Dive Happy Scuba Diving Equipment Scuba Diving Equipment Bags – Which One Do You Use?

Scuba Diving Equipment Bags – Which One Do You Use?

Posted on 13 November, 2008 in Scuba Diving Equipment by Chris
     

I really don't have any luck with my scuba gear bags. I just bought my fourth scuba equipment bag in 12 months - the other three have cracked, ripped or popped at the seams after just a couple of trips each. Suggestions to stop me buying a fifth one welcome.

I'm off on a trip to the Philippines in a couple of days, and found myself having to buy yet another dive bag. Somehow I've managed to trash 3 other dive bags in the last 12 months. The previous one, a big Armorex hold-all, I could understand as I did overload it somewhat coming back from Koh Tao, and it arrived in Bangkok having popped at the seams, impressively running almost the full length of the bag. I was lucky the contents weren't distributed across the carousel. The previous bag before that however, an identical Armorex, felt apart at its base after being dragged over a beach rampway to the Koh Samui ferry. I also managed to rip an Akona mesh bag after a month of use as well. My dive gear bags do get a bit of a bashing, but then, that can't be helped. They should be able to take it. It's not like I'm running over it in a car.

Before the two Armorex's, which were relatively cheap, I had a somewhat expensive Mares TechNomad rollerbag. The name should have been a warning - could you ever introduce yourself with a straight face as a Tech Nomad? - but the build quality of it was truly awful. Seams on the zips popped after just 2 trips to Palau and Davao, and it wasn't because I'd overloaded it - it was simply shoddily made. Unfortunately through various events I didn't get to take it back to the supplier to complain, so I swallowed the cost of that one.

Mares Cruise Roller
Mares Cruise Roller

Mares Cruise Roller

This time round, I've decided to give Mares another go with the Mares Cruise Roller. This is a very soft bag with a big gear compartment and then two big separate compartments on top for clothes etc. It also folds away completely like a jacket bag when it's empty. As I wrap my regulator and mask inside my BCD, my gear is still protected, and I wonder if it being a bit more pliable it will survive the rigours of air travel better. Certainly it's super lightweight, and even has backpack straps on the back for hefting it over short distances, which means I can avoid destroying the base dragging it over beaches, rocks etc.

I think most dive bags are built for occasional use - maybe 2 or 3 times a year. If, like me, you go diving regularly, they simply can't take the strain of being heaved around. For sure, I will be taking extra care of this one because it was expensive - 6000 Baht, which is around 110 British Pounds Sterling. But I am not that optimistic that I will still be using it this time next year.

Unfortunately, I don't have much other choice - Bangkok dive shops do not have the greatest selection of gear in stock. The thought of having to go to Singapore or Hong Kong just to buy a dive bag is a bit daft, but I'm wondering if that might be the only way to resolve it if this Mares bag falls apart too. (I'll be back down the shop waving my warranty immediately if so). One thing's for sure - I really want a dive bag that can take the knocks of frequent travel and save me the expense and hassle of having to frequently replace it. If anyone has any suggestions of tried and tested bags they can recommend, I'm all ears.

Scuba Diving backpack by Stahlsac: Heavy-duty, lots of storage, good condition.
Scuba Diving backpack by Stahlsac: Heavy-duty, lots of storage, good condition.
$129.00
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 17:34:32 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $159.00
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Mares - Cruise Cargo Scuba Dive Gear Bag
Mares - Cruise Cargo Scuba Dive Gear Bag
$199.00
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:15:05 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $199.00
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Fish Lobster Scuba Wire Handle Mesh Catch Gear Gym Snorkel Bag small Medium lrg
Fish Lobster Scuba Wire Handle Mesh Catch Gear Gym Snorkel Bag small Medium lrg
$21.95
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 19:42:14 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $21.95
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Tilos Marina Scuba Duffel Bag
Tilos Marina Scuba Duffel Bag
$89.95
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 20:06:47 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $89.95
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Aeris Mesh Fin Bag
Aeris Mesh Fin Bag
$13.95
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 20:15:03 PDT

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OCEANIC EXCURSION DUFFLE  SCUBA GEAR  BAG BACKPACK XL 30
OCEANIC EXCURSION DUFFLE SCUBA GEAR BAG BACKPACK XL 30" x 16"x 11"sold as is
$20.50 (4 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 20:35:23 PDT

