Gear Essentials for Dive Travel - by Scubapro
If you’ve ever hauled your gear on a plane, you know one thing to be true: diving is easy, travel is hard. Unfortunately, we can’t solve the ever-changing, ever-frustrating struggles surrounding travel, but we can help you trim weight without sacrificing performance.
Read on for our top recommendations for travel gear, and pack with confidence for your next trip!
Best Fins for Dive Travel
The perfect travel fin should be lightweight, comfortable, and easy to pack – all without sacrificing performance. This may seem like an impossible find, but fear not: there are many great options to suit your diving style.
SCUBAPRO’s GO Travel Fins
SCUBAPRO’s GO Travel Fins were expertly designed with travel in mind. This travel fin combines the fitment benefits of an open heel fin, with the comfort and barefoot freedom of a full foot fin. Weighing in at just 1.65lbs/.75kg, the GO is lightweight yet virtually indestructible thanks to Monprene® materials, plus it’s a fast and nimble performer in the water. The self-adjusting bungee heel strap allows for a versatile and comfortable fit in bare feet, but the GO Travel Fins can also be worn with neo socks if you prefer a bit more padding. At just 20in/50.8cm, the fins fit comfortably in a carry-on bag, making it the ideal fin for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers who enjoy traveling the world.
Scubapro Seawing Nova Open Heel Fins
For divers who prefer an open-heel (or if the dive destination requires booties), the SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova is the best of the best. The iconic fin delivers power, acceleration, and maneuverability of a blade fin and the kicking comfort and efficiency of a split. All in a 3.5lb/1.6kg package. The Seawing Novas offer unparalleled power without strain and a custom fit for ultimate comfort. It’s also available in a full-foot version, both of which pack easy in your checked bag.
Best Wetsuits for Dive Travel
If there’s one piece of dive gear that you should absolutely own, it’s a wetsuit (for obvious reasons). And most divers have a variety of options to accommodate different dive conditions. While there’s no single suit on the market to meet the needs of every dive, there are a few solid options that cover most of your needs.
SCUBAPRO 2.5mm Definition Sport Shorty
If you’re heading to the Caribbean, or any warm-water dive destination, we highly recommend the SCUBAPRO 2.5mm Definition Sport Shorty or the Everflex Separates. The Definition Sport Shorty is ideal for snorkeling and shallow, warm-water dives, and offers incredible comfort, warmth, and maneuverability in a compact package. Weighing in at just 1.2lbs/0.5kg, it takes up virtually no space in your carry-on or checked bag, making it a must for tropical destinations.
If you prefer a full-suit experience but you’re limited on space, the SCUBAPRO 1.5mm Everflex Separates are a no-brainer. Available in both short- and long-sleeved options for men and women, the Everflex Separates offer unbeatable warmth and range of motion and only 2lbs/0.9kg of weight. For divers who need a bit more insulation, the Everflex Steamer fullsuits are available in 3/2mm, 5/4mm, and 7/5mm options for optimum performance and comfort.
Tend to get cold, regardless of conditions? Layer a SCUBAPRO Hooded Vest underneath your wetsuit for added warmth without taking up space.
Best Bags for Dive Travel
Last on the list: Dive Bags. This may not seem like a priority when it comes to buying dive gear, but trust us – your dive bag can make or break your dive travel experience.
Naturally, your dive travel bag is going to be customized to your preferred travel style, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option to make life easier. When it comes to selecting a bag for dive travel, we recommend focusing on products with durable materials, plenty of space for gear and clothing, and convenience for your diving style.
If you’re looking for a dive bag to safely haul your gear at the airport to and from your dives, look no further than the SCUBAPRO XP Pack Duo Bag. The winner of ScubaLab’s 2021 Tester’s Choice Award for Large Roller Bags, the XP Pack Duo is packed with features to make your life easier. The roller bag is made from lightweight-yet-durable 420D nylon NT and 450D Rip-stop fabric and includes a saltwater-resistant YKK Vislon zipper. Smartly placed handles and a total weight of just 12lbs/5.4kg make for easy lifting and rolling, while still holding a total volume of 31gal/118L. Two independent main compartments easily fit a full set of dive gear, and the internal mesh pockets make easy work of organizing clothing and personal items. Add to that reliable, all-terrain wheels and a telescopic tow handle, the XP Pack Duo is the industry’s best bag for stress-free travel.
If you prefer to travel light, we recommend a backpack that doubles as a dry bag. Available in a 15L, 45L, and 120L options, the SCUBAPRO Dry Bag is available in the perfect size for any traveling diver. All three bags are 100% dry, thanks to a super-tough fabric blend – 85% 500D nylon and 15% polyester backed by a TPU coating, and feature comfortable backpack straps and a convenient carry handle. Bonus: The 120L triples as a roller bag for even-easier travel.
No matter where your next dive takes you, scuba.com is a one-stop shop for all of your gear needs.
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