7 Best Travel BCDs in 2023 (By a Dive Professional)
Reading Time: 13 minutes The best travel BCDs come in all sorts of makes and models – but which is right for you?
Best Travel BCDs in 2023
Are you a scuba diver looking for the best travel BCDs? As a scuba diver, you want to explore the world and see amazing reefs and wrecks. But traveling with bulky and heavy scuba gear can be expensive due to exorbitant airline fees.
You don’t want your dive trips restricted by what you can carry in your luggage or how much it costs. You need something lightweight and compact that won’t break the bank.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the top 7 travel BCDs from leading brands to help make your next dive trip more accessible and enjoyable. Each BCD is lightweight and compact, so you don’t have to worry about paying excessive airline fees. Our guide will explain each product in simple terms, so you can easily decide which is best without all the confusing jargon.
I work as a Captain and dive professional in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, so I know a thing or two about travel BCDs! Nearly all of my guests are using one!
Check out our 7 Best Travel BCDS now and find the perfect fit for your next dive adventure!
Best BCDs for Traveling: Table of Contents
Best Travel BCDs: Quick Answer Chart
| Best Travel BCD | Best For: | Check Price at: |
|---|---|---|
| Scubapro Hydros Pro | Best Overall | Check Price |
| Cressi Travelight BCD | Most Compact | Check Price |
| Aqualung Rogue | Lightest | Check Price |
| Scubapro GO | Best for Beginners | Check Price |
| Zeagle Scout | Most Comfortable | Check Price |
| Oceanic Jetpack | Unique | Check Price |
| Oceanic Biolite | Best for Women | Check Price |
Reviewing the Best Scuba BCDs for Travel
Best Overall Travel BCD
Scubapro Hydros Pro
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
- Built to be highly customizable – add pouches, weight pockets, and even change colors of different parts of the BCD.
- The Monprene technology used for the shoulder straps is extremely moldable to your physique – far superior to other BCDs.
- Fabric is designed as “Instant Dry,” meaning less water retention, so it can be easily stowed into your travel bags with no unnecessary added weight.
- It packs away into a compact and lightweight backpack, making traveling with the Hydros Pro simple. Paired with other proper travel scuba gear, you won’t need any additional baggage.
The Hydros Pro is the crown jewel of BCDs for Scubapro – combining their top-of-the-line technology with the style, fit, and comfort that Scubapro BCDs are typically known for. The engineers designing this BCD had customization and unique comfort in mind while implementing the Monprene technology.
What is the Monprene technology, you ask? Essentially, it’s a durable yet flexible thermoplastic used in products for extra cushioning, soft grip, and protection. The shoulder straps, waistband, and more are made of the material, making for a customizable and comfortable BCD.
When you purchase the Hydros Pro, it includes a handy backpack that’s perfect for dive travel. The BCD fits tightly while providing space for a travel regulator, fins, and mask – making it our top pick for best travel BCDs.
Pros:
- The BCD fits most body types comfortably.
- Extremely customizable.
- Integrated weight pockets are included (which many travel BCDs lack).
- Easy to pack neatly and tightly for your trip.
- No weight belt is necessary.
Cons:
- One of the most expensive BCDs on the market.
- The BCD lacks storage pockets found on jacket-style BCDs.
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
Most Compact Travel BCD
Cressi Travelight BCD
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
- Lightweight version of Cressi’s traditional jacket-style BCD.
- The BCD includes a small carry bag that’s perfect for travel.
- The BCD folds and compresses tightly, making it the most compact travel BCD on our list.
- Cressi Travelight is one of the only jacket-style Travel BCDs.
Cressi’s Travelight BCD is an excellent choice for both men and women seeking a quality jacket-style travel BCD. With both men’s and women’s models, the compact design and small travel bag make it our top choice for fitting efficiently into your luggage.
Cressi doesn’t cut back on many features you’ve come to love in a jacket-style BCD. The BCD features plenty of D-Rings, zipper pockets, an integrated weights system, and trim pockets for extra weight.
The lift of the BCD is no joke, either, with a staggering range of 13.5 to 36 lbs – making it an ideal selection for those requiring a little extra weight while diving.
Pros:
- Various sizes and fits for both men and women.
- Most compact travel BCD on the market.
- Lightweight BCD weighing a mere 5 to 6.2 lbs.
- One of the only jacket-style travel BCDs.
Cons:
- Middle-of-the-road pricing for a travel BCD.
- Lacks customizable features like other travel BCDs.
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
Lightest Travel BCD
Aqualung Rogue
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
- One of the most lightweight BCDs on the market at a total of 4.4 lbs for smaller sizes and 4.75 lbs for more oversized fits.
- Packable into carry-on luggage as the BCD can be rolled up like a sleeping bag.
- BCD doesn’t skimp out on necessary features you’ve become accustomed to on your BCDs, like removable weight pockets.
- Utilizes Aqua Lung’s SureLock II weight integration system (the best-integrated weight pockets in the game).
Aqua Lung’s brand of travel BCD (after they discontinued the Zuma) makes our list because of its absurdly lightweight design. At only 4.4 lbs, you can easily pack this into a suitcase or carry-on bag. It rolls up like a sleeping bag making your travel packing even more effortless.
