"Dive" bags

[jblack]

I just wanted to get some thoughts on several dive bags that I see in the market. In particular, the Stahlsac Caicos and Curacao, as well as other well-known names such as the Mares Cruise roller bag. I like that they are duffle-style roller bags.

I currently use a soft-sided "luggage" style bag and because it's light to begin with, I do not go beyond the 50lbs. limit, even if my bag is full. And in terms of size, it is definitely under the 62 inch linear limit for Air Canada (and many other airlines). So this bag works. But it's starting to get old and it needs to retire after a few more trips.

I've found that some bags are nice and big (i.e. a full 62" linear measurement) but if you fill that bag full, it's actually overweight. So that kind of doesn't make sense. So I've found that a bag under 62" linear measurement works the best, but then it doesn't fit everything that I need for a 1 week trip (i.e., 1 full set of scuba gear plus personal items). So, I'm thinking of adding a backpack for carry-on, where I can put my regulator and mask.

That's what I'm thinking will work. Does anyone have any suggestions? Recommendations on actual bags I can get will be helpful too.

samsonite hard side molded plastic..... cant go wrong

 

[scbaNE2179]

I'm curious about this. I have dive stickers on my car, and other than my husband making fun of me I've never had a comment about them. In fact, when I'm on the road I'm extra nice to people with dive stickers!

I once had a few friends who had dive stickers in their car-they had just purchased all brand new fancy equipment. They parked their car at a motel, and the next morning all of their gear was gone. They told me some gear was left in the backseat coupled with dive stickers on their car. I'm not sure if this theft was because of the dive stickers but theft aside, I personally hate having anything dive-branded when I'm not diving.

Ultimately here though, suggestion is to just get a plain luggage bag with no branding-also much cheaper than a scuba bag too!

 

[Scared Silly]

Stickers (and tags) == steal me.

For the OP get a generic bag that will serve all of your travels.

 

[scbaNE2179]

Stickers (and tags) == steal me. For the OP get a generic bag that will serve all of your travels.

Not only does it scream steal me but what happens when you arrive late to your destination, and your bags are already waiting for you on the side? Who's to say someone can't just walk over and take this? It's also very tacky to have a giant logo if you ask me.

 

[NorCalDM]

I have a Stahlsac and it has held up better than any other bag I've had. The only time I had a theft issue was coming home from the Philippines I had a camera lens taken out of a plain black suitcase with only clothes in it they didn't touch my Dive bag.

 

[Scubamat]

I just have a medium size Samsonite clamshell. It is secure and light. I pack a mesh bag to put my dive gear once I arrive and has enough extra space for some misc stuff rarely approach 50lbs although often I have larger baggage limits. I use a carry-on for mask DC and clothing.

 

[outofofficebrb]

I’ve been traveling with The North Face’s Medium Rolling Thunder for the last 10 years where I go on one big international, multi-week and multi-airport (stopover) trip annually. Since 2014 it is now 2-3 big trips a year and in 2015 I got certified so that’s when dive vacations started. All my scuba gear goes in there 2-3 times a year now and we go faaaaar. Day and a half to get there far. This bag is basically their famous Base Camp Duffel but with wheels. I fit everything in it - clothing, toiletries, BC, fins (Mares Avanti Quattro + so they are stiff and full sized), boots, 5mm full wetsuit plus 3/4/5 hooded vest OR my 8/7 semidry, backup mask, DSMB, and other essentials.

Check out their Refractor duffel clamshell backpack for carry on for your regulator, mask, etc. It’s amazing and has comfortable straps and room for laptop and other items. My go-to. More recently I started traveling with UW photo gear so my reg gets checked into the Rolling Thunder as well.

Both these bags have lifetime warranties including zippers and stitching. They have proven the test of time and are both made out of tarpaulin and are therefore water resistant. I will not use anything else - I love them so much. Mr. OOO also has the same Rolling Thunder and his is still going. I highly recommend. The handle is high quality as are the wheels. Smooth, easy to maneuver even on uneven terrain, and quiet.

 

[Diving Dubai]

Avoid anything that is badged with a scuba manufacturer name or dive flags. Airport baggage handelers target them.

I strongly disagree with this. I believe it to be an old wives tale passed on between people and fuelled by paranoia (not aimed at poster)

I have on a number of occasions checked all my gear (except dive computer) in XS scuba mesh bag with the zipper "secured" with just a zip tie) and travelled to the Philippines and Thailand. All my gear arrived safely and intact.

It's my belief that persons wanting to steel want small high value items (electronics, jewellery and duty free) that can easily be hidden and disposed of.

Dive gear is bulky and of low value (for on selling) unless the thief is or knows a diver, they will target something better. Actually I believe that branded bags are safer because thieves ignore them

 

[cneal]

The first thing I have learned to look at is fin storage. With a dedicated fin pocket the bag will be big. Without a dedicated fin pocket your fins can get bent out of shape. I use a large 62 inch bag to get fin pockets and just watch the weight. Which brings up another thing to look for selecting a bag, the enpty bag weight. If the bag weighs 10 pounds that means 20% of what you are taking is the bag.

 

[Moray]

When we first started diving we both bought carry-on sized pelicans and full size pelicans. What an expensive mistake! I still use my carry-on for the gear I won't part with (and it makes a great ottoman on wheels during layovers!), but the big pelican is too heavy to begin with! I'll be watching the responses here because I find that if I pack a 'regulation size' bag it practically begs me to overpack and is always pushing the 50 pound limit. The only dive gear I pack in my checked bag are my BC, boots, fins and a wetsuit. Everything else stays with me.