Regulator Bag?

[ScoobyDave]

When buying new regulators, an up-selling clerk was pushing their regulator bags. I've never had one, and haven't seen the need.

That being said, any comments pro/con? Got one?

[Charlie99]

Most of the time I just wrap the regs and console inside a wetsuit.

The only time I use a reg bag is when I put them in a backpack to carry on a plane, and that is mostly just to keep them separate from the other junk in my backpack.

I rarely use the reg bag when putting the regs into checked luggage; and never use it when putting regs into the duffel bag to carry gear onto a boat.

YMMV

[DivemasterWill]

I've got a reg bag from Deep See. Back when I first got certified, I used to pack the regulator in there snug as a baby before and after every dive. Over time, I came to realize that when driving to the site, this offered no better (and arguably) worse) protection for my reg than wrapping it in my wetsuit (or in my undergarments when diving dry).

One place where a reg bag is handy is in travel. I have a small, briefcase-sized bag that is heavily (3/4 inch) padded - it looks kind of like a really skinny laptop bag, maybe. Inside of that, when I am going on a dive trip, I pack my reg, mask, light, and a couple of other small things. It works well for travel, and you feel a whole lot better about knowing you have the gear with you, safe andsound on the plane, rather than being abused by the baggage handler.

~W

[diveski01]

I used to work in a LDS and a reg bag is an easy sale :)

Akona includes a very nice regulator bag with a lot of their larger gear bags. If you're planning to dive where you can't drive to the site, this is a good way to get both in just one purchase.

I carry my regs on the plane but a specific reg bag isn't required - just adequate padding. I use a zippered plastic bag inside a padded back pack - makes it easy for airport security to inspect without making a mess of everything.

My boyfriend now uses my freebie Akona reg bags for his doubles regs - even when just going to/from the local quarries. I think just because they fit so nicely in there vs the plastic tubs we have.

Your regs are life-support equipment and should be treated as such during transit.

[blackice]

When I bought regs the bag was thrown in, as I had just spent hundreds of dollars. It was an Apeks branded bag - good for carry one but not strong enough in the long haul.

I'm looking into renforcing it.
=-)

[5615mike]

When I got my regs I thought that they would be a real joke. Did not see the need for them. Glad I have them. Store my regs in them and they are nice to travel with since I carry our regs on plain. Good place to store clips and rings for spares as well.

[ew1usnr]

Where these bags come in handy is when you are packing a number of regulators in one box. Otherwise they get tangled like spaghetti when you try to pull one out.

[awap]

With a little disassembly, it holds about 5 kits (wife & I). Travels well & I don't believe it even counts as a carry-on. I use a soft regulator bag on the dive boat to hold a spare setup & the rest of my save-a-dive kit.

[Scubadude]

I always keep my regs in a Scubapro reg bag. I never check my regs with my gear. This is your life support and it should be treated with TLC. You can also put you toothbrush, passport, airline tickets etc. in it. The Akona brand is also very nice. My lady just bought a set of regs and gauges and she also bought the Akona bag. A good investment I thnk. Good Viz, George:thumb:

[jrg]

I have an aqualung regulator bag, and use it sometimes but not always. It's kind of a pain to get the hoses coiled up in there just right. It has a nice padded pocket in the middle to hold the console. I think I would recommend a reg bag like this to someone who has an expensive console-mounted computer. Otherwise you could just 'wrap it in a wetsuit' or something.

I would definitely NOT put a regulator set in with my checked luggage while traveling. They're too expensive & fragile to be thrown around by baggage handlers. Cruise lines are even worse than airlines. My suitcase came out looking like it had been thrown in to a cage of gorillas. (Carnival)

[Mo2vation]

I love it. (http://armorbags.com/regulatorbags.htm) I have the model #19.

With a DIR hose set up and a dry suit - I have a lot going on with my rig... 7' hose, 2 inflator hoses, a second stage with necklace, an SPG... its a lot more than I used to use when I was diving a hoseless computer and Air Source with my wetsuit.

It holds my DIN -> Yoke adaptor, my medusa-like reg rig, my Pelican 1050 with my Vytec and Compass, 10W HID head, Dive Log and anything else I want to carry on a plane / boat and keep close to me.

I'll toss a book in there to read, I carried my Laptop in it on a recent trip to PugLand (not to be confused with FrontierLand or TomorrowLand...)...its a very nice, padded carryall for my stuff.

I love it. I toss my drybox in the reg bag pocket of my Stahlsac, and throw this over my shoulder, carry my tank and I'm a one-take Jake to the boat or plane.