Despite its lack of weight, the Rogue doesn’t skimp out on any other features you’d expect out of a functional BCD. Multiple dump valves? Check. SureLock weight-integrated pockets? Check. Multiple D-rings? Knife attachment point? Check and check.
And it’s a great price compared to other travel BCDs – making it one of the more budget-friendly BCDs on our list.
Pros:
- An excellent price point for one of the most budget-friendly BCDs for travel.
- Super compact – easy to pack and store.
- The lightest travel BCD we could find at 4.4 lbs.
Cons:
- Lacks the customization features of other travel BCDs.
- It lacks the rigid backplate you’d want on a back-inflate BCD.
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
Best Travel BCD for Beginners
ScubaPro GO
Compare Prices at House of Scuba
- 6 Aluminum D-Rings to cut down on weight.
- Includes a foldable Airnet backpack – a soft and lightweight travel bag without rigid elements.
- Jacket BCD provides ample lift.
- Easily folded and secured with a buckle inside the included travel bag.
A notch down from ScubaPro’s Hydros Pro is the ScubaPro GO – a more affordable option for ScubaPro gear junkies and newbie divers. We like the ScubaPro Go as our top travel BCD for beginners because of its lightweight, packable design without slacking on all the features new divers are familiar with.
For beginners, it’s difficult to adjust and adapt to entirely different style BCDs after becoming certified – you’re likely not that comfortable in the water yet. The ScubaPro GO doesn’t skimp on any of these features – it’ll feel almost identical to the BCD you got certified in.
Additionally, the price point is suitable for new divers. Not too expensive like the Hydros Pro, yet not too cheap where you’re cutting out necessary features on your BCD.
Pros:
- Travel-style features without cutting down on critical BCD specs.
- Folds into a handy travel bag.
- Jacket-style BCD with ample amount of lift.
Cons:
- Not the most lightweight travel BCD coming in at nearly 5 lbs.
- More expensive compared to other travel BCDs.
- No trim weight pockets.
Compare Prices at House of Scuba
Most Comfortable Travel BCD
Zeagle Scout
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
- Exceptional value for divers on a budget.
- Low profile single bladder scuba BCD.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy travel.
- Adjustable torso, waist, and sternum straps for a comfortable fit.
- Four stainless steel D-rings for added convenience.
The Zeagle Scout BCD is an exceptional choice for those seeking a lightweight, compact, and extremely comfortable option that won’t break the bank. This low-profile single-air bladder BC has four stainless steel d-rings, providing superior value and convenience.
With an adjustable sternum strap, quick-release shoulder buckles, and two large zippered pockets, the Zeagle Scout is among recreational divers’ most comfortable and practical BCDs. It’s our top pick for extreme comfort in lightweight travel BCDs.
Whether planning a dive trip or upgrading your gear, the Zeagle Scout BCD is ideal for diving enthusiasts. Its unbeatable features and affordability make it easy to see why this product is among the best on the market!
Pros:
- Zeagle’s lightest and most compact BCD for recreational and advanced divers.
- Extremely comfortable fit with easily adjustable straps – a great addition to your scuba diving equipment.
- Solid BCD for recreational diving.
- Four stainless steel D-rings for seamless attachment.
Cons:
- Not everywhere services Zeagle equipment, so finding parts and technicians to repair it may be difficult, depending on your location.
- Slightly heavier BCD at 6.7 lbs dry weight.
- Lacks integrated weights.
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
Most Unique Travel BCD
Oceanic Jetpack BCD
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
- True hybrid BCD as the device turns into a convenient travel backpack.
- Most unique travel BCD available on the market.
- One size fits all dive BCD with adjustable shoulder straps, adjustable chest strap, and integrated weight pockets to accommodate how much weight you use.
This innovative product offers all the convenience of a traditional BCD, with the added benefit of accommodating most travel dive gear in its semi-dry bag. The travel bag features water-resistant zippers, so you can take your gear on any adventure without worrying about it getting wet or damaged.
With the Oceanic Jetpack, you’ll get an effortless combination of performance and style – perfect for any diver’s needs. And with its one size fits all solution, the Oceanic Jetpack will surely be the properly sized BCD for most divers.
Pros:
- The best solution for airline carry-on and transport.
- Integrated weights despite the extremely compact style.
- Easily transport your dive gear with the semi-dry bag.
- Enjoy a combination of performance and style.
Cons:
- Despite the one size fits all solution, I’m sure some sizes DO NOT fit no matter how hard they try to squeeze in.
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
Best Travel BCD for Women
Oceanic Biolite
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
- An extremely light dry weight of 5.5 lbs.
- The Oceanic Biolite BCD is the ultimate travel BCD for women divers.
- Back-Inflate Style BCD with integrated weights and plastic D-rings.
The Oceanic Biolite BCD is a revolutionary product for women seeking ultimate travel convenience. This back-inflate style BCD weighs in at an incredibly light 5.5 lbs and offers superior comfort, support, and stability underwater.
