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Best Dive Bag for Scuba Travel

Best Dive Bag for Scuba Travel

So you have a box for your scuba mask, and a regulator bag for getting your gear to the dive site but when you are packing for a scuba holiday , it’s a good idea to invest in a dive bag to keep all your scuba diving equipment protected and together from and to airports.

Traveling with diving gear means having a protective case during air transportation and a mesh bag that can handle wet conditions at the site. Depending on your requirements, dive bags come in super handy. They make it easier to carry scuba equipment from place to place.

So whether you have heavy duty accessories, camera equipment or just want to bring lots of different gear options with you for your next trip – you’re gonna need a bag large enough to fit everything in. We know there can be so many different choices out there on the market today, so we have done our best to review the top 10.

Table of Contents

10 Best Scuba Dive Bags For Your Next Trip

When planning for a scuba vacation , the reality is, you need both a bag for air travel (and other transportation forms) and a dive bag that you can bring along with you on the boat. Both serve a different but important purpose.

Your main bag should be able to carry weight load, provide support and also protection from rough handling and weather conditions. Your second bag option will be for keeping your  accessories and smaller kit together once at the dive site and should also be suitable for carrying wet gear, like mesh dive bags for example.

Investing in one of the following choices will help you organize your equipment and also give you space for sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreens and anything else that you’ll be bringing along. When reading our reviews, take into account the different sizes, features, dimensions and storage options to make sure you find your perfect piece.

So whether you are looking at the best winter scuba destinations or a summer dive trip, we’ve put together a list of the best duty gear bags for a scuba holiday. Our list includes choices of dive bag with wheels, roller dive bag, polyester mesh bags that can get wet and heavy duty roller bags for air travel so that you are covered in all areas.

1.  Best Mesh Scub Bag:   Mares New Deluxe Cruise Mesh Backpack

Mares New Deluxe Cruise Mesh Backpack Dive Bag

This Mares bag is one of the best mesh designs we have seen so far . It is comfortable to use as a backpack thanks to its adjustable chest strap and sternum strap but you can also carry it in your hands using the two rubber handles.

Its a great size with plenty of room, simply pack your scuba gear from the drawcord top opening and then use the side zipper for quick access once your items are already packed. It’s made from mesh fabric but the back features a special design that protects you from wet gear.

It also features an extra nylon enclosed compartment at the front for any items that you don’t want to get wet. The clever design makes it versatile, strong with easy access. The front pocket is also a great fit for your regulator bag.

2. Most Portable Design:  ScubaPro XP Pack Duo Rolling Scuba Luggage

ScubaPro XP Pack Duo Rolling Dive Bag

Scuba diving gear is heavy so having handy roller bags for storage makes traveling with your own scuba gear a lot easier. Save yourself from lifting a heavy load with the ScubaPro XP trolley handles so you can stay agile.

This model is made of strong nylon fabric and is large enough to fit all your scuba equipment . The compartment features two mesh pockets for keeping equipment from tangling into each other, great for dive computer protection or a place to store a regulator bag.

3. Best Organized Dive Bags With Wheels: Cressi Strong Moby 5 Large Capacity

Cressi Strong Large Capacity Roller Luggage Bag

Even basic scuba gear has many different parts and pieces to it, that’s why it’s important to have a dive bag that lets you pack the contents separately into pockets to provide more protection of your valuables. Cressi’s version of roller bags features plenty of pockets and compartments for packing any accessories you want to bring with you.

The Cressi Moby 5 is an excellent choice for those who look to keep the interior of accessories perfectly organized and carefully packed. It is also great for when you want to limit your weight load since you can sneak in non-diving gear in the extra pockets.

4. Most Versatile Scuba Bag:  Hollis Duffle Bag for Scuba and Snorkeling

Hollis Duffle Bag for Scuba and Snorkeling

If durability is something you are looking for in your carry on – this is the one for you. Hollis have a reputation for engineering high-quality equipment for technical divers and are firmly focused on providing customers with the diving solutions they need for the more complicated diving situations they may find themselves in.

Although the high-end look and feel are present in this awesome duffle bag by the brand, it is a substantially simpler affair. It has been manufactured from a very durable and robust tarpaulin fabric and with a maximum capacity of 96-liters, offers enough space for all the diving gear you would need to take along on a technical expedition or if you are going away for a long time.

It offers a number of carrying options, from the backpack-style shoulder straps to the carry handles at both ends of the bag. Both of which have padded handles. There is an ID pocket to the top of the bag.

The thing we really like about this bag, aside from its impressive size and capacity is the ruggedness of its design. It has both puncture and abrasion resistance seams, so it is unlikely to fall apart even after you put it through its paces on various trips.

5. Best Hidden Perk: Mares Cruise Backpack Pro Roller Bag

Mares Cruise Backpack Pro Scuba Roller Dive Gear Bag

The Mares Cruise Backpack Pro roller bag has undergone a makeover and we love the hidden perk of this new scuba travel roller bags design. This bag may look like an ordinary trolley bag but the interior is a beauty case complete with a mirror so you can check yourself at any time during the day.

Besides the hidden perk, it also a handy design that can be converted into a backpack complete with shoulder straps – making it one of the most versatile bags on our list. Another great design element – the storage pockets for fins has a water drainage system to protect it from mold. All of this for a great price too.

6. Best Foldable Scuba Travel Duffel Bag: Aqua Lung Explorer Mesh Duffle

Aqua Lung Explorer Mesh Duffel Bag

When you need to bring scuba diving bags with you, size volume and portability are important. Cue in the Aqua Lung Explorer mesh duffel bag design that is collapsible to just a few inches for easy storage . The opening on this duffel is easily accessed by the main zipper and it is very easy to carry using the straps provided.

The interior has a padded air mesh body so that your equipment dries faster. Also, don’t worry about damage from saltwater since the zipper is non-corrosive and you can keep accessories in the tarpaulin sleeve pocket, away from your wet stuff.

7. Best Dive Bags with Wheels for Carry-On: Cressi Vuelo Carry-On Roller

Cressi Vuelo Dive Travel Bag

This lightweight and compact roller bag by Cressi is ideal as an extra bag since it is designed to fit most airline carry-on hold requirements . Keep your most delicate diving gear safe in this scuba gear carry on bag that you can keep close to you on the airplane. This sturdy roller bag option features both side pockets and a front compartment and is large enough so you can organize your stuff better.

The zipper on the front of this bag also makes a great place to store your travel documents or dive cards when you are on the go. Or, use the Cressi Vuelo carry-on bags for budget travel and pack in all your clothes and toiletries all in the same place. Check out these tips for bringing diving gear on an airplane .

8. Biggest Volume: Cressi Gorilla Pro XL Waterproof Bag

Cressi Gorilla Pro XL Camouflage

Diving gear can sometimes be bulky so if you plan on carrying most of your own gear during your holiday you’ll need a piece large enough to fit everything in. The Cressi Gorilla Pro XL is a duffel bag design that is great for packing large diving equipment .

The Cressi Gorilla Pro XL is a duffle bag meant for air travel but the designers have also considered any wet gear you might be carrying. This scub bag has a draining cap that you can use for both draining or washing it, even simultaneously. It’s a beautifully styled bag for a great price.

9. Best Backpack for Light Equipment: Tusa MBP-1 Backpack Mesh

TUSA BA-0103 Mesh Backpack

Not all diving excursions require you to carry a lot of personal stuff or weight. For the trips where the equipment is organized for you, and you don’t need to carry a lot of weight, keep the few personal items that you do carry with you in this lightweight Tusa mesh backpack. The reviews speak for themself.

This backpack has a mesh and nylon design that keeps your back dry when carrying wet gear. You can also be sure that your delicate gear is not moving around thanks to the four external shoulder straps that keep your equipment tight once packed away.

10. Best Heavy-Duty Scuba Bags: TUSA Dive Gear Roller Duffel

TUSA - Dive Gear Roller Duffle Bag in Black

When you are looking for durability, gear protection and a safe place to store camera equipment, the TUSA model is a good choice of a duffle bag for you. This heavy-duty duffel bag is very versatile and can be carried as a duffel bag or pulled alongside you like roller bags. Ideal for when it is full with heavy items.

The TUSA dive bags features plenty of large contents sections, including a double-zippered outer pocket, to fit all your stuff and keep everything organized. The wheels are heavy-duty so you can pull your equipment with you on any terrain and the back is water-resistant so you don’t get wet while carrying.

Making this the perfect option of diving bags with wheels.

  • Large Trolley Bag
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Diving Packing Guide

When looking for a gear bag, there are a few things you will want to take into account and some questions you should ask yourself beforehand. Do you need a bag with pockets, easy access, heavy duty handles, what shape should you get, what style and so much more. This will all come down to personal preference and also your choice of travel destination.

There is one other thing you need to think of, and that’s how should you pack your gear bag.

We have put together this short dive packing guide to help you do just that. Think about all the diving gear you want to bring along and how it will fit inside it the interior of your bag. What you can fit into pockets, zipper sections, and storage areas. Think about how sensitive your scuba gear is and whether it is better to pack them separately.

What to Pack in Your Dive Luggage?

Having your own scuba gear feels comfortable but it is not always the most practical option. Think about the essential diving gear you’ll need and what you can rent instead. You might also want to use your bag for your clothes and accessories so you’ll need to take into consideration your weight and size limit too.

This is the basic dive equipment to pack:

  • Diving computer
  • Scuba suite
  • Dive hoods and gloves for cold waters

Take a look at this instructional video on how to pack your bag. This gives you a better idea on how to pack your own dive valuables to reduce the risk of any damage and also reduce weight.

What Size Scuba Bag Do You Need?

How big your diving luggage needs to be, depends on what gear you will be carrying with you. The biggest item in your bag is probably your BCD so take that as the leading measurement when deciding on what sizes to buy.

Another good indicator for the size scuba luggage you need are your fins. Many bags offer separate outer compartments specifically for fins but if the scuba bag does not have these then measure the length of the fins to find out whether there will be enough room in the main compartment.

Aside from fitting in all your gear, think about the type of travel you want. Asides from the material, shape and price, you’ll need to know your sizes, dimensions, and weight limits. It’s a good idea to check the airline guidelines if you will be traveling to different countries.

Also, how portable does a bag need to be? Will you be hauling your gear with you over long distances? If you have a lot of weight to carry, you don’t want a duffel back with shoulder straps. Get a large volume bag and read the product reviews before making up your mind.

A large gear bag is great for keeping all your personal stuff with you but it is not always practical. In some cases, it is better to stick to less diving gear and then renting the rest of your diving equipment at the site.

Water and Your Scuba Diving Bag

A wet dive bag is unavoidable. That is why all scuba bags are made of somewhat waterproof material, even the diving luggage intended for flying.

Pay attention to the type of material that the gear bag is made of and whether it suits its purpose. A travel dive bag is usually made of waterproof nylon, for example, while a diving excursion bag is usually made of strong mesh material.

Interested in a more advanced way of dealing with water in your bag? Then, look for a bag with a drainage and ventilation system or a quick-dry system. It’s also useful that any bag you invest in has pockets for your storage.

Also, always make sure that the zippers on your bag are non-corrosive. They are bound to get wet so you want heavy-duty zippers that will last as long as possible, even in wet conditions.

Traveling with Diving Gear

Dive gear is bulky with sensitive parts. Carefully plan out how you will pack your luggage and how you will carry it to make sure that all your diving gear is protected. Its also a good idea to think of the easiest way you will be unpacking your bag.

If you are a frequent traveler, consider getting diving gear that was specifically designed for travel. There are travel scuba BCDs, for example, that are easier to fold into a dive bag or suitcase.

When you are using air transportation, always check the guidelines of the airline you will be flying with. Maybe there are different guidelines for sports equipment.

For more tips on traveling with diving gear, check out this list of tips.

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Scuba diving is more than a passion to me, it's a part of who I am. Now, I travel and dive as much as I can, exploring the world, trying new dive gear, discovering dive destinations and reviewing them here for you. All while educating people of the threats our marine life and oceans face every day and what we can do to help defend it.

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DIVE Magazine

DIVE Magazine

Scuba Diving Luxury Travel Magazine

The best scuba diving equipment bags

19 December 2019 10 minutes

scuba divers carrying equipment bags along a beach in Gili Trawangan

Owning a full set of dive gear is an expensive investment, so spending a little bit extra on decent carrying kit makes sense.  Mark ‘Crowley’ Russell  takes a look at some of the best scuba diving equipment bags on the market today

Tips for packing.

  • <strong>KIT BAGS – LONG HAUL</strong>
  • Akona Roller Duffel <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£129</span>
  • Cressi Moby 5 <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£211</span>
  • Mares Cruise Backpack Pro<span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”> £177</span>
  • Northern Diver Voyager All Terrain <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£70</span>
  • Scubapro Porter Bag<span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”> £172</span>
  • Seac Equipage 1000 <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£169</span>
  • Stahlsac 34” Steel Wheeled Bag <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£245.95</span>
  • Tusa BA-0202 Travel Roller Bag (Large) <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£189</span>
  • <strong>KIT BAGS – GENERAL PURPOSE</strong>
  • Akona Collapsing Mesh Duffel <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£59</span>
  • Cressi Gorgona <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£52</span>
  • Hollis Duffel <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£89.95</span>
  • Mares Cruise Backpack Mesh Elite <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£49</span>
  • Northern Diver 80 Litre Mesh Holdall <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£22</span>
  • Oceanic Mesh Duffel <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£34.95</span>
  • Scubapro Mesh Sack <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£33</span>
  • Seac Equipage 250 <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£45</span>
  • Stahlsac 40” Mesh Duffel<span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”> £35.95</span>
  • Tusa BA-0103 Mesh Backpack <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£62</span>
  • <strong>KIT BAGS – HAND-HELD BAGS</strong>
  • Akona Pro Reg Bag <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£36.99</span>
  • Mares Cruise Dry T-Light <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£12 (5l), £15 (10l), £20 (25l)</span>
  • Northern Diver Dry Seal Roll Top Bag<span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”> £28 (10l), £35 (20l), £42 (50l), £58 (120l)</span>
  • Oceanic Regulator Bag <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£29.95</span>
  • Scubapro Regulator & Computer Bag <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£27.50</span>
  • Stahlsac Storm Dry Sack <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£29.95 (12l) £34.95 (30l) £47.95 (60l)</span>
  • Tusa Drybag 1 <span class=”has-inline-color has-central-palette-3-color”>£29</span>

Over the years, advances in material technology have led to the robust, lightweight luggage designs we find on the market today, complete with handles, wheels and extra pockets. For long-distance international travel, a sturdy scuba gear bag can have advantages over a standard suitcase. Some have waterproof compartments to separate not-quite-dry dive gear from the rest of your luggage, and some have pockets specifically tailored for fins and other equipment. Wheels and retractable handles are great for travelling through airports but can be a bit of a hindrance when it comes to sand, rocks and wooden jetties. Depending on where you’re travelling, a bag with extra handles and shoulder straps may be more practical.

Bear in mind, however, that such travel bags are often quite heavy even when empty. Short-haul economy flights with 20kg limits may well mean that you either have to travel very light or find yourself incurring extra baggage charges.

Duffel bags are a good option for both local and international travel, as long as you don’t mind carrying your gear by hand or fighting with airport trolleys. Some may have internal waterproof compartments and some do not, but one that comes with an additional shoulder strap or backpack-style harness can be very handy if your dive travel involves more than chucking all your kit in the boot of your car. Mesh bags are great for hauling gear around once you’ve reached your destination – from hotel room to dive centre – and while many centres have their own bags or boxes, some do not, so a lightweight mesh bag which allows wet kit to be transported while drying is a useful addition to the main flight bag or duffel.

Hand-held bags including regulator bags and roll-top dry bags are exceptionally useful. Keeping your regulators secure and packaged in your hand luggage, with that extra bit of protection, helps to alleviate worries about one of your most expensive and essential bits of kit being damaged. Roll-top dry bags are essential on any dive trip that involves small boats. They have saved many smartphones, cameras, key fobs and surface interval snacks from certain soggy doom.

Wrap as much as you can inside your wetsuit and BCD and use your fins for protection at the sides. Neoprene is like a posh version of Bubble Wrap and will provide protective padding for regulators, masks and computers. Use the box which came with your mask, that’s what it’s there for! Where possible, carry your regulators and dive computer in your hand luggage when flying. If you’ve ever watched some airport baggage handlers lobbing your precious cargo from the aeroplane to the tarmac below, it’s reassuring to keep them with you.

KIT BAGS – LONG HAUL

Kit bags designed for long-haul flights where ‘getting there’ isn’t even half the fun. Sturdy frames and tough wheels come with a weight penalty, however, so may not be the best option for avoiding excess baggage fees.

Akona Roller Duffel £129

best scuba travel bag

Combining the best of both worlds, Akona’s Roller Duffel offers good internal dimensions, with a steel frame, wheels, telescopic handle and shoulder strap packaged into a PVC-laminated 600 denier fabric.

Dimensions : 36x77x36cm Capacity : 100 litre Weight : 4kg

www.akona.com

Cressi Moby £234

best scuba travel bag

Cressi’s latest roller bag, the Moby 5, is made from a new 300/400 denier lightweight material, with a main compartment that opens up on three sides, two large bellows pockets and a small top pocket at the front and two side pockets for fins. The handle is fully retractable and the large-diameter wheels can be removed and replaced in case of breakage.

Dimensions : 76x40x28cm Capacity : 115 litre Weight : 3.9kg

www.cressi.com

Mares Cruise Buddy £177

best scuba travel bag

Mares’ top of the line Cruise Backpack Pro has been – according to Mares – ‘Air Travel Optimised’, weighing 15 per cent less than its predecessor, with integrated front pockets to minimise its profile, a sturdy telescopic handle and wheels, plus padded shoulder straps for ease of transportation; all built around a respectable 127-litre interior and weighing in at 5kg.

Dimensions : 47x32x81cm Capacity : 128 litre Weight : 5kg

www.mares.com

Northern Diver Voyager All Terrain £70

best scuba travel bag

A large and rugged wheeled bag constructed from 1000 denier washable PVC fabric, which sacrifices a retractable handle for a decrease in both weight and price. The interior is split into two zippered compartments, the wheels are protected by corner guards and plastic runners on the base prevent damage caused by dragging. Carrying handles are present at both ends and also at the top of the bag, and a removable tow strap is included for those marathon hikes through the airport.

Dimensions (LxWxH) : 81x40x42 Capacity : 136 litre Weight : 4.1kg

www.ndiver.com

Scubapro Porter Bag £172

best scuba travel bag

Scubapro’s Porter Bag comes with reinforced skate-style roller wheels plus a backpack harness, and hence can be rolled or carried wherever you wish to go. There is no retractable handle, but the top handle is extendable for ease of use. The large main compartment, two front pockets and two inside pockets provide plenty of packing options. At 2.55kg the Porter is one of the lightest airline-type bags on the market, and it folds down to almost half its size for storage.

Dimensions : 80x45x35cm (52x41x17cm when folded) Capacity :125 litre Weight : 2.55kg

www.scubapro.com

Seac Equipage 1000 £169

best scuba travel bag

Seac has a new luggage range for 2020 with the Equipage 1000 at the top of the line, a 140-litre wheeled bag with telescopic handle and backpack-style shoulder straps, weighing just 3kg. The outer shell is made from 1200 denier polyester with a rigid rear panel, while the interior has a large primary compartment with two large pockets for holding a wetsuit and boots.

Dimensions : 75x42x38cm Capacity : 140 litre Weight : 3kg

www.seac.com

Stahlsac 34” Steel Wheeled Bag £245.95

best scuba travel bag

The Steel 34 from adventure travel specialist Stahlsac is one of the largest available, with a massive internal volume of 148 litres. The bag features a wet/dry compartment with a waterproof bottom and a breathable top for drying out damp gear, multiple quick-access zippers and an ‘add-a-bag’ strap to attach backpacks or carry-ons. The frame is low-profile for easy storage and an optional battery power-pack can also be fitted.

Dimensions: 86×43.18×30.48cm Capacity: 148 litre Weight: 5.7kg

www.stahlsac.com

Tusa BA-0202 Travel Roller Bag (Large) £189

best scuba travel bag

The BA-0202 is the largest of Tusa’s travel roller bags, which also comes in a medium-size and a small, carry-on size priced at £169 and £139 respectively. Two carry-handles complement the rigid retractable handle, the bag has two internal zippered pockets and a third mesh pocket, with double-zippered large and small pockets on the outside.

Dimensions : 30x48x75cm Capacity : 108 litre Weight : 4.5kg

www.tusa.com

KIT BAGS – GENERAL PURPOSE

So many bags to choose from – a large, solid duffel or a super-light mesh bag for dunking, draining and drying on the go, or maybe pack the latter inside the former

Akona Collapsing Mesh Duffel £59

best scuba travel bag

The Nylon reinforced mesh duffel collapses and zips into the end of the attached, padded 420 denier Nylon regulator bag, allowing for transportation of a full set of dive gear or just regulators and computers in the handy, easy to carry around container.

Dimensions : 30x36x74cm (extended), 30x36x10cm (collapsed) Capacity : 80 litre

Cressi Gorgona £52

best scuba travel bag

A lightweight polyester mesh travel bag which zips into a small holder for transport and packing; long enough to carry freediving fins, and large enough to carry a full set of dive gear.

Dimensions : 96x38cm Capacity : 107 litre Weight : 0.75kg

Hollis Duffel £89.95

best scuba travel bag

Hollis is well known for its no-nonsense gear, which includes the Hollis Duffel. Made from a durable tarpaulin material, it features a single, main compartment and one internal zippered pocket. It has carry handles on each end of the bag, two straps with padded handles and backpack shoulder straps.

Dimensions : 71x41x35.5cm Capacity : 95 litre

www.hollis.com

Mares Cruise Backpack Mesh Elite £49

best scuba travel bag

A lightweight mesh backpack with an integrated handle, adjustable shoulder straps and a large internal capacity which can be folded into the external front pocket. The base is reinforced and fitted with a drainage hole, and an internal dry pocket provides storage for valuables.

Dimensions : 39 x 39 x 74cm Capacity : 114 litre Weight : 0.5kg

Northern Diver 80 Litre Mesh Holdall £22

best scuba travel bag

The padded air mesh walls of Northern Diver’s collapsible mesh holdall are designed to protect valuable dive gear while allowing it to dry at the same time, with a tarpaulin sleeve pocket providing a dry space for valuables and also to prevent soaking your dry clothes as you carry the bag. Nylon D-rings are included for an optional shoulder strap, along with the standard padded handles. 

Dimensions : 74x34x32cm Capacity : 80 litre Weight : approx 1kg

Oceanic Mesh Duffel £34.95

best scuba travel bag

Constructed from 600 denier polyester with a durable PVC backing for the side panels, Oceanic’s mesh duffel is designed to transport gear between dive sites, before dunking it in the rinse tank and hanging the whole lot up to dry. An adjustable shoulder strap is included with the regular carrying straps.

Dimensions : 76×65.5×30.5cm Capacity : 82.6 litre

www.oceanic.com

Seac Equipage 250 £45

best scuba travel bag

A new 600 denier polyester holdall-style bag from Seac, with an adjustable shoulder strap, fin pocket with buckles, front pocket for smaller items, and an adjustable shoulder strap included.

Dimensions : 75x40x35cm Capacity : 110 litre Weight : 1.4kg

Stahlsac 40” Mesh Duffel £45.95

best scuba travel bag

Stahlsac’s 40” (102cm) heavy-duty mesh bag will accommodate even the longest of freediving fins, along with a full set of scuba gear. 22”, 26” and 36” (56cm, 66cm and 91cm) models are also available; all come with a zippered accessory pocket for storing smaller items.

Dimensions  (40”): 102x48x48cm

Tusa BA-0103 Mesh Backpack £72

best scuba travel bag

Built with a heavy-duty, rubberized mesh with a generous main compartment, a large outer pocket and one internal zippered pocket for storing valuables. The extended main zipper allows for easy access to all areas of the bag, which is fitted with padded shoulder straps for transport.

Dimensions  (LxWxH): 36x41x75cm Capacity : 81L Weight : 0.98kg

KIT BAGS – HAND-HELD BAGS

For protecting valuable computers and regulators, or keeping smartphones, car keys and sandwiches dry, compact waterproof bags are dive essentials.

