The 10 Best Dive Bags

You have likely spent a significant amount of money on your wetsuit, regulator, mask, dive BCD, and fins, so it makes sense that you would want to protect them properly. That’s why a reliable dive bag is an important part of your scuba gear. These bags are really useful for taking your equipment to the dive site as well as for traveling.

There are different types of bags, backpacks, and suitcases designed specifically for scuba diving. Some models are meant for storing your gear (even when it’s wet), while others are designed for air travel. There are different sizes, designs, materials, and features. In choosing among them, you’ll have to think about the type of diving you do, the gear you intend to bring, and your means of transport.

In this article, I talk about the main features to consider to find the best scuba diving bag. In addition, I’ll offer a review of the best models of the year.

The Best Dive Bags for Travel

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MARES CRUISE MESH DUFFEL

FEATURES: This bag is long enough to store virtually any type of fin. It’s lightweight but resistant and durable. It’s really compact when empty. In addition, it’s perfect for storing your equipment after a dive, as it will dry quickly thanks to the airflow. You can dunk the bag along with your equipment directly into the rinse tank.

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MARES CRUISE MESH BACKPACK

FEATURES: Great option for transporting your dive equipment to the dive site.

It has an extremely resistant polyester and polyurethane construction. The backpack’s base features drain holes to speed up the drying process. The exterior compartment can be used to store your regulator and dive computer. Padded straps provide extra comfort.

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CRESSI GORILLA PRO XL

FEATURES: This is a really large, roomy bag. You can fit long free-diving fins inside. It features water-resistant materials and sealed seams. It has a very resistant, durable construction. You can rinse your dive equipment while it’s inside the bag, as the bag has special valves to drain out the water. The straps are not padded. It can be carried as a backpack but it’s not very comfortable. It’s mainly designed to be carried as a duffel bag.

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MARES CRUISE CAPTAIN

FEATURES: This dive suitcase is perfect for divers who travel because it fits most airlines’ cabin luggage requirements.

One of the main advantages is that, at only 6.17 lbs., it’s quite lightweight (for a wheeled bag). It’s built with high-quality seams and resistant materials that withstand abrasion. It has an upper handle and a lateral handle for easy lifting and transport.

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AGUALUNG EXPLORER II

FEATURES: The mesh pocket allows your equipment to dry while you return from the dive site. There is a dry part on the side of the bag, so you won’t get wet while carrying it. It becomes quite compact when empty. The bag includes helpful side pockets to store small belongings. The zippers are corrosion-resistant. It features two shoulder straps, so you can wear it as a backpack.

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CRESSI MOBY 5

FEATURES: This bag is great for transporting your diving gear by car or plane. However, due to its large size, it won’t be allowed as a carry-on.

The main compartment is spacious and can be accessed from three different zippers. Although it’s a wheeled bag, it features padded straps in case you need to carry it as a backpack. It’s one of the sturdiest and most reliable bags on this list.

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MARES CRUISE BACKPACK PRO

FEATURES: This may be your best option if you need a large suitcase to transport bulky gear like a pair of wetsuits or a dry suit, a BCD, some winter clothing, etc. It is strong and reliable and has durable wheels. The bag features external compartments in case you want to store your fins outside. The construction is robust and resistant. It has a pocket that stores two padded straps, so it can be used as a backpack, too.

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TUSA ROLLER BAG

FEATURES: This is another large suitcase, designed to store all your equipment without running out of space. It can be used as a wheel bag or as a duffel bag, as it’s equipped with several handle straps. The wheel system is strong and reliable. The suitcase is sturdy and durable. It’s also equipped with several external pockets and compartments so that you can organize your belongings.

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AKONA ROLLER DUFFEL BAG

FEATURES: A good option for those who need a spacious, sturdy wheelcase for a reasonable price. It has a super-large U-shaped zipper to give you easy access to your gear. The design, seams, and zippers are reliable and durable.

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AKONA GLOBETROTTER

FEATURES: This bag is specially designed for divers who love to travel. If you’re looking for a comfortable, roomy, and sturdy backpack in which to transport your gear, this might be your model. It complies with the cabin baggage requirements of many airlines, so you won’t have to check it in. In addition, the bag has two external pockets in which you can store small belongings. Padded straps provide extra comfort.

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How to find the best travel dive backpack:

TYPES OF BAGS

Mesh bags

You’ll find many types of mesh bags on the market. Some are just big enough to store your fins and mask, while larger models will allow you to store all your dive gear. There are different designs, too; you’ll find mesh bags, mesh backpacks, and mesh duffel bags.

