Diving bag vs. suitcase

[lmorin]

Bought a $90 rolling duffle from some internet site who's name I have forgotten. It is big enough to hold the following for my wife and me: 2 pr fins, 2 BCDs, 2 wetsuits, 1 pr booties, 1 mask in case with defog, 2 snorkels, 2 pr gloves, 2 safety sausages, 2 slates. Total weight = 48.7 lbs dry. Mildly damp weight is about 49.5 lb. Wife's prescription lens mask, regulators and computers go in a standard carryon suitcase. The duffle has admirably survived a dozen or more trips and is showing wear, but no more than should be expected. Will get another of similar price. One important feature is the weight of the duffel itself. Barely over 10 lbs compared to the suitcase for the two of us that weighs nearly 15 lbs empty. We had the suitcase already and don't want to buy another.

[diver_daver]

I use hockey bags. Strong, a number of large pockets, strong zippers, built to be abused, and not expensive. You can get them either as rollers or not and they do not say "expensive dive gear" as you walk around with them.

[divingmedic]

I pack my dive gear in half mesh dive bag, then stick it inside a light weight rolling duffle from Wally World that I bought for 30 bucks.

[BobArnold8265]

I really like the Armor line of dive bags. They are big enough to fit in a lot of gear and pretty light when empty. They are also designed better than a standard suit case which seems better suited to handling dive gear. I've had mine for 4 years now and it still looks great. I've gone through 2 sets of cheap luggage (which I use to carry my regular clothing) during that same time frame.

[susski]

I was at Wally world and checked the bag you mentioned. If you do use it, let me know how the material holds up...it seems a little thin.

However, I totally understand what you are talking about with the luggage getting beat up! I found a sports plus at an outlet in Utah and loved it (until the handle got bent) - oh well!

Take care,
Susan

[susski]

Love the idea of a hockey bag. However, if I travel to Canada...they might try to snag my bag thinking it is hockey gear and not dive gear (just kidding Diver Daver)! :-)

[ccarter]

I don't really see much benefit to getting a dive bag as they're much more expensive than just some plain 'ole duffel bag and they have "STEAL ME" written all over them. For my checked luggage I use a plain black duffel bag I got from ebags which is a little smaller than my XS Scuba Deluxe Wheeled Mesh dive bag. I typically put my BC, fins, pony bottle, mask(s), some clothes, and etc in here as well as toiletries (since the TSA started being annoying about them).

Then I carry on a Gregory G Pack which has my camera housing, more clothes, regs, gauges, and other items I refuse to check or want close to me. I don't really like pulling stuff behind me so once I get rid of my checked luggage my hands are free to fiddle with the IPod and whatnot while waiting to get on the plane.

I'm generally a pretty minimalist traveler though.. If I didn't have to carry scuba gear I would probably just be walking on with my one backpack and that's it.

[bversteegh]

I used the 2 compartment Wally World Bag for a trip to Indonesia last December. Bag went from Dallas-Tokyo-Singapore-Manado-liveaboard-Sorong-Manado-Singapore-Tokyo-LA-Dallas with 55 pounds of gear and is still ticking. It doesn't look new anymore, and has a small tear - but the zippers all held, wheels still work. No complaints.

[cooltravelnews]

They both have their uses. A suitcase can hide your dive bag full of stuff from anxiously awaiting thieves.

A bag can save you over weight charges by dropping 10-lbs.

I use both! I leave the suitcase at one stop and go on with the bag if I am coming back. I will leave it at the last hotel if I am coming back to that city on my return on a long trip.

[ScubaJenn81]

I have a cheap bag for my gear and it has been holding up fine. I bought my dive buddy a dive bag for christmas last year and seeing him roll it around with ease, I must say that I am hoping he will return the favor this christmas.