Choosing the Right Dive Gear Bag: Mesh Bags, Crates, Suitcases, and Travel Options
Picking the right dive gear bag makes local diving and travel much easier. Dive shops often push mesh bags, but better options exist. Crates, dry bags, and roller suitcases protect your gear, keep it organized, and reduce frustration before and after the dive.
Why Mesh Bags Are Not the Best Choice
Mesh bags are common, but they do little to protect your investment and often make packing harder.
Problems with Mesh Bags
- Snags and tangles - Straps, fins, and wetsuits catch easily.
- No protection - Masks, regulators, and computers are exposed.
- Short lifespan - Fabric tears quickly when overloaded.
- Awkward to carry - Shifting weight makes them unbalanced.
Smarter Alternatives
| Dive Type | Better Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Local diving | Plastic crate | Keeps gear protected, organized, and easy to load |
| Cold water boat | Storage box with lid | Protects drysuits and keeps extra items contained |
| Warm water day trip | Dry bag | Compact, waterproof, and easy to carry |
| Travel diving | Roller suitcase | Protects gear during flights and easier through airports |
Storage Boxes and Crates for Local Diving
For shore and boat dives, a sturdy plastic crate is far better than mesh. It protects equipment and makes loading simple.
Why Boxes Work
- No tangles - gear drops in cleanly
- Durable and stackable - protects from damage
Best Features
- Heavy duty plastic that does not crack
- Reinforced handles for carrying weight
- Latching lid for boat rides
Dry Bags and Daypacks for Warm Water
A dry bag or compact pack is ideal for warm water trips where full gear transport is not needed.
- Lightweight and packs flat
- Waterproof for clothes and electronics
- Boat friendly and space efficient
Roller Suitcases for Travel
When flying, a roller suitcase protects your gear and makes transit easier than duffels or mesh bags.
Why They Work
- Built for heavy loads
- Fits fins and full setups
- Wheels make transport easier
Best Features
- Large enough for long fins without bending
- Reinforced sides to absorb impacts
- Compartments to organize regulators, wetsuits, and accessories
- Lockable zippers for air travel
Scuba Specific vs Standard Luggage
- Pros: Purpose built with vents and drainage
- Cons: More expensive and often heavier
Pelican Cases for Cameras
Pelican style cases are only practical if you travel with camera gear. For normal dive gear, they are too heavy and bulky.
- Protects housings and electronics
- Fully waterproof and crushproof
- Lockable for checked baggage
Comparison at a Glance
| Bag Type | Best Use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh Bag | Shop upsell | Lightweight, drains water | No protection, snags, wears quickly |
| Crate/Box | Local and cold water | Durable, stackable, protective | Bulky in small cars |
| Dry Bag | Warm water, day trip | Compact, waterproof, easy to carry | Limited space |
| Roller Suitcase | Flights and full kits | Protects gear, easy airport transit | Heavier and requires careful packing |
| Pelican Case | Camera gear only | Crushproof, lockable | Heavy and impractical for most divers |