE..) but they dont for golf clubs or hang gliders...duh.

I still carry my regs....computer...dive logs....and pony bottle (drained and plugged) on the plane as carry on. No problems so far.

[JimC]

I use a huge duffle with pullout backpack straps. My wife has the same, except hers has wheels. When traveling somewhere warm, we can fit both sets of gear into 1 bag.

I would never buy a bag covered in scuba logos. THey scream "Thousands of dollars of stuff.. steal me" as they spin around the bagage claim area, while your waiting for the old lady infrount of you to get off the plane.

[Al Mialkovsky]

We still use our Pelican for airline travel. They didn't even open it the last time. Just rubbed some explosive detecting tape over the handles.

I would never use anything with a scuba logo on it. Not only will you get charged more by some airlines as suggested it's like waving a red flag in front of a thief.

[Dxtreme]

i used a real backpacker's backpack for all my scuba stuff. Not only can u carry it it with comfort (remember this pack is designed for hikers to go hike the backcountry with heavy weights), the backpack is designed to carry far more weight than your average scuba gear and is one tough bag. The waist straps transfers the weight to your waist instead of your fragile shoulders.

This pack also have a front access loading which means, the pack opens up fully on the front, better than a duffle bag. My halcyon Pioneer system goes in without a hitch due to the wide openings.


Granite Gear Nimbus Access 3800 - Closeout
$149.93 Item 701912
Compare at: $230.00 34% Off!

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47658981&storeId=8001&catalogId=40000008001&langId=-1

linky to the manufacturer

http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/light/access3800/

[Diver Lori]

I've got an LLBean rolling Adventure duffle and it works great. Comes in a wide variety of colors which make it easy to locate on the airport conveyors.

[FallenMatt]

on my last transatlantic flight i just used my usual mesh dive bag (smallish size) and put everything in it besides the fins, then put that bag in a normal duffel bag and put fins and other random crap in it.

my backplate at the bottom making a nice shield and my wetsuits on top.

went through both ways with no problem and it looks just like average duffel bag.

when i flew out of orlando international i found out that they searched my bag: they opened the outside duffel but left the inside dive bag alone. (i had zip ties on both)

[equipto76]

Take a look at the bags available from Akona. I use their travel bags for airline travel and the huge duffels for boat trips and I absolutely love them.

[astrofunk]

In my experience, the Akonas are a bit small for two sets of gear. The LL Bean Adventure duffels are big enough (get the biggest size), as are the mongo Walmart plastic tubs...

[canuckdiver]

my experience has been that the best bang-for-the-buck is a hockey bag from wal-mart.
Mine has the wheels like the akona bags, is the same size, and was 10$ ;)
(tough as nails too!)

[Ron Brandt]

I too use Akona,the biggest one they have.

I have my pool system and open water system packed in.

Never a problem at the airport and is great to roll around,even in dirt and sand.

Had it for 4 years now.

Ron

[scubasean]

Anyone have links to pics of the Akona bags on the web?

Thanks,

--Sean

[Gilligan]

Being the tight wad that I am I use a military surplus duffel bag and put my dive gear in the bottom (exept for the reg setup which is carry-on in a backpack) and my clothes on top. Add a padlock and your good to go. Most people think that thing is full of some sailor or soldier's dirty underwear and won't go near it. Like many of the other posts say never use a bag with any dive logos on it. I used my duffel bag for my last trip to the Yucatan and it worked out great.:shades:

[raviepoo]

I know several people who have had locks broken by the TSA. Locks seem to be big red flags on your bags that scream "search me."


Gilligan once bubbled...
Add a padlock and your good to go.

[IceBergSlim]

Lots of talk about stolen gear. Anyone ever have this happen? When and where? I too avoid all stickers, patches etc. on my stuff. I figured that it was a good idea for more reason than one. Thanks, Dave

[Robert Phillips]

Definitely a dive bag. I used to use a large baseball equipment duffel bag for my gear, but the last time I was on a boat, on leaving the pier to go home, the shoulder strap ripped out of the stitching. Now i did have about 30# of lead in it along with the rest of my gear so I admit it was overwieghted, but it was going to go anyway, I just sped the process.
I purchased an Akona and they are very rugged and can carry that much wieght plus your gear. I don't use that much lead anymore, but I could safely put that much in my bag now and not worry about it at all.
If you use a duffel that is nothing less than heavy duty, then carry your lead in another bag! As for air travel, you definitely want something that avoids the "DIVE GEAR" labels.
A large suitcase?
Rock on!

[Coyote]

scubasean once bubbled...
Anyone have links to pics of the Akona bags on the web?

Thanks,

--Sean

Sean,

Just go to www.akona.com to see the bags

[cobaltbabe]

I am using a hockey bag right now and it is being ripped all apart. I am looking for something a little tougher. Granted I was stupid and put my weights in there as well, I know I had a blonde moment, and I am brunette!!! I think I am going to get another one and try it again, they are so roomy.