Let’s face it: when you take up Scuba diving, it takes you places, which means traveling- packing heavy gear, worrying about airline weight limits, and lugging it around everywhere. Buoyancy Compensators (BC) or Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD) are probably one of the bulkiest pieces of Scuba gear you’ll have to carry on your scuba trips, so it makes sense to think about investing in a lightweight and compact BCD that would be easier to travel with rather than the traditional styles.
Here’s a closer look at some light and compact travel BCDs that don’t compromise function for size.
Cressi Travelight BCD
Specifically designed for those who travel by plane, the Cressi Travelight BC’s light structure and anatomical shape make it a very tight-fitting and streamlined jacket once underwater, offering little resistance to forward movement. But what makes it great for travel is that it can be folded up to the size of a small pillow in just a few seconds, and it fits into an ultra-compact travel bag, which is included when you buy it, making it ideal for stowing away easily. The Travelight is ultra-light (Size Medium weighs only 5.5 lbs.) but is fully weight-integrated, employing Cressi’s Lock-Aid weight system, and includes all the features for optimum performance.
Seaquest Passport BC
The Passport BCD’s lightweight and low profile makes it ideal for divers who travel and want to bring as much of their own gear as possible instead of renting an unfamiliar BCD on-site. It’s 25 – 30% lighter than comparable BCDs. The Passport’s mesh carrying bag serves double duty as extra lumbar support while wearing the BCD. The quick-release integrated weight system holds up to 20 pounds of weight.
Zeagle Express Tech BCD
The Express Tech is an ultra-lightweight, super compact traveling BC pack with features never before found in a rig this small. The ultimate travel rig for any diving, whether you take it to the islands for lightweight reef and fun diving or explore the deep holes and ledges that require technical gear and twin cylinders. The Express Tech BC system, complete, ready to dive, weighs under 5 pounds and packs up amazingly small. Two sets of center plate grommets allow for attaching twin cylinder assemblies via the bolt and nut arrangement most tech systems use. Larger optional bladders are available.
Mares Icon BC
In today’s world of travel we are strictly confined by airline weight restrictions, therefore the design of your equipment needs to encompass elements to be travel friendly. Icon is the ideal BC for traveling. The Quick-Pak System makes it easy to compact and transport the BC with a few simple moves. Once closed, it is minimal in size and can easily be transported in your suitcase or a small travel backpack. The mounted bladder provides high lift capacity when needed and complete freedom of movement on all your dives, making this BCD the diver’s choice!