Akona Pro Reg Bag £46.99

best scuba travel bag

A fully padded regulator bag with interior Velcro straps to hold hoses in place, with reinforced D-rings on the exterior for attaching the included shoulder strap.

Dimensions : 30x36x10cm

Mares Cruise Dry T-Light £12 (5l), £15 (10l), £20 (25l)

best scuba travel bag

Ultra-lightweight reinforced polyester dry bags weighing in at next to nothing – the 5-litre version weighs just 50g – the T-Light series is fully waterproof with heat-sealed stitching and a quick closure system. A 75-litre, backpack-style version is available for £44.

Dimensions/Weight : 15x48cm/0.05kg (5 litre), 20x35cm/0.06kg (10 litre), 24×57.5cm/0.11kg (25 litre)

Northern Diver Dry Seal Roll Top Bag £28 (10l), £35 (20l), £42 (50l), £58 (120l)

best scuba travel bag

Northern Diver has revamped its dry bag range with a new watertight ‘Dry Seal’ for the opening, and an air purge valve to help compress the insides for easier sealing. Available in red or black in 10, 20, 50 and 120 litres, the 420 denier constructed bags are fitted with quick-release buckles and a detachable shoulder strap.

Dimensions/weight : 48×18 x18cm/0.5kg (10 litre), 60x23x23cm/0.6kg (20 litre), 76x28x28cm/0.8kg (50 litre), 103x37x37cm/1.2kg (120 litre)

Oceanic Regulator Bag £29.95

best scuba travel bag

A simple padded regulator bag constructed from 1620 denier Ballistic Nylon with YKK self- healing zips and interior Velcro loops to secure hoses.

Dimensions : 30.5x11x30.5cm

Stahlsac Storm Dry Sack £29.95 (12l) £34.95 (30l) £47.95 (60l)

best scuba travel bag

Stahlsac’s Storm Dry Sacks are available in 12-litre (pictured), 30-litre and 60-litre versions, depending on whether you need to carry just a phone, wallet and set of keys or a whole change of clothing. The standard roll-top design is constructed with a semi-opaque side panel, making it easier to find what you’re looking for; all models come with a detachable shoulder strap.

Dimensions  (DxH): 25x48cm (12 litre), 28x70cm (30 litre), 30x94cm (60 litre)

Tusa Drybag 1 £39

best scuba travel bag

A tough, nylon-reinforced, PVC-constructed bag in the classic open-top, roll-down and quick-snap-to-close design, but with a rectangular-shaped base opposed to the circular design of some other brands, and available in one size only.

Dimensions (HxWxD): 54x25x16cm Capacity: 21.6 litre

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What’s the Best Dive Bag to Pack Scuba Gear? Check Out These Picks!

Backpacks , LUGGAGE , Scuba Diving

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When packing for your next underwater adventure, what dive gear bag are you going to use? Check out these TFG picks for the best scuba luggage out there!

Best Dive Bags

Written By: Laura Pulling

Table Of Contents

Being a scuba diver, you are likely thinking about your next trip to enjoy underwater life, whether that be a road trip to the coast, visiting your local lake, or quarry, or a bucket-list international destination like the Galapagos or Great Barrier Reef. 

And if you’re big on diving, you’ve also accumulated all the gear over time and want to be able to use it (why pay rental charges for something you already own!).

So how do you pack your dive gear effectively? You’ll need a purpose-built scuba bag that’s up to the job! Personally, I put my “expensive and essential gear” in my carry-on—regulators (in their own bag), dive computer, and mask (in a case), and then I pack my BCD, wetsuit, fins, and boots in my checked scuba gear bag .

Although nothing can stop you from using a regular suitcase for dive equipment, scuba dive bags are made to keep your specialist gear packed safely and with extra pockets that are quick-drying and great at keeping your equipment organized. 

There’s a whole range of specifically designed scuba travel bags in the market and it can be confusing to know which one is right for you.  

To help you mine the plethora of choices, check out these TFG picks for the best scuba bags to store all your gear! 

Best Large Dive Roller Bag

best-dive-bags

Shop: Amazon

AKONA Rolling Dive Bag

AKONA rollers bags have a main compartment with three side openings and fins fit in designated side pockets. The front pocket has a zip closure for extra gear or regulators and can ‘pop out’ to put in your carry-on when flying. 

All of the metal elements are made from stainless steel or bronze to avoid oxidation when used with wet or salty gear. This gear bag with wheels is a lighter version of their traditional roller pack.

best-dive-bags

Shop: Amazon  

TUSA Dive Gear Lightweight Roller Bag

TUSA scuba roller bags carry a full set of dive equipment. The large opening gives you easy packing. The RD-2 is TUSA s newest roller duffle bag with large compartments and heavy-duty wheel system. This is the ultimate weekender bag that will haul your dive gear and extras wherever you go. Bag is made with a water resistant back to keep things dry until they need to get wet.

One user explains, “I bought 2 of these bags for a recent dive trip since our previous old dive bags were very worn and heavy (back when luggage limits were 75lb it didn’t matter how much the bag weighed). These pack easily – there’s not a lot of compartments that never get used – even the pouch on the end isn’t necessary. The wheels are sturdy and they roll nicely. The fin pocket on the outside will fit a pair of regular size fins – it’s tight but doable – but XL fins might not fit. I packed all my gear for a warm-water trip, including full set of regs, 3mm wetsuit, masks, fins, and a 5lb steel backplate and it was still under 45lbs. These bags traveled through the airline baggage system with no issues – even with TSA rooting through it on the return trip. My husband also commented that these were great bags and I had made a good choice. I’m looking forward to using these on many trips to come. “

best-dive-bags

Stahlsac Dive Luggage

Stahlsac dive bags are designed with reinforced compartments for your gear. It has heavy-duty wheels and stabilizers to keep the bag upright for when you have your precious equipment inside. It’s sized to accommodate a full set of dive gear, plus your personal items, so it’s the only bag you’ll need for one trip! 

One user shares, “Just bought this bag for a dive trip to the Galapagos. It’s a very sturdy bag and holds all my gear and some. The zipper pulls are also big enough to use TSA cable locks on them which was a plus as well. Love the pink highlights as well.”

best-dive-bags

Aqua Lung Explorer II Roller Bag

These bright blue Aqua Lung dive bags with wheels will brighten up any diving day! Specifically designed for your scuba gear, the large side pockets let you slide in even the largest of fins, and the interior and exterior pockets help you to keep the rest of your gear organized.

The bag is made of heavy-duty polyester and the sturdy zippers are corrosion resistant.

It also has tough roller wheels and an extending handle for easy maneuverability. 

best-dive-bags

Shop: Amazon  | Walmart 

TUSA Mesh Rollers Bag

This large TUSA bag will fit in two sets of gear, according to users. They have used it for travel and even checked it in on international flights. The large internal pocket is easily accessed with sturdy and secure zippers. The roller wheels mean carrying it is a cinch! Just drag it using the top handle (unfortunately, it’s not a telescopic style!). 

One user explains, “Very well constructed and durable material. If you want a nice roomy dive bag, this is the one for you. It’s just super nice!”

best-dive-bags

Shop: Amazon | Walmart

Cressi Roller Luggage Bag

This Cressi extra large wheeled luggage is designed to transport your scuba equipment. The large compartment opens from three sides with a strong zipper, and there are additional pockets on the front, plus a fin pouch on the side. 

The pull handle is fully retractable and the 300 and 400 denier fabric makes this bag light but super strong.

This is the best scuba travel gear for female divers!

Best Carry On Dive Bags

best-dive-bags

TUSA Roller Travel Scuba Gear Bags

This TUSA scuba dive luggage comes in different sizes, from a small carry on, to a medium, and then large checked sizes. Every size has a heavy-duty pull handle and rolling wheels. The zipper is secure and has buckle clips that go over the top, which hold the case shut, even if the zipper fails. It has a ton of pockets, both internal and external, plus straps to attach your fins to.

best-dive-bags

Mares Cruise Double Closure System Dry Bag

This Mares duffle bag fits airline carry-on size restrictions (but always check with your airline!). It has a unique design that allows it to be used as both a duffle bag or as a backpack, by converting the shoulder straps. 

The bag itself has different compartments for storing your gear, z ipper closure removable laptop and gadget sleeve and adjustable chest and waist straps . One wearer says, “This is an awesome bag. Looks great and holds my BDC, 3 MIL suit, fins, mask, reg set, boots, gloves, weights, knife, flashlight and a bunch of other small accessories . Closes nicely and makes carrying so much better. “

Best Scuba Backpacks

best-dive-bags

Aqua Lung Explorer II Scuba Travel Bag

This Aqua Lung carry-on size backpack is diver approved! Its stylish design is packed with convenient features. It has two external pockets, one of which is mesh for keeping any wet gear. It has straps to attach your fins to the outside, plus comfy pegged shoulder straps for wearing on your back, which also converts into a duffle bag.

best-dive-bags

TUSA Mesh Diving Backpack

This TUSA mesh travel bag is stylish and generously sized. The main compartment has rubberized mesh sides that allow gear to dry easily. The bag has a uniquely designed opening zipper that allows you to put your gear in through a larger opening and there is an additional inside pocket for keeping smaller bits safe. 

One owner of this bag shares, “ Great bag. Everything fits without the bag being too big and difficult to handle.”

best-dive-bags

Promate Snorkel Gear Bag

This Promate scuba diving backpack is the perfect size for snorkel equipment. It will fit in up to 27” fins, in the long fins shaped main pouch, plus smaller accessories, like your mask, knife, defog, and computer. If you rent the rest of your equipment, this bag is great for the essentials. It has a handy pocket on the front, plus bungee cords where you could store a towel or wet swimwear. 

One reviewer uses hers for diving equipment and explains, “There’s such a pleasure in using a product that is well designed and thought out, and this bag is exactly that.”

Best Scuba Mesh Bag

best-dive-bags

Phantom Aquatics Mesh Snorkel Bag

This Phantom Aquatics mesh carry bag is a great value. The 27” by 10” nylon sack can hold your lighter scuba or snorkel gear together, fitting fins and masks inside. The mesh material dries super quickly as well. 

Users say the straps can be uncomfortable on the shoulders when the bag is loaded with gear, but for the price, they still rate it super highly.

best-dive-bags

Stahlsac Bonaire Mesh Backpack

This large Stahlsac Bonaire mesh backpack can fit in your full set of dive equipment easily. There is a roomy space inside, big enough for a BCD, wetsuit, and fins! The mesh means you can rinse the gear through the bag with it all still inside with tough, snag-resistant mesh and 420 denier nylon packcloth with reinforced bottom.

For easy access, the bag has a top opening, plus a side zipper too. There are also a built in dry pocket!

best-dive-bags

Athletico Mesh Travel Bags

This simple Athletico mesh dive bag is made to fit your gear easily. If you plan on packing your dive equipment in your normal suitcase, this scuba gear travel bag folds up small and can transport your gear to the dive shop. 

The mesh means it’s super quick-drying and you can put your wet gear straight inside without fear of water collecting. It’s large enough to fit an entire set of gear, and has convenient tote handles to carry it.

best-dive-bags

Mares Cruise Dive Mesh Bag

This large capacity Mares diving mesh bag will fit an entire set of dive equipment. The large pouch opens at the top with a drawstring closure. It has a smaller pouch on the front for storing your mask and dive computer.

When you aren’t using the bag, it completely folds down inside the small bag for storage. The shoulder straps are padded for comfort.

However, users do warn that this bag is almost too big, saying if you fill it to capacity with heavy dive pieces, they are wary of it tearing. So, be careful!

best-dive-bags

Cressi Mesh Duffel Bag

Cressi bags symbolize good quality, as they are a brand that specializes in watersports goods, and this high capacity duffle is perfect for storing and transporting your dive equipment. Roomy enough and strong enough for a full set of snorkeling, it is an ideal gear-hauler for live-aboard use or for carrying dive suits separately.

It folds compactly into a round bag with handle and is easy to store in your suitcase or main dive bag, ready when you need it.

These are five scuba diving essentials for a first time diver!

Best Dry Bag

best-dive-bags

Skog Å Kust DuffelSåk Waterproof Duffle Dry Bags

The  Skog Å Kust DuffelSåk duffle is one of the toughest, heavy-duty travel bags available with 500D PVC. With its carry-on size, stowaway backpack straps, and zip splash-proof pockets, this is the most versatile dive pack on the market today. It’s designed especially for scuba, with fin straps that hold any size fin. Just grab the padded double handles & go. Or sling the cushioned strap over your shoulder. You can even use the attached D-rings to latch your DuffelSak to luggage & boat hooks. Available in 40L, 60L and 90L!

best-dive-bags

Earth Pak Dry Bag Backpack

These Earth Pak waterproof dive bags have a ton of additional features that dry bags don’t usually have. It has comfortable padded shoulder straps to wear it on your back ergonomically, a spacious 35-liter or 55-liter capacity, and there are extra pockets on the front and side (including a transparent phone pocket) to store small objects for easy access.

best-dive-bags

HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag

These HEETA dry bags are completely waterproof to keep your gear safe and dry during any adventures on the water. Available in different sizes, from 5 liters to 30 liters, you can get a small size that stores your phone and small essentials, or a large bag can keep towels and gear inside too. The colored bags are slightly transparent to help you find your things easily, but still opaque enough to keep your stuff covered!

Check out these scuba gear packing tips !

Best Scuba Regulator Bag

best-dive-bags

Scubapro Scuba Diving Regulator Bag

This Scrubapro Cruise bag is designed to keep your regulators safe and secure. The bag has a surprising amount of space, not just your regulator, but other small dive accessories. The shoulder strap is long and can be worn cross-body. It also features a small additional case for stowing your dive computer safely.

best-dive-bags

Athletico Dive Regulator Bag

This Athletico bag has a padded interior with a molded EVA foam hard-shell lid. The shape is rounded to allow you to roll your regulator hoses, without kinking them. Inside, it has a mesh pocket for keeping small parts or tools safe, plus inner straps to hold your regulators safely.

best-dive-bags

Oceanic Regulator Bag

The Oceanic Regulator Bag is the perfect bag for protecting your regulators and organizing your dive kit. Constructed with high-quality ballistic nylon and YKK zippers and covered by a lifetime warranty against any defects in materials or workmanship, this bag provides worry-free protection from the perils of travel.

Best Scuba Weight Bag

best-dive-bags

AKONA Weight Bag

Dive weights are heavy! An obvious statement, as they are made of lead and their purpose is to weigh you down. To pack your weights for a trip, you don’t want to ruin your normal backpack or diving bag. The AKONA weight bag is the easiest way to carry diving weights as it has heavy-duty handles, reinforced stitching, and a PVC coated base. 

One user shares, “I’ve used this bag for several years with weights, many times the weights were wet and I didn’t remove them from the bag to dry. No rusting or damage to the bag.”

Best Scuba Mask Cases

best-dive-bags

WIN OUTDOOR Diving Mask Case

The WIN Outdoor mask case fits most standard dive masks and has a zip closure to keep them secure. The inside is lined with a softer material to ensure your mask doesn’t get scratched. It also has a handy carry clip to attach the case to your dive gear.

best-dive-bags

Innovative Scuba Concepts Dive Mask Case

This Innovative bag is just perfect for keeping your mask secure. There’s a pocket big enough for your diving mask and a side pocket to keep your defog in. The bottom of the bag has small drainage holes, and you can even loop your snorkel under the handle.

best-dive-bags

XS Scuba Mask Pocket Bag

This XS mask bag has a soft padded inside to keep your mask packed safely and securely. It has a mesh bottom for quick drying and loops on the back so you can keep your snorkel close too! The opening is velcro, which closes securely.  As it is made of fabric, it fits in your luggage better than a plastic box for traveling.

best-dive-bags

Cressi Protective Scuba Mask Case

This Cressi box is as simple as they come. It’s a basic size box that keeps your mask from being scratched. Top clips keep the lid in place and the box is clear so you can see what’s inside. You can fit your mask and a bottle of defog inside easily.

Scuba Diving Bag Product Comparison Chart

What are your picks for best scuba diving travel bags ? Share with us in the comments below!

For more water activity gear tips, please read:

  • Best Womens Wetsuits for Surfing, Diving, and Swimming
  • Best Snorkel Masks and Scuba Masks for Women’s Oceanic Adventures
  • Best Scuba Diving Fins for Women to Tackle Any Aquatic Adventure
  • Best Rash Guards for Women to Scuba Dive, Snorkel, and Swim

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I was researching a way to transport my wet swimsuit when I thought let me see if Alex has advice about packing for water sports. I’m so happy to find this article! I just ordered a Heeta dry bag.

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7 Best Dive Bags Reviewed (2023 Edition)

Alex Lowe

Written and Reviewed By

  • Divemaster Alex Lowe
  • Last Updated: September 27, 2023

best scuba travel bag

A reliable scuba diving bag is an essential accessory for any avid diver looking to keep their gear organized, protected, and ready for underwater expeditions.

They also make it easy to transport your gear via a plane or just down the road.

Based upon my experience as a PADI Divemaster working in Floridas scuba diving industry, as well as my journey hitting scuba diving sites around the world (Bali, Costa Rica, Bahamas), I’ve compiled a list of the seven best scuba diving bags .

During the selection process, I focused on key factors including:

  • Size and capacity to accommodate all your gear
  • Durability and water resistance
  • Organization compartments and accessibility
  • Comfortable carrying options, such as backpack or roller style
  • Reinforced construction and protective padding
  • Brand reputation and customer reviews
  • And much more!

In the upcoming sections, we will dive straight into my expert reviews, followed bt a detailed buying guide.

Lastly, we’ll address frequently asked questions to assist you in making an informed purchasing decision.

Table of Contents

Best scuba dive bags.

  • Best Roller Bag: Cressi Moby 5
  • Best Mesh Backpack Bag: Armor Cartini
  • Best Regulator Bag: ScubaPro Reg Tech Bag
  • Best Dry Bag:  HEETA Dry bag
  • Best Carry On Bag: Tilos Total Eclipse
  • Best Spearfishing and Freediving Bag: Beuchat Mundial 2

Cressi Moby 5

  • The wheels and telescoping handle make it ideal for airports
  • Replaceable wheels
  • Side pocket for fins
  • While lightweight a roller bag still weighs over 10 pounds.
  • The inside separator does not collapse.
  • Wearing as a backpack can be uncomfortable.

Roller dive bags are great and the most popular for traveling divers. They usually have a telescoping handle, wheels, and straps to carry like typical roller luggage.

Even when these are fully loaded, you can maneuver them around and are more durable than regular luggage.

The other advantage is that you can store other types of bags inside like a mesh bag, backpack, and even dry bags for when you arrive at your designation.

This bag is a very lightweight fabric and is able to hold up to 2 full sets of gear including wetsuits and still is under the weight limit for most airlines It was built for traveling and diving with access to your gear on three different sides and has two large front pockets as well.

The wheels and handle make it easy to the wheel but if you need to the bag has two straps that can be worn as a backpack or carried.

Product Specs

  • Ventilation : No
  • Material : Denier fabric
  • Weight : 10.6lb
  • Design/Style : Rollerbag
  • Padding : Yes
  • Dimensions : 30 in x 5.7 in x 11 in 

Kraken Aquatics Mesh Dive Duffle Bag

Another option that you have is a duffel dive bag. These bags usually have several compartments and a large zip area where you can keep most of the big pieces of dive gear.

It is simple, easy to use, and has very few things that can break. They are good for both international and local travel because of their durability, but you will have to carry them around though as they don’t have wheels.

Having one with dry, wet, and waterproof compartments is also something to look out for. Using one of these to get to the destination then a mesh bag for shorter trips is handy.

Armor Cartini Mesh Backpack

  • Easily transported on back
  • Looks great
  • Very fairly priced
  • Extremely durable
  • Can be hard to place BCD inside

Next up on the list, is the Armor Cartini Mesh backpack dive bag. For divers that like to place the weight of their scuba gear on their backs, this could be the perfect bag for you. However, for divers with less gear, and a lighter setup, this could be a bit of overkill. There’s really just one main compartment on the bag, so finding things inside can be a bit of a challenge when it’s full.

Product Specs:

  • Ventilation : Yes
  • Material : Mega Mesh
  • Weight : 3lbs
  • Design/Style : Mesh
  • Padding : None
  • Dimensions : 24.5″x 18.5″ x 1′

ScubaPro Reg Tech Bag

  • Small and lightweight
  • Easy to carry
  • Multiple and transparent pockets

These bags are small and perfect for protecting your regulator . They are padded and usually have a place for your dive computer as well. The small bags can be carried on a plane or stored in a safe place when in transit.

  • Material : Nylon
  • Weight : .85lb
  • Design/Style : Shoulder pack
  • Dimensions : 14 by 10 by 4 inches

HEETA Dry Bag

  • 5 Sizes (5L/ 10L/ 20L/ 30L/ 40L)
  • Can get snagged and rip
  • Transparent no privacy
  • Can’t hold a lot of weight

Dry dive bags are very simple, they keep your gear dry or keep everything else from getting wet. The standard design is that the top rolls down and clips. This way it can hold all different sizes of gear.

These bags usually come in different sizes by the liter. They can be one compartment or a few. These bags typically have straps like a backpack or none at all. These are amazing to have and should be in all divers gear.

These bags are great for travel, not just diving, you can go use them for snorkeling, swimming, and boating trips. The sizes range from 5L to 40L so you can fit whatever you need in it whether you are traveling alone or in a group.

The bag is see-through which is great to find what you are looking for but this also means everyone can see what you have. It is made from PVC so it is waterproof but not breathable.

You can keep everything from getting wet this way or store all your wet gear in there. The PVC is sturdy but as with all plastic is susceptible to ripping.

  • Material : Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
  • Weight : .75lb
  • Design/Style : Dryback
  • Padding : Some
  • Dimensions : 12.99 x 3.94 x 2.17 inches

Tilos Total Eclipse

  • Multiple ways to use
  • Folds down to a quarter of its size
  • Made specifically for SCUBA
  • Heavey for carry-on but only 5.06 pounds
  • No backpack option

Hand-held bags like regulator bags, dry bags, or backpacks are extremely useful. Anything you can bring on the plane or near you will ensure its safety and will alleviate worries about the most expensive and essential pieces of gear being damaged.

Tilos is a name brand that you can trust and this bag is no exception. The Total Eclipse wheel bag can store up to 94 liters and weighs 5.06 pounds (2.3 kilos). That is a lot of space for your gear with minimal weight.

This bag has side fin pockets to keep your fins separate from the rest of your gear as well as customizable compartments inside to configure the bag as your need. It is set up as a roller suitcase with a handle but does not have the option to go as a backpack or duffle bag sadly. If you do need to save space, it can fold down to a quarter of its size when not in use on the boat or at home.

  • Weight : 5.04lbs
  • Design/Style : Roller Bag
  • Dimensions : ‎19.02 x 10.98 x 9.02 inches

Beuchat Mundial 2

  • The main compartment has mesh for ventilation
  • The outside pocket has a cool compartment for cold drinks or fish
  • External elastic for holding gear
  • Is a little bulky
  • High price point
  • Fins over 3.2 feet (100cm) will not fit

This bag is made to hold all of your freediving gear, fins, speargun, mask, etc. It has multiple pockets in different areas to keep your gear safe.

The whole bag is padded to give it more support when traveling, we don’t recommend checking this bag through your freediving fins.

The main compartment has mesh to let your freediving wetsuit dry and the outside even has a cooler for beverages/snacks or your catch of the day.

  • Weight : 2.21 lb
  • Design/Style : Backpack
  • Dimensions :

Why Should I Use/Own a Dive Bag?

A lot of divers think that they can get away without a dive bag and they may be right for short trips or when traveling in their car.

If you rent the gear you may not even care too much, but it will pay to get your own dive bag.

You need a dive bag to store all your gear and to prevent damage from the elements when transporting it.

When you travel with your scuba gear on a boat, airplane, or just in the back of the truck it can be exposed to the elements even in perfect conditions (the sun is a killer). You want to take care of the dive gear and for it to last a long time. Since you probably spent a decent amount of money to get your scuba equipment you will want to have a good bag to protect it.

Regular suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags are not meant to handle and protect scuba gear. Dive bags often have features like ventilation to help gear dry, waterproofing, extra padding, and/ or may have special pockets for your mask or regulator .

