If you are like most avid divers, you’ve spent time and a decent amount of money on accumulating all the dive gear you need to explore the underwater world we love. Protecting that investment should be your top priority when packing for a dive trip. Don't fear! Protecting your gear is not rocket science and we've accumulated a handful of great tips and tricks from our many, many dive travels over the years. Just follow these and you'll be confident your gear will make it to your destination safe and sound.
Tips and Tricks for packing your dive gear for traveling
Tip #1: Carry It On
The most important tip we can offer is this: pack your most expensive dive equipment in your carry-on luggage! This means your computer, regulator set-up, and any camera equipment you may have. Most dive gear manufacturers make excellent regulator bags in compact sizes so you can protect your life support equipment AND fit it in your carry-on at the same time.
Tip #2: Buy A Dive Gear Travel Bag
Ok, so this one may seem obvious BUT there are many divers who just try to throw their dive gear into their existing luggage bag. We strongly discourage this because dive gear bags are built specifically to protect your dive gear with padding in the places it needs it most.
Tip #3: Consider Carrying It ALL On
In Tip #1 we mentioned carrying on your most expensive gear like your computer and regulator but what if you could carrying ALL your dive gear on? Most manufacturers that make gear bags make them in carry-on sizes as well. If you can fit it all in one of those your gear is less likely to get thrown around and more likely to make it to your destination with you.
Tip #4: Buy Travel Specific Gear
If you do a lot of dive travel, it may be worth your time to invest in a separate, travel specific set of dive gear. Most major gear companies make compact, travel specific buoyancy compensators that are light weight and pack up amazingly small, smaller full-foot fins, and thin packable wetsuits (for those tropical destinations). All which will fit comfortably into one of the gear specific carry-on sized gear bags mentioned in Tip #3.
Tip #4: Get A Bag With Wheels!
Yes, a large dive gear duffle bag will fit all of your gear into it but trust us when we say you need wheels! Imagine lugging that duffle bag across your shoulder all of the airport. You do NOT want to do that! Invest in a bag that has wheels and an expandable handle for easy transport of your gear through large airports and long customs lines.
Tip #5: Pack Your Gear In A Specific Way
If you just throw your dive gear into your travel bag with no rhyme or reason it may not fit well and won't be as protected as it could be. Follow these steps to pack your gear in just the right way:
- Lay your BCD on the bottom of the gear bag, flattened out and centered in the bag.
- Put one fin on either side of the BCD to protect it during the flight.
- Make sure your dive mask is packed in its plastic container to protect it, and bring an extra mask! They are very expensive to replace during a vacation.
- Pack your dive knife in your checked luggage ... it is not allowed aboard the plane.
- Fold your wetsuit in half and lay it on top of your BCD. Minimize the folding of your wet suit, as too many folds will compromise the neoprene.
- Leave your tanks and weights at home! They will always be provided by the dive store/boat you will be diving with.
- Don’t forget any accessories you will want during your dives such as gloves, dive lights, save-a-dive kit, etc.
This is a busy time for dive travel and by following these easy tips and tricks, you will have a stress free trip. It’s always a good thing when we, and our dive gear show up to our destinations in one piece.
