The Dive Otter

My Dive Gear - Pre/Post Dive

O2 Gas / Tank Analyzer

Divesoft - DNA Nitrox/Oxygen Analyzer

  • Compact / Travel size
  • Requires Bluetooth Phone to use...but I always have my phone
General Opinion: Super easy to use and have had no problems with the bluetooth integration with my phone

Mask Defog



Stream2Sea Mask Defog

  • Reef Safe
  • Little goes a long way
General Opinion: Far better than soap/water mix or spit. Apply it before every dive (including the 2nd one of the day) and you'll see clearly.

Various Gear Mats

A changing mat


Large Fabric Changing Mat

General Opinion: I place it at the bed of my truck so I have something to stand on that isn't dirt or mud.
A changing mat


Neoprene Mat for changing on

General Opinion: Primarily for when I'm using my drysuit as I do not want the neoprene socks to get torn up more than they need to be from walking/standing on dirt or cement. I picked a cheap one on Amazon that was large. Works fine.

Medical Supplies

DAN Rescue Pak

  • M9 Cylinder (8.77 cuft : ~20min of delivery)
General Opinion: After doing approximately 30 dives at the local quarry and not seeing anyone with emergency O2 with them, and very sure that the local park district wouldn't have any, I bought my own and pre-position it before every dive.

Philips HeartStart Defibrillator

General Opinion: If I go down...I want someone to bring me back up! It is not common for me to see AEDs at local dive sites and since I can afford one...I have one for anyone to use.

Keeping Warm

Surf Fur Water Parka

  • Hooded
  • Hand thru pockets for dressing/undressing
General Opinion: There is not much worse than being cold and wet after a dive. Years of standing on the side of a pool in the wind during water polo matches taught me to invest in a good parka. For 8 months out of the year in Chicago I have this parka in my truck. I even loaned it out to a diver doing their checkout dives and shivering at the picnic tables.

Carrying Stuff

Folding Cart from Amazon



  • Fairly cheap
  • Works amazingly well for hauling 2 tanks to a park bench or the waters edge.

Travel Bag


Stahlsac Steel Duffel

  • Airplane carry on approved
  • Can be slung like a backpack
General Opinion: Love it! I have used on non-diving trips for up to 7 days of clothing. The main zipper is up against your back when you are wearing it like a backpack, which is great for security.

Stahlsac 34" Steel (wheeled)

General Opinion: Haven't used it yet