Scuba gear isn’t cheap so getting a bag will help you to maintain it to keep it safe and properly organized.

Dive Bag Buying Guide

Shape and size.

When looking to get a dive bag, be sure to think about how big your gear is and the size of the bag that you will need. If you have a travel BCD and regulator bag you will not need something too large and can carry on both of them on the plane.

If you have a standard jacket BCD and a pair of jet fins you will need a larger more sturdy bag to travel and carry your gear.

The best way to do it would be to have a larger bag in conjunction with some smaller ones. For example, a roller bag with a mesh bag and a few dry bags inside is a gear combination for travel to and then around your dive destination.

If you do want to carry on a bag (especially in the US) make sure your bags will pass the dimensions imposed by airlines.

Each airline has its own specific rules, dimensions, and weights for carry-on bags and some are more strict than others. about how large your carry-on can be. In general, most airlines will allow you to carry on a bag up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and 15 pounds. Do check though to be sure.

Dive bags are made from a variety and combinations of materials like nylon, cotton, fabric, plastic, kevlar, rubber, and metal.

Whatever matter what your choice may be make sure it is durable and preferably waterproof or at least has a water-resistant lining.

Handles and Straps

Bags have a lot of different options and depending on how strong you are and your size some options might be better than others.

Whatever the style, wraparound handles, shoulder straps, or even a pull handle, think about how you will use the bag and that the handles/ straps are stable and secure.

If your gear is very heavy read the weight limits of the bags and/ or have multiple bags and separate the gear.

Compression Straps

Not all bags have these but internal straps are handy for compressing wetsuits, or BCDs and keeping your gear from sliding around and possibly getting damaged.

External straps are used for fins or wet gear on the outside of the bag. 

Drain Holes

Some bags have little holes in the bottom or sides and these holes are usually reinforced metal that allows water and moisture to escape.

In a lot of places even if it isn’t raining the humidity can prevent things from drying and can cause mold .

Pockets and Compartments

The more compartments and pockets a bag has the safer your gear is and the easier it is to access. We recommend collapsible compartments which will give you the ability to change the bag to suit your needs.

If possible having some that are dry compartments and wet ones can prevent all your gear from getting wet and moldy.

Some scuba bags even have pockets for a mask and compartments for your regulator . A scuba design will help protect small and sensitive parts of your gear.

This is something that many look at first and we understand that you don’t want to spend a ton on the bag.

While this may not seem like an essential part of gear the more your dive gear is protected the longer it will last, don’t skimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you carry on your dive gear.

Yes, you can bring on most of your dive gear as long as it is underweight and nothing sharp is in it. Make sure to keep your dive knife and speargun in your checked baggage.

Which dive bag is the best?

If you don’t want to carry your heavy dive bag a roller bag is the best option and is easier to carry around the airport.

If you don’t have a lot of gear a backpack can be a good option. The best bag will depend on the situation and your budget.

Do I Really Need a Dive Bag?

No, but it will help as regular bags don’t have the padding and special compartments. You want to take care of your dive gear.

Tips for Packing a Dive Bag

As we talked about above packing will depend greatly on what gear you have, where you are going, and the type of bag you have.

We have laid out the best way to fly with your dive gear here, but it goes over to just packing in general. But here are a few other tips.

  • Wrap as much as you can inside your wetsuit .
  • Neoprene is like bubble wrap use it as such.
  • Use the box your scuba mask came in and if you can get a hold of another one they are great for all small bits of gear.
  • Carry on or wear your dive computer .
  • Make sure to check your dive knife , line cutter, and/ or speargun .
  • If you can afford specific travel BCDs and dive gear .
  • Check to see if your dive insurance covers your gear in case of an accident.
  • Use a checklist like the one we have here so you don’t forget anything.

Alex Lowe

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6 Best Dive Bags for Safe and Easy Transport of Scuba Diving Gear

6 Best Dive Bags for Safe and Easy Transport of Scuba Gear

If you’re looking to take your diving experience to a whole other level entirely, it pays dividends to invest in the best quality diving gear that your budget will allow for. In order to keep your diving gear and equipment safe and secure you’ll need somewhere safe and secure to store it. That somewhere is a diving bag. Diving gear does not come cheap, especially if you invest in good quality kit. Needless to say, you’re going to want to keep it in the best possible condition. This is where sourcing the best dive bags proves to be so useful.

Different bags are designed for different gear and different uses. Whether you’re embarking on a long scuba vacation, or are just enjoying a quick dive at the weekend, ensuring your kit and equipment is safe, secure, and protected from the elements is vital. The problem is finding the right bag for your diving goals and the kit that you own.

To make your search even easier, here’s a look at several of the best scuba diving travel bags for safe and easy transport of scuba gear.

Table of Contents

What to Look for When Buying a Dive Bag

Before we can take a look at some of the best dive bags currently on the market today, to help you find your dream dive bag before you next take to the water, here are some useful tips on what to look for when searching for the best scuba bags currently available.

best scuba travel bag

The first thing you need to consider when you’re on the hunt for a dive bag is the size of the bag.

Think of what you need the bag for, and what type of gear you’re going to be carrying. For example, if you’re a casual diver, you’ll likely only have the basics and won’t be carrying as much gear as a seasoned tec diver for example.

If you don’t have much gear and only need a bag for the basics such as a wetsuit, snorkel, and perhaps some fins , you can get away with looking for smaller bags. On the flipside, if you’re serious about your diving and you carry a lot of gear and equipment, you’ll want a bigger bag with more storage.

Always remember to factor in extra space, because you never know when that extra space will come in handy.

Your Budget

Before you can get serious about shopping around for the best scuba diving travel bags, you are going to need to figure out a realistic budget.

Work out how much you can realistically afford to spend, and then start looking at bags within your price range. It’s no good looking at the most expensive and sophisticated dive bags on the market today, if you know for a fact that they are way outside of your price rice range.

Don’t assume that the most expensive are also guaranteed to be the best either. Some of the best dive bags come in at surprisingly low prices.

Bag Quality

Of course, this should go without saying, but when you’re on the market for the best dive bags, you should always look for a bag of the finest quality you can find.

Inspect the bag before buying and look for signs of obvious wear and tear. You should also try the zipper several times to make sure it opens and closes nice and smoothly, and that it doesn’t get caught or jam.

Any metal parts should be non-corrosive due to the sea water, and the materials of the bag should be sturdy, durable, waterproof, or water resistant if you don’t plan on getting the bag soaking wet.

This is perhaps one of the most important considerations when buying a dive bag, yet it’s also something that so many people tend to overlook.

When you’re carrying your bag, you need it to feel comfortable. If it has shoulder straps, try them and see how they feel. Ideally, they should be padded and should not dig into your shoulders at all.

You should also look for carry handles, bars, and even wheels with larger bags as these will all make it easier for you to pick up and carry your bag from A to B.

Make sure you try the bag with diving gear inside, as obviously that’s what you’ll be using it for in the first place. Just remember that your gear will also sometimes be wet, which means it’ll be heavier.

Best Dive Bags for Long Distance Travel

Now that you know what to look for when buying the best scuba diving travel bags, to make life even easier, here’s a look at 2 of the best dive bags for safe and easy transport of scuba diving gear for long distance.

These bags are sturdy, durable, and can easily be used as check-in luggage on long trips away.

Scubapro Caravan Gear Bag

best scuba travel bag

Up first on our list today, we have what we think is one of the best scuba diving travel bags currently on the market.

The Scubapro Caravan Gear Bag is an ultra-strong diving bag that was developed to make life for divers as simple and as straightforward as possible.

Made from strong, durable, and robust 420D NT fabric, coil zipper closures, several grab handles, retractable top handle, and in-line roller skate quality wheels which are durable and saltwater resistant, you can get this bag, and more importantly, your gear inside, from A to B in no time at all.

There is even a removable ID card holder so you can rest assured that nobody will collect your dive bag from the airport by mistake.

Key Features

  • Ultra-strong scuba gear bag
  • Telescopic pull top handle
  • Numerous grab handles
  • Rustproof wheels on stainless steel axils
  • Engineered for prolonged use
  • Corrosion resistant coil zippers
  • Reinforced heavy duty design

What We Liked

  • If you want one of the best dive bags for keeping your gear safe and secure, this is the bag for you. We loved how robust and well-designed this bag is.
  • The removable ID holder is a simple, yet very nice touch that could save divers a lot of potential travel headaches in the future.

What We Disliked

  • Only a minor criticism, but the plain black design is perhaps a little dull.

XS Scuba Voyager 60 Roller Bag

best scuba travel bag

Widely regarded as one of the best scuba diving travel bags we have the XS Scuba Voyager 60 Roller Bag.

Featuring heavy duty roller wheels that work on all terrain types, this bag offers everything you could ever want from a dive bag. With 5 handles, wheels, and external cinch straps, this bag also doubles as a backpack to make transporting your scuba gear easier than ever.

The Voyager 60 is one of the most reliable dive bags we’ve come across. It won’t rust, it can withstand the harshest of conditions, and it can easily be rinsed out after a dive, and left to dry quickly and efficiently.

For even better organization the bag even features internal fin straps so you can keep your fins held in position along the interior sidewalls of the bag. It’s the little touches like this that help make the Voyager 60 one of the best scuba diving travel bags currently on the market today.

The handy accessory pocket will also help keep smaller items, gadgets, gizmos, and valuables safe and secure, and separate from your main scuba gear.

  • Heavy duty, all terrain wheels
  • Carry handles
  • Comfortable cinch straps
  • Rust protected
  • Easy to clean after each dive
  • Internal fin straps
  • Aesthetic design
  • Made from a blend of 6 different forms of Polyester
  • Handy accessory pocket
  • Telescopic trolley handle for easy transportation
  • Spacious secondary compartment to keep fabrics separate from your dive gear
  • The secondary compartment for separating your dive gear from towels, clothing, and fabric materials is a very nice touch.
  • The all-terrain wheels really do cope well on a number of different surfaces which divers are likely to encounter.
  • The bag is a little heavy, weighing close to 9 pounds when empty, though the wheels and telescopic handle help alleviate these problems.

Best Mesh Day Bags and Backpacks for Diving

If you’re looking for more convenient bags and backpacks for your diving gear, these 4 should prove especially useful.

The dive bags listed below are lightweight, feature a mesh design for convenience of rinsing and drying your gear, and are perfect for day trips and more basic dives.

Scubapro Mesh N’ Roll Bag

best scuba travel bag

If you want a no-nonsense, ‘does what it says on the label’ kind of dive bag, this is the bag you should be looking at.

If storage space is an issue for your diving kit, and you don’t want to have to deal with unzipping and zipping closed countless pockets and compartments when packing and unpacking your gear , the Scubapro Mesh N’ Roll Bag is absolutely perfect.

This is a large, mesh, duffle style travel bag that is perfect for transporting a wetsuit , along with a couple of sets of diving equipment at the very least.

This bag features a large, dual-zipper main compartment where you can store you gear in and remove easily thanks to the U-shaped opening. For extra storage however, there is also a zippered side compartment too.

As far as comfort goes, this bag features carry handles and fully adjustable padded top, a durable carry handle, and heavy-duty wheels for true ease of transportation. If transportation is one of your primary concerns, this is one of the best dive bags you could wish for.

To make life even easier, the bag is also fully submersible due to its fine mesh design, which means you can dunk it in the rinse tank at your dive site, or on the boat deck, to get all of the seawater and sea detritus off of it and your diving gear. It will then dry very quickly because of the PVC mesh and nylon material .

You can also use the bag as a regular travel bag before you reach your dive destination as well.

  • PVC mesh and nylon material
  • Heavy-duty wheels for easy transportation
  • Plenty of main storage space
  • Very simple and effective design
  • Fully removable and padded shoulder straps
  • Collapsible for easier storage
  • Spacey dual-zipper main storage compartment
  • Side zippered accessory compartment
  • Fully submersible
  • Mesh design for quick drying and ventilation
  • Drip dry handle
  • Plenty of storage space and very easy to open and close
  • The wheels make it very easy to transport
  • The bag is a little big and clunky

XS Scuba Coastal Deluxe Bag

best scuba travel bag

Here we have the XS Scuba Coastal Deluxe Bag.

If you’re looking for a bag large enough to easily hold a full set of diving equipment, as well as a few accessories and extras for good measure, the XS Scuba Coastal Deluxe Bag is well worth checking out and could be exactly what you’ve been looking for. There’s a reason why it’s one of the best scuba diving travel bags currently on the market.

XS Scuba are renowned for making stylish and practical duffle bags as part of their Coastal Bags range, and this is a prime example of why they’ve proved to be so popular.

Whether you use them on dry land, in the sea, or even in the rinse tank after a successful dive, these duffle bags are great for divers looking for a bit more storage space and plenty of durability and resistance in the process.

Made from quick-drying fabrics such as abrasion resistant poly tarpaulin, along with snag and rip resistant polyester mesh, this bag has been built to withstand some real punishment, and has been built to last.

With a U-shaped opening, self-repairing zipper with two pull tabs, using this bag is effortless. There are even tarpaulin side panels to help keep your leg dry when you’re carrying wet gear. For added comfortable and ease of transportation you’ll also find triangle rings located on either side which will allow you to attach an optional shoulder strap, if you wish to do so.

  • Optional shoulder strap
  • Self-repairing zipper
  • Large U-shaped opening
  • Tarpaulin side panels to keep you dry when carrying wet diving gear
  • Large enough to store a full set of diving kit
  • Durable, hardwearing, snag and abrasion resistant polyester mesh material
  • Quick drying fabrics
  • Extra ventilation thanks to the mesh design
  • Rinse your kit while still in the bag
  • Hook to hang the bag to drip dry after a dive
  • Corrosion-free zippers that aren’t affected by the salt water
  • Top grab handles
  • The grab handles and optional shoulder strap make this a very comfortable and easy bag to transport.
  • Large storage capacity that will easily hold a full set of diving kit.
  • The bag didn’t dry quite as quickly as some of the others we’ve reviewed, though the difference in drying times is not a huge issue.

XS Scuba Seaside Pro

best scuba travel bag

If you’re looking for a smaller bag for carrying basic diving kit, the XS Scuba Seaside Pro is the perfect backpack for you.

Available in yellow, red, pink, blue, or black, this bag features a mesh design, a very comfortable padded sling strap, grab handles at the top for easy transportation, and one of the most durable designs we’ve come across when looking at the best dive bags currently on the market.

This is a durable piece of kit that can be used as a dive bag for your diving gear, as well as a travel bag as you make your way to your dive. What’s even more impressive is the fact that the XS Scuba Seaside Pro also allows you to fully submerge the bag and your diving gear and rinse it off after your dive. You can then hang the bag up, complete with your gear inside, and leave it to drip dry and air itself off.

  • Padded shoulder sling strap
  • Mesh design
  • Grab handles at the top for convenient lifting
  • Rinse and dry you gear inside your bag
  • Thick tarpaulin bottom panel
  • Ideal for shorter, less demanding scuba dives
  • Lightweight design at just 12 ounces when empty
  • Stylish and modern design
  • Limited warranty of 24 months
  • The simple rinse and dry feature of the bag is great and very convenient
  • We loved the top grab handles which made it very easy to move the bag, especially when it was full of heavy gear.
  • The bag could have perhaps been a touch larger, though it still provides ample space for diving kit and essentials.

Deep See Heavy Duty Mesh Diver’s Bag

best scuba travel bag

And finally, we have a fairly simple, no-nonsense dive bag that’s ideal for the more casual divers amongst you.

This Deep See Heavy Duty Mesh Diver’s Bag features a breathable mesh nylon design, an exterior pocket, again made from mesh and complete with loop closure and hook on the side of the bag, and D-rings for the optional shoulder strap that goes with it.

Featuring a typical tooth zipper opening, this is one of the more simpler diver’s bags currently on the market today.

The bag offers plenty of water resistance, a useful side pocket for smaller items such as keys and small parts, and is very well constructed and designed to hold basic dive gear.

While you probably wouldn’t use this bag for deep sea diving, for simple dives and shorter scuba trips, it’s a wonderful little bag that does everything that is asked of it, and a little more besides.

  • YKK tooth zipper opening
  • Useful side pocket
  • Durable nylon mesh material
  • 2” nylon web straps
  • D-rings for optional shoulder strap attachment
  • Added strength and support thanks to the straps that span the entire length of the bag
  • 12 month limited warranty
  • Very durable and breathable material that copes with moisture very well
  • Ideal for casual divers or smaller diving/snorkelling trips
  • The bag can be a little awkward and uncomfortable with the shoulder strap attachment fitted.

Final Thoughts

So, that brings our look at the best dive bags for safe and easy transport of scuba diving gear to a close.

As you can see, finding the right dive bag for you is not as simple as heading to your nearest diving store and grabbing the first bag you can find. There’s a lot to consider and there are a lot of bags out there to choose from, so finding the right one for you is vital.

Any of the 6 bags listed above come very highly recommended indeed, though be sure to try before you buy, and don’t forget to factor in exactly what kind of scuba gear you’re going to be carrying in the bag in the first place.

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best scuba travel bag

Best Scuba Diving Bags in 2023 (Review)

Last Updated: January 26, 2023 | Written By: Matt Fitzgerald

ReadyDive may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more

Table of Contents

With the ever-growing amount of equipment a diver accumulates, one can often forget that we require a means by which to transport our gear. A sturdy, reliable dive bag is exactly the thing for the job. However, there are some considerations involved in the buying process. Duffel or roller bag? Which size? How many compartments? With the help of our buyer’s advice guide and product recommendations, you should be well on your way to selecting which is the best dive bag for you.

Best Scuba Diving Bags

#1 – scubapro caravan diving bag.

Scubapro Caravan Diving Bag (Black)

The Scubapro Caravan is an excellent choice for those needing to carry heavy equipment over long distances. The bag has a variety of carrying options, from roller style to double-duffel hand straps, allowing you to choose the best option for you. Similarly, the bag is also designed to last the diver for a long time. It is constructed with 420D nylon as well as 450D ripstop fabric, making for a very tough and durable design. On top of this, the wheels of the bag are salt water resistant, resulting in greater longevity and operation.

  • A large main compartment includes a U-shaped opening, two side pockets, and one flat pocket on top, allowing you to pack a variety of larger and smaller items.
  • Made from a combination of 420D nylon not and 450D ripstop fabric, resulting in a tough and durable construction.
  • The bag includes a bevy of carrying options, including double-duffel hand straps; side, top, and bottom carrying handles; and reinforced saltwater-resistant wheels with a telescoping tow handle.

#2 – Aqualung Explorer II Duffel Bag

Aqua Lung Explorer II Duffel Pack, Black

The Aqualung Explorer II Duffel bag offers the diver a good trade-off between durability and lightweight construction. The bag is made of 1680D Polyester with a PVC coating, as well as having corrosion resistant zippers. Similarly, the base of the bag is padded with the addition of six corner guards, resulting in extra protection for your gear when travelling. The bag also has two exterior pockets, one of which is of mesh construction, allowing for wet gear to be held and dried whilst on the move. On top of this, the bag can be worn in backpack style, allowing for easier transport over long distances.

  • Extra Durable 1680D Polyester with PVC coating
  • Corrosion resistant zippers with extended pullers and lock holes
  • Padded and protected V-Diamond base with 6 corner guards
  • Two exterior organization pockets, one of them is mesh for drying extra wet gear
  • Packable backpack straps that second as duffel handles

#3 – Cressi Gorilla XL Bag

Cressi Waterproof Bag for Scuba Freediving Equipment - 135 Liters Capacity | Gorilla PRO XL Quality Since 1946

The Cressi Gorilla XL is a simply constructed duffel bag, designed for heavy duty use. With a capacity of 135 litres, this makes for a lot of space for extra gear. It is made of strong radio frequency welded seams. The bag itself is also waterproof, making it ideal for boat usage.

  • A large and roomy bag, plenty of space for storage. Internal capacity of 4. 75 cu ft (135 litres).
  • It is made from a strong radio frequency (RF) welded seam PVC and is waterproof.
  • 2 Shoulder straps and handle straps on both ends of the bag.
  • Draining cap for washing bag and equipment at the same time.

#4 – Cressi Piper Bag

Cressi Piper Bag for Traveling | Strong and Safe with Multiple Handles and Wheels, Black, One Size (UB952000)

The Cressi Piper is an excellent option for those seeking a lightweight dive bag. With a two-stage telescopic handle and two exterior compression straps, the bag is perfect for air travel, making it a great companion for those looking to save on weight and space. The bag itself has a 50 litre capacity, making it large enough to carry the majority of a diver’s gear.

  • Several zippers and a strong design ensure that your equipment will be able to be stored safely. Features a back ID pocket for identification.
  • The interior of the Piper features compression straps and a side pocket to help organize your belongings.
  • At 6 pounds and 1. 73 cubic feet, the Piper is light and great for traveling.
  • The Piper is especially convenient for air travel, with a special 2 stage telescoping handle and 2 exterior compression straps with quick-release buckles.

#5 – Cressi Moby 5

Cressi Strong Large Capacity Trolley Bag 115L with Backpack Straps | Moby 5 designed in Italy

The Cressi Moby 5 is the ideal bag for those needing to transfer heavy equipment for years to come. The large diameter wheels can be removed and replaced with ease, guaranteeing prolonged usage of the bag. The bag has a number of pockets to allow for gear separation, as well as adjustable straps that allow for conversion into a backpack. This makes for a very versatile bag. The construction is made out of 300 and 400 denier, combining lightweight and durable elements. The material also results in a very strong design which, coupled with the supporting rods, results in a high tolerance to heavy loads.

  • Made with 300 and 400 Denier fabric that is light and very strong.
  • The main compartment opens on three sides allowing easy access. There are two large pockets in the front with zip closures, two side pockets for fins and a small upper pocket that holds an address tag.
  • There are two adjustable, padded, straps for carrying on the back that can be placed in special pockets when the backpack is being wheeled. The reinforced pull handle is telescopic and fully retractable.
  • The wheels have a large diameter and can be removed and easily replaced in the event of breakage. There are two carrying handles: a reinforced one at the top and one with Velcro closure at the bottom.
  • The back of the bag houses supporting rods to keep the Moby 5 in a vertical position. The Moby 5 measures 30 in (76 cm) height, 15.7 in (40 cm) long and 11 in (28 cm) wide. Capacity of 4 cubic feet (115 litres). Weight 10.6 lb (4.8 kg).

#6 – AKONA Globetrotter bag

AKONA Globetrotter All-in-One Carry-On Backpack - Blue

The AKONA Globetrotter bag is an excellent choice for those looking for a simple backpack construction for travelling light. The bag has a capacity of 58 litres, and, due to its soft shell design, can be compressed in order to save space. Your fins can also fit on the outside of the bag, with the use of compression straps, allowing them to double up as exterior protection for the bag.

  • Backpack style construction.
  • Compression Straps are designed to secure your fins to the outside of the bag.
  • 58 Litre capacity.

#7 – Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag

Fourth Element Expedition Duffle 120L Bag/Orange

The Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel bag is designed for the toughest of conditions. It is made of heavy duty mesh PVC, with double-lining. On top of this, it comes in varying capacities, that of 60, 90 and 120 litres, allowing you to select the correct dive bag size for your specific needs. It is available in either orange or blue, allowing for easy identification.

  • Available in 60/90/120 litres.
  • Available in a range of colours.
  • Made from heavy duty mesh PVC, with double-lined bottom.
  • Padded straps for backpack conversion.
  • Large pouch for label identification.

What to Look for in a Dive Bag

Dive bags come in a variety of sizes. When selecting the size of your dive bag you need to think not only about all the equipment you have as of now, but also the likelihood of what else you will accumulate within the next 5-10 years. By so doing, you are guaranteeing that this will be a dive bag to serve all your needs for many years to come. That said, however, bigger is not always better. For someone who is looking to save on luggage costs when flying, and who therefore opts for lighter, smaller equipment models, a large dive bag will undercut your style.

  Wheels & Telescopic Handle

If you know you are going to need to transfer a lot of equipment, adding up to a heavy total weight, then it would be advisable to invest in a bag with wheels and telescopic handle, rather than a two strap duffel bag, for example. If going to be used in an airport, wheels and a handle are ideal.

Separate Compartments

Some dive bags come with only one large compartment for all your equipment to be stored in, whilst others come with multiple pockets of different shapes and sizes. The latter enables you to separate your gear, allowing for better protection of fragile items, such as your regulator , for example. That said, however, the more compartments, the higher the price. Therefore, this comes down very much to personal preference.