K

[Zept]

I bought a reg bag to protect my reg while travelling. Lately I've got less paranoid and I just wrap it in my BC/wetsuit. I mostly use the bag for taking my reg to the dive shop to be serviced or adjusted (I seem to be doing this every three or four months at the moment). I have the Aqualung bag (same as jrg) and now I mastered the hose coiling, getting my reg into the bag is easier than trying to stuff it into my rucksack/backpack.

Not one of my better purchases, really.

Z

[Damselfish]

I pack my reg in my carryon (along with mask and computer) and carefully pad it with clothing. It's much more space efficient this way and as well or even better protected. If I put it in a reg bag and put that in my carryon, I'd have trouble fitting in other things I want in there.

[tholt576]

It just seems nicer to me to keep my life support equipment well protected.

[medic13]

I use my apeks regulator bag , it also holds my computer , extras hoses and yoke adapter and few others little items so yes they are nice.

[Trisha]

I use the Aqualung Legend bag (ScubaPro, $24.95) for my regs and put the Sherwood Wisdom computer in the interior pocket. Logbook and c-card go in the outside zippered pocket, and a large ziplock bag holds misc. gear (shears, light, glasses case.) Add a towel and swimsuit in a plastic bag for padding.
This is my storage/transportation setup, very "grab & go."

Question: Do airlines allow divers to bring aboard a 22" carry-on case and also carry the reg bag as a laptop/briefcase? If so, only my fins and some clothing would need to be in the check-in luggage.

[robstrash]

I use the Aqualung Legend bag (ScubaPro, $24.95) for my regs and put the Sherwood Wisdom computer in the interior pocket. Logbook and c-card go in the outside zippered pocket, and a large ziplock bag holds misc. gear (shears, light, glasses case.) Add a towel and swimsuit in a plastic bag for padding.
This is my storage/transportation setup, very "grab & go."

Question: Do airlines allow divers to bring aboard a 22" carry-on case and also carry the reg bag as a laptop/briefcase? If so, only my fins and some clothing would need to be in the check-in luggage.

Yes, you should be able to carry both on board as the reg bag is your "personal item."

Question about the Aqualung Legend Reg bag - will it hold 2 sets of regs? Wife and I both have small SPG's and wrist mounted computers (so don't have to put them in the reg bag). Also have a small slimline octo. It's hard to look at measurements (16" x 12" x 6") and imagine if both the regs can fit.

Since we live in CA and like warm water diving, we usually travel. We just bought our regs and will definitely carry on the plane. I was thinking of putting reg bag inside a standard roll-aboard bag but not sure if we need 2 reg bags or can fit everything into 1.

If anyone else has a bag that does fit 2 regs, please let me know the name and model (and please, nothing as monstrous as the Armor 2 reg bag that I found at the link above).

Thanks!

P.S. The armor double backpack actually might be a good idea if I want to carry regs, masks, wrist computer for 2 people and just count it as my carryon. Will have to visit LDS and have a look in person.

[geraldp]

If anyone else has a bag that does fit 2 regs, please let me know the name and model (and please, nothing as monstrous as the Armor 2 reg bag that I found at the link above).I use the Deep Outdoors regulator bag. It holds my primary regulator, AI computer/compass, backup SPG/DG, and my pony bottle regulator, although it's a tad bulging with all that in it. It's also water resistant, so that means I can take it on the dive charter and if water spills all over it as I get in and out of the boat it will still keep my stuff inside (like T-shirt and wallet) dry.

[Mobius1]

I just bought the ig huge mondo akona bag for 99 dollars verses the 160 dollars as sport chalet. tyhey moved the bag over a $99.00 tag and had to sell it to me because i was talking to the manager telling him that it would be false advertising if they sold it to me at a different price...take that sport chalet.

[murphdivers286]

I keep my expensive reg and comp. in my reg bag. I would rather be a little too carfull then sorry. I keep my reg and log book in my reg bag. I have traveled a long way to find no c-card. I always check for my reg on a dive, but I don't always check for my log book.

[robstrash]

I finally did get the armor double backpack. Just got delivered this week but won't use it for another month. It does seem smaller than the picture on the web site showed (which is good).

It looks like a nice bag and can't wait to use (especially since I'll be taking it to Maui). :crafty:

[rje634]

When buying new regulators, an up-selling clerk was pushing their regulator bags. I've never had one, and haven't seen the need.

That being said, any comments pro/con? Got one?

If you do a lot of dive travel there a must... IMHO

[TheDivingPreacher]

After I bought my Apex I thought protecting it with a reg bag would be a good idea. All the "official" bags seemed to be a little overpriced. I bought a dark blue cosmetic case, gutted it, and it holds my entire set-up, 7' hose and all wrapped in a towel. The soft sides didn't seem like much protection to me. In this case I don't even mind checking it through at the airport.

