Reviewed by Gear Geeks:
The Best Scuba & Dive Bags Reviewed in 2021
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We gave our Gear lovers one job:
Test 37 different Scuba & Dive Bags and write reviews of the best.
The result is 16 of the best scuba & dive bags on the market today.
Anastasia Hamurari
Travel and Gear Writer
An ambitious writer with a thirst for content creation through storytelling.
Torben Lonne
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Torben is a dive nut, with a passion for traveling and gear.
When you invest in costly high-quality gear, you expect it to last. This is achievable by taking good care of it and keeping it in a safe and protected space. For scuba diving equipment, this safe space is a dive bag.
Your scuba gear is bound to remain intact after several years of continuous use if you store it in a spacious and tough bag that is easy to transport when traveling from one diving destination to another.
While some dive bags are meant for storage purposes only, others are compatible with air and ground travel as well. Depending on the weight of your load that includes a wetsuit, swimming fins, a diving computer, and a diving mask, you can choose any scuba bag in between big, compact, affordable, and luxurious models.
Once you decide on how far you are planning on taking your thrilling adventures and how much scuba diving equipment you own, scroll through our guide to find the best fit. Our list of the top of the range dive bags will surely equip you with a few variants that you will closely inspect before making the final choice.
Top 10 Best Scuba & Dive Bags In 2021
See our quick top 10, or go further down and read our in-depth reviews.
- Scuba Max Mesh Dive Bag
- XS Seaside Scuba Backpack
- Cressi Gorilla Pro XL Scuba and Freediving Bag
- Mares Cruise Dive Bag
- Promate Scuba Diving Bag
- Stahlsac Caicos Dive Bag
- Aqua Lung Explorer Dive Bag
- Meister Mesh Duffel Scuba Bag
- Cressi Moby 5 Trolley Dive Bag
- AKONA Globetrotter Carry-On Dive Bag
Still unsure as to what scuba & dive bags to choose? We have answered the most popular questions about the scuba & dive bags in the last section of the guide.
This large-wheeled scuba diving-oriented suitcase was built to make your traveling to the diving destination journey easier and with fewer restrictions. The 300- and 400-Denier Nylon shell is lightweight yet strong, which provides you with the exciting opportunity to stuff the bag with as many diving knickknacks as you desire. You can access your belongings from 3 sides thanks to the large openings integrated for your ultimate convenience. The side pockets can be used for storing your fins, while the 2 large front pockets can be utilized for toiletries and similar on-the-go personal units. The trolley construction makes it easy for you to wheel the bag in crowded spaces and not worry about carrying a heavy load on your back. That being said, the dive suitcase does come with padded and adjustable straps that allow you to carry it on your back. When in need of an excursion dive bag for packing all of your water sports essentials, Aqua Lung explorer dive bag is the perfect option. You can rest assured that your bag won’t get lost thanks to the nameplate incorporated into the bag. So, feel free to venture out and discover the rich flora and fauna of the ocean while your dive bag is patiently waiting for you to come back. TUSA dive gear roller bag is a hybrid that quickly transforms from a regular duffel bag to a rolling suitcase and vice versa. This means more flexibility when traveling and less hassle when debating whether to carry it in your hands or roll it on the smooth ground. The manufacturer crafted the bag from the sturdy Nylon that includes mesh inserts for the airflow purposes. He also made the bag water-resistant, which is crucial when you have to deal with wet equipment. There are mesh drains for your wet gear to become dry in a matter of minutes and 3 handles for carrying the bag with ease. The hefty outer zippered pocket works great for storing your large diving fins, whereas the other exterior pockets serve well for protecting your smaller-scale gear. If you are a professional diver who needs to carry with him large quantities of equipment, this roller bag will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Scubapro mesh dive bag does, in fact, look like a cage, but that’s a good thing – you can safely store your diving equipment in it without worrying about squishing them together. The squared bag-box will ensure their wholeness throughout the entire trip. Made from lightweight Nylon, this mesh pack is tough enough to hold a sufficient amount of cargo without tearing apart. Although the main compartment is missing pockets, there is plenty of room for all of your snorkeling objects. If it is still not enough, you can stuff the front exterior pocket with flat items that will be easy to reach whenever needed. The spring-loaded button closure provides the ultimate security, which is further reinforced by the top-rope sliding construction. You