Construction

In general, there are three styles of construction. The first is a heavy duty dive bag that focuses on durability and toughness, guaranteeing longevity even with a lot of abuse.

The second type of construction is that of more lightweight materials and flexibility, making for a dive bag that saves you weight and space when travelling.

The third type, unsurprisingly, is that of a middle way between the other two constructions, being a trade-off between durable and lightweight materials.

Which one is the better option for you largely comes down to personal preference. What can be said, however, is that if you don’t plan to travel by air with the bag, then going for a more heavy duty construction may not be the worst idea.

There are various types of dive bags. Which one you need is – of course – dependent on your personal needs. They can be summarised as follows:

Duffel Bags

A duffel bag has a simple construction that allows for a lot of capacity. They can come with multiple compartments for gear separation. They also usually lack any rigid interior/exterior framework or shell, allowing for compression if needed when squeezing into small spaces.

Mesh bags are designed primarily for use when on or near the dive site. For example, they make excellent bags for carrying lightweight items on the boat, such as an exposure suit, mask, fins, and regulator. Because of the mesh construction, they allow for drainage and thus quick drying of your equipment. However, mesh bags should not be used for the transportation of a full equipment set, particularly not if travelling via plane, as they are not in any way designed to protect your equipment and cannot hold large amounts of heavy gear.

Roller Bags

Roller bags are ideal for those needing to transfer large amounts of heavy equipment. If planning to travel by air, then a roller bag is almost essential. The only con of the roller bag is the fact that they tend to be heavy due to their hard shell, wheels and handle. Similarly, as they afford such great protection, they cannot usually be compressed in order to fit into smaller spaces. This makes them less than ideal for those looking to save on weight.

Backpacks are a good option for those looking for an easy, convenient way to transport their equipment. They are perfect for those wishing to save on weight too. They usually work with your gear, having external pockets for your fins which themselves create an outer protective shell for the rest of your gear. They are also good for those having to transport heavy equipment over long distances by foot, or over undulating terrain where roller bags will not be able to operate.

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Best Dive Bags of 2024

Congratulations on buying your own SCUBA equipment. You’ll never regret it! But, how are you planning to carry everything to and from the dive site? The best dive bags are spacious, comfortable to carry, easy to organize, and will protect the gear you’ve invested in. And most divers agree, you don’t want to leave home without one.

What type of bag works well for you will depend on how much equipment you own, what conditions you’ll be diving in, and how far you’re traveling. But don’t worry, there are plenty of high-quality models to choose from perfectly suited to your needs. In this article, we’ll teach you what features and considerations to shop for, and share our favorite models from around the web. So, if you’re ready to start shopping, read this first.

For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the Best Dive Knives .

Quick Answer - The Best Dive Bags

  • XS Scuba Seaside Deluxe View at Amazon
  • Mares Cruise View at Amazon
  • Pinnacle Pacific View at Amazon
  • Akona Globetrotter View at Amazon
  • Fourth Element Argo View at Amazon
  • Scubapro Mesh N’ Roll View at Amazon
  • Oceanic Jetpack View at Amazon
  • Cressi Moby 5 View at Amazon
  • Stahlsac Jamaican Smuggler View at Amazon

Comparison Table - Best Dive Bags

Reviews - the best bags for diving, xs scuba seaside deluxe.

  • Material : Polyester Mesh, Tarpaulin
  • Closure : Drawstring Top
  • Handles : 2 Shoulder Straps, Top and Side Grab Handles
  • Pockets : 1 Interior, 1 Exterior
  • Style : Mesh Backpack
  • Volume : 103 Liters
  • Water Resistant Internal Zippered Pocket for Valuables
  • Padded and Adjustable Shoulder Straps
  • Top and Side Grab Handles for Easy Lifting
  • Mesh Design for Rinsing and Drying Gear in Bag
  • Lightweight Design Under 2 lbs

BEST FOR: BUDGET

Transporting and protecting your dive gear doesn’t have to be expensive. The XS Scuba Seaside Deluxe is one of the most affordable models on the market, and it performs just as well as other bags selling for twice the price. This mesh backpack’s top-loading design makes it easy to stuff your equipment inside while protecting small items in its water-resistant pocket. Its completely flexible exterior allows you to stuff it inside a larger bag or suitcase for rapid packing and unpacking. And, best of all, after a day in the water, you can pack up the Seaside Deluxe, rinse or dunk the entire thing, and let it drip dry.

Mares Cruise

  • Material : 600 Denier 72T w/PVC
  • Closure : Zippered Top
  • Handles : 2 Wrap-around Straps
  • Pockets : None
  • Style : Mesh Duffel
  • Volume : 109 Liters
  • Collapsible for Easy Storage
  • Long Enough for Freediving Fins

BEST FOR: QUICK DRYING

Though it doesn’t earn many points for style, the Mares Cruise is easily your best option for a quick-drying gear bag. This mesh duffel features one of the simplest designs on the market, with one oversized and flexible compartment. When empty, it collapses into a small circle, weighing less than 2 lbs, so it’s completely travel-friendly. When expanded, it’s long enough for freediving fins and can accommodate more than one set of SCUBA equipment. The beauty of this bag is that after a day of diving, you can rinse or dunk all your gear, already packed, and hang it to dry.

Pinnacle Pacific

  • Material : 600D Polyester, PVC Laminate
  • Handles : 2 Wrap-around Straps, 1 Adjustable Cross-body Strap
  • Pockets : 1 Exterior, Removable Regulator Bag
  • Style : Fabric Duffel
  • External Fin Pocket
  • Grommet Drain Holes for Air Circulation
  • Removable Regulator Bag

BEST FOR: EASY ORGANIZATION

The Pinnacle Pacific is an ideal design for neat freaks and those who prefer to keep their gear bag ultra organized. An external pocket keeps fins horizontal and prevents unwanted bending while in transit. The removable regulator bag is padded to keep your breathing apparatus safe and separated from the rest of your gear and attaches easily with a zipper. This feature makes it a snap to remove before flying. And, grommeted drain holes allow for air transfer inside the bag, preventing trapped moisture. Though this model is bulkier than most in its class, it is perfect for protecting sensitive equipment during long haul travel. 

Akona Globetrotter

  • Material : Polyester, Molded Plastic
  • Handles : 2 Shoulder Straps, 1 Chest Strap
  • Pockets : 2 Exterior
  • Style : Fabric Backpack
  • Volume : 58 Liters
  • Adjustable Sternum Strap for Weight Distribution
  • External Compression Straps for Fin Storage

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY

The Akona Globetrotter is perfect for divers on the go. Its unique cylindrical shape makes it easy to load a regulator bag in the bottom, and neatly stack the rest of your gear on top. Two zippered external pockets will keep all your odds and ends organized. Exterior compression straps will keep your fins safe, secure, and in the proper position without the need to jam them inside with everything else. The Globetrotter is easy and comfortable to carry, with padded shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap for improved weight distribution. Keep in mind that this is a low volume design, best suited to warm water dive travel.

Fourth Element Argo

  • Material : 500D Cordura
  • Closure : Rolled Top
  • Style : Dry Duffel
  • Volume : 44 Liters
  • Completely Waterproof Exterior
  • Outside Window for Luggage ID
  • Roll-up Changing Mat Included

BEST FOR: DRY SUITS AND ACCESSORIES

Most cold-water divers agree, there is nothing worse than diving in a damp dry suit. The Fourth Element Argo was designed with cold-water divers in mind, to keep your suit and undergarments dry no matter what surface conditions you encounter. Its heavy-duty Cordua exterior locks moisture out, even when submerged. A rolling top prevents water from entering and doesn’t rely on zippers or flaps that can wear out and break. Plus, its roll-up changing mat will keep your gear free from mud and debris during donning and doffing. Keep in mind that this is a low volume bag, meant for carrying exposure protection and a few dry accessories, not a full SCUBA setup.

Scubapro Mesh N’ Roll

  • Material : PVC Mesh and Nylon
  • Handles : Retractable Pull Handle, 2 Wrap-around Straps
  • Pockets : 1 Exterior
  • Style : Mesh Roller
  • Volume : 92 Liters
  • Heavy Duty Wheels

best scuba travel bag

BEST FOR: OVERALL VALUE

The Scubapro Mesh N’ Roll bag is one of the most versatile models on the market, and an excellent value, dollar for dollar. This allover mesh bag is easy to transport, with multiple carrying options including wrap-around straps, a retractable pull handle, and heavy-duty wheels. It’s large enough to hold two complete sets of gear while keeping small accessories organized, perfect for buddy teams that travel together. And, it allows equipment to dry even once it’s been packed, so you’ll never fly home from a dive trip with a sopping wet SCUBA setup. For its size, this bag is surprisingly lightweight and collapsible too, and can even fit inside larger rolling models.

Oceanic Jetpack

  • Material : 1000-D Cordura, 420-D Nylon
  • Handles : 2 Shoulder Straps, Top Grab Handle
  • Style : BCD Dive Bag Hybrid
  • Volume : 42 Liters
  • BCD Bladder Converts Into Flexible Gear Bag

best scuba travel bag

BEST FOR: BACKPACKERS

The Oceanic Jetpack isn’t a BCD or a gear bag, it’s both. This unique and innovative system is a low volume carry-all solution for divers who travel light. The buoyancy compensator unfolds and rezips into a travel bag, equipped with multiple pockets for storage, padded and adjustable straps for convenient carrying, and plenty of room for a full set of warm water equipment. Plus, because the BCD doubles as a bag, you’ll have one less bulky piece of equipment to carry around. The Jetpack is made from fast-drying materials so it can easily transition from buoyancy compensator to bag in a matter of moments.

Cressi Moby 5

  • Material : 300-D, 400- D Nylon
  • Handles : Retractable Pull Handle, 2 Wrap-around Straps, Top Grab Handle
  • Pockets : 3 Exterior
  • Style : Fabric Roller
  • Volume : 115 Liters

BEST FOR: SENSITIVE EQUIPMENT

If you are traveling with delicate camera equipment or other sensitive gear, you’ll want a heavily padded bag with plenty of pockets. The Cressi Moby 5 will keep all your odds and ends safe and organized during even the roughest transit. This roller bag is bulky but spacious enough to hold two complete sets of equipment plus all the accessories. Unlike similar models, the Moby 5 can also convert into a backpack for easy carry in crowded airports and bus stations. Plus, its internal frame lends extra support when carried as a backpack, and keeps an upright position while being pulled on wheels.

Stahlsac Jamaican Smuggler

  • Material : Nylon
  • Volume : 106 Liters
  • Designed for Air Travel
  • Molded Bottom for Added Protection
  • Internal Compression Straps
  • Locking Zippers for Added Security

BEST FOR: AIR TRAVEL

If you fly with dive gear frequently, you know it can be a hassle. The Stahlsac Jamaican Smuggler was designed for air travel with TSA standards in mind. Its dimensions meet all major airline requirements for checked baggage, and its ultralight internal frame saves weight for where you need it the most. Internal compression straps keep your gear neat and tidy, and a padded external pocket makes it easy to stash away all your small accessories. Divers with delicate equipment will appreciate the molded plastic bottom, which adds an extra level of protection for sensitive gear like regulators and camera rigs. This model features TSA approved locking zippers for added protection against petty theft.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A DIVE BAG

Dive bags come in three main styles; backpack, duffel, and roller. Which is best for you depends on how much gear you’re planning to carry and for how far.

Backpack style gear bags are best for divers who are traveling light. Because this style is worn on your back, much more than 25 lbs won’t be comfortable. But, it’s an ideal design for warm water divers and weekend warriors. When compared to bulkier duffels and rollers, this style is easy to carry through crowded airports and transit stations. 

Duffel style gear bags aren’t the most comfortable to carry, but they are spacious and easy to pack. Most duffels feature a full-length top zipper, so it’s easy to fit even the most oversized equipment inside. These styles can often fit more than one set of gear, so they are a top pick for buddy teams traveling together. 

Roller bags are typically more organized and protective than their flexible counterparts, thanks to interior frames and support. If you’re traveling with sensitive gear or lots of small pieces, this structured “luggage” style is probably your best bet. But, roller style gear bags weigh more than other types, so be prepared to travel with an extra pound or two.

Size is a major consideration when choosing your gear bag. Too much room and you’ll be stuck with bulky and half-empty luggage. Too little room and you’ll be struggling to stuff everything inside. If you’re diving in warm water, a volume between 60 and 80 liters will likely fit your entire kit. If you plan to explore in cold climates or you want to fit two sets of equipment in the same bag, choose a model with at least 100 liters of storage capacity. If you’re flying with equipment, remember to research airline size and weight restrictions for your bag ahead of time.  

If you’re traveling with SCUBA accessories, you may prefer a dive bag that comes with built-in pockets or a regulator bag for additional storage. These design elements will help protect small and sensitive items while keeping you organized until you reach the dive site. Internal pockets are best for small valuables, while an external locking option is best for larger accessories. 

The most comfortable way to carry your dive bag will depend on how much it weighs and what you have inside. Whether you choose a bag with wraparound handles, shoulder straps, or a pull handle, be sure the hardware feels stable and secure. Avoid thin straps that might break or dig in during transit. And, if you’re traveling with more than 50 lbs, opt for a bag with multiple methods of carry. This will come in handy during long trips when you might find yourself fatigued after a long day on the road. It is also helpful if you are traveling in crowded or congested places where it may be challenging to move with a duffel or roller bag.

MATERIALS 

Your dive bag’s material will determine how quickly it dries and how much wear and tear it can withstand. Nylon mesh is the fastest drying option, and the most breathable. Fabric bags allow less air circulation and are sometimes prone to trapping moisture. But, these solid styles will do a better job of protecting your gear from outside elements and tend to last longer. Waterproof fabrics are the most durable and protective but are often heavy and expensive options. 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

Designed for air travel.

Dive bags that are designed for air travel feature extra protection against rough baggage handling. These travel-friendly extras typically included a solid molded plastic bottom to protect your bag’s contents from impact. TSA approved locking zippers , luggage tag windows, and heavy-duty wheels also come in handy if you are a frequent flyer. 

LONG ENOUGH FOR FREEDIVING FINS

If your travel plans include SCUBA and freediving , you’ll want a gear bag long enough to hold both types of fins. Freediving fins begin at around 38 inches (98 cm) in length. 

COMPRESSION STRAPS

Some dive bags feature compression straps to hold your equipment in place. Internal straps are helpful for compressing thick wetsuits and bulky BCDs, and keep gear from sliding around inside your bag. External straps are used to secure fins and other accessories to the outside of your bag. 

GROMMET DRAIN HOLES

These metal reinforced holes allow water and moisture to escape from your dive bag, even during transit. Air circulation cuts back on musty smells and reduces the need to wash your equipment a second time after travel. 

REGULATOR BAG

Detachable regulator bags offer extra protection around the most sensitive equipment you use. These additional compartments are usually cushioned and attach with a zipper. Some divers prefer to carry their regulators with them in cabin luggage to ensure safe and gentle handling. 

A storm flap is an additional piece of water-resistant fabric that lays behind your bag’s zipper. This strip prevents moisture that seeps through the zipper’s teeth from entering your bag unless it is submerged. 

For more of our top scuba diving gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Scuba Diving Masks

Scuba Regulators

Scuba Diving Fins

Wetsuits for Diving

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Best Scuba Diving Bags Reviewed in 2024

Adeline Ee

Table of Contents

1️⃣ ⭐ Reviews – Best Scuba Dives Bags 2024

2️⃣ 🤔 frequently asked questions.

Any traveling diver will know that a well-organized dive bag is a dream to unpack. Sure, you can stuff everything in a suitcase, but setting up your gear can be messy and disorganized. Even worse, sensitive equipment like your regulator can be rattled around and banged up during transport, and the last thing you want is a malfunctioning regulator during your dream dive trip! That’s why you’ll need a dedicated diving bag loaded with compartments to protect your essential equipment like your first stage and regulator. We personally like to carry the first stage and regulator in a separate, padded reg-bag, but the choice is yours. If you’re in the market for a diving bag, here are some of our favorites!

  • Best Overall – Cressi Moby 5 Trolley
  • Best Budget – Krakel Aquatics Mesh
  • Runner-Up – SEAC U-Boot 100 Dry Bag

Cressi Moby 5 Trolley

Cressi Moby 5 Trolley

  • Ratings: 4.8
  • Brand: Cressi
  • Materials: 300/400-denier nylon
  • Volume: 115 L
  • Item dimension: 31.5 x 23.62 x 31.5 inches
  • Main compartment: 30 x 15.8 x 11 inches
  • Upper front pocket: 13.4 x 9.05 x 3.3 inches
  • Lower front pocket: 13.4 x 15 x 3.3 inches
  • Fin pocket: 28.7 x 9.8 x 2.8 inches
  • Weight: 10.8 pounds
  • Price: $249.95

Our Overall Review: This wheeled dive bag is ideal for carrying all your scuba equipment thanks to its large compartments. Its material is specifically designed to make it durable and lightweight, and there are two adjustable straps when you want to switch to backpack mode.

Aqua Lung Explorer II Duffel Pack Dive Bag

Aqua Lung Explorer II Duffel Pack Dive Bag

  • Ratings: 4.6
  • Brand: Aqua Lung
  • Materials: 1680D Polyester with PVC coating
  • Volume: 46.2 L
  • Item dimensions: 24 x 13 x 9 inches
  • Weight: 3.5 pounds

Our Overall Review: The Aqua Lung Explorer II Duffel Pack is ideal for those who love keeping it simple with carry-on-sized bags. It has adjustable backpack straps, a mesh drying pocket, a sunglass pocket, and an organization pocket. There are also useful fin straps on the back of the bag where you can hold fins of any size.

Scubapro Mesh N Roll

Scubapro Mesh N Roll

  • Brand: Scubapro
  • Materials: Nylon mesh
  • Volume: 104 L
  • Item dimensions: 30.8 x 15 x 13.8 inches
  • Weight: 5.7 pounds
  • Price: $152

Our Overall Review: The Scubapro Mesh N Roll bag lets you dry out your wet gear and makes it easy for you to check what’s inside. It’s also lightweight and allows great air circulation, so you can say goodbye to mildew and odors. This bag has a separate non-mesh zippered pocket to store your wallets and keys. The unique rolling system means you can easily transport the bag without wasting precious energy.

Akona Lightweight Scuba Less Than 7 Lbs Roller Bag

Akona Lightweight Scuba Less Than 7 Lbs Roller Bag

  • Ratings: 4.5
  • Brand: Akona
  • Materials: Polyester
  • Volume: 64 L
  • Item dimensions: 21 x 14.5 x 9 inches
  • Weight: 6 pounds 8 oz
  • Price: $230

Our Overall Review: It’s the perfect bag for divers who want a reliable, sturdy, and lightweight bag they can easily travel with. The Akona Lightweight Less Than 7 Lbs bag features a cell phone pocket, an office organizer pocket, whisper roll wheels, and stiffeners in the edges to make packing simple.

Cressi Gorilla Pro XL

Cressi Gorilla Pro XL

  • Ratings: 4.4
  • Materials: RF welded seam PVC
  • Volume: 135 L
  • Item dimension: 37.43 x 13.4 x 16.55 inches
  • Weight: 3 pounds
  • Price: $120.03

Our Overall Review: The roomy bag is made from a strong radio frequency welded seam PVC and is waterproof, making it ideal for boat travel. The length is perfect for storing long free-diving fins, and there’s a handy draining cap at one end of the bag to let the water out. The top grab handles easily transform into shoulder straps when needed.

TUSA BA-0202 Dive Gear Lightweight Roller Bag

TUSA BA-0202 Dive Gear Lightweight Roller Bag

  • Ratings: 4.1
  • Brand: TUSA
  • Materials: Nylon
  • Volume: 108 L
  • Item dimensions: 11.8 x 19 x 29.5 inches
  • Weight: 9.9 pounds
  • Price: $225

Our Overall Review: This roller bag is great for both short trips and extended trips thanks to its generous size. The TUSA BA-0202 features an expandable heavy-duty pull handle, compression straps, carry handles, internal zippered pockets, and a mesh zippered pocket.

SEAC U-Boot 100 Dry Bag

SEAC U-Boot 100 Dry Bag

  • Brand: SEAC
  • Materials: Tarpaulin
  • Volume: 100 L
  • Item dimensions: 37 x 12 x 10 inches
  • Weight: 2.3 pounds
  • Price: $78.24

Our Overall Review: Thick and durable, the SEAC U-Boot 100 is made from tarpaulin with reinforcement patches on its sleeves. The bag has a special cap at one end that makes drainage easy after a day in the water. The material means you can rinse the bag with fresh water to avoid build-up. This affordable option is a spacious, lightweight, and versatile choice for traveling divers.

XS Scuba B3 Bomber

XS Scuba B3 Bomber

  • Brand: XS Scuba
  • Materials: 1200D Magnum Coat
  • Volume: 98 L
  • Item dimensions: 29 x 16.5 x 15 inches
  • Weight: 7.6 pounds
  • Price: $129.95

Our Overall Review: The B3 Bomber stands for Big Black Bag, which is why it’s perfect for all the gear you need when you’re going on an exotic diving trip. The B3 Bomber features a large main compartment with two internal compression straps, two large accessory pockets, and a roller setup that makes it easy for you to bring it along. XS Scuba wanted to keep the bag looking sleek, which is why there’s nothing on it except for a very small logo.

Stahlsac Caicos Cargo Pack

best scuba travel bag

  • Brand: Stahlsac
  • Volume: 133 L
  • Item dimension: 37.52 x 19.02 x 12.01 inches
  • Weight: 9.3 pounds
  • Price: $339.95

Our Overall Review: This full-size dive bag is an investment that will last you a lifetime. The bag has multiple pockets to store your gear, including side pockets that can fit XL fins. It’s also safe for air travel because the bag features internal compression straps that keep everything in place while in transit.

Krakel Aquatics Mesh

Krakel Aquatics Mesh

  • Brand: Kraken Aquatics
  • Materials: Mesh
  • Volume: 83 L
  • Item dimensions: 30 x 13 x 13 inches
  • Weight: 0.39
  • Price: $32.21

Our Overall Review: The affordable and light bag is a carryall that can fit all your gear. The mesh material also allows you to easily wash off salt water through your bag. Store your smaller items in the zippered side pockets that are big enough for cameras, sunscreen, glasses, or gloves. It includes an adjustable shoulder strap that allows you to carry heavier gear without straining your hands. Two sizes are available – large and extra large.

What are gear bags for scuba diving? Gear bags for scuba diving keep all the diving equipment together in separate compartments. They are made with heavy-duty materials for optimal durability, are usually water-resistant if not waterproof, and have several compartments to keep specific pieces of equipment like your regulator set and fins.

Why you need a dive bag ? Dive bags offer you a convenient way to transport your dive equipment. They have several compartments designed for a specific kind of gear like a slot for fins and a padded compartment for sensitive equipment like regulators.

What to look out for when buying a dive bag ? First, make sure the bag is the right size and has the capacity to accommodate all your dive gear. Durability is key, so pick heavy-duty materials and reinforced zippers. Dive bags have multiple compartments, pockets, and drainage for easy organization and storage after your dive trip. Consider the bag’s comfort for easy handling like wheels, handles, and padded straps.

Why buy a dive bag for scuba diving ? Instead of stuffing all your dive gear in a suitcase and hoping for the best, investing in a dive bag will keep all your gear safe and organized during a dive trip. Good dive bags are heavy-duty, will last for years, and will keep your equipment safe. Having sensitive equipment like regulators bouncing around in a suitcase during transportation could damage them.

How to choose the best dive bag ? Dive bags get banged around a lot, so make sure you choose one for its durability. Look for special features like reinforced stitching, good zippers, and heavy-duty material. Of course, the dive bag also has to be big enough to accommodate all your gear, especially if you have extra-long fins or a thick wetsuit. Consider ease of transportation as well and look for bags with wheels or padded straps for enhanced mobility. Carrying a loaded dive bag on one shoulder isn’t too much fun!

Final Thoughts – Now that you’ve got all your dive gear, you’ll need a dive bag to put all your toys in. Keep in mind dive bags are exposed to the elements and saltwater frequently, so invest in a high-quality bag, and it’ll last for decades. We hope our list helps you find your perfect bag!

