Basic Dive Gear: What Every Diver Should Own First
This page covers the foundational gear I believe every diver should personally own early in their dive journey. These are the items you rely on every dive, no matter where you're diving or what your dive goals are.
Some of this gear is required for training. Some of it is just too personal or critical to leave to rental quality or fit. Either way, this is the minimum kit I believe a diver should prioritize.
Understanding the Pricing Options
Each gear category includes three example options:
| Tier | Description |
|---|---|
| Higher Quality | Built to last with premium materials, durability, and design |
| Goldilocks | Balanced performance and price — what I recommend most often |
| Lower Price | Budget-friendly options that still meet minimum standards |
Estimated Total Cost for Basic Gear
These totals include a mask, snorkel, boots, fins, and defog.
| Option | Basic Kit |
Essential Kit |
Complete Kit |
Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Quality | $715 | $715 | ||
| Goldilocks | $500 | $500 | ||
| Lower Price | $260 | $260 |
Mask
Your mask is one of the most personal pieces of dive gear. Fit and comfort matter more than brand or features. Try several before settling, and be prepared to change your mind after 10 or 20 dives. When you do, your old mask becomes your backup.
- Higher Quality Option (~$250): Prescription Venom Frameless Mask
- Goldilocks Option (~$180): Venom Frameless Mask
- Lower Price Option (~$80): Scuba Max Quattro Mask
Snorkel
You’ll need one for your Open Water class, but many experienced divers stop carrying them. I recommend buying the cheapest one from your local dive shop unless you're training for surf entry or rescue.
- Higher Quality Option (~$80): Atomic Aquatics SV2
- Goldilocks Option (~$50): XS Scuba Passage Dry Snorkel
- Lower Price Option (~$35): Zeagle Tango Snorkel
Boots
Boots should be chosen before fins to ensure a good fit. Thickness depends on water temperature, but 5mm is a safe general-purpose option for quarry, pool, or vacation diving.
- Higher Quality Option (~$135): Fourth Element Amphibian Boot
- Goldilocks Option (~$75): Aqualung 5mm SuperZip Boot
- Lower Price Option (~$50): Seac 5mm Boot
Fins
Start with open-heel fins that require boots. Avoid full-foot fins unless you're diving warm, calm waters exclusively. Take your boots to the store when you buy fins as the fins need to fit the boot not the foot.
- Higher Quality Option (~$235): Fourth Element Tech Fins
- Goldilocks Option (~$180): Mares Avanti Quattro+
- Lower Price Option (~$80): Edge Gear Flex Fins
Defog
A reliable defog can make or break your dive. I’ve tried everything, and nothing beats Stream2Sea. Just make sure your mask is properly prepped.
- Higher Quality Option (~$15): Stream2Sea Defog
- Goldilocks Option (~$15): Stream2Sea Defog
- Lower Price Option ($0): Spit