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If you’re a diver that likes to travel and explore new spots, you know that transporting your diving gear isn’t always an easy task. To ensure that your equipment is safe and protected until you reach the dive site, you should consider getting a specialized dive bag.
Unlike standard bags, top rated dive bags usually come with mesh walls that allow the water to drain so your gear can dry off. In addition, many of these bags are oversized to fit bulkier items like dive fins and wetsuits. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the best dive bags on the market and hopefully help you find a model that you can take on all your adventures.
Athletico XL Mesh Backpack Dive Bag
- What Makes This Dive Bag Stand Out
- Multiple inner and outer compartments for organizing gear
- Drawstring top closure and a side zipper give you easy access
- Adjustable chest and waist compression straps for weight distribution
- PVC-coated mesh is strong enough to hold a heavy load
- Backpack design makes carrying gear more convenient
Best For: All Types of Scuba and Snorkel Gear
Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 16 inches
Material(s): PVC-coated 600D Polyester Mesh
Weight: 2.5 pounds
Athletico XL Mesh Duffel Dive Bag
- What Makes This Dive Bag Stand Out
- Tote handles with a Velcro lock for easy carrying
- Full-length zipper gives you convenient access
- Zippered inner pocket for keeping valuables
- Plenty of room for both small and bulky gear
- One of the strongest dive bags on the market
Best For: Large and Bulky Items
Dimensions: 37 x 15 x 15 inches
Material(s): PVC-coated 600D Polyester Mesh
Weight: 1.35 pounds
SDI Sport Gym Mesh Roll Dive Bag
- What Makes This Dive Bag Stand Out
- Excellent choice for all types of water sports
- Impressive material quality relative to the price
- Breathable mesh allows you to carry wet equipment
- Equipped with both grab handles and a shoulder strap
- Heavy vinyl backing increases the mesh bag durability
Best For: Carrying Wet Gear
Dimensions: 20 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches
Material(s): 600D Polyester with Vinyl Backing
Weight: 4 ounces
Kraken Aquatics Mesh Duffle Gear Dive Bag
- What Makes This Dive Bag Stand Out
- Available in two sizes (30 and 36 inches long)
- Allows you to rinse the gear through the mesh
- Zippered inner pocket for stashing valuables
- Padded shoulder straps make it easy to carry
- Quick water draining and drying prevents mildew
Best For: Compact and Easy Storage
Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 13 inches (Large), 36 x 16 x 16 inches (Extra-Large)
Material(s): Nylon Mesh
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Cressi Gorilla Pro XL Dive Bag
- What Makes This Dive Bag Stand Out
- Heavy-duty PVC construction for carrying heavy gear
- Long main compartment for packing large fins
- Drain cap on the side for rinsing and drying the bag
- High-frequency welded seams prevent any leaks
- Detachable grab handle makes carrying convenient
Best For: Extra-Long Fins
Dimensions: 35.4 x 15.7 x 11.8 inches
Volume: 135 liters
Material(s): Heavy-Duty PVC
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Mares Cruise Mesh Backpack Dive Bag
- What Makes This Dive Bag Stand Out
- PVC panel keeps you dry when carrying wet gear
- Anti-skid base prevents tearing and abrasions
- Padded external straps make carrying comfortable
- Large outer pocket for computers and regulators
- Drawstring top closure and a full-length lateral zipper
Best For: Traveling
Dimensions: 29 x 17 x 16 inches
Material(s): PVC, Nylon, Polyester
Weight: 2 pounds
Cressi Moby 5 Trolley Dive Bag
- What Makes This Dive Bag Stand Out
- Roller dive bag equipped with large wheels
- Telescoping handle makes it easy to pull the bag
- Two large front pockets for items you need close to hand
- Special long fin pockets on the sides of the roller bags
- Three separate compartments in the main one (easier organization)
Best For: Heavy Gear
Dimensions: 30 x 15.7 x 11 inches
Volume: 115 liters
Material(s): 300/400D Nylon
Weight: 8.6 pounds
PROMATE Backpack Style Dive Bag
- What Makes This Dive Bag Stand Out
- Compact size makes it great as a carry on bag
- Zippered water bottle pouch on the front
- Nylon mesh allows rinsing and drying gear
- Elastic cords in the front for securing towels
- Padded straps provide carrying comfort
Best For: Small Dive Luggage
Dimensions: 28 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches
Material(s): 600D Nylon, PVC
Weight: 1.7 pounds
ScubaMax Hard Nylon Mesh Duffel Dive Bag
- What Makes This Dive Bag Stand Out
- PVC coating on the nylon mesh increases the strength
- Dive flags on the side panels make you more visible
- Large mesh pocket on the front for keeping items close
- D-rings on both ends for attaching a shoulder strap
- 30-inch main compartment fits large fins and dive kit
Best For: Increased Visibility (Dive Flag)
Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 16 inches
Material(s): PVC-coated Nylon Mesh
Weight: 1.55 pounds
Meister Mesh Duffel Backpack Dive Bag
- What Makes This Dive Bag Stand Out
- Large zippered dry pocket on the side for protecting sensitive items
- Extra-tough Chain Mesh construction guarantees durability
- Air and water circulate freely so your gear can dry easily
- Spacious enough for fins, boots, computers, and other gear
- Comfortable and adjustable backpack straps for easy carrying
Best For: Frequent Use
Dimensions: 29 x 15 x 15 inches
Material(s): Chain Nylon Mesh
Weight: 2 pounds
How To Choose The Best Scuba Diving Bag – Buying Guide
Types Of Scuba Dive Bags
The best scuba travel bags can be separated roughly into three categories – duffel bags, backpacks, and dive bags with wheels. Duffel bags are usually very compact and functional but can be inconvenient to carry when loaded with heavy gear. On the other hand, the argument for scuba diving backpacks as the best dive bags is that they are a lot easier to carry over long distances.