The advantage of this type of bag is that it allows water to drain out. Thus, the drying process becomes much faster. These bags are good choices for carrying your gear to the dive site, liveaboard trips, etc. They’re not the best option for air travel, as they don’t provide much protection.

Duffel bags

Most dive duffel bags are spacious and include several pockets or compartments. The main drawback is that they’re not very comfortable to carry. They’re okay for short walks but can feel heavy after a while.

Backpacks

Dive backpacks are very popular because they are easy to carry. They allow you to walk on pretty much any type of terrain. Like duffel bags, they usually include several compartments. If you plan to carry a lot of weight, I recommend that you look for a model with comfortable, padded straps. Hybrid models feature wheels, which can be very helpful on smooth terrain.

Wheeled suitcases

Many people love these bags because you don’t need to carry them. However, keep in mind that there are many places where it will be difficult to wheel a suitcase. Make sure the bag has some straps so that you can carry it if the floor or ground is in poor condition.

Carry-on bags

These are the perfect option for those who fly often. Carry-on bags comply with the size regulations of most airlines. Therefore, you won’t need to check in your equipment. You’ll be allowed to take it with you in the cabin.

WHAT SIZE DO YOU NEED?

Determining the right size will depend on the gear you want to transport. The BCD is usually the item that takes up the most space. Also, keep in mind that if you are going to dive in cold water, your wetsuit will take up more space than a warm-water wetsuit would. Finally, some fins can be quite large; thus, they could indicate the minimum length of the bag. Some bags include external straps or compartments to place your fins.

If you don’t want to leave your equipment in the hands of airport baggage handlers, think about getting a carry-on bag. This way, you’ll have your belongings under control. After all, we’re talking about pretty expensive gear.

MATERIALS AND RESISTANCE

Because they will be exposed to harsh conditions, diving gear backpacks must be resistant and durable. Most likely, they will be transported by car, boat, or plane, loaded with heavy equipment, and carried over rocks and irregular surfaces.

It’s important that the materials are of high quality, and also that the seams are super-resistant. When it comes to backpacks, take a look at the straps and the padding quality. I recommend that you choose a recognized brand, even if that means spending a bit more. Most cheap brands don’t manufacture good backpacks (especially when it comes to the quality of the seams).

WEIGHT

Weight is an important factor if you’re planning to carry your backpack on your shoulders. Also, keep in mind that airlines set weight limits for cabin luggage. Many duffel bags and backpacks are lightweight. Wheeled suitcases, on the other hand, tend to be quite heavy, which is important to consider if you’re traveling by plane.

COMPARTMENTS

As you know, some parts of your equipment may carry water, sand, or dirt inside the bag. That’s why it’s important for your backpack to contain several compartments or pockets to help you keep your clothes, electronic devices, and other items organized, easily accessible, and clean.

RUSTPROOF ZIPPER

Zippers are an important part of your backpack. Poor-quality zippers end up breaking quickly, which can compromise your gear. With that in mind, choose a bag with high-quality, corrosion-resistant zippers.

WATERPROOF

Scuba diving bags are made of different materials. Depending on your purpose, it’s important that they are waterproof. After all, it’s very likely that your bag will get wet at some point. Nylon is one of the most used materials.

On the other hand, if we’re talking about mesh bags, obviously they’re not water-resistant. The idea behind mesh bags is that the water drains through the mesh and out of the bag. The bases of mesh backpacks are usually built of resistant materials that are strong enough to bear heavy gear. Often, these bases include a few holes to allow the water to drain out.

TRAVELING WITH YOUR GEAR

If you travel often, I recommend that you buy diving gear that is specially designed for traveling. For instance, there are BCDs that are easy to fold and store.

Keep in mind that while most airlines have similar size and weight requirements, there may be some differences. Pay attention to these limits before organizing your gear.

What should you pack inside your scuba diving backpack?

The most important parts of your dive gear are the BCD, regulator, mask, wetsuit, and fins. Depending on the conditions and purpose, you’ll also want to include other items such as dive computers, dive lights, underwater cameras, dry snorkels, dive gloves, booties, spearfishing fins, spearfishing suits, and dive knives.

When packing your backpack, you should follow a certain order to keep everything organized and easy to unpack. By doing this, you’ll be able to put on your gear quickly once you get to the dive site. First, pack your fins. Then you can pack your booties, dive light, mask, and other accessories. Continue with your BCD and regulator. Finally, pack your diving suit and close the bag.

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