are given a padded shoulder strap for times when you have to hike down to the beach or the kayaking boat and not get tired before the adventure begins. Are you a rolling bag type of a person who just can’t be bothered to carry a duffel bag or a backpack? The Caicos dive bag by Stahlsac provides you with just that. It has multiple external and internal pockets along with a few side pockets that are large enough to fit full-length diving fins. The high profile of the trolley makes the bag abrasion-resistant, which adds up to the number of years it can serve you without needing any repairs. The roller bag is built from the durable Nylon Cordura, and it features two compression straps that secure your dive gear perfectly well. The 5th generation pack has a unique wheeled frame mechanism that allows you to embark on a week-long adventure and have confidence in the security of your diving equipment. This large waterproof freediving bag by Cressi is a beloved accessory of many water sports enthusiasts. The company’s 70+ years of successful existence on the market might be the reason for it, but it’s definitely not the main one. Users prefer it over other bags because of its great length that fits diving fins, electronically welded seams that prevent the water from soaking through, and high volume capacity that enables them to carry large diving equipment. The bag comes with two straps and two top-grab handles that allow you to conveniently transport it. Also, Gorilla Pro XL has a draining cap that comes in handy when you are draining the water from your gear once you are done diving. For being a bag under $100, it is a total steal from every standpoint. The 58-liters AKONA Globetrotter carry-on dive bag is a versatile accessory that is treasured by many water sports athletes. It could be its cylindrical shape that makes it easy to load your diving gear or the top and side grab handles that help you effortlessly lift it – the fact remains that there is hardly anything on the market resembling it. You will find 2 external pockets that can be zippered for additional protection and compression straps that keep your stuff safe and sound. You will also come to appreciate the bag’s shoulder straps that are padded for your comfort and can be adjusted depending on your body shape. The chest strap works perfectly well for proportionately distributing the weight. Collapse your bag if you are planning on using it when you arrive at the diving destination and take it out right before you need to pack it with your diving gear. Coming in 2 sizes, Kraken Aquatics mesh scuba diving bag can accommodate every type of a diver and snorkel-enthusiast. The adjustable shoulder strap allows you to carry the bag without getting exhausted and load it with up to 35 pounds of stuff. The bag’s side pocket is a great place for storing sunglasses, sunscreen, and other small items – this way you won’t have to dig deep into the bag to find them. You can conveniently fold your bag in a matter of seconds if it is not being used at the moment and store it in your attic until the next diving trip is around the corner. It is indeed handy to always have the necessary dive gear close to you, which is where the Meister mesh duffel bag comes into play. This oversized pack allows you to carry your snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking equipment with minimum limitations and enjoy your trip to the maximum. Designed to take the hardest beating, the bag is built from the strong double-layered chain mesh. This fabric makes the water drain fast and the air flow in and out even faster. The manufacturer crafted the bag in a way so that you would have a wide variety of carrying options. It can be worn as a duffel bag or a backpack depending on the traveling circumstances. The large dry pocket located on the side of the bag enables you to pack your wet gear and safely transport it back home. Weighing just under 2 pounds, this dive bag model is the one to go with. If you already spent hundreds of dollars on high-quality diving equipment from reputable brands, the idea of spending even more on a dive bag is not at all appealing. Good news – you don’t have to invest in your outdoor activities storage equipment more than $35 when you purchase a Scuba Max mesh dive bag. Crafted from the sturdy PVC coated mesh, this bag is bound to last you a long time. The manufacturer added heavy-duty YKK zippers to provide an additional level of security for your diving belongings. The dimensions of the bag allow you to easily stuff it with gear including a diving mask, a wetsuit and a buoyancy compensator without worrying about damaging any of it. The small holes in the bag allow the air to come in and out and thus enable your scuba equipment to retain its initial performance regardless of the weather conditions. Planning on taking a flight to your scuba diving destination? For this scenario, the XS Seaside scuba backpack is your best bet. It does the job while keeping your hands free to roll your suitcase or hold a duffel bag. Made from