About The Author

Adeline Ee

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  • Scuba and Dive Bags

The best Scuba and Dive Bags in 2024

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We’ve reviewed dozens of the best scuba and dive bags over the years, from the biggest trolleys for a full set of scuba gear to the smallest duffels for a snorkeling day at the beach: We know dive bags!

With so many options to pick from, however, this may seem like a daunting task, especially as brands are coming up with new models all the time.

Here is our list of the  10 best scuba & dive bags in 2024  with suggestions for  any budget :

  • Best Overall in 2024: Cressi Moby 5
  • Most Durable: AquaLung Explorer II Roller Bag
  • Budget Beast: TUSA BA-301 Roller Mesh Bag
  • Most Space: Cressi Gorilla Pro XL
  • Design Award: XS Scuba Voyager 60 Roller Duffel Bag
  • Best for Travel: Stahlsac Caicos Cargo Pack
  • Best Multi-Sport: AquaLung Explorer II Duffel Pack

Below, you find  reviews for each of them , as well as all the others we have tested so far.

At the end of the post, we have added a  dive boots buyer’s guide  that takes you through what you need to look for before buying, the different types available, the temperature ranges they are rated for, and the pros and cons of each.

This article is for you if you don’t know where to start when it comes to scuba & dive bags .

Are you a scuba diver looking for a place to carry your kit, a parent looking for a beach bag for your family’s snorkeling sets, or need a duffel bag for all the sports you do? Perhaps you’re not sure which type of dive bag you should buy or if you should make a switch.

The best scuba gear won’t help you if you have no way to carry it to your next diving trip or can’t protect it while traveling. Dive bags help you with that.

The  best dive bags  offer plenty of space for your stuff, protect your valuables inside, are lightweight for frequent traveling , and are durable enough to last a long time.

There are plenty of dive bag choices on the market in many sizes and designs, with different features and temperature ratings. This can make it hard – especially for beginners – to find the right one at a decent cost. But no worries,  we’ve tried them all  so we can compare them here for you.

We spend a lot of time underwater and in the real world testing the top ones so that we can compare the leading contenders side by side. With this hands-on experience, we have some  expert recommendations  on which models truly stand out.

With strong options available at  all price levels , you can either pick from among the  top flagships  or opt for a  solid midrange  one with all the comfort you could hope for at a fraction of the price. We also have  super-budget  options that still work great. Our picks for the best bags for watersport enthusiasts offer something for everybody, with rankings that reflect both our testing and real-world use, as well as the opinions of other users.

The best dive bags in 2024

These are the best dive bags in 2024 for every budget that we have tested so far:

Keep reading for our reviews. At the end of this list, you can find  all the Scuba and Dive Bags  we have tested so far!

Cressi Moby 5

best scuba travel bag

Gigantic, durable, timeless design…what’s not to like?

  •  Retractable handle to comfortably pull the dive bag
  •  Durable enough for long-distance travel
  •  Space inside not obstructed
  • Comes with shoulder straps
  • It's really heavy
  •  Pricey

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The Cressi Moby 5 has been our top choice for dive bags for a few years and it doesn’t look it’s going to change anytime soon. It will fit your entire scuba gear and then some. Even a drysuit. We like the retractable handlebar to comfortably pull the trolley and it even comes with shoulder straps ! 😱

It looks gorgeous and valuable and feels a bit like nice leather seats in a car. All this greatness unfortunately comes at a high price . It’s also really heavy . But it’s so pretty !

The Cressi Moby 5 is the best all-around dive bag for scuba divers and offers lots of space for your equipment. Just make sure you get your hand on one when you see it, as they often sell out quickly!

Specs & Features

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AquaLung Explorer II Roller Bag

Very durable and super affordable.

  • Very durable even on sharp or uneven terrain
  •  Great value
  • Water-resistant and dries quickly
  •  A lot of space
  •  Nice, long handle
  • Telescope handlebar
  • Tends to tip over easily
  •  Wheels a little small
  •  A bit heavy

AquaLung Explorer II Roller Bag

The AquaLung Explorer II Roller Bag is big, bad, and beautiful ! It’s tough enough to become your primary travel dive bag that comes with comfortable wheels and a lot of space . The telescope handle is super convenient although it can tip over the bag if your equipment is placed unevenly. Oh, the all-blue version looks amazing !

The Explorer II is completely waterproof which is nice when diving locally and loading up gear into the trunk afterward. I just wish the wheels were a bit bigger so it doesn’t constantly get stuck in muddy ground.

The AquaLung Explorer II roller bag is a great and durable dive bag that comes with a great design at an incredible price.

TUSA BA-0301 Mesh Roller Bag

A lightweight mesh roller bag at a bargain.

  • Lightweight but with wheels
  •  Fits an entire scuba kit
  • Affordable for such a large dive bag
  •  Several practical handles
  • Handle a little short
  •  Tends to fall over when pulling too quickly
  •  Top pouch on the small side

TUSA BA-0301 Mesh Roller Bag

the TUSA BA-0301 Mesh Roller Bag is big enough to hold a full set of scuba gear , yet more affordable than many other options of comparable size. There is just a lot to like about it! That’s why it gets our 2024 Budget Beast Award ! The mesh itself has a plastic coating which means it’s stiff but dries quickly .

Like many larger dive bags, your scuba gear might shift inside if you pack it loosely, so make sure your camera and regulators are stored away safely. We would also like to see a longer handle and a bigger top pouch so it actually holds some equipment. That said, there are many other practical handles and let’s be real, it’s really good value !

The TUSA BA-0301 Roller Mesh Bag is a good choice for a lightweight roller bag that will fit your entire scuba gear.

Cressi Gorilla Pro XL

The biggest dive bag of all that will hold all your scuba and freediving equipment.

  • 30% more space than the second largest contender on this list
  • Great build quality
  • Sturdy zippers
  • Very lightweight
  • Long enough for freediving fins
  • Very bare bones
  •  No shoulder straps
  • When it isn't completely filled, it hangs down

Cressi Gorilla Pro XL

The Cressi Gorilla Pro XL is for those of you who have A LOT of scuba gear to put into one bag. It will hold everything from your freediving fins to a full drysuit kit. It’s very durable and the seams and zippers are super sturdy. That’s necessary because with this bag you get the bare bones means to store stuff.

It has no shoulder strap , no wheels , and not even a padded floo r. This also means when it isn’t filled, it looks a bit like a big sack. However, it’s super cheap and will last you forever .

Get the Cressi Gorilla Pro XL if you value space over features but don’t want to sacrifice durability.

XS Scuba Voyager 60 Roller Duffel Bag

Great design meets features and comfort.

  • Great design
  •  Pockets & Pouches well thought out
  • Lots of handles
  •  Extra cinch strap to prevent breaking the zipper
  • Stays rust-free
  • Inside buckle could be stronger
  •  Plastic instead of metal rings
  • No back support
  •  Some reports of material flaws

The XS Scuba Voyager 60 Roller Duffel Bag looks really fancy and valuable and rightfully earns our Design Award 2024 . It will fit an entire scuba gear set for your next diving vacation and we especially like the extra cinch strap to prevent breaking the zipper!

It has LOTS of handles on every side which is great at the airport when you just need to quickly grab the bag somehow. We just wish the handles were metal rather than plastic. The dive bag has a good weight to it and all of it just seems well thought out .

The XS Scuba Voyager 60 Roller Duffel Bag looks cool and does a great job of protecting your scuba gear while traveling.

  • Buy on Dive Right in Scuba

Stahlsac Caicos Cargo Pack

Great design paired with lots of space and just as many pouches.

  • Enough space for scuba gear, travel stuff, and then some
  • Cool design in different colors
  • Very durable bag that can take some impact
  • No shoulder straps

Stahlsac Caicos Cargo Pack

The Stahlsac Caicos Cargo Pack is made for those who absolutely, positively do not want to carry their scuba gear in their hands or back or anywhere besides in a rolling suitcase. It fits a lot of scuba gear , looks really cool , and can withstand quite some impact and throwing around (not that you should do that with your equipment).

Most importantly, however, it will keep your scuba gear safe at all times. It has no shoulder straps, but considering it weighs more than most other dive bags on this list, that’s probably not so bad.

The Stahlsac Caicos Cargo Pack is among the best dive bags in 2024 and will be perfect as a heavy-duty dive bag.

AquaLung Explorer II Duffel Pack Dive Bag

best scuba travel bag

With a lot of space, super light, and surprisingly durable, this makes for the perfect boat/backpack dive bag.

  • Good quality and high durability
  •  Interesting, unique design
  •  Super compact
  •  Perfect as a boat bag
  •  Back zipper pointed toward the wearer, therefore preventing unnoticed opening of the bag
  • No cushing or padding to make it more comfortable
  •  Side zippers not super sturdy
  •  Too short for freediving fins

The AquaLung Explorer II Duffel Pack is a really cool backpack-type dive bag for scuba divers who like to travel light. It’s also perfect as a boat bag and mine also serves as my everyday gym duffel ! After 5 years, the zippers are coming apart a bit, but hey, I have been stuffing it with everything I need on a daily basis.

The top zipper is located so that it’s hidden and can’t be opened by someone else. It is great for divers and snorkelers, and while it doesn’t fit freediving fins, you can strap them to the outside easily!

The AquaLung Explorer II Duffel Pack Dive Bag offers a lot of space, is super light, and is surprisingly durable. As such, it makes for the perfect boat/backpack dive bag.

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Dive Bags Buyer’s Guide

After you purchase your shiny new scuba gear, you really want to make sure it’s protected on your travels! Even if you just drive out to your local quarry or lake, it’s important to store it neatly. All of them are also excellent choices for long-term storage of your stuff over the winter .

While you could just take your normal backpack, or suitcase for that, we recommend using a dive bag made specifically for snorkeling and diving.

They come with lots of features that other bags don’t have like bigger zippers for handling with gloves on, more durable materials, extra pouches for scuba regulators , dive computers , underwater cameras , etc, and they are waterproof !

Types of dive bags

There are five different types of dive bags you can buy for different purposes:

  • Roller bags

Backpack-style duffel bags

  • Hard case dive bags
  • Mesh bag dive bags
  • Regulator Backs

Roller dive bags

Roller dive bags are similar to other travel bags and can be pulled using a handle and wheels. They are perfect for frequent travelers and if you have ever needed to get your luggage from the taxi to the gate, you know why they’re so convenient!

The Cressi Moby 5 is a good example.

Backpack-style duffel dive bags are often smaller and only fit parts of your gear. At the same time, they are the most comfortable and versatile type of dive bag.

We use ours on boating trips, when going liveaboard diving , and even in the gym!

Hardcase dive bags

Hard case bags are usually used by technical divers who carry a lot of scuba gear, and replacement parts, and need to put their gear together before every dive using tools.

Mesh bags offer the least amount of protection and are generally only recommended for carrying soft parts of your scuba gear, and snorkeling equipment. They are a favorite among freedivers, though.

What to look out for when buying a dive bag

There are several things you should look out for when buying a dive bag. Whether you’re buying your first one or upgrading to a new model, it’s recommended to keep these in mind.

The size of your dive bag is arguably the most important aspect to consider.

It should be long and wide enough to fit your scuba fins , wetsuit , BCD , ABC set , and regulators , at the least.

Some dive bags feature separate outer pockets for fins, but if you use large sizes, they sometimes don’t fit.

If you dive in a drysuit , this will most likely not fit into a small dive bag so keep this in mind when buying.

Use my FREE scuba diving trip packing list to determine what your dive bag should fit before you buy one.

Some dive bags are waterproof, making them a viable option to carry wet scuba gear after the dive. Just don’t forget to take it out and dry it after the dive!

Pro tip: Take a large plastic bag with you to put the wet stuff in before packing it back into your dive bag. IKEA bags are perfect for that or larger trash bags.

The toughness of the material determines whether you can take it with you on diving trips or which equipment you want to put in.

The tougher the material, the more it can be used for expensive gear like regulators and cameras.

At the same time, tougher material usually means more weight which you should consider when packing for a dive trip.

Roller Bag vs Hand carry

Do you want to carry your dive bag on your back, in your hand, or roll behind you like a trolley?

The latter is more comfortable on flat ground, however, pretty useless on sand or steeper shores. Additionally, the handle makes the bag heavier.

Aqualung Explorer ii dive bag

Why buy a dive bag for scuba diving?

You spent a lot of money on buying good scuba gear and now you obviously want to make sure it’s kept safe.

While you can of course use a normal suitcase or bag, special dive bags have the advantage of being specifically made for scuba gear and traveling with it.

They are usually long enough to fit even your scuba or freediving fins, have sturdy zippers, and are often waterproof.

Although a dive bag is not an essential part of the scuba gear, I highly recommend you get one to make sure you can use your equipment for years to come.

Make the most out of every dive

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Dive Gear Bags & Luggage

The best dive bag keeps your scuba gear and snorkel gear protected, organized and easy to reach. Scuba luggage comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles to suit any type of travel and storage needs. At Divers Direct we stock the scuba gear bags we use ourselves by the brands we trust: Osprey, Armor, Aqua Lung, Mares, ScubaPro, and of course, exclusive EVO gear bags.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for our dive bag buyer's guide.

Dive Bag & Scuba Luggage Buyer's Guide

Backpack dive bags and luggage.

Backpack dive bags have straps like a regular backpack. They make a great choice for hands-free transport to and from the dive boat. Backpack dive bags are available in mesh, sturdy canvas and even as dry bags.

Mesh dive bags allow gear, fins and wetsuits to drain all of that water out. This prevents mold and mildew from setting in inside of the bag. The EVO Deluxe Mesh Backpack Dive Bag is made out of heavy-duty mesh and PVC-coated nylon. Other features include padded contoured straps, a reinforced bottom and a side handle. A drawstring closure and a large full-length side zipper provides easy retrieval of gear. Mesh material helps your gear dry faster, and, after a dive, you can rinse your gear through the bag if you're feeling lazy.

The Osprey Transporter line offers bags that can be carried as a backpack or as a duffel bag. Made out of 840D nylon, these bags are abrasion and weather-resistant. With a zippered end pocket, a large U-zip main compartment and an internal mesh pocket to stow all of your gear and valuables. Regulators, fins, masks and dive computers will stay secure while traveling through airports or from the dock to the boat.

Dry Dive Bags and Luggage

Dry bags  are a must for any diver, boater or watersports enthusiast. Phones, cameras, dive computers and documents stay protected from water, salt and other elements. Dry bags come in a variety of sizes from small enough for keys and a phone to large enough to hold towels and a change of clothes. There are even insulated cooler dry bags. Typically made from durable tarpaulin material, dry bags come in backpack, lanyard or over-the-shoulder styles and have a fold-and-roll-top design for watertight use.

The  Osprey Ultralight Drysack  is an ideal choice for protection from water, sand, salt and humidity. It’s a hefty 30 liters in size, which can hold a large amount of electronics, camera equipment and other gear. It’s made out of 40D nylon ripstop waterproof fabric and has a roll-top with a buckle closure. The rectangular shape makes it easy to stow with your other items in the car or boat. Put Osprey's reputation for bulletproof durability between your precious gear and the elements!

Duffel Dive Bags and Luggage

Duffel dive bags are long and rectangular in shape. They can often hold more items than any other type of dive bag. This is very useful for packing, unpacking and when you only want one bag to tow back and forth. You’ll have everything with you in one place on the boat. Some duffel-style bags have interior pockets, which helps with storing small items. They come in mesh, hard canvas and dry bag fabrics.

Roller Dive Bags and Luggage

Roller dive bags are the best choice for traveling divers to navigate through airports, parking lots and hotels. They are very similar to traditional wheeled luggage in looks. What sets them apart from other luggage is that they often have special compartments to hold fins, masks, regulators and other dive gear along with your clothes and toiletries. Other features could include extending handles, exterior and interior pockets and grid systems to clip gear on the outside. Retracting wheels are a great feature as some dive boats won’t allow rolling bags on deck.

We love the  Osprey Roller Transporter 120 , a wheeled duffel bag with plenty of space for all our dive gear that's still compact enough to maneuver through a crowded airport terminal, and rugged enough to see you through four years (and counting!) of around-the-world travel.

Tote Dive Bags and Luggage

A tote dive bag is perfect for snorkelers, freedivers or hookah divers who don’t have a lot of bulky gear. Long shoulder straps, zippers and large openings make stowing and retrieving quick and easy. Some are made of water-resistant fabric that can handle wet clothes and gear after the dive. The  Yeti Camino Carryall Bag  has a crossbar handle, in addition to shoulder straps, for easy transport. It also has a rigid EVA-molded bottom, a puncture-resistant shell and a Hitchpoint Grid System on the outside to clip gear, keys and other lightweight items. The Thickskin laminated extra can be hosed off for super easy clean-up.

Regulator Dive Bags and Luggage

Specialty bags keep your gear, like regulators and dive consoles, secure and protected from scratching and bumping against other gear in a large bag. They often have soft linings, interior pockets and Velcro straps to stash all of your valuable equipment. The  ScubaPro Regulator and Computer Bag Duo  has shoulder straps, padded handles and double sliding zippers for comfort and easy access to your gear.

We offer a large selection of dive bags and luggage to handle any adventure you might have.

  • $0 - $100 12
  • $100 - $300 15
  • $300 - $600 3

ScubaPro Definition Duo 118 Travel Bag

ScubaPro Definition Duo 118 Travel Bag

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 60 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 60 Gear Bag

Mares Cruise Buddy Roller Bag

Mares Cruise Buddy Roller Bag

Mares Cruise Backpack Roller Bag

Mares Cruise Backpack Roller Bag

Osprey Transporter Duffel 120 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Duffel 120 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Duffel 95 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Duffel 95 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40 Gear Bag

From $199.97 to $300.00.

Koah Element Speargun Bag (72in)

Koah Element Speargun Bag (72in)

Osprey Transporter Duffel 65 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Duffel 65 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Duffel 40 Gear Bag

Osprey Transporter Duffel 40 Gear Bag

ScubaPro Sport Mesh 'N Roll 100 Travel Bag

ScubaPro Sport Mesh 'N Roll 100 Travel Bag

Underwater Mag

Finding the Best Carry on Dive Bag – 5 Editor’s Picks!

Are you traveling for scuba holidays ? Before you go, you should get a carry on dive bag where you’ll stash all your gears. Nowadays, you can choose from roller bags, duffel bags, backpacks, or duo bags. As long as it’s fit for air travel, you’ll have peace of mind that all your gears are tucked safely on the overhead cabin. 

The convenience of having you scuba gears in tow will give you peace of mind. Also, rest assured that your diving gears won’t be damaged in the check-in area. 

Below, we reviewed five of the best options, regardless of how many gears you’re planning to get. 

Why Should I Use a Dive Bag? 

Many divers wonder if it’s really a necessity to purchase a scuba diving bag. Although you can rent some gears at a local dive shop, it still pays to get your own bag. Take note that some dive gears like flippers and wet/dry suits are better off brought than rented. These pieces should perfectly fit you, something that’s difficult to achieve when you’re just renting it out. 

Besides, if you’re taking certification courses , you’re required to own several gears like boots, fins, gloves, masks, and so on. You need the right bag to store all these items to prevent damages. As you know, scuba gears aren’t the cheapest so you have to keep it in a safe bag while properly organized. 

What to Look For in a Carry on Dive Bag

To find the best carry-on scuba diving bag, you must tick the following reminders off your list: 

-Design 

The first thing you have to check is the design of the bag you’re going to get. Nowadays, such bags come in different construction, but the following 6 styles are the most common:

Roller dive bags are very popular for traveling divers. Just like typical roller luggage, this one is easier to carry. Even if it’s fully loaded, you can easily maneuver it around, thanks to its wheeled construction. 

The good thing about roller bags is you can get in full size to fit all your gears or in a carry-on version to bring it on the cabin with you. 

Another option that you have is a duffel dive bag. It has several compartments as well as a large zip portion where you can stash a fairly large number of gears. It’s a simple option, though you’d have to lift it around. 

As much as possible, you should look for one with many pockets and wet compartments for your gears.

**Backpack 

Next, you can also opt for a backpack carry on for your dive gears. Although you’d have to carry it around, the weight is distributed equally all over your shoulders. It also frees your hands and allows you to handle other luggage. 

Take note that some dive gear backpacks have wheels too so it can alternate as a roller type. The only challenge here is packing your gears right. Backpacks can weigh you down easily. 

Mesh bags can come in any form like backpacks, duffel, and even rollers. However, since it’s a see-through design, it’s better off used as a boat bag during the actual dive. 

**Drybag 

Dry dive bags are simple: it has a tube-like design made of waterproof material. To keep it waterproof, you have to roll the top and clip it shut. This can be brought on cabin and the boat during your dive. It’s an all-around bag, but organization is challenging since it doesn’t have many compartments. 

**Watertight bag

Watertight bags are hard-shelled rollers. It’s rugged and can take the beating of long travels. It prevents water from getting in so your gears stay dry. The only downside here is that watertight bags are bulky and heavy. You’ll be sacrificing a lot of allowed carry-on weight and size on this bag. 

-Shape and size

Next, the carry on bag you’re going to get must pass the dimensions imposed by airlines. Each airline has its own specific dimensions about how large your carry on can be. Generally, the airline will allow a carry-on with maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This will vary in one to two inches, give or take. 

Aside from that, airlines like Qantas, Philippine Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic have a weight limit in pounds. The first two airlines only allow a bag that’s a maximum of 15 pounds while Virgin Atlantic allows up to 22 pounds.

The shape is usually a personal choice. Nevertheless, it’s best to get one that can fit in the overhead cabin. 

-Material 

Dive bags can be made of a variety of materials like nylon, fabric, plastic, and metal. No matter what your choice is, always invest in durable and rugged options. Also, you should aim for one with a waterproof/water-resistant lining. 

-Compartments

One of the most important considerations when shopping for any bag, for diving or not, are the compartments present on it. The more compartments there are, the better. We also recommend collapsible compartments so you can tweak the storage space of the bag. 

It’s also excellent if the bag has a separate compartment for wet gears. 

-Price point 

The last consideration when purchasing a diving bag is its price tag. As much as you don’t have to spend a fortune, you shouldn’t skimp on quality too much either. When it comes to top carry on bags for diving, it pays to invest a few more dollars for quality. 

Best Carry on Dive Bag – 5 Editor’s Picks!

Our #1 choice , our top pick: stahlsac steel roller dive bag.

best carry on dive bag

Product Name: Stahlsac STEEL Roller Dive Bag

Product Description: If you’re looking for the best carry on dive bag, you won’t go wrong with the Stahlsac STEEL Roller Dive Bag. It’s 11” high and 16” wide with a water-resistant compartment to stash your used gears. The wet compartment is also breathable to avoid odor buildup. This bag has quick-access zippers as well as a changing pad for your convenience. There’s also an optional pack located on the designated compartment.

  • CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
  • Quality & Durability
  • Ease of Use
  • Price Point

Overall, this Stahlsac roller dive bag is low profile but rugged enough for long travels. It also comes with a strap where you can attach another bag. 

We also like that it comes with side and top handles, aside from the telescoping handle. Paired with durable reinforcements, this bag will keep your gears safe inside. The zippers and closures of this bag are made to last long. 

✔️Water-resistant lining

✔️Multiple handles for easy handling

✔️Quick-access pockets and compartments 

❌It would be nice to have smaller pockets for small items 

RUNNERS-UP: Cressi Strong Roller Dive Bag

best carry on dive bag

Next, we recommend the Cressi Strong Roller Dive Bag. As a bag from a reputable scuba brand, this model will not disappoint your travels. 

This has a wheeled construction with 400D fabric for a rugged quality. Still, it’s lightweight and very easy to carry around. 

Inside, there’s a main compartment with three sides you can access easily. Below it, three are two other large pockets with zipper enclosures. If that’s not enough, there are also two side pockets where you can stash smaller items. 

If you don’t like wheeling this thing around, you can use it as a backpack. It comes with two shoulder straps for your convenience. Just retract the handles and you can slip it to your back. 

Overall, this bag has a capacity of 4 cubic feet, which can fit a lot of dive gears that you wish to bring. 

Mares Cruise Scuba Roller Dive Bag

best carry on dive bag

If you’re looking for another roller dive bag, we recommend the Mares Cruise Scuba Roller Bag. Like the one from Stahlsac, it has reinforcements to keep your dive gears intact. This has great maneuverability, too, which is great if you’re traveling long distances.  