[teknitroxdiver]

I got one when I bought my regs, and it will hold three sets of regs pretty good. Its a small square blue one, don't remember the brand. I always carry on regs, since checking them can mess up the depth gauges due to reduced pressure at altitude in the cargo hold.

[scubatoys]

Since a depth gauge can take a pressure increase of 100+ psi, I really don't think a decrease of about 7 or 8 lbs is going to affect them. I always toss mine in a reg bag, then put it inside my dive bag, wrapped up in the BC with my wetsuit packed around it. Then I just check it with the luggage. Have logged several hundred thousand miles flying my gear that way with no problems at all.

[Charlie99]

I always carry on regs, since checking them can mess up the depth gauges due to reduced pressure at altitude in the cargo hold.Why does carrying them with you help?

Hint: look at the cylindrical shape of commercial aircraft. It is that shape for the same reasons as other pressure vessels such as scuba cylinders. Now imagine how hard it would be for the flat floor of the cabin to be a pressure bulkhead.

There may be unheated cargo compartments, but non-pressurized cargo compartments are very rare.

[teknitroxdiver]

True, not many aren't. But there's another reason too: have you ever seen how hard those guys throw around the luggage?

[BigJetDriver]

True, not many aren't (pressurized). But there's another reason too: have you ever seen how hard those guys throw around the luggage?

Folks,

There are no, repeat, no un-pressurized cargo holds in the business UNLESS the aircraft is un-pressurized, in which case, so are you.

The correct reason to carry your reg, computer, and sensitive equipment with you in the cabin is the one shown above. Any one remember the luggage commercial where the bag guy suddenly turns into a gorilla? That was real-life footage, not special effects!

Cheers!

[teknitroxdiver]

Actually, I was thinking about it, and there are some. I flew on a ERJ regional jet from Houston to Memphis, and when you walk out to the aircraft they ask you to give them any large carry-ons, in this case, the bag with our regs in it. So we asked them if the aft cargo hold (which is the one they were putting these bags in) was pressurized, and she said it was not.

[robstrash]

I have two reasons to carry regs/masks/computers on:

1. As mentioned above - to avoid damage

2. To avoid the airline losing the bag

In the last 6 years, I've had 2 suitcases damaged while in transit (one had a gaping hole at the bottom).

Also, if the airline loses your bag, the max you can usually get is $300 per bag (depends on the contract of carriage for each airline). My gear (and my wife's) is definitely worth more than that. If you are going international, the Warsaw convention rules apply and they literally pay $$ per pound. I'm sure everyone's gear alone is worth more than $300, nonetheless the other stuff and the actual bag itself.

I did get the Armor Double bag and packed it up this weekend. Fits both sets of regs along with masks and wrist computers. Also, it appears that it would fit in the regional jets under the seat or in the small overhead compartment. Not sure if those are really pressurized or not. Taking all 757's this week and no plans to travel on regional jet this year so won't know if it fits or not until next year.

[scububa]

I haven't had much experience yet with packing and traveling for scuba. Recently bought gear and bag...

I am wondering, as I see comments about packing more than one regulator in a bag, what do you experience in terms of the regulators banging against each other? 1st stages are pretty heavy, computer's aren't, 2nd stages are light plastics, seems like trouble. Do you wrap them in bubble wrap or towels first?

I am playing around with cutting foam inserts to hold the 1st stage, computer, 2nd stage. I can get one to store nice, but there is not enough room for two inserts in the reg bag. I can 'cram' two regs in the bag (no insert), but am not that comfortable with how they are all over each other. Do you just put a sleeve over the gauage faces and let it go at that?

BTW, I am recycling an old Land's End cordura lunch box which has nice depth and volume for a third set. (Yes, I am one of those unfortunate blessed soles that have three divers in the family getting into the scuba life. By the time I bought 3 sets of gear, I couldn't afford any more regulator bags or LUNCH, so what the heck ;) )

[robstrash]

I haven't had much experience yet with packing and traveling for scuba. Recently bought gear and bag...

I am wondering, as I see comments about packing more than one regulator in a bag, what do you experience in terms of the regulators banging against each other? 1st stages are pretty heavy, computer's aren't, 2nd stages are light plastics, seems like trouble. Do you wrap them in bubble wrap or towels first?

I am playing around with cutting foam inserts to hold the 1st stage, computer, 2nd stage. I can get one to store nice, but there is not enough room for two inserts in the reg bag. I can 'cram' two regs in the bag (no insert), but am not that comfortable with how they are all over each other. Do you just put a sleeve over the gauage faces and let it go at that?