Tarpaulin and Polyester mesh, it can hold an entire set of diving equipment including the smallest items. These items can be placed in both interior and exterior pockets so that your backpack is neatly organized. The top-loading design of the dive backpack allows you to stuff it without being afraid of going overboard all while having trust in the safety of your equipment. The padded shoulder straps are adjustable, the internal zippered pocket is water-resistant, the grab handle is easy to hold on to – basically, every single feature is there to enhance your diving experience. Mares Cruise dive bag is considered to be the top choice of many snorkelers and divers from across the world. Constructed to be worn as a backpack, it can accommodate a traveler of every kind in various weather conditions. The sternum shoulder straps are adjustable, which means that you can get the perfect fit for your body. You can also make use of the two rubber handles that are of big help when carrying the backpack through security at the airport or in another crowded space. The PVC-coated mesh material doesn’t allow the water to soak through your clothes when you are carrying the backpack full of wet gear. It also enables the water to quickly drain once you are done diving and are ready to head to your next adventure. The lateral zipper ensures quick access to your diving equipment at any point throughout your journey, which is particularly helpful when your bag is overloaded. Be it diving, snorkeling, kayaking or simply relaxing at the beach, a mesh bag like the one from Bulex can make your experience that much more enjoyable. Its large dimensions authorize you to stuff it with plenty of essential and non-essential items that will be of use to you when out and about. The 2 exterior pockets can easily fit your hands-on items like your phone, wallet, and personal hygiene products, while the vast inside space can store your bigger-scale items like diving gear, towels, and beach toys. The bag is constructed from the durable 600-Denier Polyester that allows your belongings to quickly dry and prevents them from developing mold and bad odor. Make use of the long and comfortable strap located at the top of the bag and embark on your long-awaited journey right after you make the purchase. The price/quality ratio of the Athletico scuba diving bag is one of the best ones in this guide – you are essentially hitting a jackpot with this item. Built for hauling your wet gear and allowing you to travel without limitations, this model has a large capacity that enables you to carry your BCD, diving shoes, wetsuit, and plenty of other items. It is constructed from the durable 600-Denier Polyester that protects the backpack from tearing apart when it is loaded with multiple items. The mesh permits the air to flow in and out, thus keeping your costly gear free from the stale odor that develops as a result of the accumulated sweat and dirt. You have a drawstring at the top of the backpack to use when stuffing it with diving essentials and a chest strap with a built-in emergency whistle. As you can tell, there is fundamentally nothing this scuba diving bag is short of. Nope, it’s not a guitar carrier – rather, it’s a Promate scuba diving bag that has a snorkel-friendly shape for carrying your water sports gear. Featuring 600-Denier Nylon and PVC-coating for preserving the initial quality of the diving bag, it will last you a couple of years with proper care. You will find the mesh insertion at the top and the sides of the bag to be useful for ventilation, which is essential for mesh bags that store wet equipment. The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable – and, therefore, so is the overall fit. Make use of the exterior pockets that can fit your smaller-scale diving items and a water bottle, and you are good to enjoy the whole day without having to take breaks. Whenever you decide to engage in surfing, swimming, or diving, take PACMAXI scuba gear bag with you and it will take care of your accessories. Made from high-quality Polyester, it can hold your goggles, wetsuit, and other snorkeling equipment, which frees up your hands to carry other stuff. The drawstring closure at the top helps you keep your items safe and reach them at any point. You can also use the drawstring as a shoulder carrier and have even better control over your belongings. The zipper pocket will serve you well when you want to give some of your valuables the level of privacy mesh cannot provide. The strength weave mesh fabric ensures that your items stay put and that the protection is at the maximum level. Pack your snorkeling bag in the pack that comes with it and take it out when hanging around the beach or getting ready to kayak with your friends.
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Rinse your gear and get rid of dirt and sand while it is still in the bag – this is the real possibility with this pack in use. The cleaning process is also easy as the mesh material tends to help the water and small particles drain in an instant.