This comes with multiple compartments, a large one inside and smaller ones all over the body of the bag. There’s one zippered pocket at the upper portion where you can easily stash and retrieve your things. 

Aside from that, there are fin pockets on this bag incorporated with a drainage system. Your dive gear will stay safe inside this bag. 

Like the Cressi roller bag, this one from Mares comes with shoulder straps so you can use the bag as a backpack. 

Just take note that the interior of this bag has a semi-hard shell. It may not be possible to compress this if you happen to be carrying fewer items. 

TUSA Dive Gear Duffel Bag

best scuba travel bag

Not a fan of roller bags? If so, you should get the TUSA Dive Duffel Bag instead. This is 28” long, 18” wide, and 14” tall. It has a water-resistant layer to keep your gears. Aside from that, it has a nylon mesh detail.

We really like that it has three handles as well as mesh drains. You can use this during your travel as well as a gear bag while on the boat. 

On the outer side, you’ll get to use large zippered pockets. If you’re tired of carrying it around, you can use it as a roller bag, too. It has gliding wheels as well as a telescoping handle neatly hidden at the bottom of the bag. 

This TUSA bag is made to endure the most rugged travels. It also comes with webbing so you can stash more items and keep it handy. 

AKONA Globetrotter Carry-On Dive Backpack

best scuba travel bag

For those looking for a carry on diving bag backpack, the AKONA Globetrotter is your best bet. It’s 21” high and 12” wide that can fit a great deal of dive gear. You can pack the essentials here like your mask, BCD, snorkel. And so on. 

This comes with compression straps where you can secure your fins. However, it would have to stay outside the bag. 

Although not a roller type, this carryon is a champ in storage. There are two small pockets in front as well as reinforcements that also double as fin holders.

Take note that this bag has a solid base with no holes. This means that you should only store dry items inside since it will not drain. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: is it practical to bring a carry-on dive bag on-cabin.

A: If you’re afraid of having your dive gears crushed on the check-in area of the plane, you can carry it on the cabin. Just make sure that the bag size is suitable according to airline regulations. Also, you should check the weight limit and if it’s allowed to carry specific gears on it.

Q: Which is better, a roller or a backpack dive bag? 

A: If you don’t want to carry the weight of your dive gears, a roller bag is a great option. It’s also easier to carry around the airport. Just make sure that the wheels and handles are enough to last for years. 

Q: Do I really need a bag for diving?

A: It allows you to secure your gears properly. It has special compartments and enclosures to house both dry and wet gears. Instead of using typical backpacks, we recommend that you get a dedicated dive bag to secure your dive equipment. 

Conclusion 

With a carry on dive bag, you can travel in peace knowing that your gears are in good condition. Just make sure that the bag suits your needs, budgets, and expectations.

You might also like:

  • How to Safely Reuse and Repurpose Old Scuba Diving Tanks
  • Essential List: What Scuba Diving Equipment Is Needed
  • How Does A Diving Watch Work
  • Top 5 Cheap Underwater Cameras – Review & Buying Guide
  • Best Swimming Goggles For Triathletes (Review & Buying Guide)

Seaside Planet

Best Scuba Travel Bags of 2022: Complete Reviews with Comparisons

Are you going on a scuba diving vacation and preparing to make it the best trip yet? Then you know, you've got a lot of diving equipment that you'd like to bring with you. However, have you considered the best scuba travel bag to transport all of that gear? It might not have crossed your mind yet, but your gear bag is among the most important things you’ll need for your trip to the ocean.

Depending on your needs and preferences, to choose the ideal scuba travel bag you'll need to pay attention to the capacity, durability, and of course, the style. As many brands offer high-quality scuba travel bags, choosing among the top options is not easy with so many to pick from. To help you out, we've rounded up five highly rated options on the market today to make your purchase a breeze!

Comparison Chart

Cressi Moby 5, Black/Red

Best Scuba Travel Bag Reviewed

1. cressi moby 5 roller luggage bag.

Cressi Moby 5, Black/Red

Cressi is a highly-rated and renowned brand in the scuba diving gear industry. Since their early start in 1946, Cressi has been delivering Italian-manufactured products to serve the needs of sea-sport enthusiasts .

Product Highlights

This versatile bag is made from durable 300 and 400 Denier fabric , which gives it longevity and makes it lightweight at the same time. Along with a quality build, the material doesn’t wear off even after long-term exposure to saltwater, sun and the elements.

The main compartment of this bag can be opened from three sides, so you can easily access your equipment inside. Also, it has two large pockets on the front, and two side pockets to store essential gear that you’ll need access to frequently.

Furthermore, this great bag features padded straps to ensure maximum comfort while you’re carrying it on your back. You can easily store these straps in special pockets so that they don’t get in the way when you wheel the bag around.

Another great feature, this bag allows you to easily switch between backpack and trolley mode. The handle is fully retractable and telescopic, so you can adjust it to your preference and needs. The wheels are also durable and can be easily removed and replaced if needed.

This bag is fantastic for ease in access to its contents. It also has a dual-handle system, with one handle on top and another one enclosed in Velcro at the bottom. This can help you in situations where you need extra support to carry the luggage.

Besides that, the bag stays upright when you place it on the ground for ultimate convenience. It has rods to support the structure, so you don’t have to worry about it toppling over and harming your gear and other essentials inside.

While this bag is durable and well-made, its weight is a bit on the heavier side. The bag alone weighs about three kilograms, which is not much, but when combined with the weight of your diving gear, it may become strenuous to carry along. Also, while the material is durable, the stitching could be more robust.

  • High capacity
  • Durable material
  • Spacious pockets
  • Dual handles
  • Comfortable strap design
  • Stitching could be better

Check Latest Price at Amazon

2. TUSA RD-2 Dive Gear Roller Duffle Bag

TUSA - Dive Gear Roller Duffle Bag in Black

TUSA is well known as one of the world’s most popular brands for scuba diving gear. Operating since 1952 in Tokyo, Japan, it is known for making reliable products for sea-lovers around the world.

This scuba travel bag by TUSA is designed to remain tough against seawater and convenient for ocean divers. The main, outer pocket has a double-zippered pocket, which is easily accessible and provides firm closure to protect your belongings inside. Similarly, the back has a waterproof layer that keeps your gear safe and dry in the elements.

This bag also features two large zippered pockets at the front. Here, you can store your essentials such as your passport, phone and other valuables, so you can fetch them easily when needed. Instead of backstraps, it has external straps adjoined to the front carry straps. These straps help compress your belongings to a more easy-to-carry size.

The numerous pockets and smooth wheels are the best part of this bag. The wheels glide with no issues and reduce friction to help you move quickly while on the go. The pockets help you to organize your stuff properly so that you can always find what you’re looking for with ease.

One of the most noticeable drawbacks of this bag is that it doesn’t have a back strap to allow you to carry the bag on your back. Besides that, the compression straps make it a little more time consuming to access the stuff in the main pocket.

  • Double-zippered main pocket
  • Compression straps
  • Sturdy, smooth wheels
  • Can’t be carried on the back

3. Stahlsac Curacao Clipper Travel Dive Bag

Stahlsac by Bare Curacao Clipper Travel Roller Duffel Dive Bag (Black/Yellow)

This Germany-based brand literally means “a bag of steel” in the German language. The company has been producing quality products for adventure lovers since 1976. According to them, their bags can take just about everything you put them through.

The Stahlsac Curacao Clipper is designed to fit much, if not all, of your diving gear. The main compartment makes up most of the space, while the top zippered pocket can hold your essentials and give you ease in access. All of the pockets are also secured with powerful, double-zippers to keep your belongings secure and safe.

Furthermore, the bag has multiple handles to make it easy to carry along on your scuba trip. The two handles at the top and the bottom allow you to carry the bag from both sides. Similarly, there’s a sturdy, retractable, plastic trolley handle that you can pull up if you wish to do so, allowing you to carry or roll the bag along with you.

The Curacao Clipper has a sleek, stylish design. The frame stays put even after you fill it to the brim with gear and essentials. This means it won’t topple over, damage gear inside, or look bulky and awkward. Additionally, the wheels are sturdy enough to facilitate fast movement when on the go.

The bag is a bit on the heavy side on its own. Weighing almost four kilograms when empty, you’ll have to manage the weight you carry efficiently, especially if traveling by air.

  • Durable construction with high-quality materials
  • Secure double-zip closures
  • Heavier then we would like

4. OGIO 2015 Stealth Terminal Bag

Callaway International Terminal, Black Pindot

OGIO brings innovative and accessible personal carriage bags for travel and adventure purposes worldwide. While there certainly are newer models on the market today, it still offers some of the best features that you would benefit from.

The OGIO 2015 Stealth travel bag is quite spacious inside for gear, enough to store all your necessary belongings in an organized and convenient way. The main compartment has a huge opening, so you can easily place stuff inside and take it out with no hassle. Similarly, the large, wide compartments have some convenient mesh dividers, allowing separate compartments for different gear and belongings. There’s also an external pocket which can house all the essentials that you’ll need frequently, like your phone, wallet and more.

All the compartments have a tough zippered closure to keep your things safe and secure. The grab handles are sturdy and reliable, and these can easily support the weight of the bag and all of its contents.

This bag is great for travelers who hate clutter because it is designed with pockets and dividers for easy organization and convenience. Additionally, the wheels and trolley are smooth and accessible enough to help you when you need to move fast while on the go.

Moreover, this bag is constructed using only high-quality, durable fabric and sturdy fasteners, so you can rest assured that it won’t succumb under heavy weights and rugged use outdoors.

The bag can hold a considerable amount of weight, and it’s easy to carry on the smooth wheels. However, this doesn’t have backstraps, which means that you’d have to carry it as you would a duffel bag if the situation does not permit you to wheel it around.

  • Durable construction
  • Waterproof lining inside
  • Smooth-gliding trolley wheels
  • Convenient mesh dividers
  • No backstraps

5. AKONA Dive Gear Bag

AKONA Roller Duffel Dive Gear Bag

AKONA is yet another highly rated and well-known brand for scuba diving and water sports gear. They make affordable products to make traveling easy for all the ocean lovers out there.

This full-sized roller duffel bag is the only piece of luggage you’ll need on your scuba diving trip. It has one large main compartment with a huge, wide opening to fit even your largest pieces of gear. This certainly makes packing and unpacking very convenient.

Additionally, this bag is constructed out of high-quality polyester fabric. The PVC is tough against wear and tear caused by salty water and the sea environment. It’s also fully waterproof and quite durable, making it the perfect ocean and beach-sport carry along! 

The bag has durable zippers made out of stainless steel. They’ll last even after rugged use, and they will never lose their original shine. This bag can also be carried like a trolley, thanks to its telescopic handle.

The best part of this bag is the material. Apart from being durable, it is also lightweight, which means more weight allowance for your stuff. Also, the material won’t fade, so your bag will look as good as new for years to come.

The zippers on the bag are hidden and enclosed, which provides a safe and secure closure and protects against theft and accidents. Also, there are compression buckles on the side, so it doesn’t look or feel too bulky.

The only bad point about this bag is that it can’t be locked. The zipper holes don’t have much space to fit a normal-sized lock, which is problematic for people who like to use external locks on their luggage.

  • Huge size with a large opening
  • Compressible buckles
  • Light weight
  • Fade resistant
  • Can’t be easily locked externally

Picking A Bag For Traveling With Scuba Gear: Buyer's Guide

Now that you’ve gone through all the reviews, you have an idea about the basic features that good-quality scuba travel bags have. To assess those features further and to decide whether it’ll function well for your needs, you’ll need some extra information.

Here we’ve gathered some top selling points to help you find exactly what you’re looking for:

1. Type of Bag

You’ll need to assess whether the bag you’re buying is a duffel, a trolley, or a backpack style, and which will best suit your needs. If you’re going on wet, bumpy terrains, then a trolley likely won’t be the best option for you. If you’re traveling long distances on foot, for example, a backpack is likely the best option.

A bag with a front handle is best suited for short distances; otherwise, the weight can get strenuous on your hands and arms. The ideal option is to choose a backpack with a trolley alternative to make carrying along a breeze.

If you’re stuffing your bag to its seams with dive gear, then the zippers, fabric and stitching should be strong enough to endure it. Always choose a bag with high-quality, sturdy zippers to keep your bag working great for years to come. 

Some bags also feature concealed zippers to keep your stuff safe and secure from accidents and theft. Also, if you’re a person who likes to put an external lock on their luggage, check the zipper size before making a purchase to make sure it’s lock-compatible. Some zippers just aren’t large enough to add a lock system. 

Most importantly, keep in mind that your bag will be constantly exposed to salty water, sun and the elements. Make sure the zippers are made out of stainless steel or other reliable materials that don’t corrode in saltwater.

3. Material

The material used to make dive bags can range from supple and light to durable and heavy-duty. The heavy ones are constructed with thick, impregnable materials that you can rely on for years to come. They’re robust and can last you long even after rough use and exposure to the elements.

The lighter materials are used to help you manage the weight of your essential gear properly, especially for heavy packers. So, if you’re a light traveler, you could go for the sturdy, heavyweight bag, but if you tend to overpack, a lightweight material bag is likely going to be best for you to help with the overall weight of your gear.

Similarly, your scuba travel bags will be exposed to UV rays, salt water, and other damaging elements in abundance, so the material should be made to withstand this. You’ll likely be dragging your bag along rocks, sand, and terrains at some point, so make sure your material can take all that, without looking too worn out after just a few uses.

4. Construction

Sometimes, a bag ticks all the boxes with durable materials, sturdy zippers, heavy fabrics, and comfortable handles, but it’s just not constructed well. If that’s the case with your bag, all the high-quality materials will simply start falling apart at the seams, wasting both time and money.

To avoid such situations, you should check verified user reviews for the product you’re interested in purchasing. This way, you’ll know whether the construction will survive rigorous use or not based on other’s who have used it in those situations.

Besides that, when thinking about the construction, choose whether you’ll need a large-capacity bag or a small one. Usually, for scuba traveling, you’ll need one that fits all your gear, but if you’re a light traveler or you feel it’ll get difficult for you to manage, choose a smaller one. With so many quality products on the market today, finding the perfect bag for your needs is a breeze using these key feature suggestions!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an occasional ocean sport goer, or regular beach-sport enthusiast , a scuba traveling bag is an essential piece of your gear when heading out into the open ocean. Therefore, you should choose the one that’s sturdy, well-made, spacious enough for your gear, easily accessible and comfortable to carry. Purchasing the right bag can give you the ultimate convenience in your scuba diving travels and excursions!

Our reviews and buyer guide have covered all the details for you, and while all of these bags are great choices, we prefer the Cressi Luggage Bag overall. With durability and quality materials at the forefront of its attributes, it also features comfort straps for carrying and can easily switch between carry or trolley mode for ease in use. With its many compartments and zippered pockets, this bag truly is the do-it-all scuba gear bag. 

If you still can’t decide, however, our buying guide will help you evaluate other options on the market today so that you can make a purchase you’ll be satisfied with for many years to come.

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For more of our top scuba diving gear recommendations, please visit the following articles.

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10 Best Dive Bags In 2023

best scuba travel bag

Reviewed By Travis Turgeon / Scuba Editor

The-Best-Dive-Bags

OUR TOP PICK

best scuba travel bag

Athletico XL Mesh Backpack

Editors choice.

best scuba travel bag

Athletico XL Mesh Duffel Bag

best scuba travel bag

SDI Sport Gym Mesh Roll Bag

The top 10 dive bag in 2023.

  • 1. Athletico XL Mesh Backpack
  • 2. Athletico XL Mesh Duffel Bag
  • 3. SDI Sport Gym Mesh Roll Bag
  • 4. Kraken Aquatics Mesh Duffel Gear Bag
  • 5. Cressi Gorilla Pro XL Bag
  • 6. Mares Cruise Mesh Backpack
  • 7. Cressi Moby 5 Trolley Bag
  • 8. PROMATE Backpack Style Bag
  • 9. ScubaMax Hard Nylon Mesh Duffel Bag
  • 10. Meister Mesh Duffel Backpack Bag

Whether you are taking your scuba diving gear from your car to the dive boat or traveling around the world, you need a bag to carry your gear. To ensure that your equipment is safe and protected until you reach the dive site, you should consider getting a specialized dive bag.

Unlike standard bags, top-rated dive bags usually come with mesh walls that allow the water to drain so your gear can dry off. The mesh also helps to keep air circulating in the bag. Many dive bags are oversized to fit bulkier items like dive fins, your BCD, and wetsuits. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the best dive bags on the market and hopefully help you find a model that you can take on all your adventures.

Athletico XL Mesh Backpack

The Athletico XL mesh dive backpack is large, comfortable, and well-organized – everything you need for packing all your diving gear. Its top opening and large side zipper give you quick access to the items you need, while the mesh sides allow water to drain and air to circulate. You can even put wet gear inside.

Construction and Design

Made from 600D polyester mesh and coated with PVC, the Athletico XL is guaranteed to last a long time. The shoulder straps are comfortable and easily adjustable, allowing you to carry even heavier loads comfortably. It’s also the only model that offers both top and side access which significantly increases the options you have when packing.

Additional Features

One of the most prominent features is the large zippered pocket on the back that is incredibly handy for holding a dive computer or a regulator. Furthermore, the backpack also comes with additional waist and sternum straps for easily distributing the weight. Last but not least, it’s one of the rare models with a built-in whistle for emergencies.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Multiple inner and outer compartments for organizing gear
  • Drawstring top closure and a side zipper give you easy access
  • Adjustable chest and waist compression straps for weight distribution
  • The PVC-coated mesh is strong enough to hold a heavy load
  • Backpack design makes carrying gear more convenient

Best For: All Types of Scuba and Snorkel Gear Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 16 inches Material(s): PVC-coated 600D Polyester Mesh Weight: 2.5 pounds

Athletico XL Mesh Duffel Bag

Thanks to its 37-inch length and a very generous volume, the Athletico XL mesh duffel bag is perfect for extra-long fins and other bulky items. In addition to being spacious, the bag is also nicely organized and offers several zippered pockets for better gear distribution. On top of this, the 600D mesh makes it one of the toughest bags available.

The mesh on this bag is additionally reinforced with PVC so you won’t have to worry about tears and damage. On the other hand, it allows water and air to circulate freely, so you can easily rinse your gear and leave it inside to dry. To make carrying a little bit easier, the handles come with a Velcro lock that sits comfortably in the hand.

Perhaps the most useful feature on the Athletico XL dive bag is the zippered interior pocket which provides additional protection for your valuables and more sensitive items. Finally, we want to point out that the strong webbing straps go around the entire bag, providing additional support when carrying heavier gear.

  • Tote handles with a Velcro lock for easy carrying
  • A full-length zipper gives you convenient access
  • Zippered inner pocket for keeping valuables
  • Plenty of room for both small and bulky gear
  • One of the strongest dive bags on the market

Best For: Large and Bulky Items Dimensions: 37 x 15 x 15 inches Material(s): PVC-coated 600D Polyester Mesh Weight: 1.35 pounds

SDI Sport Gym Mesh Roll Bag

From diving and snorkeling to beach sports and gyms, the SDI Sport Gym mesh dive bag does a fantastic job of carrying wet gear. It’s entirely made from high-quality mesh, which means that you can put items inside without worrying that they get moldy. Besides, the bag is also very affordable and probably offers the best value for money that you can get.

Despite being on the lower end of the price range, the strength that you can expect from the SDI Sport dive bag can be compared to any other model on this list. The base material is a 600D polyester that is very tough on its own and even features a vinyl backing as reinforcement.

Unlike most other bags, this one comes with both tote handles and a shoulder strap. Thanks to this, you’ll have a couple of different options when carrying the bag. Even though it’s not particularly feature-rich, the addition that we like is the zippered side pocket that can keep smaller items within hand’s reach.

  • An excellent choice for all types of water sports
  • Impressive material quality relative to the price
  • Breathable mesh allows you to carry wet equipment
  • Equipped with both grab handles and a shoulder strap
  • Heavy vinyl backing increases the mesh bag durability

Best For: Carrying Wet Gear Dimensions: 20 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches Material(s): 600D Polyester with Vinyl Backing Weight: 4 ounces

Kraken Aquatics Mesh Duffel Gear Bag

Kraken Aquatics Mesh Duffel Gear Bag

A detail we like about the Kraken Aquatics mesh duffle bag is that it allows you to easily rinse the gear through the mesh and leave it inside to dry. On top of this, it’s available in two different sizes so you can choose a more compact and portable bag or a model that will easily fit even bulkier items.

The smaller of the two options measures 30 inches in length and has a side diameter of 13 inches, so it won’t take up too much space in your trunk. On the other hand, the XL version is 36 inches long and has a 16-inch diameter, allowing it to fit any type of fin inside.

The Kraken Aquatics mesh bags are designed as duffel bags with strong webbing handles that go around the entire bag for extra strength. Besides the grab handles, it also features an adjustable shoulder strap for easier carrying and keeping your hands free. Lastly, it comes with two zippered pockets – one on the outside for quick access and another one on the inside for additional protection.

  • Available in two sizes (30 and 36 inches long)
  • Allows you to rinse the gear through the mesh
  • Carry up to 35 pounds
  • Zippered inner pocket for stashing valuables
  • Padded shoulder straps make it easy to carry
  • Quick water draining and drying prevents mildew

Best For: Compact and Easy Storage Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 13 inches (Large), 36 x 16 x 16 inches (Extra-Large) Material(s): Nylon Mesh Weight: 6.4 ounces

Cressi Gorilla Pro XL Bag

Cressi Gorilla Pro XL Bag

Unlike all the other diving bags we’ve featured, the Cressi Gorilla Pro XL isn’t made from mesh. Instead, it comes with heavy-duty PVC walls that provide top-level protection for the sensitive items inside. To further improve strength, the bag features high-frequency welded seams. 

For maximizing the usable space, the Cressi Gorilla Pro XL dive bag is shaped differently than other duffel bags and has completely vertical walls. Has a built-in dry bag. This, in combination with the length of 35.4 inches allows you to easily pack all the gear you need for the day.

When talking about the additional features, one thing stands out – the drain cap on the side. When opened, it allows the water to escape so you can wash your gear without removing it from the bag. Other interesting features include a water-resistant zipper, detachable tote handles, and side handles for easier manipulation.

  • Heavy-duty PVC construction for carrying heavy gear
  • Long main compartment for packing large fins
  • Drain cap on the side for rinsing and drying the bag
  • High-frequency welded seams prevent any leaks
  • A detachable grab handle makes carrying convenient

Best For: Extra-Long Fins Dimensions: 35.4 x 15.7 x 11.8 inches Volume: 4. 75 cu ft (135 liters). Material(s): Heavy-Duty PVC Weight: 3.5 pounds

Mares Cruise Mesh Backpack

Mares Cruise Mesh Backpack

If you plan to travel a lot with your gear, the Mares Cruise is the bag to choose from. It’s designed as a rugged backpack and features two padded adjustable straps that provide comfort while wearing. The three outer walls are made from mesh for air circulation, while the back is lined with a PVC panel to keep you dry when carrying wet gear.

Compared to the other scuba diving bags on this list, the Mares Cruise backpack size is a bit more compact. However, we feel that this is a great thing, especially for air travel. It’s 29 inches tall and has a 17-inch base which should be more than enough volume for all the necessary diving equipment.

In addition to the main top-loading central compartment, this bag also comes with a heavy-duty zippered pocket on the side. Made from full fabric instead of mesh, it can give extra protection to more sensitive gear like dive computers. We also want to point out that the backpack comes with a reinforced base that provides abrasion protection and increases durability.

  • PVC panel keeps you dry when carrying wet gear
  • Anti-skid base prevents tearing and abrasions
  • Padded external straps make carrying comfortable
  • Large outer pocket for computers and regulators
  • Drawstring top closure and a full-length lateral zipper

Best For: Traveling Dimensions: 29 x 17 x 16 inches Material(s): PVC, Nylon, Polyester Weight: 2 pounds

Cressi Moby 5 Trolley Bag

Cressi Moby 5 Trolley Bag

If you’re not a big fan of hauling heavy equipment, the Cressi Moby 5 has a solution – you can simply roll it. Equipped with large wheels and a strong handle, this rolling dive bag allows you to pull the gear as you would any standard suitcase. The bag itself is strong and comes with an abundance of pockets for organizing gear.