BTW, I am recycling an old Land's End cordura lunch box which has nice depth and volume for a third set. (Yes, I am one of those unfortunate blessed soles that have three divers in the family getting into the scuba life. By the time I bought 3 sets of gear, I couldn't afford any more regulator bags or LUNCH, so what the heck ;) )


We got the Armor Double Reg Backpack System (http://armorbags.com/regulatorbags.htm) and it has 2 separate compartments so there is no issue. We were also able to fit in our plastic mask boxes which also contain our wrist computers (both into the same side). Won't use it for a few more hours, but it seems nice so far and would recommend it. Also has 2 outer pouches for log books, ccards, keys, etc.

I hope you enjoy your Raman noodles (I mean, how can you have any money left after buying 3 sets of everything) :11:

[scububa]

We got the Armor Double Reg Backpack System <snip>...
I hope you enjoy your Raman noodles (I mean, how can you have any money left after buying 3 sets of everything) :11:

Nice looking bag...mine is the removable pouch type from a Gator Pac roller...so, not so much room. I can see if you traveled a lot the Armor is a good way to go...it looks like I could carry noodles for three in it, too :dollar:

I quess another way to look at it, I have lots of backup gear, eh?

[AmyJ]

Anyone try this one??? Love to hear about it.... thanks

http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=ItemDisplay&ProductID=AKNBRBD&ItemIndex=1&CategoryID=1051&Context=965&Filter=2%3d625

[robstrash]

Anyone try this one??? Love to hear about it.... thanks

http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=ItemDisplay&ProductID=AKNBRBD&ItemIndex=1&CategoryID=1051&Context=965&Filter=2%3d625

We've used it 2 times (roundtrips) and like it. I carry it on the plane as my carryon item. It does seem rather large and bulky at times, but I am just so much more comfortable having my regs with me at all times. We usually attach the bag to a rollaboard so we don't have to carry it around the airport. We also cram in our 2 plastic mask cases that also carry our wrist computers.

The front has 2 pouches, one small one where we keep our c-cards and the other is a little larger where I keep keys/cell phone/pager (and logbooks).

Surprisingly, the TSA has only searched it 1 time out of the 4 times it's been at the airport. They did the swab test about 10 times and we finally got to leave after 5-10 minutes. On the way home, they asked what they were, but didn't search the bag.

So overall, I like the bag, although when you are running through the airport trying to make a connection, the bag can get heavy.

[Mandy3206]

Anyone try this one??? Love to hear about it.... thanks

http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=ItemDisplay&ProductID=AKNBRBD&ItemIndex=1&CategoryID=1051&Context=965&Filter=2%3d625

Just gave you a reply on your other thread, in short, get it ASAP, you won't be dissapointed.

[Mandy3206]

To me, a regulator bag is mandatory, I allways carry my regs in a regbag.
I got more regbag than regs, 2 cressi that came with a cressi gear bag, 3 Akona, one came with my Akona gear bag, one was bought at a price to good to pass it, and one like the one Amyj was asking about.

After shelling out big bucks for my regs, computer and gauges, I won't risk them getting damaged by rough handling, I just put that gear in the reg bag and put the bag in the pocket designed for it in the gear bag, the mask is inside a plastic box wrapped inside my wetsuit in the main compartment of the gear bag.

When storing the regs, I just put them in their bag so they will be protected against dust and UV rays. May be a bit of overkill and may call me paranoid, but better safe than sorry, I got to protect my investment at all cost. I find it a good investment a $25.00 bag to protect a $700.00+ regulator setup.

In one of the small Akona bags, I cram 2 reg sets when needed for traveling, the only ones sleeved are the consoles and wrist 'puter, once the zipper is closed the whole mess is rock solid and nothing gets scratched, just take your time and you'll be OK.

Needless to say I don't throw my gear around, I allways lay down the gearbag and take my time to set it right.

If when traveling I'm going to loose sight of my gear for a while (checkin luggage), I'll use my Pelican Big Box with locks and the regbag is with me.

[mdsd]

I use the XSScuba reg bag and take it everywhere. It has a protective pocket for a console. I keep my dive computer attached and tuck it into the pocket. Everything in one spot.

