You’ve booked those tickets and can almost hear the sound of those waves…you’re next dive trip awaits. Rearing to go, just one task lies ahead of you…packing all that bulky Scuba gear to carry it with you on a flight.
Sounds like a hassle doesn’t it? Well, if you think about the money you’ll be saving on renting diving equipment and not to mention the comfort of diving in your own scuba gear, packing your scuba kit isn’t that much trouble. We’ve got some great tips for packing your gear compact and light so it’s convenient to carry and safe from any damage.
Get a Scuba Gear Bag. Many people try to get away with just a regular duffel bag or simple luggage. Most often you’ll find it very difficult to fit all your gear in those without a struggle and even if you manage, 
they may not be sturdy enough for the weight or have enough protection to save it from damage, incase it is tossed around after you check it in.
Scuba gear bags are designed to fit all your bulky scuba gear from fins, buoyancy compensators, wetsuits, masks and a lot of other stuff with no problem. Some offer the duffel bag with wheels making them easier to transport around, since all that gear can get heavy. Importantly, since dive gear bags are designed for exactly that, they are perfect for packing everything in one bag for flying.
Regulators too can fit in your dive gear bag, it is advisable to pack a separate regulator bag and take it as carry-on luggage. Regulator bags are reinforced to protect the delicate regulator mechanism and they accommodate the hoses perfectly to keep them from twisting and possibly cracking.
If you do use a regulator bag you can try to fit it in your scuba gear bag, to check it in. Otherwise, wrap your regulators in clothes and carry it with you in your hand baggage to be on the safe side.
Always start with your buoyancy compensator as it takes up the most space. Make sure all the air is let out, fold the sides tightly and pack it in the bottom placing all your other gear on top so it helps with some cushioning. Scuba masks usually come with hard protective case. They’re quite durable and you don’t have to worry much about them. If you don’t have a case for them, wrap them in your wetsuit or diveskin to protect it from scratches. Pack all other things you may need like snorkel, slates, flashlights etc, in the nooks and crannies of your gear bag. Then place your fins on top or on either side of the gear bag making sure they won’t bend. Remember to stuff the feet with socks or smaller items to keep their shape. Avoid folding your wetsuit too many times, as this will just make it bulkier. Instead just two folds is good enough for it to lay flat and use it to top of your bag as cushioning.
See, packing for a scuba trip isn’t that hard. One gear bag and a regulator in your carry-on and you’re ready to get on that plane and go! Happy Diving!
*Products pictured above: Blue Reef Cayman Dive Flag Duffle Bag, Get Wet Package, AquaLung Legend Regulator Bag. All available at LeisurePro.com
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I always wear my BC onto the plane, the stowed it overhead. It significantly reduces the weight and bulk of my checked gear bag, it feels weightless when I’m wearing it, and I know it won’t get lost en route. I’ve worn the BC on trips from NJ to Nassau, Provo, and Cairns, and neither TSA nor the airlines have so much as blinked. In fact, only 2 people (both divers) have even commented.
I purchased a lightweight BlueReef wheeled duffle a few years back. GREAT for travel. I layed out my wetsuit along the bottom. Folded dive equipment into BC, including fins, as the edges in the past tore through another checked bag (due to rough handling by airport staff). Wrapped all inside of towels, clothing to prevent damage. Carried my wrist computer and reg with carry on. Might try the BC carry on the future.
Great post!
I agree having an ordinary bag can be very difficult to use especially with all the diving equipment you’ll bring. Scuba bag is a great thing to have.