So far so good, holds all my kit for traveling, no problemo!
Lightweight but seems sturdy enough
By
SHAINA L.
We haven?t used/traveled with it yet but it is super lightweight so we should have no problems with weight restrictions. Our other Akona dive bag is older, super heavy duty but weighs more.
The Akona Chelan is lightweight yet durable. Making it easier for you to pack more gear and still meet airline weight restrictions. This bag is great for any type of travel. Bag has an exterior pocket with locking D-ring, which can fit a regulator pouch (Akona Classic Regulator Bag AKB605 - Not Included). Durable smooth-rolling wheels and a hidden telescoping trolley handle allows you to easily maneuver busy airport, train and bus terminals. The bag has heavy-duty YKK zipper closures with branded pull tabs for easy access to all compartments. Two separate fin pockets to maximize storage with breathable mesh panels for ventilation and drainage. The Akon Chelan Roller Bag weighs in at 8 lbs (3.6kg) when empty, measures 31 x 21 x 14" (78.75 x 53.3 x 35.6cm) with a volume of 9,093 cu in (149L). Bag comes with a top grab lifting handle and a barrel lock drawstring water bottle pouch.
VANCE B
Has Akona corrected the exposed nuts, screws, etc. issue on the inside of the bag that several individuals have complained? I certainly understand that this could create a big problem on a dive trip.
GENE C
No, the Akona Chelan I ordered 11/28/2022 still had exposed fasteners. This was one of several factors that led me to choose the Cressi Moby 5 over the Akona Chelan. I compared both side by side and ended up returning the Akona Chelan. For one thing, I thought the Chelan (listed as 149L volume) would have a lot more room than the Moby 5 (listed at 115L volume), but after seeing the bags side by side I have no idea how they're coming up with such different numbers. The main compartment volume of the Moby 5 as calculated by my measurements was within about 1% (less than) of the Chelan. The Moby 5's zippers worked much more smoothly, it seemed to have higher quality wheels, it included padding to protect your gear, and even came with a regulator bag. My first dive bag was an Akona purchased in 1995 that I really loved and I wanted to like the Akona Chelan, but after seeing both I'd definitely recommend the Moby 5 instead.
SARAH W
It states that dimensions are 31"x21"x14". That adds to 66. This is over the 62"max allowable on most airlines. HAve you had problems traveling by air with this bag? or extra fees?
KELSIE E
I had no problem traveling with this bag. I brought it from Guam through Japan and had no Issues checking it. I was charged fees, but it was my second bag on that flight. I was only charged the typical 2nd bag fees.
JIM G
I had no problem traveling within the US. I haven't yet traveled internationally with it.
ROBERT F
Are the YKK zippers metal or plastic? Is the telescoping handle mechanism rust resistant. Are the wheel axels rust resistant. My two other bags have had age problems with corrosion of these parts and became unusable.
LYNN M
Zippers are all metal and very heavy duty! Handle is powder coated so should not rust. Axel and wheels holding up nicely. Only issue I have is fabric near wheels is chewed up due to rolling over rough terrain. I really like the bag though! Very roomy!!
LARRY G
I am not sure about all your questions but the handle mechanism seems to work smoothly. The wheels are also smooth rolling too. I've only used this bag a half dozen times and so far no issues. I bought it primarily because it is light weight and because of the pouches for fins, regulator, etc.
Hope this helps,
CHARLES S
really like the features and it seemed to be reasonably priced.
DENISE K
Nice size and plenty of extra spaces
JESSICA R
I like my old akona bag and it was time to replace it
DANIEL E
It is the same brand and is similar to the bag that I have owned for 10 years. I've been extremely happy with it.
JOSHUA D
This is my current dive bag for the past 9 years. Still nothing has come out that beats this bag. You can fit everything in it you need to travel and extra. I can fit 2 pairs of fins in this bag one pair in each fin pocket. 2 pairs of masks. So you can carry a back up pairs of fins&masks. Being at only 8 lbs. it leaves you room to pack another 42 lbs. with American Airlines before you get to the over sized bag fee. That is a lot of weight. I don't know about the other airlines weight policy.
LARRY G
My GF has this bag and it's pretty nice. I am replacing a very heavy Pelican case because this bag is a great deal for the money - lots of room and pockets for reg, mask and fins.