[Vie]

I use the Oceanic Deluxe Reg Bag - it doesn't have very thick padding but holds two full set of regs (plus computers, DIN to yoke adaptor etc.). I find the bag indispensible for airtravel - I like to keep my diving equipment separated from my other stuff as the diving stuff often looks very suspicious to the airport x-ray machine operator. With the reg bag, I can quickly open the zipper and show my regs to the security people without having them rummage around my other bag (I used to stuff my reg in my backpack but with a long hose it was a tight fit). On an aircraft, I like to keep the reg bag on the floor under the seat in front of me where I can keep an eye on it (NOT in the overhead compartment where it is very likely to get crushed).

[skeet]

When you purchase your new ATOMIC AQUATICS B-2 regulator from SCUBATOYS.com Larry will give you a very nice reg. bag.

[Buoyant1]

Here's the next question... I like Akona products (have a wetsuit and a boat duffle) I checked out their reg bag and see that you can get it with or without the console bag. Is THAT worth it? There aren't any dimensions for the console bag. So how would I be sure that it would fit mine? (Zeagle Navigator)

Larry? (Scubatoys has them, btw...)

[teknitroxdiver]

Basically it's a soft padded slipcover for your console. One came with my Suunto computer console, and it looks like it would provide a little protection. Looks like a good bag, maybe a little bit thin though. If your computer didn't come with a cover, you might as well go ahead and get it with the bag, just in case you ever drop the bag or who knows what. I'm not sure it would make a huge difference, though, seeing as the bag itself is padded.

[AmyJ]

The console cover is more to prevent scratches to your gage faceplates... we have them and use them and think they are worth while... the regs will shift around in your bag and you don't want scratches...... we use the Akona bag for 2 reg sets and like it quite a bit.

[Buoyant1]

Are they "generous" enough to fit over most consoles? Mine isn't HUGE but it's not really small?!?!

[scubatoys]

Are they "generous" enough to fit over most consoles? Mine isn't HUGE but it's not really small?!?!

They will fit most all 3 gauge (or less) consoles. About the only thing I have found that doesn't fit is the Aeris 300G due to the fact the compass was on top in a clover leaf design... but shy of that... Pretty sure it will fit. And if you want to give it a shot and it doesn't... we'll take it back, including the shipping.

[chrisch]

When you are next in a supermarket look for the bags that they sell for transporting frozen food ice cream etc. These are waterproof and padded. They make very good reg bags.

I don' know how much they are in the US. Over here they are about $2.00

If your BC or suit is wet and salty wrapping the reg in it is a bad idea. That said I personally am lazy and usually just pack everything into a kit bag (dry though).

Chris

[Buoyant1]

Cool! Thanks Larry! I'll check it out then. (couldn't hurt to try)

You'll probably see it come through in a day or two.

Hey Chris, sounds like a great idea, but I don't want to look like I'm "bringing a lunch" on my next plane ride! (it's bad enough I use zip locksfor dry bags! hahaha!)

If I did all local diving that would be a great idea though!

Thanks all!

[AmyJ]

They will fit most all 3 gauge (or less) consoles. About the only thing I have found that doesn't fit is the Aeris 300G due to the fact the compass was on top in a clover leaf design... but shy of that... Pretty sure it will fit. And if you want to give it a shot and it doesn't... we'll take it back, including the shipping.

And thanks for not pointing out that I can't spell GAUGE! :) You're the man! :)

[Buoyant1]

That's ok AmyJ I usually spell it gague then have to go back and edit it!

(at least I'm consistent!)

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

I got one when I bought my regs, and it will hold three sets of regs pretty good. Its a small square blue one, don't remember the brand. I always carry on regs, since checking them can mess up the depth gauges due to reduced pressure at altitude in the cargo hold.

Pretty sure this isn't true. I think the cargo hold is at the same pressure as the rest of the plane, just colder.

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

Doh! Been said...sorry :D

[dlndavid]

And thanks for not pointing out that I can't spell GAUGE! :) You're the man! :)
Actually you can spell it either way Gage or Gauge, both are correct, but I prefer Gauge. We use lots of gauges on our product here at work, so I see it in BOMs all the time. The funny spelling is guage.

[teknitroxdiver]

Pretty sure this isn't true. I think the cargo hold is at the same pressure as the rest of the plane, just colder.
For the most part they're pressurized, but some aren't. A more likely reason for me always carrying them on is, have you ever seen how baggage handlers handle the luggage? I'm not sure I want my regs on that ride....

[Buoyant1]

Bag came today... The console cover fits like a glove over my "gage", and it all sits rather nicely in the bag. (I'll be the cat's *** walking through the airport...the Mrs. has already commented that I need shoes to go with my new "purse"! (got 'em..my booties! hahaha!)

Thanks all!

[NetDoc]

Far more convenient for me (as well as cheaper) is to use the LARGER laptop bags! I get used ones cheap, and they work great!