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Questions & Answers:
1. What is a dive bag?
If you are planning on going scuba diving, snorkeling or surfing, chances are you have already considered how you will carry your water sports equipment. A dive bag, therefore, is an optimal solution for your bulky and heavy gear – it serves as a sturdy container that helps you store your stuff, protect it from the potential damages and transport it from one place to another.
This dive bag is capable of fitting all professional equipment except for underwater photography, scuba tank, and weight gear. There are several designs to choose from, including a duffel bag, roller bag, and a backpack so that your outdoor water activity is as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible.
2. What to pack in a dive bag?
Depending on the type of water sport you will be undertaking, the choice of equipment will differ. That being said, the basic gear set of a typical scuba diver includes a buoyancy compensator (BCD), a regulator, a diving mask, fins, and a few other accessories. Dive hoods and dive gloves are complementary tools that help with gripping, while an underwater flashlight and a dive knife enhance a long aquatic journey by helping you get through many tangled fishing lines in low light conditions.
Some other underwater accessories include a dive watch, a dive computer, a dive reel and weight systems that can be quite handy. You can freely pack them in your dive bag and expect them to boost your diving experience in a matter of minutes of immersion.
3. How to pack a dive bag?
Since you have already invested (or are planning on investing) a lot of resources in securing high-quality scuba diving gear, its correct organization in a dive bag is crucial for the long-lastingness of your equipment. For this reason, you should pack heavier appliances first, and leave enough room for the smaller items to go on top.
Place your wetsuit jacket along with the ankle weight at the bottom of the bag, and do the same thing with your fins. These tend to be the heaviest items that give a great level of protection for the units that go on top of them. You can pack the stuffed in the protective box mask in between the layers or in a separate pocket of the bag. The BCD should go on top of the already packed equipment since this is the gear divers tend to reach for first.
Small-scale items like gloves, dive computer and dive knife can be distributed among the pockets of the bag and the top of the load. They will sit perfectly well above the dive boots and the hefty tank without being squished.
4. What features should I look out for when buying a dive bag?
When choosing what dive bag to opt for, there are a few essential features to look out for before making the final decision. Some of them have a bigger priority than others depending on the type of water sport you are planning on taking part in, which means that you have to carefully investigate the characteristics that matter the most to your particular case.
The design of the dive bag is perhaps the first thing that every diver takes into consideration when researching the bags. While duffel bags are the most convenient for on-land travel to the diving destination, roller bags and backpacks are the better choices for destinations that require airplane travel. If having your hands free is a big priority to you, consider searching for a dive backpack as opposed to the trolley or a duffel bag.
The waterproofing factor is another indispensable factor that has to be taken into account by diving enthusiasts. Surprisingly, not every dive bag is waterproof or even water-resistant, which could be a huge deal-breaker for those of you who are well aware that your bag will come in contact with water more often than not.
The interior of the diving bag matters a lot too – at the end of the day, you definitely don’t want to come back to the hotel only to find out that all of your equipment is stuck and squished together like a big mess. The availability of pockets and multiple compartments makes it easy to keep track of where you put your stuff and prevent it from being ruined.
The toughness of your dive bag is not off the table either – rather, it might even be the most critical feature of all. Since your bag will be exposed to saltwater and humid weather for prolonged periods of time, its level of sturdiness can either foster the wholeness of your gear or cause damages. Look out for tough materials that won’t easily tear apart and that have additional padding or a few layers of fabric in case you are air traveling.
5. What size should my dive bag be?
Should you choose a large dive bag over a small dive bag or vice versa? It all comes down to the type of traveling you will be doing and the number of tools you will be bringing with you. While large bags that consist of duffel bags and rolling bags can fit a lot of stuff and are great for short distances, smaller bags that consist of carry-on backpacks and regulator bags are better for long-distance travel.
As mentioned in previous questions, backpacks are the best for providing you with the most freedom of movement, which is particularly helpful when running to your gate at the airport or when having two more bags to carry. Duffel bags can double as roller bags and are suitable for the on-ground transportation and a big load of diving gear. They are not perfect for rolling on uneven surfaces, however, which also has to be taken into consideration.
If you already have a scuba & dive bags or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
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