The-Best-Dive-Bags

Whether you are taking your scuba diving gear from your car to the dive boat or traveling around the world, you need a bag to carry your gear. 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. The mesh also helps to keep air circulating in the bag. Many dive bags are oversized to fit bulkier items like dive fins, your BCD, 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.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Athletico XL Mesh Backpack

Athletico XL Mesh Backpack


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Summary

The Athletico XL mesh dive backpack is large, comfortable, and well-organized – everything you need for packing all your diving gear. Its top opening and large side zipper give you quick access to the items you need, while the mesh sides allow water to drain and air to circulate. You can even put wet gear inside.

Construction and Design

Made from 600D polyester mesh and coated with PVC, the Athletico XL is guaranteed to last a long time. The shoulder straps are comfortable and easily adjustable, allowing you to carry even heavier loads comfortably. It’s also the only model that offers both top and side access which significantly increases the options you have when packing.

Additional Features

One of the most prominent features is the large zippered pocket on the back that is incredibly handy for holding a dive computer or a regulator. Furthermore, the backpack also comes with additional waist and sternum straps for easily distributing the weight. Last but not least, it’s one of the rare models with a built-in whistle for emergencies.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • 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
  • The PVC-coated mesh is strong enough to hold a heavy load
  • Backpack design makes carrying gear more convenient
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

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

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Athletico XL Mesh Duffel Bag

Athletico XL Mesh Duffel Bag


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Summary

Thanks to its 37-inch length and a very generous volume, the Athletico XL mesh duffel bag is perfect for extra-long fins and other bulky items. In addition to being spacious, the bag is also nicely organized and offers several zippered pockets for better gear distribution. On top of this, the 600D mesh makes it one of the toughest bags available.

Construction and Design

The mesh on this bag is additionally reinforced with PVC so you won’t have to worry about tears and damage. On the other hand, it allows water and air to circulate freely, so you can easily rinse your gear and leave it inside to dry. To make carrying a little bit easier, the handles come with a Velcro lock that sits comfortably in the hand.

Additional Features

Perhaps the most useful feature on the Athletico XL dive bag is the zippered interior pocket which provides additional protection for your valuables and more sensitive items. Finally, we want to point out that the strong webbing straps go around the entire bag, providing additional support when carrying heavier gear.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Tote handles with a Velcro lock for easy carrying
  • A 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
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Large and Bulky Items
Dimensions: 37 x 15 x 15 inches
Material(s): PVC-coated 600D Polyester Mesh
Weight: 1.35 pounds

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3

BEST VALUE

SDI Sport Gym Mesh Roll Bag

SDI Sport Gym Mesh Roll Bag


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Summary

From diving and snorkeling to beach sports and gyms, the SDI Sport Gym mesh dive bag does a fantastic job of carrying wet gear. It’s entirely made from high-quality mesh, which means that you can put items inside without worrying that they get moldy. Besides, the bag is also very affordable and probably offers the best value for money that you can get.

Construction and Design

Despite being on the lower end of the price range, the strength that you can expect from the SDI Sport dive bag can be compared to any other model on this list. The base material is a 600D polyester that is very tough on its own and even features a vinyl backing as reinforcement.

Additional Features

Unlike most other bags, this one comes with both tote handles and a shoulder strap. Thanks to this, you’ll have a couple of different options when carrying the bag. Even though it’s not particularly feature-rich, the addition that we like is the zippered side pocket that can keep smaller items within hand’s reach.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • An 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
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Carrying Wet Gear
Dimensions: 20 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches
Material(s): 600D Polyester with Vinyl Backing
Weight: 4 ounces

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4

Kraken Aquatics Mesh Duffel Gear Bag

Kraken Aquatics Mesh Duffel Gear Bag


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Summary

A detail we like about the Kraken Aquatics mesh duffle bag is that it allows you to easily rinse the gear through the mesh and leave it inside to dry. On top of this, it’s available in two different sizes so you can choose a more compact and portable bag or a model that will easily fit even bulkier items.

Construction and Design

The smaller of the two options measures 30 inches in length and has a side diameter of 13 inches, so it won’t take up too much space in your trunk. On the other hand, the XL version is 36 inches long and has a 16-inch diameter, allowing it to fit any type of fin inside.