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Pelican 1440 Case NF no foam plus includes Your Custom  Engraved Nameplate
Pelican 1440 Case NF no foam plus includes Your Custom Engraved Nameplate
$151.88
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 21:18:34 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $151.88
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Tilos Deluxe Scuba Dive Coated Wheeled Mesh Backpack
Tilos Deluxe Scuba Dive Coated Wheeled Mesh Backpack
$79.95
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 21:25:41 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $79.95
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Tilos Airporter Scuba Tote Bag
Tilos Airporter Scuba Tote Bag
$259.95
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 21:34:29 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $259.95
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Tilos Airporter II Scuba Tote Bag
Tilos Airporter II Scuba Tote Bag
$239.95
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 21:40:06 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $239.95
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Tilos Pisces Scuba Pro Roller Travel Backpack
Tilos Pisces Scuba Pro Roller Travel Backpack
$157.95
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 21:47:05 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $157.95
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36
36" BLUE Rolling Wheeled Scuba/Dive/Travel Duffel Bag
$44.99
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 21:57:54 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $44.99
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Tilos Computer Scuba Diving Backpack
Tilos Computer Scuba Diving Backpack
$59.95
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 22:18:35 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $59.95
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BOSS FROG HAWAII Mesh net Snorkel Scuba Diving Fin Game BAG Draw String BLUE NEW
BOSS FROG HAWAII Mesh net Snorkel Scuba Diving Fin Game BAG Draw String BLUE NEW
$6.00
End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 23:00:29 PDT

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SCUBA Diving Luggage/Gear Bag Tag -
SCUBA Diving Luggage/Gear Bag Tag - "RESCUE DIVER" - New
$3.50
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 4:44:17 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $4.00
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Mares Cruise Shell She Dives Bag
Mares Cruise Shell She Dives Bag
$29.95
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 5:09:08 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $29.95
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Tilos Diving  3mm Titanium VelcroGloves Medium Size
Tilos Diving 3mm Titanium VelcroGloves Medium Size
$9.99
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 5:13:35 PDT

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XS Scuba Wheeled Duffel Dive Bag W/ Regulator Bag + Bonus Items
XS Scuba Wheeled Duffel Dive Bag W/ Regulator Bag + Bonus Items
$150.00
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 5:41:53 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $150.00
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NEW Waterproof Resealable Pouch Bag Snorkeling Swimming
NEW Waterproof Resealable Pouch Bag Snorkeling Swimming
$5.95
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 6:21:07 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $5.95
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Black Pelican 1200 Case NF empty includes Your FREE Custom Engraved Nameplate
Black Pelican 1200 Case NF empty includes Your FREE Custom Engraved Nameplate
$42.88
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 7:14:19 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $42.88
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Pelican 1200 Case with Foam includes Your FREE Custom Engraved Nameplate
Pelican 1200 Case with Foam includes Your FREE Custom Engraved Nameplate
$44.78
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 7:16:51 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $44.78
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Pelican Desert Tan 1300 Case empty includes your Free Custom Engraved Nameplate
Pelican Desert Tan 1300 Case empty includes your Free Custom Engraved Nameplate
$49.80
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 7:22:38 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $49.80
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Black Pelican 1300 Case NF empty includes Your FREE Custom Engraved Nameplate
Black Pelican 1300 Case NF empty includes Your FREE Custom Engraved Nameplate
$49.80
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 7:29:26 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $49.80
Buy It Now | Add to watch list
Black Pelican 1300 Case with foam includes Your FREE Custom Engraved Nameplate
Black Pelican 1300 Case with foam includes Your FREE Custom Engraved Nameplate
$55.40
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 7:32:44 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $55.40
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Engraved Personalized Nameplate fits King Pelican Case
Engraved Personalized Nameplate fits King Pelican Case
$12.87
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 7:35:57 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $12.87
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Pelican 1090 CC Case with Liner includes Your FREE Custom Engraved Nameplate
Pelican 1090 CC Case with Liner includes Your FREE Custom Engraved Nameplate
$75.96
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 7:41:00 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $75.96
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NEW Zeagle Weight Tote Durable Bag Scuba Dive Diving NR
NEW Zeagle Weight Tote Durable Bag Scuba Dive Diving NR
$20.98
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 8:22:58 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $20.98
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Trident gear or lobster bag
Trident gear or lobster bag
$10.00
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 8:30:26 PDT

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STAHLSAC DELUXE  ADVENTURE DAYPACK
STAHLSAC DELUXE ADVENTURE DAYPACK
$49.99 (1 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 8:33:22 PDT

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DIVE MASTER MESSENGER BAG
DIVE MASTER MESSENGER BAG
$9.99
End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 8:37:35 PDT

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