Dive bags are certainly not the first purchase a diver should make, but as you start collecting more and more pieces of scuba gear, they make a great candidate for your next purchase.
The main reasons a diver would want to purchase a dive bag are:
- Make transporting gear easier
- Protect your scuba gear from exposure to elements
- Keep all equipment in one place
- And more!
There are tons of different dive bags out there, all with different pros and cons, making it difficult to know which one you should get.
For that reason, we wanted to assemble this guide, of our favorite dive bags that we’ve tried and tested.
Each bag on this list will have clear best-use cases, making it easy to identify the best fit for you.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
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Best Roller Bag
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Best for Regs
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Best Mesh Bag
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Best Spear/Freediving Bag
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Best Dry Bag
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Best Carry On Bag
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$249.95
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$47.00
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$70.95
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$119.95
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$11.59
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$319.95
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Types of Scuba Diving Bags
Over the years, like in your gear, there have been advances in materials and now bags are lighter, stronger, and more versatile. Bags now have combinations of handles, wheels, straps, and extra pockets.
For long haul and international travel, you will need a sturdy gear bag and will want something mobile. For boats and in the back of trucks waterproof bags and or ones with compartments to separate dry dive gear from the rest of your luggage is essential.
There are a lot of options, to say the least, and these are the factors you should take into consideration.
What type of bag do you want to have?
Do you want a multipurpose or have a few bags for each situation?
These are the most common type of bags:
Roller Bag
Roller dive bags are great and the most popular for traveling divers. They usually have a telescoping handle, wheels, and straps to carry like typical roller luggage.
Even when these are fully loaded, you can maneuver them around and are more durable than regular luggage.
The other advantage is that you can store other types of bags inside like a mesh bag, backpack, and even dry bags for when you arrive at your designation.
- The wheels and telescoping handle make it ideal for airports
- Replaceable wheels
- Side pocket for fins
- While lightweight a roller bag still weighs over 10 pounds.
- The inside separator does not collapse.
- Wearing as a backpack can be uncomfortable.
This bag is a very lightweight fabric and is able to hold up to 2 full sets of gear including wetsuits and still is under the weight limit for most airlines It was built for traveling and diving with access to your gear on three different sides and has two large front pockets as well.
The wheels and handle make it easy to the wheel but if you need to the bag has two straps that can be worn as a backpack or carried.
Duffel Bag
Another option that you have is a duffel dive bag. These bags usually have several compartments and a large zip area where you can keep most of the big pieces of dive gear.
It is simple, easy to use, and has very few things that can break. They are good for both international and local travel because of their durability, but you will have to carry them around though as they don’t have wheels.
Having one with dry, wet, and waterproof compartments is also something to look out for. Using one of these to get to the destination then a mesh bag for shorter trips is handy.
Backpack
A trusted backpack is always an option, you can carry it on or get it checked depending on the size and the contents of the bag.
Even though you have to carry it around, the weight should be distributed equally if packed properly. The other advantage is that it allows your hands to be free.
Some newer bags even have wheels and telescoping handles as well. It also frees your hands and allows you to handle other luggage.
Mesh Bag
Mesh bags can come in all sorts of designs backpacks, duffels, rollers, and just handheld. and even rollers. They can be very sturdy be are susceptible to tearing. The main advantage of them is that they are light, can fold down, and allows your gear to air dry. They are great for at the destination and boat bags.
- Easily transported on back
- Looks great
- Very fairly priced
- Extremely durable
- Can be hard to place BCD inside
Next up on the list, is the Armor Cartini Mesh backpack dive bag. For divers that like to place the weight of their scuba gear on their backs, this could be the perfect bag for you. However, for divers with less gear, and a lighter setup, this could be a bit of overkill. There’s really just one main compartment on the bag, so finding things inside can be a bit of a challenge when it’s full.
Regulator Bag
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to carry
- Multiple and transparent pockets
- Expensive
These bags are small and perfect for protecting your regulator. They are padded and usually have a place for your dive computer as well. The small bags can be carried on a plane or stored in a safe place when in transit.
Dry Bag
Dry dive bags are very simple, they keep your gear dry or keep everything else from getting wet. The standard design is that the top rolls down and clips. This way it can hold all different sizes of gear.
These bags usually come in different sizes by the liter. They can be one compartment or a few. These bags typically have straps like a backpack or none at all. These are amazing to have and should be in all divers gear.
- 5 Sizes (5L/ 10L/ 20L/ 30L/ 40L)
- Multi-use
- Cheap
- Can get snagged and rip
- Transparent no privacy
- Can’t hold a lot of weight
These bags are great for travel, not just diving, you can go use them for snorkeling, swimming, and boating trips. The sizes range from 5L to 40L so you can fit whatever you need in it whether you are traveling alone or in a group.
The bag is see-through which is great to find what you are looking for but this also means everyone can see what you have. It is made from PVC so it is waterproof but not breathable.
You can keep everything from getting wet this way or store all your wet gear in there. The PVC is sturdy but as with all plastic is susceptible to ripping.
Carry-On Bag
Hand-held bags like regulator bags, dry bags, or backpacks are extremely useful. Anything you can bring on the plane or near you will ensure its safety and will alleviate worries about the most expensive and essential pieces of gear being damaged.
- Multiple ways to use
- Folds down to a quarter of its size
- Made specifically for SCUBA
- Expensive
- Heavey for carry-on but only 5.06 pounds
- No backpack option
Tilos is a name brand that you can trust and this bag is no exception. The Total Eclipse wheel bag can store up to 94 liters and weighs 5.06 pounds (2.3 kilos). That is a lot of space for your gear with minimal weight.
