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Our Top 10 Picks for Lightweight Scuba Gear

Our Top 10 Picks for Lightweight Scuba Gear

Written by Fernando Lopez
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Published on February 12, 2020
scuba equipment bag with different pieces of diving gear

These days, airline regulations on baggage weight are much stricter, making airline travel quite the hassle. That’s why you might find it tricky to pack for scuba diving trips. This fact holds especially true if you’re particular about using your own dive gear but want to avoid excess baggage fees.

Fortunately, scuba equipment manufacturers understand the need for lightweight scuba gear and they’re now designing such items for the scuba traveler. So if you want to bring the essentials with you while keeping your luggage light, here’s a closer look at some travel-friendly options you might want to invest in.

BCDs/Buoyancy Compensators

a male diver wearing a BCD underwater

Buoyancy compensators or BCDs are an integral part of your diving gear. However, these devices are often the bulkiest pieces of scuba diving equipment you’ll have to travel with. BCDs can sometimes take up half of your luggage space and your weight limit. Thankfully, many manufacturers are producing lighter and more travel-friendly BCDs.

Cressi Travelight BCD

Cressi Travelight BCD lightweight travel scuba gear

An ultra-light yet fully weight integrated BCD, Cressi’s Travelight uses the brand’s Lock-Aid weight system. This system lets you insert and extract pockets automatically and intuitively. The Travelight BCD also has many features that will help divers achieve optimal performance underwater, including its hydrodynamic air bladder which improves lateral air distribution.

But what makes this compensator great for travel is that you can fold it up to the size of a small pillow in just a few seconds. When it’s folded, the Travelight will fit into the included ultra-compact travel bag, making it perfect for easy storage. Travelight BCDs weigh between 5 to 6.2 lbs (2.3 to 2.8 kg) across sizes.

Key Features

  • Weighs Between 5 to 6.2 lbs (2.3 to 2.8 kg)
  • Compact folding into Carry Bag
  • Durable, Internally Urethrane Laminated 210-Denier Nylon Bladder
  • Fully Integrated Weight System with Trim Pockets
  • Integrated Lock Aid Quick-Release System
  • Lift Capacity is Between 13.5 to 36 lbs (6.1 to 16.3 kg)
  • Available in Multiple Sizes & Colors

Aqua Lung Zuma Travel BC

Aqua Lung Zuma Travel BC best travel BCD

Aqua Lung promotes the Zuma BCD as a BCD that every diver will need minus the extra weight or bulk that its traditional counterparts have. Still not convinced? This BCD tips the scales at less than 4.75 lbs (2.2 kg) for its medium and large sizes. And just like the Travelight, the Zuma is also portable. You can pack it flat or rolled and it will still fit into the included carry-on bag.

Aside from being light and compact, the Zuma BCD comes with other useful features. It boasts multiple innovations, such as the SureLock II Weight Release and bladder retraction systems. This BCD even features ergonomic weight distribution, smooth and flat valves, and an adjustable chest strap, among others. Its lightweight form makes the Zuma one of the best travel BCDs in the market today.

Key Features

  • Lightweight
  • Fits inside Carry-On Luggage
  • New, Innovative Tank Strap Designs
  • Shoulder Strap Rails for Chest Strap Adjustment
  • Sure-Lock II Mechanical Weight Release System
  • Bladder Retraction System
  • 22 lbs (10 kg) Lift for XXS to Medium Sizes & 34 lbs (15.42 kg) Lift for Larger Sizes
  • Available in Midnight/Black & Midnight/Pink

Fins

a diver with scuba fins going into the water

While scuba fins aren’t as heavy as BCDs, traditional ones can be quite bulky, making them difficult to transport during diving trips. Luckily, the market now offers travel scuba fins that you can easily take with you to your next diving destination.

SCUBAPRO Go Travel Fins

SCUBAPRO Go Travel scuba fins

Specially made for travel, the SCUBAPRO Go fins are lightweight, comfortable, durable, and agile. These characteristics deem these fins perfect for globe-trotting divers, snorkelers, and swimmers. Plus, the Go fins meet major airline carry-on luggage requirements due to their extremely compact size, making them one of the best scuba travel fins.

Another great thing about the SCUBAPRO Go fins is its durable design. The design itself can withstand possible hits, and you can use these fins in different water conditions. Go fins also excel in kicking: They’ve got a 25° pre-angled blade with a central power panel for a strong lengthwise design and a channeling effect.

Key Features

  • Lightweight, Comfortable, & Durable Travel Fins
  • Fast & Nimble Performer
  • Ideal Fin for Traveling Divers, Snorkelers, & Swimmers
  • Weight of 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) Across Medium & Large Sizes
  • 25-Degree Pre-Angled Blade
  • Designed to Fit Easily into IATA Compliant Luggage
  • Available in Multiple Sizes

Mares Volo Race Full Foot Fins

Mares Volo Race scuba travel fins

If you’re looking to achieve more efficient kicks without exerting too much effort, the Mares Volo Race fins are perfect for you. That’s because these fins combine the Optimizing Pivoting Blade (OPB) system with Super Channel Thrust technology. OPB offers control over the Volo Race’s thrust angle and optimizes it, while SCT delivers ideal water routing across the fin blade.