The walls of the Cressi Moby 5 trolley bag are made from a combination of 300 and 400D nylon that provides impressive strength and tear resistance. On top of this, the roller bag has very decent dimensions which result in a volume of 115 liters.

The focal point of this bag is certainly the oversized wheels which make it unique in the wheeled dive bags category. The handle we’ve mentioned is telescopic so you can push it out of the way when you don’t need it. As for the storage, the front has two zippered external pockets for handy access, while both sides have long vertical pockets for fin storage.

  • Roller dive bag equipped with large wheels
  • The telescoping handle makes it easy to pull the bag
  • Two large front pockets for items you need close to hand
  • Special long fin pockets on the sides of the roller bags
  • Three separate compartments in the main one (easier organization)

Best For: Heavy Gear Dimensions: 30 x 15.7 x 11 inches Volume: 115 liters Material(s): 300/400D Nylon Weight: 8.6 pounds

PROMATE Backpack Style Bag

PROMATE Backpack Style Bag

The flat and compact design of the Promate backpack makes it an excellent option for freedivers and snorkelers. It’s only 5.5 inches thick, so it won’t take up much space in your trunk. However, even though it’s one of the smallest gear bags we’ve featured, it still has enough room for all the necessary snorkeling items.

Owing to the height of 28 inches, the Promate backpack easily fits fins that are up to 27 inches long. The entire bag is made from 600D nylon and reinforced with PVC so it won’t tear even if you put a lot of gear inside. Furthermore, it comes with mesh panels on the sides and front so the gear can dry inside without getting moldy.

Besides the mentioned mesh panels, the Promate backpack has a few other useful features. It comes with a large pocket on the front where you can stash your mask, as well as elastic bungee rigging which is very handy for stashing wet towels.

  • The compact size makes it great as a carry on bag
  • Zippered water bottle pouch on the front
  • Nylon mesh allows rinsing and drying gear
  • Elastic cords in the front for securing towels
  • Padded straps provide carrying comfort

Best For Small Dive Luggage Dimensions: 28 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches Material(s): 600D Nylon, PVC Weight: 1.7 pounds

ScubaMax Hard Nylon Mesh Duffel Bag

ScubaMax Hard Nylon Mesh Duffel Bag

The ScubaMax nylon dive bag is the only model in our scuba backpack reviews that comes with dive flags on both ends. Thanks to this, it stands out from other bags. When talking about the bag itself, it’s a classic duffel model that has breathable mesh walls with PVC as reinforcement.

The design of the ScubaMax scuba gear bag is pretty classic when compared to other models, which is a good thing because you’ll know what you can expect. The side grab handles are strong and extend underneath the bag, while the mesh walls not only allow your dive equipment to dry inside, but also make rinsing possible.

In addition to the side flags we’ve mentioned, the ScubaMax travel dive bag offers several other features to improve the functionality. The front comes with a large mesh pocket with a Velcro closure that gives you a separate space for items you need close to your hand. Lastly, the dive gear bag also comes with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap for easier carrying.

  • PVC coating on the nylon mesh increases the strength
  • Dive flags on the side panels make you more visible
  • Large mesh pocket on the front for keeping items close
  • D-rings on both ends for attaching a shoulder strap
  • 30-inch main compartment fits large fins and dive kit

Best For: Increased Visibility (Dive Flag) Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 16 inches Material(s): PVC-coated Nylon Mesh Weight: 1.55 pounds

Meister Mesh Duffel Backpack Bag

Meister Mesh Duffel Backpack Bag

In terms of versatility, the Meister mesh dive bag is the most unique model in our reviews. While it’s primarily a duffel bag, the carrying straps are padded and adjustable so you can easily transform it into a diving backpack. Furthermore, its Chain mesh walls are one of the strongest on the market, allowing you to pack them with heavy items.

The Chain mesh walls are a lot thicker compared to other models, and it’s this thickness that gives them additional strength and resistance to tears and damage. At the same time, the bag is fully breathable which means that you can carry wet gear without it getting smelly or developing mildew.

The main feature of the Meister bag is its handles that can double as tote handles or backpack straps. On top of this, the other details worth noticing are the large zippered waterproof pocket on the side as well as a great interior volume for packing any type of equipment.

  • Large zippered dry pocket on the side for protecting sensitive items
  • Extra-tough Chain Mesh construction guarantees durability
  • Air and water circulate freely so your gear can dry easily
  • Spacious enough for fins, boots, computers, and other gear
  • Comfortable and adjustable backpack straps for easy carrying

Best For: Frequent Use Dimensions: 29 x 15 x 15 inches Material(s): Chain Nylon Mesh Weight: 2 pounds

  • Dive bags with wheels and shoulder straps allow you to comfortably carry your equipment in nearly any scenario, including the beach, pavement, gravel, and more. 
  • Our dive bags are around saltwater most days, so be sure to buy a dive bag made from highly durable, quick-drying, and salt-resistant material. 
  • alt content will quickly corrode a metal zipper in both the water and air, rendering them useless in a short time. Buying zippers made with corrosion-resistant materials will help to curb the degradation over time. Regardless of the material, though, always wash your gear with fresh water after being exposed to saltwater.

best scuba travel bag

How To Choose The Best Scuba Diving Bag – Buying Guide

How-to-pack-your-dive-bag-like-a-pro

Types Of Scuba Dive Bags

The best scuba travel bags can be separated roughly into three categories – duffel bags, backpacks, and dive bags with wheels. Duffel bags are usually very compact and functional but can be inconvenient to carry when loaded with heavy gear. On the other hand, the argument for scuba diving backpacks as the best dive bags is that they are a lot easier to carry over long distances.  Dive bags with wheels are best for divers that travel by air often.

Two things are important when choosing the size of your scuba travel bag – having enough room to fit all of your gear and staying compact enough so it easily fits into your car trunk or on an airplane. If you’re looking for a balance between the two, look for a bag that is 30 to 35 inches long.

Since the gear itself can be pretty heavy, you don’t want the bag adding too much to the equation. Because of this, we advise that you choose a model that is made from lightweight but reinforced mesh and doesn’t have too many unnecessary additions. 

Handles and Wheels

Tote handles on duffel bags are the most common carrying option, but many divers don’t particularly like them because they can be hard on the hands. If you want to avoid this, getting a wheeled dive bag like the Cressi Moby 5 is an excellent idea especially if you’re traveling by air. 

Storage Compartments

Instead of a single large compartment to cram all your equipment, the best scuba gear bags feature multiple compartments so you can organize your items easily. On top of this, we like it if the scuba diving gear bag comes with waterproof side pockets where you can stash small items and valuables.

You might also be interested in:

Best SMB For Scuba Diving

Materials and Durability

High-quality materials are crucial when talking about any dive gear bags because they are going to see a lot of use in harsh conditions. Because of this, the best dive bags are usually made from nylon mesh that is coated with PVC. Furthermore, many models feature fabric reinforcements in strategic places to prevent tears and abrasion.

Corrosion-Resistant Zippers

No matter what you do, your diving travel bag will be exposed to saltwater. As the water dries and crystallizes, it can corrode and block a zipper which can render the bag useless. Because of this, look for high-quality zippers that can handle saltwater exposure.

Water Protection

Broadly speaking, most dive travel bags are not waterproof. Instead, they allow the water to freely circulate through the walls so the items inside can drain and dry off. About this, the only waterproof dive bag we’ve featured is the Cressi Gorilla Pro XL. If you want your gear to stay dry, we suggest you go with a waterproof duffel bag,

Related Reviews: Waterproof Duffel Bag & Waterproof Messenger Bag

How_Should_I_Pack_My_Bag

Q: How Should I Pack My Bag?

You’ll want to start with your fins and lay them flat on the bottom of the bag. Your mask, snorkel, boots, and gloves will be next. Afterward, you should pack your BCD followed by your regulator and computer. Unless you decide to wear it for the boat ride, your wetsuit should go in the bag last. 

Q: What Should I Pack In My Bag?

You should pack everything you need for the dive – a BCD, a wetsuit, fins, booties, a regulator, and a dive computer among other things. It’s ideal if the bag comes with separate storage compartments so you can easily organize the gear.

Q: Why Do I Need A Special Dive Bag?

The main reason for choosing a dive bag is that it comes with mesh walls that allow water to drain. Because of this, you’ll be able to put wet gear inside right after a dive and leave it to dry inside.

Q: What Size Should My Dive Bag Be?

It depends on several factors, mainly on the size of your gear and where you plan to take the scuba bag. It should be large enough to fit items like fins and suits. On the other hand, make sure you don’t go overboard with the size of your dive travel bag because it will be more difficult to handle.

Globo Surf Overview

Whether you’re only carrying a few items or a full diving set, the only way to ensure your gear stays protected is with the best dive bag. We hope that our reviews and guide helped find a model that will keep your scuba equipment safe on travels and allow you to take it anywhere you want to go.

More Scuba Reviews:

  • Dive Camera
  • Full Face Scuba Mask
  • Dive Watches Under 200
  • Dive Watch Under 1000
  • Dive Watches Under 500
  • Ladies Dive Watch
  • Underwater Scooter
  • Scuba Mask For Small Face

More Bag Reviews:

  • Kayak Deck Bag
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Packing Your Scuba Gear for Travel

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pack scuba gear

P acking your scuba gear for travel can be quite a chore. You need to make sure everything fits in your bag, valuable and fragile items are protected and you are under the airline weight limit (if you’re traveling by plane). So, here are a few tips on how to get all of your gear around the world safely without breaking the bank.

1. Inspect Your Gear

The very first thing you need to do before you even start to think about packing your scuba gear for travel is ensuring that it’s in good working order and ready for underwater performance. Go through everything and inspect it for any issues or damage. You don’t want to come to a remote dive location to find that your dive computer battery is dead or your second stage diaphragm is torn. Check the dump valves on your BCD, inspect the condition of all hoses and O-rings, test/replace all batteries, etc. You may also consider taking your gear for professional inspection and servicing if you haven’t done so in a while.

Pre-Dive Equipment Check and Setup Guide

Pre-Dive Equipment Check and Setup Guide

You can read more about pre-dive equipment check in this article.

How Often Should You Have Your Scuba Gear Serviced

How Often Should You Have Your Scuba Gear Serviced

Here is an article on how often you should have your scuba gear serviced.

2. Learn the Baggage Weight and Size Limits

Another thing worth doing before you start packing is to check the baggage weight and size limits, especially if you are traveling by plane. Airline baggage rules are constantly changing, and the generous weight limit on a past trip may be lower today. The good news is that every airline is required to publish its baggage allowance and overage charges so travelers know what they’re getting into. Most standard airline companies will allow 50 lbs (23 kg) of checked in luggage and somewhere between 15 and 35 lbs (7-15 kg) in the carry-on if you take an economy class ticket. With low-cost companies, in Europe or Asia, checked in luggage will almost always be an extra cost you need to add to the price of the flight ticket itself. Some airline companies have special treatment for scuba divers. Here are a few examples of scuba-friendly airlines:

  • Garuda Indonesia allows you to bring up to 50 lbs (23 kg) of scuba gear free of charge to anywhere it flies, in addition to your free baggage allowance.
  • Egypt Air , carrying many divers to the Red Sea, also offers up to 50 lbs (23 kg) of scuba gear within the free baggage allowance.
  • Sri Lankan Airlines gives an extra luggage allowance of 9 kg (20 lbs) for scuba divers.
  • Turkish Airlines allow one set of diving equipment per person to be carried free of charge. This only works for certain destinations, however, so be sure to check if your destination is on the list.
  • Air Tahiti gives divers an additional baggage allowance of 50 lbs (23 kg).
  • Etihad Airways states that scuba diving equipment can be included as part of your baggage allowance as long as it weighs no more than 32 kg (70.5 lbs).

Remember to check this before purchasing the ticket in case the conditions change. You can also save on luggage fees by being loyal to one airline, as most loyalty programs will give you extra baggage perks.

3. Make a List

Write a list of everything you think you’ll need for the trip. In addition to your personal items, documents and essential scuba gear (regulator, octopus, BCD, pressure and depth gauges/dive computer, fins, mask, snorkel, and appropriate exposure protection) don’t forget to take such useful accessories as:

  • boat and/or dry bag;
  • surface signaling devices;
  • dive knife or cutting tool;
  • mask defog;
  • certification cards;
  • dive insurance card;
  • chargers/spare batteries for all your electronic devices;
  • electrical voltage converter/adapter.

Once you are ready to pack, lay all your gear out where you can see everything and cross it off the list only after you’ve put it in the bag.

4. Pack Your Gear in a Specific Way

First, let’s talk about what you’re going to pack your gear into. A good choice is to use a piece of luggage designed specifically for scuba equipment. There are a number of high-quality scuba travel bags available from various manufacturers. They are lightweight and tailored to fit and protect your scuba gear. You can also get special protective bags for the most fragile and expensive pieces of equipment, such as a dive computer regulator and mask. Now, let’s move on to how you’re going to pack your gear. If you just throw everything into your travel bag with no rhyme or reason it may not fit well and won't be as protected as it could be. There are a few good ways to pack scuba gear, here is an example of one: BCD - because most BCs take up a lot of room and there’s not much you can do with them, it’s best to pack your buoyancy compensator first, using it as a cushion for the rest of the equipment. Make sure all the air is out, and simply lay your BCD on the bottom of the gear bag, flattened out and centered in the bag. If you travel frequently, consider purchasing a travel BC. They are typically lighter and take up less room than your standard BC. Fins - put one on either side of the BCD, this way they won’t take up much space, won’t bend and will help protect the rest of your gear. You can also put your fins in special side pockets if your bag has those. Snorkel - pack your snorkel in a side pocket with your fins or put it between one fin and your BCD. Booties - if you are bringing booties put them on the bottom of the bag below the BCD. Regulator - if you want to pack your regulator in your check-in luggage, put it in a special regulator bag and place it inside the BCD. Regulator bags are reinforced to protect the delicate reg mechanism and they accommodate the hoses perfectly to keep them from twisting and possibly cracking. If you don’t want to buy a regulator bag, wrap your reg in some clothes or a beach towel. You can also carry your regulator on if that makes you more comfortable. Again, make sure it is well-cushioned, either put it in a separate padded bag or wrap it in clothes. Mask - most masks come in a hard plastic container, which you can use when packing your scuba gear for travel. Simply place the box with the mask in the BCD above your regulator. If you want to save some space, you can also place your mask inside a fin pocket. Dive knife - if you carry a dive knife, make sure to pack it in your checked luggage, since it is not allowed aboard the plane. Before packing, check if the sheath holds the knife securely. For added safety, you can also wrap it in a towel to prevent the knife from accidentally puncturing your gear. Save-a-Dive Kit - pack a small save-a-dive kit. This should include a mask strap, fin strap, mouthpiece, zip ties, small scuba tool, and ear drops. Wetsuit - put your wetsuit over the top of everything else to add even more padding for your gear. Avoid folding your wetsuit too many times, as this will just make it bulkier and may create creases in the neoprene. Two folds should be good enough for it to fit in your bag and lay flat. Dive computer - this is the one thing you really don't want to be thrown around, so your dive computer should always go in your carry-on. It is also a good idea to travel with the battery out of the computer. This way if there is a problem with the battery it doesn't ruin the computer. Plus there is no way the computer can turn on accidentally and waste the battery. Tanks and weights - in most cases it’s best to leave your tanks and weights at home. They will always be provided by the dive store/boat you will be diving with. If you do choose to carry your own personal small emergency air source, make sure the valve is out of the cylinder and it can be inspected at your time of departure.

5. Weigh and ID Your Bags

Invest in a special luggage scale and weigh your bag, once you’re done packing. This may save you from those high excess baggage fees. Also, don’t forget to ID your bags inside and out. Finally, it may seem obvious, but when you’re done diving, you need to dry your gear thoroughly before packing it for a return trip. A wetsuit can easily contain a few pounds of water. A BCD that has not been emptied properly after rinsing can also add extra weight. So, make sure to dry your equipment correctly and weigh everything again once packed.

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The 24 Best Travel Tote Bags for Your Next Big Trip

Whether it's your only bag or a carry-on supplement, a travel tote will take your packing game to the next level.

travel tote bags

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Medium Metro Tote Deluxe

T&C Tried and True

Medium metro tote deluxe.

Catalina Deluxe Tote

Separate Compartment for Organization

Lo & sons catalina deluxe tote.

Easy Travel Tote

Luxurious Essential

Cuyana easy travel tote.

Packable Tote Bag

Folds Small for Easy Packing

Lululemon packable tote bag.

Large Le Pliage Tote

Classic Tote

Longchamp large le pliage tote.

Travel Duffel Bag with USB Charging Port

Everyday to Travel Tote

Etronik travel duffel bag with usb charging port.

The ReNew Transit Weekender

Minimalist and Functional

The renew transit weekender.

Travel Tote Bag

Bargain Bag

Bluboon travel tote bag.

The Shopper Tote

Madewell The Shopper Tote

Boat and Tote

Heavy Lifter

Boat and tote.

Whatever your travel needs for the season ahead, odds are that a good tote can make your packing life more organized, and less stressful—honestly, what more could you hope for? With that in mind, we've scoured the internet for the more durable, functional travel totes for every type of traveler, from the serial overpacker to the organization fiend. Here, our favorite finds for all of your journeys.

Perpetually trying to find space in your carry-on for one last thing? Meet what one T&C editor calls, "the personal item of every overpacker's dream." Featuring five exterior pockets, plus six on the interior and an detachably pouch, it will keep all of your travel essentials organized while it's sturdy-yet-lightweight construction makes it easy to tuck in "just in case" items to your hearts desire without overwhelming your arms.

The cushy, reinforced straps are easy on the shoulders, but it also has a detachable crossbody strap and a built-in sleeve to slip over the handle of your luggage if you don't feel like toting. It also comes in four sizes (we're fond of the medium for it's ability to hold oodles of stuff while still slipping neatly beneath the seat in front of you on a plane) and a seasonally-refreshed roster of more than a dozen shades, making it as stylish as it is functional.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote

For the "a place for everything and everything in its place" traveler, this tote has you covered with a zippered bottom pocket that's perfect for separating out toiletries or dirty shoes from the rest of your haul (an interior panel also allows you to open the bottom compartment fully, if you're craving a deeper bag.)

Available in recycled poly or sturdy canvas, at 15" x 14" x 7", it qualifies as a personal item for most airlines and has a handy luggage sleeve to pair with your suitcase. For those looking for larger options, it comes in four additional sizes as well.

Cuyana bags are a favorite of T&C editors and royals alike ( Meghan Markle is a big fan ) for their timelessly stylish silhouettes, buttery soft leather, and effortless functionality. This, their latest launch, is made specifically with travel in mind.

Crafted with lightweight, durable pebbled leather (currently available in four colorways) it offers ample interior space (a 37L volume, to be precise) plus two large pockets, a phone slip, and a key clip, as well as snaps for Cuyana devotees who want to mix in their System Flap Bag or System Zipper Pouch .

If you're more of a "shop when you get there" traveler, this bag brings the souvenir space without taking up lots of room in your primary bag. Water-repellant and roomy (it holds 32L by volume) it features rugged shoulder straps, plus an extra strap that lets it slip over the handle of roller luggage, and can fold into its own exterior pouch when not in use to make a tidy, handheld bundle.

Some things are classic for a reason. Case in point: this timeless Longchamp tote; just ask T&C 's associate shopping editor, Sophie Dweck, who's been carrying hers for over a decade . Made from sleek, easy-to-clean nylon that comes in a cornucopia of colors, it features a simple, spacious interior and strong leather straps that ensure it can stand up to anything your travels throw at it, and look good doing it.

Looking for a tote that's as useful in your day-to-day as it is when you're far away? This multi-use tote has racked up thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon for its versatility. A separate, vented shoe compartment makes it as friendly to gym sessions as beach trips, while its multiple pockets keep essentials organized. It also includes a luggage strap and a USB charging port so you can plug in your tech without rummaging through your bag for your battery pack, and comes in two sizes and almost 30 shades so it will match your travel style.

One reviewer writes: "I must say, it exceeded my expectations in every way! This bag is the perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a must-have for any woman on the go."

Type-A packers, take note: this 100% recycled polyester is all about options. Its four colorways can be worn crossbody, carried in hand, or over the shoulder, and include a zippered exterior pocket, a luggage sleeve, two water bottle holders, and a padded laptop sleeve—all with Everlane's signature modern minimalist vibe.

Available in 20 colorways and textures, this canvas tote features a luggage sleeve that also doubles as a tech pouch so your gadgets will always be at the ready. The sturdy construction and bargain price tag have made it a hit with reviewers, who site its roomy 16.5" x 9" x 14" size and comfort.

One reviewer writes: "I am so happy with this purchase! Reasonable price, large main compartment, and a few zip compartments to organize smaller items. Bag fits perfectly under airline seat, even when stuffed FULL. It stayed in place when I had it on top of my roller bag, and I noticed the shape of it kept it from making everything tip forward (which happened with my previous bag)."

For a travel bag that you can use as a purse all trip, this simple Madewell leather tote brings a perfect mix of style and space (12.75" x 12.75" x 7.5".) It even comes with an interior strap that allows you to change the shape, and doubles as a keyring.

True L.L. Bean lovers know that the brand's classic Boat and Tote bag is hard to beat—after all, it's been one of their signature styles since 1944. Crafted from rugged cotton canvas, it's tested to hold up to 500 pounds, so no matter how much you manage to overpack, this bag is guaranteed to take it on. And with four sizes and two interior lengths to choose from, as well as a dozen colors, there's a perfect one for all your needs.

Caraa Studio Tote

Studio Tote

Whether you prefer a classic tote style or a backpack, this Italian leather bag gives you the best of both worlds. Along with the usual amenities (a slew of pockets, adjustable straps) it also has a collapsible waterproof shoe pocket for those days your travel plans call for a quick change.

More: The 18 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Easy, Breezy Packing

Béis The Convertible Weekend Bag

The Convertible Weekend Bag

This tote brings two-for-one power with a removable bottom compartment that can be used as is, or as a separate packing cube. Easy to clean polyester and polyurethane make it a cinch to keep looking like new, with a built-in luggage sleeve and removable laptop sleeve give it plenty of function for that rush through TSA.

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote

Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote

Some people pack an extra suitcase when traveling abroad. We propose this packable Tumi tote instead. It folds out to an impressive 8" x 14" x 8 size when fully opened and weighs less than a pound, so you can shop to your heart's content while getting those passport stamps.

More: The 13 Best Luggage Brands for Every Type of Traveler

Carhartt Legacy Tote East/West

Carhartt Legacy Tote East/West

Built to work hard, this water-repelling polyester Carhartt bag is tough enough to handle all of your travel adventures. It includes two exterior pockets as well as an interior divider and pockets, so it's and functional on the inside as it is on the outside.

One reviewer writes: "Even better than expected! I used it as my personal item for a trip to Mexico…placed my purse, tablet, magazines, etc inside…lots of pockets! Hides dirt, wipes off easily, very well made."

Revive Nylon Large Tote

Revive Nylon Large Tote

Available in five-shades, this nylon tote (made with fabric crafted from 27 recycled water bottles with recycled leather trim) has jumbo exterior slip pockets (plus three interior pockets and a keyring) and a built-in padded laptop sleeve to match its roomy interior with organization.

One reviewer writes: "Great color, roomy, lots of pockets to keep things organized and easy to locate. Perfect for work and travel. Very happy with it."

Dagne Dover Jemi Tote

Jemi Tote

Want a travel tote that makes a style statement? Bring your puffer coat style to your bag with this versatile, vegan tote made from recycled plastic water bottles. At less than a pound and half (it holds 16.2 L volume), it's super lightweight, and has two sets of comfy handles—one for hand-held use and one for shoulder use—plus a luggage sleeve, so it's great no matter your travel style.

Naghedi Jet Setter Small Tote

Naghedi Jet Setter Small Tote

Fully lined, basket-woven neoprene brings beautiful texture to this travel tote, making it ideal for those situations when you have to go straight from the plane to an event. It also has a zip closure and zippered interior pocket to ensure that your stuff stays in place even on the wildest travel days.