This bag has side fin pockets to keep your fins separate from the rest of your gear as well as customizable compartments inside to configure the bag as your need. It is set up as a roller suitcase with a handle but does not have the option to go as a backpack or duffle bag sadly. If you do need to save space, it can fold down to a quarter of its size when not in use on the boat or at home.
- Can store easily and folded up
- Drys fast
- Low Price Point
- Can’t hold a lot of weight
- No waterproof compartment
- Not rip proof
This lightweight mesh backpack can hold all of your dive gear and is easy to travel with. The shoulder straps are soft enough that it does not hurt when the bag is fully loaded.
It also has a soft handle and can be folded down into a pocket to be able to be transported easily. For the size of the bag, its durability, and the price it is a great dive bag.
- The main compartment has mesh for ventilation
- The outside pocket has a cool compartment for cold drinks or fish
- External elastic for holding gear
- Is a little bulky
- High price point
- Fins over 3.2 feet (100cm) will not fit
This bag is made to hold all of your freediving gear, fins, speargun, mask, etc. It has multiple pockets in different areas to keep your gear safe.
The whole bag is padded to give it more support when traveling, we don’t recommend checking this bag through your freediving fins.
The main compartment has mesh to let your freediving wetsuit dry and the outside even has a cooler for beverages/snacks or your catch of the day.
Why Should I Use/Own a Dive Bag?
A lot of divers think that they can get away without a dive bag and they may be right for short trips or when traveling in their car.
If you rent the gear you may not even care too much, but it will pay to get your own dive bag.
You need a dive bag to store all your gear and to prevent damage from the elements when transporting it.
When you travel with your dive scuba gear on a boat, airplane, or just in the back of the truck it can be exposed to the elements even in perfect conditions (the sun is a killer). You want to take care of the dive gear and for it to last a long time. Since you probably spent a decent amount of money to get your scuba equipment you will want to have a good bag to protect it.
Regular suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags are not meant to handle and protect scuba gear. Dive bags often have features like ventilation to help gear dry, waterproofing, extra padding, and/ or may have special pockets for your mask or regulator.
Scuba gear isn’t cheap so getting a bag will help you to maintain it to keep it safe and properly organized.
Dive Bag Buying Guide
Shape and Size
When looking to get a dive bag, be sure to think about how big your gear is and the size of the bag that you will need. If you have a travel BCD and regulator bag you will not need something too large and can carry on both of them on the plane.
If you have a standard jacket BCD and a pair of jet fins you will need a larger more sturdy bag to travel and carry your gear. The best way to do it would be to have a larger bag in conjunction with some smaller ones. For example, a roller bag with a mesh bag and a few dry bags inside is a gear combination for travel to and then around your dive destination.
If you do want to carry on a bag (especially in the US) make sure your bags will pass the dimensions imposed by airlines. Each airline has its own specific rules, dimensions, and weights for carry-on bags and some are more strict than others. about how large your carry-on can be. In general, most airlines will allow you to carry on a bag up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and 15 pounds. Do check though to be sure.
Material
Dive bags are made from a variety and combinations of materials like nylon, cotton, fabric, plastic, kevlar, rubber, and metal. Whatever matter what your choice may be make sure it is durable and preferably waterproof or at least has a water-resistant lining.
Handles and Straps
Bags have a lot of different options and depending on how strong you are and your size some options might be better than others. Whatever the style, wraparound handles, shoulder straps, or even a pull handle, think about how you will use the bag and that the handles/ straps are stable and secure. If your gear is very heavy read the weight limits of the bags and/ or have multiple bags and separate the gear.
Compression Straps
Drain Holes
Some bags have little holes in the bottom or sides and these holes are usually reinforced metal that allows water and moisture to escape. In a lot of places even if it isn’t raining the humidity can prevent things from drying and can cause mold.
Pockets and Compartments
The more compartments and pockets a bag has the safer your gear is and the easier it is to access. We recommend collapsible compartments which will give you the ability to change the bag to suit your needs.
If possible having some that are dry compartments and wet ones can prevent all your gear from getting wet and moldy.
Some scuba bags even have pockets for a mask and compartments for your regulator. A scuba design will help protect small and sensitive parts of your gear.
Price
This is something that many look at first and we understand that you don’t want to spend a ton on the bag.
While this may not seem like an essential part of gear the more your dive gear is protected the longer it will last, don’t skimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you carry on your dive gear?
Yes, you can bring on most of your dive gear as long as it is underweight and nothing sharp is in it. Make sure to keep your dive knife and spear gun in your checked baggage.
Which dive bag is the best?
If you don’t want to carry your heavy dive bag a roller bag is the best option and is easier to carry around the airport. If you don’t have a lot of gear a backpack can be a good option. The best bag will depend on the situation and your budget.
Do I Really Need a Dive Bag?
No, but it will help as regular bags don’t have the padding and special compartments. You want to take care of your dive gear.
Tips for Packing a Dive Bag
As we talked about above packing will depend greatly on what gear you have, where you are going, and the type of bag you have.
We have laid out the best way to fly with your dive gear here, but it goes over to just packing in general. But here are a few other tips.
- Wrap as much as you can inside your wetsuit.
- Neoprene is like bubble wrap use it as such.
- Use the box your scuba mask came in and if you can get a hold of another one they are great for all small bits of gear.
- Carry on or wear your dive computer.
- Make sure to check your dive knife, line cutter, and/ or speargun.
- If you can afford specific travel BCDs and dive gear.
- Check to see if your dive insurance covers your gear in case of an accident.
- Use a checklist like the one we have here so you don’t forget anything.
