10 Best Travel BCDs In 2023

The Oceanic Biolite is another outstanding choice from Oceanic for those looking for a very lightweight travel BCD. The total weight of this travel BCD is just 5.5 pounds. A portion of the weight savings is in the low profile backplate with lumbar support, this also allows the BCD to be folded into a smaller space. The Biolite's back positioned air bladder will provide between 32 and 38 pounds of lift depending on the size of the BCD. 

The air bladder uses a material they call BioFlex. This is a stretchable material that still maintains the air/water-tight bladder when inflated. When the additional lift is not needed, the air bladder is smaller and is more streamlined than air bladders using traditional materials. This BCD has only two Pull-Dump/Overpressure Relief Valves, left shoulder and lower left-back, which some divers may not like.

The integrated weight system can have up to 14 lbs in two ditch-able front pouches and up to 10 pounds in two rear trim pouches. The trim pouches are attached to the tank band, which is ideal for trim adjustments. The Biolite has torso adjustable shoulder straps and a self-adjusting sternum strap. The shoulder straps have several attachment points. You can use the depth compensating waistband strap or purchase an optional cummerbund. 

There is also a female version of the Biolite.

Aqualung is the oldest name in recreational scuba diving and is still one of the most respected brands. However, it is not stuck in the past. It is still known for innovation. The Zuma travel BCD can easily be listed as innovative. The Zuma weighs just 4.4 pounds and can be rolled up. This BCD does not have a backplate, instead, it uses two tank bands and a yoke strap to hold the tank in place.

The lower tank band is integrated with the waistband. This arrangement not only allows the diver to place the tank in the best position for optimal trim but also shifts the weight to the hips. Sculpted padding in the shoulders, spine and lumbar support adds to the stability and comfort. The Zuma has a chest strap that can be adjusted up and down for the best placement.

The air bladders have a retraction system. When you release air from the bladder, the retraction system pulls the bladder closer to the body. This helps maintain the best-streamlined position. The amount of lift the bladders can supply varies depending on the size but ranges from 22 to 34 pounds of lift. The SureLock™ II Mechanical Weight Release System will hold up to 20 pounds of weight. An optional non-ditchable pocket set will hold another 10 pounds.

Zeagle makes a full range of diving BCDs but is best known for its technical diving gear. Generally, tech divers carry more gear with them and use multiple tanks. The BCD they use is designed to have interchangeable parts to meet the current dive conditions. The Zeagle Express Tech BC is a fully adaptable back inflation BCD that weighs under 6.5 pounds. It comes with a compact 24-pound lift capacity retractable bladder assembly or an optional 34-pound lift system. It also accepts most optional bladders.  

The Express Tech BC comes with a deluxe webbing harness with an articulated shoulder assembly that swivels to customize the fit to the diver. This BCD is part of the Personal Fit System of Zeagle products which allows other styles of harnesses to be used. Tech divers often dive with two tanks and the Express Tech BC backplate uses an industry-standard attachment system to allow dual tanks. The  Zip Touch weight system attaches to the backplate and will hold 20 pounds of releasable weights. Divers can also attach up to 16 pounds of fixed weights.

Colors are generally not considered a feature, but at Zeagle they are. Several different panels are sewed together to make a BCD. At Zeagle you can select the color of each panel giving you a one-of-a-kind design if you desire.

If you like the Cressi Travelight but it is slightly out of your budget, then consider the Cressi Ultralight travel BCD. The Cressi Ultralight travel BCD is a back inflation style device weighing in at just 4.6 pounds with a fast fold system making travel easy. The air bladder provides 20.2 pounds to 31.7 pounds of lift depending on the size of the BCD. There are two shoulders over pressure/ dump valves with one being integrated with the Cressi's Streamline Commando Power Inflator.

The Ultralight uses the same Integrated Lock Aid Quick-Release Weight System as the Travelight, which holds 20 pounds in the front pouches. It does not have trim pouches. You can adjust for a custom fit with the torso, sternum, and waist straps all equipped with squeeze-style" side release buckles. A drop-down cargo pocket and four plastic “D” rings will help you secure your accessories.

The Hollis L.T.S Light Travel BCD is based on the company's HD200 BCD. Designed for warm water use, the L.T.S is a weight-integrated back inflation design with 30 pounds of lift. The LTS uses the two-piece wing (bladder) and back pad design of the HD200, however, it is not a modular BCD. The BCD weighs 5 pounds.

The L.T.S. is the only BCD in Hollis' product line that has an integrated weight system. The design allows for 14-pound dumpable weight and 10 pounds trim. The BCD has “D” rings at both chest and hip positions for accessories or a sling bottle. The manufacturer suggests it is suitable for single AL80’s and steel 85’s.

If you are looking for a basic model BCD for occasional use then the Palantic Traveler by Scuba Choice may be worth your attention. This BCD is a back inflation style with a 30-pound lift capacity. Two 10 lbs Quick-release integrated weight pockets and two rear trim pockets allow you to adjust your weights and trim.

This is similar to the Cressi Travelight model, except this is a back inflation model. The air bladders are of durable 420-Denier Nylon and bungee Cords assist to provide a low-profile and rapid deflation of the air cell. Bungee cords are used on much high-end technical diving BCD. A medium-size Air Traveler BCD has 36 pounds of lift. It uses the Lock-Aid Integrated Weight Pockets which can have up to ten pounds on each side. Trim weight pockets are optional.

The Air Traveler comes with Cressi's Streamline Commando Power Inflator with Cable Activated Pull Dump Valve. There is also an additional shoulder dump valve and a lower rear valve. The harness system used traditional squeeze-style side-release buckles and adjustable straps on the chest, shoulders, and waist. The overall weight is 5.5 pounds.