But a great kicking performance is just the tip of the iceberg for the Volo Race. These fins weigh between 2.2 to 3.8 lbs (1.02 to 1.74 kg), making them portable and travel-friendly. Volo Race fins are also perfect for traveling and diving in warm water environments. So if you’re plunging in such waters, make sure to get your hands on these full-foot fins.

Key Features

  • Optimized Pivoting Blade System
  • Super Channel Thrust Technology
  • Creates Constant Thrust & Provides Fluid Movement
  • Heel Pull Tab for Easy Donning/Doffing
  • Overall Length is Between 23.2” to 28.1” (59 to 71.5 cm)
  • Weighs Between 2.2 to 3.8 lbs (1.02 to 1.74 kg)
  • Available in Multiple Sizes & Colors

Masks & Snorkels

a diving mask with snorkel

Snorkel gear is getting much more portable nowadays. We’ve got frameless masks that fit in boxes half the size of the usual dive mask boxes, and foldable snorkels that you can place in your BCD’s pockets. Let’s take a look at two of your possible options for travel-friendly masks and snorkels.

Cressi Frameless F1 Mask

Taking its design cues from the PIUMA mask, this new, single-crystal mask features elegant, balanced, and frameless technology. A silicone skirt is present in the Cressi F1, which ensures great visibility in all directions, including the sides. For this reason, the skirt allows pressure-free, maximum approach of the eye or glass while you use the mask.

The F1 mask also features fully tilting buckles with instant, one-hand strap control. Cressi has anchored these buckles on the frame to help prevent skirt distortion during use. Plus, the F1 only weighs 200 grams along with the strap so it’s easy to carry on driving trips.

Key Features

  • Low-Profile Design
  • Folds Flat for Easy Carrying
  • High-Grade Silicone Skirt Bonded Directly to Lens
  • Single Tempered Glass Lens
  • Quick-Adjust Strap Buckles
  • Wide Field of Vision
  • Available in Multiple Colors

Oceanic Pocket Snorkel

Oceanic Pocket Snorkel lightweight scuba gear

Oceanic’s innovative solution suits divers who don’t like wearing snorkels but need to always prepare for their dives. Their Pocket Snorkel offers a neat fold and an unobtrusive look inside your BC pocket when it’s not in use. With dimensions of 7” x 4” x 2.5” (17.8 cm x 10.2 cm x 6.4 cm) when you fold it, this snorkel is truly travel-friendly.

Key Features

  • Foldable Design for Easy Storage
  • Folded Dimensions: 7” x 4” x 2.5” (17.8 cm x 10.2 cm x 6.4 cm)
  • Dry Top Deflector
  • Oversized Purge Valve for Effortless Cleaning
  • Replaceable 100% Liquid Silicone Rubber Mouthpiece
  • Contoured Tube Design
  • Patented Snorkel Lock Keeper
  • Dry Snorkel Design

Regulators

dive regulators resting on the edge of a swimming pool

Dive regulators keep you breathing underwater—and that’s why they’re the most important piece of diving equipment. But if you’re worried about excess baggage fees when carrying a bulky regulator, manufacturers offer a few impressive portable regulators.

Oceanic Alpha 10 + sPX Yoke Regulator

Oceanic Alpha 10 + sPX Yoke Regulator lightweight scuba gear

Oceanic’s Alpha 10 scuba regulator boasts a durable, compact design with an advanced air delivery system. This lightweight regulator features an all-new, pneumatically balanced second stage to help you breathe smoothly underwater. It responds to natural inhalation and achieves less resistance, too. Oceanic has included a more compact sPX piston with the Alpha 10. The piston has two HP and four LP ports, as well as an angled design for hose routing.

Aside from its first and second stages, the Alpha 10 also features a pre-dive switch that’ll help you avoid free flow. Stopping unnecessary free flow with this switch is easy: Just adjust it before or in between dives. Besides having a light, portable design, Oceanic made the Alpha 10 easy to use and easy to service. The company includes a lifetime warranty with the regulator and free parts for life.

Key Features

  • Nitrox-Ready up to 40%, Out of the Box
  • ⅜” Threaded Maxflex 30” (76.2)
  • Oceanic sPX Yoke Regulator with Tripled Chromed Brass Marine Construction
  • 4 LP Ports, ⅜” Thread
  • LP Ports Angled for Optimal Hose Routing
  • 2 HP Ports, 7/16” Thread
  • Second Stage with Pneumatically Balanced Design
  • Dive/Pre-Dive Venturi Switch
  • Diameter of 2.66” (6.75 cm)

Cressi XS Compact AC2 Regulator

Cressi XS Compact AC2 Regulator lightweight scuba gear

Deemed a great rig for new divers and equipped with a functional stage bottle regulator system, Cressi’s XS Compact AC2 features a simple piston first stage. This is an affordable, reliable, and durable “work mule” for intense use. The first stage also has a conical filter with a large filtering capacity, which keeps particles from entering your tank. The XS Compact boasts an Allen key that’ll let you control exterior LP levels. This function makes managing adjustments and technical maintenance much easier.

