My Fiance and I were recently certified and I am trying to figure out the setup to bring two sets of gear to Belize for our honeymoon. I have yet to purchase scuba bagage so any suggestions would be helpful. We would like to take all our own gear except for weights and tank. Also, it would be nice for this setup to accomidate two sets of cold water gear for the two of us for a weekend trip to So California. Here are my requirements:
- Carry two sets of cold water gear
- Airline friendly
- ability to lug around between islands/mainland
I have one of those great big backpacker style backpacks. In particular, I have the
Gregory Denali Pro. It's huge. I can fit a lot in there. Plus, it wears very nicely. You can carry a log of stuff quite comfortably. For the airline, I put this bag into a big-assed duffle bag that is just as plain as can be. Besides protecting my expensive backpack and all its miscellaneous straps and whatnot, it also hides the fact that I'm chucking around a $450 backpack. So anyway - my strategy here is reducing number of bags, making my stuff easy to carry, and security.
You will not have any problem putting two sets of gear in this bag - and you will not have any problem lugging it around either. Your biggest "problem" will be stuffing it with less than the overweight fee limit. That's where this bag is helpful - no heavy wheels and hard case and such with this bag. Also, you can always check a second, smaller bag with clothes and stuff. Then, when you get to the destination airport, stuff that bag in this one, and carry it all in one shot.
I agree with others - avoid advertising that you've got any goodies (hence the plain canvas outer bag for checking it with the airline).
I
do not check my regulators, dive computers, dive masks, strobe or underwater housing. That's just asking for trouble. Carry this stuff on the plane with you. Again, the Denali Pro is so big that once you get to your destination, you'll probably have room to consolidate stuff before leaving the airport and head out to taxiland or whatever - making your stuff easy to carry. Also, by having it on your back, it's less likely you'll walk off and leave your stuff, have someone else walk off with your stuff, or whatever - plus, it's easier to fight off porters who want to carry your bag and charge a fee - whether or not you want them to.