With its adjustable straps and harness system, this BCD provides a secure fit that won’t weigh you down or restrict your movement during dives. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started, the Oceanic Biolite BCD is the perfect choice for any female adventure seeker!
Pros:
- Easy to fold in half for travel luggage.
- The Biolite is extremely form-fitting, making it the best travel BCD for women
- Lightweight and compact making it an ideal selection for traveling.
- Enjoy the freedom of movement during dives without feeling weighed down
Cons:
- Lacks the handy hybrid travel bag the Oceanic Jetpack features for traveling divers.
Compare Prices at Scuba.com
Why Purchase a Travel BCD for Scuba Diving?
- Enjoy an unforgettable dive experience with the perfect travel BCD.
- Save money on airline fees by packing light.
- Feel confident knowing you have the best gear to explore amazing reefs and wrecks.
- Adjustable straps and harness system for a secure fit while underwater.
- Lightweight design allows easy transport of dive equipment.
- Easily pack away your bulkiest piece of scuba gear, excluding your scuba tank!
Tips for Purchasing a Travel BCD
What Style of BCD is Best for Travel? Jacket or Back-Inflate?
Scuba divers have two main options for BCDs and traveling: jacket style or back-inflate. While both types offer the same primary function of buoyancy control, several vital differences make one preferable depending on individual needs and preferences.
Jacket-Style BCDs
Jacket-style BCDs are the most widely used type of BCD. They fit snugly around the torso and upper arms like a vest, with shoulder straps to secure it in place. Most jacket-style BCDs feature an integrated weight system and are generally easier to don and doff than back-inflate BCDs. Regarding travel, jacket-style are bulkier and heavier, making them the least likely pick as a travel BCD.
Back-Inflate BCDs
Back-inflate BCDs offer a slightly different approach to buoyancy control. These BCDs use a single air cell vertically oriented around the back, allowing for more significant lift than jacket-style BCDs. Back-inflate BCDs do not have an integrated weight system and require additional weight pockets to secure weights in place.
Ultimately, the choice between jacket style and back-inflate BCDs for travel comes from individual needs and preferences. Both offer the same essential function of buoyancy control but offer different advantages and disadvantages. I recommend going with a back-inflate BCD for ultimate compact and lightweight designs.
Knowing Your Dry Weight
Dry weight is a term used to describe the weight of a piece of scuba diving gear when it is not filled with air or water. This term is often used to compare the difference between the dry weight of a product and its wet weight when it is filled with air or water, as this can be a significant difference.
It’s essential to know the difference between a product’s dry and wet weight so you can be sure your gear won’t be too heavy to transport safely. This information will also help you plan and prepare for dive trips and ensure your gear meets all safety requirements.
Ensuring Proper Fit in a Travel BCD
Fit is essential in using a travel BCD for scuba diving because it ensures the BCD will work adequately, fit comfortably and provide proper buoyancy. An ill-fitting BCD can be uncomfortable or even dangerous if it doesn’t offer proper flotation or if the straps rub against your body, preventing you from making easy adjustments when needed.
Understanding Your Weight System
A weight system in a travel BCD is an integrated or removable pocket that allows you to add weights to your BCD for added buoyancy control. This helps divers maintain neutral buoyancy underwater, allowing them to stay at the same depth without constantly adjusting their air supply.
Some travel BCDs don’t feature a weight system and require an additional weight belt and weights. These types of BCDs are favored since they ultimately cut down on the dry weight of the BCD. Overall, a weight system in a travel BCD is an essential feature that helps divers maintain neutral buoyancy underwater, save air and make diving more comfortable.
Lift Capacity
Lift capacity measures how much lift a BCD can provide underwater. The amount of air in your BCD pushes against the water pressure, allowing you to stay afloat or control your descent and ascent rate. The total lift capacity will vary depending on the type and size of your BCD and its buoyancy adjustment mechanisms, such as valves and inflator hoses.
FAQ: Travel BCDs
What is a travel BCD?
A BCD is a buoyancy compensator device used in scuba diving to control buoyancy underwater. Travel BCDs tend to reduce non-essential features to minimize dry weight and space, making transport to and from a dive destination easy and effortless.
What is the Lightest BCD for Diving?
The Cressi Travelight BCD is the lightest BCD for scuba diving at a minimal dry weight of 4.4 lbs.
Best Travel BCDs: Debrief
Traveling scuba divers are always looking for the best possible gear to help them explore the underwater world without compromising comfort and convenience. Our list above offers unbeatable features that make it easy to see why they’re among the top travel BCDs available today.
With features like adjustable straps, lightweight designs, compact storage, semi-dry bags, water-resistant zippers, and more – you can feel confident knowing that your dive equipment is in good hands when traveling with any of these products!
Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started, investing in a quality BCD for traveling should be at the top of your dive gear to-do list!
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Read More About Scuba Diving!
We hope you enjoyed our post on the best travel BCDs for scuba divers. Hopefully, you’ll find it useful on your next adventure! Here are a few more ocean-loving articles we think you should read next:
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Which style of travel BCD do you like? Do you know of any that we missed? Please let us know in the comments below! Happy diving!