Dimensions
Two things are important when choosing the size of your scuba travel bag – having enough room to fit all of your gear and staying compact enough so it easily fits into your car trunk or on an airplane. If you’re looking for a balance between the two, look for a bag that is 30 to 35 inches long.
Weight
Since the gear itself can be pretty heavy, you don’t want the bag adding too much to the equation. Because of this, we advise that you choose a model that is made from lightweight but reinforced mesh and doesn’t have too many unnecessary additions.Â
Handles and Wheels
Tote handles on duffel bags are the most common carrying option, but many divers don’t particularly like them because they can be hard on the hands. If you want to avoid this, getting a wheeled dive bag like the Cressi Moby 5 is an excellent idea especially if you’re traveling by air.Â
Storage Compartments
Instead of a single large compartment to cram all your equipment, the best scuba gear bags feature multiple compartments so you can organize your items easily. On top of this, we really like it if the scuba diving gear bag comes with waterproof side pockets where you can stash small items and valuables.
Related Review: Dry Bag
Materials and Durability
High-quality materials are crucial when talking about any dive gear bags because they are going to see a lot of use in harsh conditions. Because of this, the best dive bags are usually made from nylon mesh that is coated with PVC. Furthermore, many models feature fabric reinforcements in strategic places to prevent tears and abrasion.
Corrosion-Resistant Zippers
No matter what you do, your diving travel bag will be exposed to salt water. As the water dries and crystallizes, it can corrode and block a zipper which can render the bag useless. Because of this, look for high-quality zippers that can handle salt water exposure.
Water Protection
Broadly speaking, most dive travel bags are not waterproof. Instead, they allow the water to freely circulate through the walls so the items inside can drain and dry off. In relation to this, the only waterproof dive bag we’ve featured is the Cressi Gorilla Pro XL. If you want your gear to stay dry, we suggest you go with a waterproof duffel bag,
Related Reviews: Waterproof Duffel Bag & Waterproof Messenger Bag
FAQs
Q: How Should I Pack My Bag?
You’ll want to start with your fins and lay them flat on the bottom of the bag. Your mask, snorkel, boots, and gloves will be next. Afterward, you should pack your BCD followed by your regulator and computer. Unless you decide to wear it for the boat ride, your wetsuit should go in the bag last. Lastly, be sure to never pack your air tank in the bag.
Q: What Should I Pack In My Bag?
You should pack everything you need for the dive – a BCD, a wetsuit, fins, booties, a regulator, and a dive computer among other things. It’s ideal if the bag comes with separate storage compartments so you can easily organize the gear.
Q: Why Do I Need A Special Dive Bag?
The main reason for choosing a dive bag is that it comes with mesh walls that allow water to drain. Because of this, you’ll be able to put wet gear inside right after a dive and leave it to dry inside.
Q: What Size Should My Dive Bag Be?
It depends on several factors, mainly on the size of your gear and where you plan to take the scuba bag. Obviously, it should be large enough to fit items like fins and suits. On the other hand, make sure you don’t go overboard with the size of your dive travel bag because all airliners have a size limit when talking about scuba luggage.
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Whether you’re only carrying a few items or a full diving set, the only way to ensure your gear stays protected is with the best dive bag. We hope that our reviews and guide helped find a model that will keep your scuba equipment safe on travels and allow you to take it anywhere you want to go.
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Dive with any of the best scuba bag scuba luggage on our list? Let us know how you like it in the comment section below.