Scout Travel Bag Large

Travel Bag Large

You want all of the weight in your travel bag to be from your must-haves, not from the bag itself. This colorful version from Scout (it comes in half a dozen colors and patterns) is a featherlight 1 pound, yet can hold up to 65 pounds of your gear, and can fold flat when not in use. It also comes with a zipper pocket and reinforced bottom so everything you pack stays comfortable where you want it.

Barbour Medium Travel Explorer Leather Tote Bag

Medium Travel Explorer Leather Tote Bag

The biggest name in waxed cotton jackets brings their British heritage sensibility to travel with this luxe 100% leather tote. Measuring 17.72'' x 14.96'', it comes with sturdy top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

More: The 13 Best Luxury Luggage for Traveling in Style

WONHOX Large Travel Tote Bag

Large Travel Tote Bag

This waterproof travel tote features a luggage sleeve, three interior pockets, including a special compartment to separate wet and dry items (looking at you, still-damp swimsuit) and four external pockets, as well as a zip-open expansion on the bottom so your bag can be as big, or small, as you need.

One reviewer writes : "Schlepped this bag all over Europe and it holds a surprising amount of stuff! The little expander area on the bottom really helped me squeeze in a few extra souvenirs. The trolley sleeve is a MUST from now on. It hooks on to your roller suitcase so easily and is sturdy! I was throwing my baggage up on the train, in and out of taxis and through many airports easy peasy."

Headshot of Lauren Hubbard

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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18 Best Travel Backpacks, According to Frequent Flyers

By Gabrielle Porcaro

Best travel backpacks for women collage featuring six different backpacks on black and white background.

As someone who frequently travels, I've slung duffels, totes , and travel purses on my arm, but nothing compares to using the best travel backpacks. Depending on the length of your trip, a suitcase can either be too bulky or not big enough, so you'll need the vital second bag to make sure all your clothes, tech, and gear securely arrive at your destination. Plus, traveling with a backpack can be more supportive for your back, freeing up your arms and hands to pull out directions on your phone or to hold an iced coffee. Backpacks can also be surprisingly roomy, so everything you need (or want) on your trip fits as comfortably as possible. The good news is there are a wide range of excellent options to suit any and all of your needs. Below, we found the most travel-friendly options and tapped Glamour editors and some of our frequent-flier friends to share the best travel backpacks.

What to look for in a travel backpack

When shopping for luggage items like a travel backpack, the comfort and capacity of the bag is key. You want it to feel easy on the body, which means wide straps or a hip belt to distribute weight, which comes in handy if you're running to catch a plane or carrying it through a crowded subway. Bonus points if the straps are they adjustable and padded. Consider the material: Is it lightweight, soft, and made of durable material like water-resistant fabric? As for size, think about the use of the backpack. There are weekender bags and carry-on size options you can use for long weekends or smartly packed weeklong vacations and styles for short day trips, hikes, or shopping excursions.

The best travel backpacks, at a glance

  • Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack , $210
  • Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack , $33
  • Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack , $78
  • Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack , $30
  • Best for Commuters : Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
  • Most Stylish : Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack , $150

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack  Del Día

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack - Del Día

Here's a simple, sleek backpack with plenty of built-in organization. “My twin sister and I have traveled the world together, and this bag came in particularly handy on our trip to South America when we both needed more room besides our carry-on luggage. What I loved about this piece is it's essentially a suitcase with straps. The wrap zipper fully opens up, allowing you to see and organize your goods into the compartments. Crafted in repurposed nylon, the exterior is one of a kind, and the colors made it easier to spot one another through the crowds,” says Glamour contributor Gabrielle Porcaro .

Capacity: 42 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

  • Pros: Repurposed nylon body; suitcase layout; weight-distributing harness system
  • Cons: Can easily show dirt

Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

As a runner-up, consider this the Swiss Army knife of backpacks. Hidden in this compact, durable bag are 20 pockets and compartments to accommodate and organize everything from clothes to an umbrella to power cords. A practical standout feature of this travel backpack is an external USB port with set-in charging cables to charge your phone (just remember to charge your power pack before heading out on your trip). Another noteworthy aspect is the U-shaped 3D breathable mesh straps designed to relieve stress from shoulders and reduce a sweaty back.

Capacity: 52 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

  • Pros: So many pockets for organizing; USB charging port; comfortable
  • Cons: Chunky, technical look

Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

Lululemon gets a lot of love for its Lulu leggings and activewear, but don't sleep on accessories like its laptop bags . A classic backpack with a modern design, the Everywhere Backpack has a clean appearance that will effortlessly match your look. Inside it's spacious and has a padded pocket that fits a 16-inch laptop. On the exterior is a front zipper pocket for keys, antibacterial wipes, headphones…whatever you need handy while on the go.

Capacity: 22 L / Waterproof : Water-repellent

  • Pros: Internal laptop sleeve; side water bottle pockets; lightweight
  • Cons: No luggage strap; not a ton of pockets

Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack

Coofay Carry On Backpack

Coofay Carry On Backpack

This affordable, multifunctional pack is lightweight but can hold a lot and easily fit under an airline seat as a carry-on. “I loved the space and compartments of this bag. It's durable and packed a lot of room for so many things. The luggage handle strap is also a bonus if you're hauling a roller bag,” wrote one Amazon reviewer . Bonus: It has a shoes and a wet pocket compartment.

Capacity: 17 L / Waterproof : Yes

  • Pros: Separate shoe compartment, 29 color options; USB port design
  • Cons: Short luggage strap

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Best for Commuters : Everlane the ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Whether you're a college commuter or in the office most days, this is an excellent option for everyday travel or work trips. It's a go-to for Condé Nast associate director of box business operations Haley Welch . “The separate laptop compartment makes organizing seamless, as does the front and upper zipper compartments, which is great for a Kindle,” she says. She likes that the chic and minimal look effortlessly mixes with every outfit, from comfy travel joggers and hoodies to a work-appropriate suit or dress.

Capacity : 27 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

  • Pros : Internal and external water bottle holders; zipper pocket on top; made from renewed materials
  • Cons : Only holds a 15-inch laptop

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Most Stylish : Best Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

For anyone looking for a dressier option for their everyday commute or regular work trips, Tumi has a gorgeous style. Don't let the sleek appearance fool you; the zipper reveals a very roomy interior but still folds flat. A two-way zipper makes it easier to grab whatever you need from the inside with a smaller front pocket as well. There’s also a very convenient add-to-a-bag sleeve to secure this nicely over your suitcase handle, making it one to use on daily and international excursions. It's so stylish it can double as a cute work bag for office days.

Capacity: 15"H x 12"W x 4 1/2"D. (Interior capacity: large) / Waterproof : Water-resistant

  • Pros :Packable; folds down flat; lightweight
  • Cons: Doesn’t fit a ton

Best for Organization : Snoffic Travel Backpack

Snoffic Travel Backpack

Snoffic Travel Backpack

If remaining organized is of the utmost importance while traveling or in everyday life, look no further than this Snoffic backpack. This wallet-friendly pick has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and under $35 price tag. “I was able to pack a week's worth of summer clothes in it, which included two summer dresses," says one Amazon reviewer . Not only does this bag offer ample space and waterproof material, but it also includes two clear toiletry bags (also waterproof) to help you reduce your zip-lock baggie usage. Plus, it comes in a wide range of pretty shades.

Capacity : 40 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

  • Pros : Nicely priced; roomy; includes two toiletry bags
  • Cons : Boxy shape

Best for Pockets : Athleta Excursion Backpack

Athleta Excursion Backpack

Athleta Excursion Backpack

This pick, courtesy of Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs , is one that can hold every little trinket or gadget you own. “I thought this backpack was going to my go-to for hiking, but it’s actually my go-to for pretty much everything. I love how sleek it is, and yet, despite its slim appearance, it manages to fit my 15-inch laptop, my secondary screen, charger, headphones, e-reader, and mouse. It has handy organizational features, like an inner key ring, zippered outer pockets for me to stash my lip gloss and phone, and not one but two mesh pockets that fit my water bottle and an umbrella. Its handles are also made of a breathable fabric—so useful when I’ve worked up a sweat while out and about.”

  • Pros :Lightweight; ripstop material resists snags and tears; mesh back panel for added support
  • Cons: Larger on top shape

Best Minimalist Design : Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

“On my last flight I saw not one, not two, but multiple travelers with this style hanging from their backs. As someone who regularly takes Dagne Dover bags on trips, I understand the popularity. The neoprene material is strong, soft, and stretchy, which causes the bag to flex to your body and whatever you put inside. It's forgiving, allowing you to fit in and possibly overstuff everything you need for a trip. It also washes well, ensuring it will always have that chic appearance even after some wear and tear,” says Porcaro. Dagne Dover also makes excellent diaper backpacks like this parent-approved Indi Diaper Bag .

Capacity: 16 L / Waterproof : No

  • Pros: Packs a lot; machine washable
  • Cons: Neoprene is a bit heavier than other material; material creases easily

Best for Airplane Travel : Augustnoa Classic Noa

Augustnoa Classic Noa

Augustnoa Classic Noa

“So many features drew me to this bag: the eco-friendly (plus water-friendly) material, smart design, and luggage sleeve—a must for any travel carry-on piece. There are ten pockets and compartments to organize essentials, something I took full advantage of when using. As an active person trying to hydrate more, I also appreciated the side pockets that securely held my water bottle (I bent over, and it didn't budge). It also includes a removable drawstring bag, something I always forget to pack for morning workouts and overnight travels,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 21 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

  • Pros: Pockets on straps; laptop and tablet sleeve; two water bottle holders
  • Cons: Pockets in the back and on straps are small

Best Roll Top : Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Expandable storage is always a plus with any travel bag. This backpack, from super cool brand Roark, has an adjustable top to allow more room. The roll-top also has a magnetic entry, allowing for easy and secure access on the move. Interior and exterior pockets, including one for your tablet or laptop, sunglasses, and a hidden pocket for your passport, are specific details that make this a unique backpack. Ergonomic air mesh padded straps, a quilted back, and chest straps prevent this from adding any discomfort to your travels. The appearance calls for adventure, but it equally works in cities.

Capacity: 27 L / Waterproof : 100% Nylon

  • Pros: Streamlined look; quilted back; magnetic closure top
  • Cons: Could use more internal pockets

Best Large Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel 55L

Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel 55L

The beauty of this bag is it says it right in the title—it's a black hole. With a 55-liter capacity, there's no doubt it will hold everything you need for a long weekend or even a long weekend trip. Ultra-comfortable to carry, it's perfect for hiking excursions, camping trips, or multi-city European backpacking adventures. Durably made with 100% recycled fabric, this fits in the overhead bin; if you want to check it, you can trust it will return to you just as you left it.

Capacity: 55 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

  • Pros: Large, carry-on size, top and side handles; removable shoulder straps
  • Cons: Rugged design

Best for Laptop : Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

If you're looking for a laptop backpack , this is a top choice. Hershel backpacks are a go-to for marriage and family therapist and mom of two boys, Whitney Steller. “I have had this for almost six years, and the quality is amazing. No rips or anything and the straps are still comfortable. “The classic grade school look was also a draw and the fact that it fits perfectly under a plane seat. This style, in particular, is eco-friendly, made from post-consumer water bottles, and has a padded compartment to fit up a 15-inch laptop.

Capacity: 20 L / Waterproof : No

  • Pros: Optional strum strap to help disturbed weight; padded compartment for laptop
  • Cons: No luggage sleeve

Best Y-Pack : Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

Topo Designs YPack Backpack

Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

This is an awesome option for anyone who ends up leaving a trip with more than they brought. “The adjustable Y-shaped strap can be tight and secure or loosened to allow for more room, which is the reason why this is a piece of heavy rotation for me. It always shocks me how much I can fit/shove into the main compartment yet still slide my laptop out of the back sleeve. No matter if it’s filled with a hoodie and various pouches holding makeup, power cords, and snacks; it's easy to access. I like to use the zip pocket on the top to store antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, headphones, and anything else I want easy access to once I arrive on the flight,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 23.8 L / Waterproof : No

  • Pros: Drawstring closure offers more space; zip pocket on top for easy access; durable material great for travel and the outdoors
  • Cons: G-hook buckle closure can sometimes be tough

Best Waterproof : SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

The beauty of this piece is that it rolls up for easy packing within a suitcase or larger travel backpack. The fact that it's created from an extremely lightweight material also ups the packability and wear factor. Jen Ator, a personal trainer, used this on her honeymoon in Thailand. “Not only was it super sturdy and waterproof, but it fits everything we needed during day trips.” She also pointed out how handy the exterior pocket was for easy access to essentials like a phone to snap a picture of her and her husband.

Capacity : 18 L / Waterproof : Yes

  • Pros: Lightweight; stowable
  • Cons: No interior pocket

Best Convertible : Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Adaptability is vital when traveling, and this Thule convertible backpack offers various ways to hold it. If you're in a tight space, de-boarding, or want to give your shoulders a break, there is a longer shoulder strap and top handle to hold. Inside the backpack, you'll find compartments that look like your favorite easy-rolling carry-on suitcase, making it easy to keep everything with you secure and organized. Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.

Capacity: 21 ¾"H x 14"W x 8"D. / Waterproof : Water Resistant

  • Pros: Crust resistant, two-way zip closure, RFID-shielded pocket;
  • Cons: Expensive

Best for City Travel : PAK Large Nylon Backpack

PAK Large Nylon Backpack

PAK Large Nylon Backpack

“As a backpack I recently added to my collection, I was impressed by how many features were hidden in what seemed like a pretty basic bag. First, it’s worth noting how seamlessly this slid on and off my back, making it a breeze to sit on the subway or grab my wallet to buy coffee. At first glance, I was confused about the zipper on the bottom of the front pocket, but when I realized it was a coat sling, which, as someone who runs cold and always has an extra layer, is something I will use again and again. Another made-for-me feature is an extra large pocket for water bottles since it’s a personal pet peeve when they aren’t wide enough for standard sizes. Having only worn this around the city for daily life, I appreciate that the shape and look of the pack are city-ready and more polished. When I take this on international trips, I look forward to using the hidden theft-proof compartments,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 13.5”L x 7” W x 14” H / Waterproof : No

  • Pros: Easy access pocket in the back, Coat sling, Large side pockets
  • Cons: Not super large

Best Customizable : Roam Continental Backpack

Roam Continental Backpack

Roam Continental Backpack

Anyone who is a fan of customization will appreciate this pick. Buyers can choose the color they want on the front, back, side, and straps to create a bag that is uniquely theirs. This is favorite of Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle , who has been using it for years. “It fits enough for weekend trips and vacation travel. I particularly like that the side zippers fit my Owala water bottle and there are plenty of zipper and pockets to hold my wallet, keys, chargers, lip balms, and more” says Glamour’s Calle.

Capacity : 26 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

  • Pros : Customizable; 100-day trial period; soft material; luggage sleeve
  • Cons : Expensive

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Travel Light With the 15 Best Sleek and Stylish Crossbody Purses, Sling Bags, and More — From $14

Handpicked by someone who hates traveling with a big bag.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

No matter the destination, traveling can be an amazing experience, and having the right purse can make your life on the road smoother. But what if you’re someone who doesn’t love carrying a big bag as you stroll through a farmer’s market in Seattle or hike Rocky Mountain National Park? 

Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of suggestions for you. These days, large purses are far from a necessity. We found 15 travel purses and bags that will hold everything you need without weighing you down — and they’ll fit right into an overhead bin or under the seat if you’re flying. That's not even the best part: These top-rated styles, ranging from sleek sling bags and belt bags to RFID-blocking crossbody purses and backpacks , start at just $14.  

Kedzie Quilted Puffer Crossbody Bag

This convertible sling bag from Kedzie has become my go-to travel purse. The zippered front pocket is perfect for lip gloss and receipts while the larger two zippered pockets hold lotion, wallet, phone, gum, and more. You can wear this like a crossbody or over your shoulder, plus, a second strap is included if you want to wear it like a backpack. 

Reviewers have said they want to buy multiples after trying the bag. They have also called it the “perfect size” that " holds everything I need and more ."

Everlane The Recycled Nylon Camera Bag

Yes, this is a camera bag, and you can absolutely carry a camera in it. But it’s good for so much more than that with its adjustable crossbody style strap, two zippered compartments, and an exterior slip pocket. The main body is made with 100 percent recycled nylon while the lining is 100 percent recycled polyester. Tasteful neutrals like black, khaki, and beige will go with anything — saving you precious luggage space.

“It's a great size with enough room for the essentials; it holds my wallet (not a small one), keys, phone, glasses, lipstick,” raved one reviewer. “I love it so much I bought it in two colors.”

Everlane The Cactus Leather Sling Bag

Sling bags are in, and this option brings sophisticated vibes for a girls’ weekend in wine country. Made with organically sourced prickly pear cactus (who knew?), the brand's Desserto material is a fabulous leather alternative. No digging in the bottomless abyss of a giant purse here — it’s got just enough room for just the basics, like a card or two, lip balm, and your phone. Choose from sleek cashew, dark honey, or day-brightening lime green.

“I am also a bare necessity type of girl, so I love the fact that it really only fits my small wallet, phone, and chapstick," one shopper was happy to report. "It will be wonderful for travel as well with a passport." 

Patagonia Atom Sling Bag

If you’ve got active travel plans like exploring the Grand Canyon, you’ll want to grab this sling bag from Patagonia. The four color options include two solid hues and two vibrantly color-blocked options, all of which are water-repellant, made with recycled materials, and Fair Trade Certified sewn. Weighing just 12 ounces, it has an impressive capacity of 488 cubic inches with a phone pocket and two main compartments. You can even use it to bring your yoga mat along by using the tuckaway front straps. Now those are Namaste vibes!

According to one reviewer, who hiked not one but two challenges (100 miles in 100 days each), said, “I can always fit more than I think in the outermost compartment. The mesh pocket holds {my} phone perfectly, and it's easy to access everything even when the bag is on.”

Osprey Daylite Pack

Want something slightly larger than a sling bag? This backpack weighs just over 1 pound and can fit a 13-inch laptop in its roomy, three-compartment interior. Its compact size makes it an ideal personal item if you’re flying to your next workcation since it’ll fit right under the airplane seat. You’ll stay hydrated with two side pockets for water bottles and you can keep your keys close by with the attached key clip. Plus, the four solid jewel-tone hues lend just the right amount of understated style. 

From hikes to flights, reviewers love this bag for any adventure. One chimed in, “This was perfect for my flight excursion. It's just the right size and shape, [and is] lightweight and comfortable.”

Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag

This crossbody may look like your average purse, but it has a detachable strap that turns the bag into a sleek pouch when you're on the go. It has two main compartments, a key hook, and two interior mesh sleeves to keep everything in its place, whether used as a cosmetics pouch in your checked bag or as a purse while dashing to your airport gate. It's available in olive green and black hues, and both styles are just $50.

Though it's perfect for travel, reviewers love that it makes for a great everyday bag. One REI customer said, “This bag does the tricks great for travel, hiking, [and] dinner out with friends. It holds way more than you think, and the outside pocket is a nice added bonus." 

Baggallini Crossbody Bag With RFID-blocking Wristlet

Known for functionality and plenty of pockets, Baggallini crossbody bags live up to the brand’s reputation. Five colors are available, including black and a fun lipstick red. The bag has RFID-blocking protection in the included wristlet for peace of mind while jet-setting, plus three exterior zip pockets. It’ll stow nicely under an airplane seat and you can even machine wash the bag. Bonus: It’s on sale starting at $49 — the lowest price we’ve seen in a month.

“The size is perfect [and has] enough space to fit everything: keys, glasses (two pairs), a wallet, a phone, [and more] odds and ends," a reviewer described. "[There are] zippers to keep everything in securely and just enough compartments to organize." 

Arc’teryx Mantis 1 Waist Pack

Into hands-free travel bags? Arc’teryx’s waist pack has a rugged appeal and can be worn around the waist or over your shoulder. At 15 inches wide, the two zippered compartments hold a respectable amount of goods, including your keys with its interior key clip. The Yukon hue is a medium tan and the bag is made from recycled poly material for a durable yet environmentally friendly option that’s less than $50.

Taking to the review section, a traveler explained how useful it is as both a travel and an everyday bag, saying, “While traveling, it was great that it could hold larger portable batteries for phones, wallets, snack bars, keys, coins, etc. The zippers are very robust and zip very smoothly.”

Frye Melissa Zip Crossbody

Frye is known for quality leather bags, but with this on-sale option, the brand is bringing in a little shimmer for those who can’t say no to a bit of glam. The three hues include denim blue, oatmeal beige, and dusty rose to match your favorite travel outfits. It has a zippered main compartment with an interior pocket, as well as an outer slip pocket and an adjustable strap. 

Reviewers adore this bag and rave that it’s “roomy” yet lightweight. Another happy shopper said even when the bag is full, it still has a slim profile. 

Dagne Dover Mara Phone Sling Crossbody Bag

If you’re gifted with the elusive (for me, anyway) skill of packing light, you’ll want to grab this Dagne Dover phone sling bag. It has a crossbody strap that can go from 14.5 to 28 inches, and the bag itself measures just 6.5 inches wide — just enough room for your phone, a lip balm, and a credit card or a bit of cash. You have four colors to choose from, like classic black or a deep moss green. 

“I take this literally everywhere with me and have two young kids. It's much easier to fish things out [of] this than any giant bag of kid stuff,” said one clever reviewer. “And it’s trendy and cute when I’m without kiddos.”

Hobo Draft Leather Crossbody Bag

This bag will be your new best friend if you appreciate versatility and a timeless style. Available in all neutral colors (black, white, or tan), it has an adjustable strap that you can remove to transform the bag into a clutch for a night out. The foldover flap gives it extra style while upping its content's protection, and the luxe leather material elevates it into a chic everyday bag.

Reviewers say the bag is soft and holds plenty of items without bulging. One shopper noted it was “perfect” for carrying a wallet and passport during their international travels. 

Madewell The Essential Mini Bucket Tote

It’s possible to get the style of a bucket bag without the bulk thanks to Madewell. Measuring just 8.5 inches tall, this bag can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. Plus, it’s structured like a classic bucket bag and has a flat base to keep it upright for easy packing and tracking down what you need inside. The elegant leather bag also comes in a warm brown or a beige hue for a timeless look.

Multiple reviewers have called it a “great bag,” with some calling it the “perfect size.” And it currently has a perfect five-star rating from all reviewers at Nordstrom.  

Travelon Women’s Messenger Bag

Have travel plans to busy destinations? Check out Travelon’s anti-theft messenger bag for peace of mind, especially while weaving through crowded stadiums or venues. Its five-point anti-theft features (like a slash-resistant material) make it a smart choice while the front magnetic flap adds style and an obstacle for thieves and pickpockets. Keep your water bottle handy in the side pocket and stash your passport and other important documents in one of many zippered or slip pockets. The classic black version is $80, but select colors (like olive green) are on sale for as little as $51.

It’s easy to see why over 6,200 people have given it a perfect five-star rating. One traveler , who bought multiples, said, “It has excellent security features. All [the] zippers have clasps that secure them. There is a front pocket that works great for cell phone, on the opposite side, one outside pocket that works great for credit cards, passport, etc., and has RFID protection.”

Bostanten Small Phone Crossbody Bag

Available in an impressive 15 colors and patterns, this vegan leather cell phone bag can hold four cards plus a phone, along with some small essentials in the zippered pockets. The crossbody strap is adjustable, but you can remove it and slip this small bag into a larger one if you need more supplies for all-day sightseeing excursions. 

“I purchased this for a Caribbean cruise vacation; I fit three passports, credit cards, a driver's license, a hotel keycard, car keys, and a ship sea pass, and still had room for lipstick, a folded excursion map, receipts, and other essentials,” one cruise goer shared . “I’m glad I bought it.”

Maxtop Fanny Pack

Last but not least, this fanny pack is another perfect travel companion if you don’t want to carry around a huge bag. It’s just $14 (but currently on sale for $9) and comes in four colors (black, two gray hues, and pink). Within the zippered main compartment, there’s a hidden pocket to store your cash or passport. Wear it as a classic fanny pack (the ‘90s are back, after all!) or as a sling. 

“I bought this cross-shoulder bag for vacation and wanted a nice looking, comfortable cross-shoulder bag that carried just what I needed — that’s what I got,” exclaimed one shopper . Another traveler added , “It feels good worn in the traditional sense, but I do prefer the strap across the shoulders.”

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