I've made about 20 flights for diving getaways over the last few years. I have always used a couple of cheap Dunlop brand duffle / roller bags that I bought on sale for about $10 - 15 each. I pack all my dive gear, except for my computer, in this bag and so far I've had no problems with breakage, theft, etc. Like others, I like to use the non scuba bags because it makes the bag indistinguishable from any other normal luggage. I also have really come to appreciate having a roller bag at the airport, makes life a lot easier compared to a backpack.
Here is how I pack the bag:
- Fins on bottom to give a bit more protection on the bottom of the bag.
- Masks inside the foot pockets of the fins, glass pointing up
- BC goes next, tank bands facing down, with the bottom (waist) side facing toward the end of the bag without rollers (will be upright when bag is rolled). BC is put inside with the sides splayed out over the edges of the bag at this point.
- Inside the BC goes my regs - 1st / 2nd stages, spg all at the same point where the waist will fold over them and protect them.
- Next goes my dry bag with 1st aid kit, gloves, repair stuff, etc into the bottom side of the bag (end with rollers)
- I then place my 3mil full suit rolled loosely one side of the bag and my shortyon the other side to help cushion the sides of the bag.
- I put my flashlights in my booties and stuff them in between the dry bag and the regs.
- On the top I put enough clothes, to cushion and fill up the bag.
I then cinch it up a bit tight so it won't shift around too much and put a small padlock on the zippers to help keep people from nosing around in my stuff. Finally, I make sure to put fragile stickers around the bag.
So far I havent had a problem with anything going missing or being broken. I worry a lot more about how my gear gets handled once Im at the dive site. Ive had my 2nd stage casing broken by a dropped 2K weight, stopped someone dragging my gear across the concrete (as a favor to get it out of the way!), had my computer mysteriously end up in someone elses dive bag (oops, didnt see your name sticker . . .) and seen lots of other bizarre happenings and thefts occur once everything is out of the bag.
I suppose things would be more secure if I were to buy a big Pelican case but Id rather take the small chance and spend the same amount of $$ for a dive trip!