Additional Features

The Kraken Aquatics mesh bags are designed as duffel bags with strong webbing handles that go around the entire bag for extra strength. Besides the grab handles, it also features an adjustable shoulder strap for easier carrying and keeping your hands free. Lastly, it comes with two zippered pockets – one on the outside for quick access and another one on the inside for additional protection.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Available in two sizes (30 and 36 inches long)
  • Allows you to rinse the gear through the mesh
  • Carry up to 35 pounds
  • Zippered inner pocket for stashing valuables
  • Padded shoulder straps make it easy to carry
  • Quick water draining and drying prevents mildew
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

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

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5

Cressi Gorilla Pro XL Bag

Cressi Gorilla Pro XL Bag


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Summary

Unlike all the other diving bags we’ve featured, the Cressi Gorilla Pro XL isn’t made from mesh. Instead, it comes with heavy-duty PVC walls that provide top-level protection for the sensitive items inside. To further improve strength, the bag features high-frequency welded seams. 

Construction and Design

For maximizing the usable space, the Cressi Gorilla Pro XL dive bag is shaped differently than other duffel bags and has completely vertical walls. Has a built-in dry bag. This, in combination with the length of 35.4 inches allows you to easily pack all the gear you need for the day.

Additional Features

When talking about the additional features, one thing stands out – the drain cap on the side. When opened, it allows the water to escape so you can wash your gear without removing it from the bag. Other interesting features include a water-resistant zipper, detachable tote handles, and side handles for easier manipulation.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • 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
  • A detachable grab handle makes carrying convenient
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Extra-Long Fins
Dimensions: 35.4 x 15.7 x 11.8 inches
Volume: 4. 75 cu ft (135 liters).
Material(s): Heavy-Duty PVC
Weight: 3.5 pounds

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6

Mares Cruise Mesh Backpack

Mares Cruise Mesh Backpack


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Summary

If you plan to travel a lot with your gear, the Mares Cruise is the bag to choose from. It’s designed as a rugged backpack and features two padded adjustable straps that provide comfort while wearing. The three outer walls are made from mesh for air circulation, while the back is lined with a PVC panel to keep you dry when carrying wet gear.

Construction and Design

Compared to the other scuba diving bags on this list, the Mares Cruise backpack size is a bit more compact. However, we feel that this is a great thing, especially for air travel. It’s 29 inches tall and has a 17-inch base which should be more than enough volume for all the necessary diving equipment.

Additional Features

In addition to the main top-loading central compartment, this bag also comes with a heavy-duty zippered pocket on the side. Made from full fabric instead of mesh, it can give extra protection to more sensitive gear like dive computers. We also want to point out that the backpack comes with a reinforced base that provides abrasion protection and increases durability.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • 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
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Traveling
Dimensions: 29 x 17 x 16 inches
Material(s): PVC, Nylon, Polyester
Weight: 2 pounds

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7

Cressi Moby 5 Trolley Bag

Cressi Moby 5 Trolley Bag


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Summary

If you’re not a big fan of hauling heavy equipment, the Cressi Moby 5 has a solution – you can simply roll it. Equipped with large wheels and a strong handle, this rolling dive bag allows you to pull the gear as you would any standard suitcase. The bag itself is strong and comes with an abundance of pockets for organizing gear.

Construction and Design

The walls of the Cressi Moby 5 trolley bag are made from a combination of 300 and 400D nylon that provides impressive strength and tear resistance. On top of this, the roller bag has very decent dimensions which result in a volume of 115 liters.

Additional Features

The focal point of this bag is certainly the oversized wheels which make it unique in the wheeled dive bags category. The handle we’ve mentioned is telescopic so you can push it out of the way when you don’t need it. As for the storage, the front has two zippered external pockets for handy access, while both sides have long vertical pockets for fin storage.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Roller dive bag equipped with large wheels
  • The 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)
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Heavy Gear
Dimensions: 30 x 15.7 x 11 inches
Volume: 115 liters
Material(s): 300/400D Nylon
Weight: 8.6 pounds

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8

PROMATE Backpack Style Bag

PROMATE Backpack Style Bag


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Summary

The flat and compact design of the Promate backpack makes it an excellent option for freedivers and snorkelers. It’s only 5.5 inches thick, so it won’t take up much space in your trunk. However, even though it’s one of the smallest gear bags we’ve featured, it still has enough room for all the necessary snorkeling items.

