ScubaLab tested the Tusa small roller bag for its 2019 dive bag review. Tough and convenient, with plenty of options for packing, it is our Testers Choice for carry on bags.

We tested its comparative usefulness, convenience and durability for dive travel against other bags by packing them with gear and accessories divers typically transport in their carry-on bag. This included a compact camera with underwater housing, dive mask, lithium batteries, laptop, jacket, reading materials and other small personal items.

We evaluated how easy it was to pack and transport each bag, with special attention paid to any features that were specifically geared toward dive travel. We also measured and weighed each bag and inspected design and construction elements such as materials, stitching, hardware and reinforcements.

Testers appreciated the bag’s numerous pockets, especially the two front pockets, which can safely hold your passport, phone or other accessories while keeping them quickly accessible. The wide internal compartment has two sets of elastic compression straps and easily held all of our test load. External compression straps on the wide front zip-up panel keep everything squeezed down and secure while providing support to the unusual front-mounted handle. But, to open the bag you must first undo all four buckles. The bag rolls quietly and smoothly, and lifts easily with well-built, comfortable handles. The coated materials, though sparingly used, make the bag feel more suitable to heavy and wet uses. In fact, it looks so expedition oriented, we were surprised it didn’t have backpack straps. The Tusa Small Roller Bag is our Testers Choice for carry-on bags.