Carry-on wheeled backpacks

[azdiver]

Am trying to decide between these 2 carry-ons and would like to hear from anyone who uses either one:

http://www.xsscuba.com/wh_carryon.html

or

Oceanic Worldwide - Scuba Diving Bags - At-Pak 4 Wheeled Carry-On

I check my bc, fins, booties, books, clothes and other stuff. I carry on my masks, regulator, computer, notebook, camera gear and spare bathing suit and change of clothing.

[maggs_the]

Originally Posted by azdiver

Am trying to decide between these 2 carry-ons and would like to hear from anyone who uses either one:

http://www.xsscuba.com/wh_carryon.html

or

Oceanic Worldwide - Scuba Diving Bags - At-Pak 4 Wheeled Carry-On

I check my bc, fins, booties, books, clothes and other stuff. I carry on my masks, regulator, computer, notebook, camera gear and spare bathing suit and change of clothing.

i dont have the XS Scuba carry on, but i do have the XS Scuba wheeled mesh backpack and i love it. obviously i dont use it as my carry on or checked bag but once i get to the dive boat, i love my bag. i dont use any luggage that advertises i have expensive scuba gear inside waiting to be stolen

[Makai]

Based on what you've said you plan to pack in it, why not use something like the Kirkland All-purpose 22" Rolling Duffel from Costco? I use one to carry about the same gear you mentioned, with the exception of the camera equipment. Darned thing's been pretty near bullet proof so far, and it has the advantage of being less conspicuous. The Oceanic and XS Scuba labels could be saying "Steal me".

[azdiver]

Originally Posted by Makai

Based on what you've said you plan to pack in it, why not use something like the Kirkland All-purpose 22" Rolling Duffel from Costco? I use one to carry about the same gear you mentioned, with the exception of the camera equipment. Darned thing's been pretty near bullet proof so far, and it has the advantage of being less conspicuous. The Oceanic and XS Scuba labels could be saying "Steal me".

I plan on covering the labels with fabric and don't think putting a notebook in a duffle bag is a good idea. I need compartments and tie downs to keep things secure. But thanks for the suggestion....

[Makai]

The wheeled duffel I suggested has compartments and tie downs, though none specifically designed for a laptop. But, hey, you asked a specific question. I apologize for going in a different direction.

I considered the Oceanic bag you are looking at, and the similar (identical?) model that Armor used to make. The bag itself looked to be of very good quality, but I was put off by the way the wheels were built and attached. They seemed a little fragile to me.

I haven't seen that particular XS Scuba bag in person, but I like the design. I know this is not an issue for you, but I particularly like the way the fins are carried against the back of the bag. On the Oceanic you have to strap them to the sides. If you should go with the XS Scuba, please let me know what you think of it.

[DOWNDEEP73]

I am looking at getting away from a wheeled bag. The wheel assembly adds weight to your bag. It may not be enough to matter at times, but the way the airlines are going.....it would not suprise me if they start charging by the pound instead of by the bag!

[caroln]

Originally Posted by DOWNDEEP73

I am looking at getting away from a wheeled bag. The wheel assembly adds weight to your bag. It may not be enough to matter at times, but the way the airlines are going.....it would not suprise me if they start charging by the pound instead of by the bag!

They are already doing this on some of the discount airlines overseas from what I've heard. Even if they are not charging this way, the last time I went to Florida they weighed my carryon, and if it was outside the weight requirement, they were making people check the bag. A big bummer for me who was carrying on all my cave gear, but luckily I was able to redistribute some of the weight into my 'personal item'.

[Rainer]

The only "diving luggage" bag I've used (Oceanic) started falling apart after a few trips. If you want lasting luggage, spend money on real luggage and avoid bags made for diving companies. Luggage has always struck me as one of those things where you get what you pay for.

[lisacay]

I don't have either of these, but I did get a wheeled backpack that said it could fit carry on, careful, they don't always. Granted it was Northwest airlines, never do that again, but we were in a smaller than I thought we should be,plane from memphis to baltimore, they made we check it.

[azdiver]

Originally Posted by Rainer

The only "diving luggage" bag I've used (Oceanic) started falling apart after a few trips. If you want lasting luggage, spend money on real luggage and avoid bags made for diving companies. Luggage has always struck me as one of those things where you get what you pay for.

I don't consider a carry-on diving luggage as it can be used for other trips as well. Unfortunately I have a bad shoulder and can't use a standard backpack so I have to have something with wheels as I refuse to check my regulator, main mask, camera, notebook, suit, skin and change of clothing. The one time I decicded to check everything was the one time I made it to Belize to spend a week on Glover's Atoll and my bag was sent to vacation in Miami!! By the time the airline located it and figured out how to get it to me.... regular airplane, puddle jumper and dhori with motor... I had 2 dive days of my trip left.

I check most of my stuff when I travel in a regular 28" luggage bag... long enough for my fins, big enough for my bc, spare clothes, bathing suits, baqck up masks, dive skin, books, etc. and no hint that it has dive gear in it.

BTW... my luggage, with wheels, weighs in at 7 lbs!! Packed with everything I mentioned and more it weighs in just under 45 lbs!!