Scuba Diving Gear Picks for the Traveling Diver
Travel diving doesn't mean you need to make do with whatever scuba gear is available at your destination. Here's some gear that travels as well as it dives. Check out our Editor's Picks for travel-diving gear below. Want our latest gear reviews? Visit the Gear section of our website.
Zach Stovall, Jon Whittle, Chelsea Pomales, Underwater KineticsDurability, comfort and convenience are all important factors to consider when loading your dive bag with travel gear.
1. Underwater Kinetics UKPro POV 20/30 Waterproof Case
Built like a tank, Underwater Kinetics’ waterproof, crushproof case protects your GoPro or other camera or small sensitive gear from being flooded or crunched. Made of rugged, noncorroding ABS, the case has customizable double foam inserts to keep your gear snug. The POV 30 includes an attachment strap with a carabiner. from $46.99; uwk.com
Courtesy of Underwater Kinetics1. Underwater Kinetics UKPro POV 20/30 Waterproof Case
Underwater Kinetics’ waterproof, crushproof case protects your GoPro and other sensitive equipment.
2. Suunto D6i Novo
Trim down your gear list with an instrument that can tell you how long you have to wait before boarding, how long to deco, how much gas is in your tank, and which way to get back to the boat. The Novo includes wireless air integration, 3-D compass, three-gas switching and five operating modes, and the Novo is now available in black, stone, stealth and white. $1,174.95; suunto.com
Jon Whittle2. Suunto D6i Novo
The Suunto D6i Novo dive computer is full of useful features.
3. Cressi Gorgona Bag
Whether you’re dunking your gear for a post-dive rinse, transporting wet stuff or just keeping your gear corralled on the boat, this heavy-duty mesh bag is a must-have for travel. It’s big enough for all your gear — even freediving fins — and packs up small to stuff in a suitcase. $49.95; cressiusa.com
Zach Stovall3. Cressi Gorgona Bag
The Gorgona is great for stowing and carrying all of your scuba equipment.
4. Scubapro Novalight 720R
The 720R combines power and simplicity in a compact package. Less than 6 inches long, it puts out a blazing 720-plus lumens of light, has two power levels and an overpressure release valve, and operates with a simple twist-on switch. It uses a single rechargeable Li-ion battery, and is available in a wide-beam model. $156; scubapro.com
Zach Stovall4. Scubapro Novalight 720R
The compact Novalight 720R is perfect for divers who want to "pack light."
5. Oceanic Accel Fin
At under 3 pounds per pair and only 21 inches long in their largest size, these fins are as much at home in your luggage as in the water. Though compact, their design gives a great balance of power and maneuverability in all kicking styles without overtaxing your legs, and the stretchy heel straps (available in a rainbow of colors) are adjustable to work with any thickness of boot. $109.95; oceanicworldwide.com
Chelsea Pomales5. Oceanic Accel Fin
Oceanic's Accel Fin fits easily in your luggage and provides a great balance of power and maneuverability in the water.
6. Akona Maverick Bag
The Maverick has the size and durability needed to haul and protect all your gear, along with features that take much of the hassle out of travel. The huge main compartment has a reinforced base and sides, and a long, U-shaped zipper for easy packing. The heavy-duty wheels are replaceable and have stainless steel axles, and the bag has a telescoping handle and stands solidly when vertical. $230; akona.com
Zach Stovall6. Akona Maverick Bag
The Maverick's size and durability make it able to haul and protect all your scuba diving gear.
7. Cressi Ultralight BC
The Ultralight folds up in a snap thanks to its soft back plate, and weighs less than 5 pounds. But it’s packed full of features, including a hideaway pocket, anatomical shoulder straps, an ergonomic inflator and Cressi’s streamlined integrated- weight system. $419.95; cressiusa.com
Jon Whittle7. Cressi Ultralight BC
The Ultralight is comfortable and full of features, but it also folds up and is lightweight — making it great for travel.
8. IST Proline BG-04 Freediving Backpack
Sports Rugged and divey, IST’s backpack keeps your stuff together and safe from plane to boat. Made of heavy-duty coated polyester, the bag has a molded foam back pad and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort. It has a padded carrying handle, adjustable compression straps and zippered pockets for corralling keys, phones and other small belongings. $80; istsports.com
Zach Stovall8. IST Proline BG-04 Freediving Backpack
Keep your stuff secure with the durable Proline BG-04 Freediving Backpack.
9. Lavacore Sporty Shorty
This women’s shorty can make the difference between chilly and comfortable without taking up room in your bag or requiring more lead in your BC. The trilaminate material and inner fleece are neutrally buoyant and help warm your core while protecting you from UV rays. $119.95; lavacoreinternational.com
Zach Stovall9. Lavacore Sporty Shorty
Stay warm while scuba diving, without sacrificing room in your gear bag.
Photo By Stephen Frink Collection/AlamyOne for the Road
Yes, it requires a bit of extra planning and effort to take your own gear along when you travel. But it's worthwhile because it's the best way to make sure the gear you're diving with every day of the trip works for you. No matter how terrific the destination, nothing can take the fun out of diving like uncomfortable, ill-fitting or unfamiliar gear.
You've got the gear, now get away to the world's best weekend dive destinations.