Construction and Design

Owing to the height of 28 inches, the Promate backpack easily fits fins that are up to 27 inches long. The entire bag is made from 600D nylon and reinforced with PVC so it won’t tear even if you put a lot of gear inside. Furthermore, it comes with mesh panels on the sides and front so the gear can dry inside without getting moldy.

Additional Features

Besides the mentioned mesh panels, the Promate backpack has a few other useful features. It comes with a large pocket on the front where you can stash your mask, as well as elastic bungee rigging which is very handy for stashing wet towels.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • The 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
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For Small Dive Luggage
Dimensions: 28 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches
Material(s): 600D Nylon, PVC
Weight: 1.7 pounds

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9

ScubaMax Hard Nylon Mesh Duffel Bag

ScubaMax Hard Nylon Mesh Duffel Bag


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Summary

The ScubaMax nylon dive bag is the only model in our scuba backpack reviews that comes with dive flags on both ends. Thanks to this, it stands out from other bags. When talking about the bag itself, it’s a classic duffel model that has breathable mesh walls with PVC as reinforcement.

Construction and Design

The design of the ScubaMax scuba gear bag is pretty classic when compared to other models, which is a good thing because you’ll know what you can expect. The side grab handles are strong and extend underneath the bag, while the mesh walls not only allow your dive equipment to dry inside, but also make rinsing possible.

Additional Features

In addition to the side flags we’ve mentioned, the ScubaMax travel dive bag offers several other features to improve the functionality. The front comes with a large mesh pocket with a Velcro closure that gives you a separate space for items you need close to your hand. Lastly, the dive gear bag also comes with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap for easier carrying.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • 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
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Increased Visibility (Dive Flag)
Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 16 inches
Material(s): PVC-coated Nylon Mesh
Weight: 1.55 pounds

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10

Meister Mesh Duffel Backpack Bag

Meister Mesh Duffel Backpack Bag


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Summary

In terms of versatility, the Meister mesh dive bag is the most unique model in our reviews. While it’s primarily a duffel bag, the carrying straps are padded and adjustable so you can easily transform it into a diving backpack. Furthermore, its Chain mesh walls are one of the strongest on the market, allowing you to pack them with heavy items.

Construction and Design

The Chain mesh walls are a lot thicker compared to other models, and it’s this thickness that gives them additional strength and resistance to tears and damage. At the same time, the bag is fully breathable which means that you can carry wet gear without it getting smelly or developing mildew.

Additional Features

The main feature of the Meister bag is its handles that can double as tote handles or backpack straps. On top of this, the other details worth noticing are the large zippered waterproof pocket on the side as well as a great interior volume for packing any type of equipment.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • 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
Model & Accessory Specs

Best For: Frequent Use
Dimensions: 29 x 15 x 15 inches
Material(s): Chain Nylon Mesh
Weight: 2 pounds

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Pro tip 1 - Handles and Wheels:
  • Dive bags with wheels and shoulder straps allow you to comfortably carry your equipment in nearly any scenario, including the beach, pavement, gravel, and more. 
Pro tip 2 - Materials and Durability 
  • Our dive bags are around saltwater most days, so be sure to buy a dive bag made from highly durable, quick-drying, and salt-resistant material. 
Pro tip 3 - Corrosion-Resistant Zippers 
  • alt content will quickly corrode a metal zipper in both the water and air, rendering them useless in a short time. Buying zippers made with corrosion-resistant materials will help to curb the degradation over time. Regardless of the material, though, always wash your gear with fresh water after being exposed to saltwater.


Scuba Diving Expert

How To Choose The Best Scuba Diving Bag – Buying Guide

How-to-pack-your-dive-bag-like-a-pro

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.  Dive bags with wheels are best for divers that travel by air often.

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. 

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. 

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 like it if the scuba diving gear bag comes with waterproof side pockets where you can stash small items and valuables.

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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 saltwater. 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 saltwater 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. About 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

How_Should_I_Pack_My_Bag

Q: How Should I Pack My Bag?

A: 

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. 

Q: What Should I Pack In My Bag?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

It depends on several factors, mainly on the size of your gear and where you plan to take the scuba bag. 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 it will be more difficult to handle.

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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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