The XS Compact features a new, ultra-simplified monocoque second stage. This small, extremely lightweight, and durable component is made out of ABS and elastomer. Its design contains minimal parts. The regulator’s second stage combines performance, reliability, affordability, and reasonable cost of maintenance as well, making it a smart buy.

Other notable features on the AC2 second stage include a flow deviator with dive or pre-dive adjustment, a large soft purge cover, and a comfortable silicone mouthpiece. Cressi also applied a new technology in the mold of the AC2’s casing finish, which achieves less aging. This technology creates a variegated look on a micro-texture of rounded profiles.

Key Features

  • Weighs 35 oz (994 g) with Hose
  • Lightweight Jacketed ⅜” Threaded Low Pressure (LP) Hose
  • Second Stage with Hi-Tech Polymer Housing
  • Durable, Non-Corrosive Design
  • Reliable Downstream Demand Valve System
  • Large Soft Purge Cover
  • Venturi Dive/Pre-Dive Switch Prevents Free Flow When Not in Use
  • First Stage with Marine Grade Chromed Brass Construction
  • 4 LP Ports, ⅜” Thread
  • 1 HP Port, 7/16” Thread

Scuba Gear Travel Bags

a mesh scuba gear bag

If you’re traveling by air or hopping onto a boat, a high-quality scuba gear bag is essential for convenience and equipment protection. Many brands offer different types of dive equipment bags—from typical gear bags to all-in-one travel bags. But the best bags on the market have durable fabrics with reinforced stitching and sufficiently large room for your equipment. With this fact in mind, we’re giving you our top picks for diving equipment bags.

Aqua Lung Traveler 50 Regulator Bag

Aqua Lung Traveler 50 Regulator Bag

An improperly stored or protected regulator can be a disadvantage once it hits the water. To keep this issue from occuring, it’s a good idea to put your regulator in Aqua Lung’s Traveler 50 Regulator Bag. This bag is part of the brand’s Traveler series which offers dive luggage made of durable 840D PVC-free nylon. It also features padded sides that protect delicate parts from possible damage.

For extra storage, the Traveler 50 offers an interior mesh pocket. This pocket will hold small tools and spare parts for Aqua Lung regulators. Plus, regulator parts won’t move around the bag with two hook and loop straps keeping these items in place. You’re unlikely to pay for excess baggage when you’ve got the Traveler 50, as it weighs only seven ounces (195.8 g).

Key Features

  • Heavy-Duty 840D PVC-Free Nylon Fabric
  • Total Weight of 7 oz (195.8 g)
  • Padded Sides
  • Interior Mesh Pocket
  • 2 Hook & Loop Straps
  • Nylon Zipper Pulls
  • Corrosion Resistant YKK Zippers
  • 10” x 12” x 4” (25.4 cm x 30.5 cm x 10.2 cm)
  • Volume of 480 cu. in (7.87 L)

Akona Chellan Roller Bag

Akona Chelan Roller Bag lightweight scuba gear

With the Akona Chelan Roller Bag’s lightweight yet durable design, packing more gear while meeting airline weight restrictions will be a breeze. This scuba gear bag weighs 8 lbs (3.6 kg) when it’s empty and measures 31” x 14” (78.75 cm x 35.6 cm). It boasts a 100-liter (6,076 cu. in.) capacity, which is enough to hold your gear and other essentials. Plus, the Chelan has durable YKK zipper closures with branded pull tabs. These closures let you access all compartments without any problems.

Besides these aforementioned features, this roller bag also features an exterior pocket. It comes with a locking D-ring and a removable regulator pouch. And for more storage space, the Chelan has two separate fin pockets. You’ll even find it easy to move across busy airports, train stations, and bus terminals with this bag’s durable, smooth-rolling wheels and hidden telescoping trolley handle. The Chelan’s versatile as well, making it the perfect bag for any type of travel.

Key Features

  • Weighs 8 lbs (3.6 kg) When Empty
  • Durable Construction
  • Great for Any Type of Travel
  • Exterior Pocket with Locking D-Ring & Removable Regulator Pouch
  • Barrel Lock Drawstring Water Bottle Pouch
  • Durable, Smooth-Rolling Wheels & Hidden Telescoping Trolley Handle
  • Top Grab Lifting Handle
  • Heavy-Duty YKK Zipper Closures with Branded Pull Tabs
  • Two Separate Fin Pockets to Maximize Storage
  • Dimensions of 31” x 14” (78.75 cm x 35.6 cm)
  • Volume of 6,076 cu. in. (100L)