Dry Bags

One thing for certain in scuba diving is that you will get wet!! Not only will you get wet but most everything on a dive boat will as well. The only way to make sure that all of your scuba gear can stay dry is by placing them in a dry bag.

There are three basic categories of dry bags: water-resistant, water-proof, and submersible. Water resistant bags can be splashed with water, water proof can be splashed as well as drowned temporarily, and submersible bags can be completely engulfed in water and its contents will remain dry.

DUI Duffel/Backpack Combo

One of the best dive bags available today is a duffel/backpack combo bag. It contains a two compartment design: one for dry gear and one for wet. This will allow you to keep everything that must remain dry away from gear that will be soaked. The wet compartment handles the gear inventory while the dry contains all other equipment.

The dual strap design can be slung over your shoulder or can be worn as a backpack if you desire. Regardless of how you decide to carry this bag, the wet gear will always sit beneath the dry gear.

Mesh Bags

Now that you have purchased all of your scuba gear, you need a way to transport all of it in an efficient manner. There are a number of different bags that that are great for different points during your diving trip.

The mesh scuba bag is a must have to transfer your gear from home to the place where you will dive. There are a couple of different styles: duffel and backpack. The duffel bag is very popular and the backpack version is very beneficial as it is a hands free way to carry all of your stuff. If water enters the bag (and there is a better than even chance it will!) the netting will permit water to drain easily rather than withholding it inside. Plus, the sand that inevitably accumulates can easily be shaken out of your bag before you put it back in your nice, clean car or hotel room.

Look for mesh bags that have a rubber coating. It will have greater stability. It is also a good idea to have an extra bag or two on hand.

Rolling Carry On Bags

If you are a little hesitant to check your bags at the airport, you are in good company. Once you have obtained all of your gear, you want to protect it. If that means keeping it within your sight at all times, then perhaps carry-on dive bags are what you need. After all, if you luggage gets lost, it could throw a monkey wrench into your vacation if one of those bags happens to contain most of your diving necessities.

You want your carry-on to have plenty of room to hold everything but it has to fall within the airline industry's size and weight restrictions. It is generally up to a 40 pound maximum weight limit, with up to approximately 50 linear inches in size that is length plus depth plus width.

Look for bags with rigid backs and bases for sufficient sturdiness, smooth surface rolling wheels, and two position metal pull handles that will lock.

Save a Trip Kit

Scuba Lab research has put together a save-a-trip-kit in the event that your luggage gets lost en route. The following are items that can be placed in a carry-on bag that meets the standards set forth by the airline industry:

Clothing:

• 3 pairs of shorts
• 1 swimsuit
• 7 T-shirts
• 1 pair sandals
• 1 hat
• 1 TSA toiletries bag (personal items)

Dive Gear:

• Regulator and gauges
• Wrist-mount dive computer
• Mask
• 3mm fullsuit

Other Items

• Laptop computer
• Digital land camera.
• 1 paperback novel
• 2 magazines

Your needs will of course vary, but these are the items that were tested by ScubaLab and shown to be a great resource for all the essential items you can withold should the worst case scenario occur.

Smaller Is Better

It used to be that going on a diving vacation was hassle-free and all you had to do was grab a bag large enough to fit all of your scuba gear. Unfortunately in this day and age, that is no longer the case. With today's airline industry placing hefty baggage fees on those who have particularly large pieces of luggage it becomes a major deterrent. In fact, based on many airline baggage policy surveys (which can fluctuate depending on the airline carrier) passengers can be hit with fees between $25 and $100 each way for overweight, oversized bags.

With this new restriction in modern air travel, downsizing is your best bet. The general rule for most carriers is to allow two pieces of checked baggage and two pieces of carry-on. Instead of throwing it all into one, spread your gear out. There are even some manufacturers who have developed complete dive gear sets in response to these regulations. It is important to do your research on your air carrier to find out what must be done to save your money and energy!

Travel Bags

Of the many kinds of scuba travel bags that exist, this one is one of of the most crucial to obtain. Travel bags are different from others in that they are used solely for trips. While the mesh bags are used once you arrive at your destination, travel bags are great for carrying scuba gear on trips and vacations. They must be heavy duty and most of them come with wheels for easy transport to and from the airport. The most popular styles include cargo, duffel, and backpack. Some features to look for in a travel bag are collapsible handles and interior dividers.

Again these bags must be very durable and tough to protect your scuba gear inside. The temptation to place a sticker that indicates that it contains scuba materials may be great but I would recommend against it. The chance of theft is greater than the likelihood that it will be handled with extra care.

What to Look For in a Dive Bag

There many things to look for when searching for that perfect bag for that vacation! It must be large enough to carry everything that you will need but small enough to fit inside the travel bag.

They should be able to carry the following: BC, wetsuit, regulator, fins, mask, gloves, snorkel, weight belt, sunglasses, hat, towel, t-shirt, sunscreen, wallet, and keys.

The average travel bag should contain: one main compartment for the majority of your Mares gear, two external compartments for smaller items, and two fin pockets. It should be very tough and able to withstand the stringent conditions it will go through all the way from home to the dive destination.