Best Travel Scuba Gear
Reading Time: 12 minutes Ease the headache at the airport with our picks for the best travel scuba gear.
Travel and Scuba Diving
More often than not, scuba divers are globetrotters. Spreading far and wide across the map to explore the coolest wrecks and reefs while catching a glimpse of some incredible marine life. So it’s not uncommon for divers to wind up in some remote locations in a different country that’s far away from home.
But scuba divers are also particular – especially when it comes to our own gear. So renting scuba equipment in these remote locations is simply not an option (not to mention, the pure terror you feel when strapping up to mangled dive gear on a remote island. This is life support equipment, after all. Right?)
Traveling With Your Own Scuba Gear
But that puts us in a pickle – how do we get there with our own gear? After all, our scuba gear is heavy, bulky and hardly packable.
The good news is manufacturers have come up with solutions for these problems. In fact, an entire division of scuba diving manufacturers is entirely dedicated to cutting down on size and weight specifically for dive travel.
All of which will help make things easy at the airport when your airline is trying to nickel and dime you for every pound and square inch of your dive bag!
So never risk your life again by diving with rental gear that looks like its never been serviced. Bring your own scuba travel gear!
These are our picks for the best travel scuba gear on the market!
Quick Answer: Best Travel Scuba Gear
| Scuba Gear: | Brand and Model: |
|---|---|
| BCD | Cressi Travelight BC |
| Regulator | Cressi AC2 / Compact Regulator |
| Octo | Cressi Octo XS - Compact |
| Dive Computer | Aqua Lung i200 Dive Watch |
| Fins | ScubaPro GO Fins |
| Dive Mask | Cressi Frameless F1 Mask |
| Snorkel | Oceanic Pocket Snorkel |
| Wetsuit | Seaskin 2mm Lightweight Wetsuit |
| Travel Bag | Akona Chelan Roller Bag |
View our selections above or scroll down to discover more travel scuba gear!
Travel BCDs
Your buoyancy compensator device (BCD) is likely your heaviest and bulkiest item in your scuba kit. Oftentimes, your BCD alone will take up half of your baggage space and half the weight limit. Thankfully, more and more travel BCDs are being released, cutting down on weight and volume.
Aqua Lung Zuma Travel BCD
The Zuma is Aqua Lung’s premier travel BCD – cutting down on bulk AND weight. In fact, our research indicates the Zuma is the LIGHTEST travel BCD on the market.
Specifically, the Zuma weighs less than 4.4 lbs (2 kg) with the airway and integrated weight pockets attached! Not to mention, its foldability and compact design make it easy to store away in a dive bag.
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Key Features
- Lightweight; 4.4 lbs (2 kg) significantly cutting down on your pack weight.
- Foldable and compact – can fit into a carry-on bag.
- Aqua Lung Surelock system weight integrated pockets.
- 4 D-Rings for clips.
- Dive knife / accessory grommet.
- Flattened e-valves to reduce bulk.
Cressi Travelight BCD
Although slightly heavier than the Zuma (5 to 6.2 lbs), the Cressi Travelight is our top pick for a travel BCD.
Why? It’s more compact than any other travel BCD while maintaining optimal functionality underwater.
Additionally, the alloy D-rings give divers attachment sites for accessories while cutting down on weight from traditional stainless steel
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Key Features
- Included travel bag for compact, neat, and safe transport.
- Alloy D-rings maintain functionality while cutting down on weight.
- Lightweight at 5 to 6.2 lbs (2.7 kg)
- Integrated lock aid weight system.
- Soft, padded back for ultimate comfort underwater.
Travel Regulator Sets
Regulator sets (1st and 2nd stage, alternate air source and SPG) don’t ever take up too much size. Rather, the problem here is the weight. All of that shiny metal adds on the pounds quickly.
Cressi AC2 / Compact Regulator
Ideal for travelers and beginners alike, the Cressi AC2 is one of the best regulators available.
Between affordability, functionality, ease of storage, durability and lightweight design, it’s perfectly suitable for divers looking to dive around the world.
The 4 LP and 1 HP port on the 1st stage give divers enough versatility to fit their regulator setup as they see fit.
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Key Features
- 1 High Pressure Port; 4 Low Pressure Ports
- Affordable pricing for a quality 1st and 2nd stage
- Lightweight design at 33 ounces (~2 lbs) and 923 g.
- Small and compact design.
- Durable polymer housing on 2nd stage – ideal for travel.
- Non-corrosive metals.
Cressi Octopus XS – Compact
At 6 cm in diameter, the Cressi Octopus XS is one of the most compact alternate air sources on the market. I mean, it’s even in the name!
Not to mention its extremely lightweight design (5.15 oz/ 145 g) while maintaining all the functionality you’d ever want in a secondary.
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Key Features
- Extremely lightweight at 5.15 oz or 145 g.
- Small frame for compact storage (6 cm in diameter).
- Reliable and affordable.
- Great for beginners and travelers.
Dive Computers
Dive computers were never much of a nuisance in terms of bulkiness or weight in the first place. But manufacturers are releasing new models that cut down on the semi-large consoles of old. Not to mention, many double as everyday (sport-style) watches.
Aqua Lung i200c Dive Computer
Our favorite compact dive computer is Aqua Lung’s i200c. Its sleek design make it an ideal choice for those seeking a dive computer that doubles as a sports watch (I wear this bad boy everywhere I go).
Connect to bluetooth anywhere you go during your dive travels to quickly download your dive data. Additionally, the price is fair compared to most other computers too, which makes it even more attractive.
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Key Features
- Versatility as an “everyday” watch.
- Lightweight and small compared to traditional dive computers.
- Various mode settings for wide array of functionality; switch between free and dive mode with ease.
- Four buttons make for easy use and navigation.
Scuba Fins for Travel
Personally, I find scuba fins the most annoying item to pack. They’re bulky and abnormally shaped – seemingly never fitting correctly. Not to mention, the weight they can add to your pack. Fortunately, that trend is starting to change with some easier to pack fins designed specifically for travel.
ScubaPro GO Fins
ScubaPro has the best set of travel fins with the GO series. Lightweight, compact, and functional underwater.
The open-heel design allows feet of all shapes and sizes fit comfortably. The only negative is in terms of space as you may need to pack booties in your bag – using some space.
Not the end of the world, though. The space you save with this set of fins easily offsets any space you’d use for booties!
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Key Features
- Open heel for versatility.
- Lightweight
- Compact
- High performance underwater due to sleek design.
Aqua Lung Stratos 3 Fins
The Aqua Lung Stratos 3 Fins are ideal for travel because they don’t require booties to be worn with them.
That’s the advantage of using full foot fins as opposed to open-heel for travel: you can cut down your space because you don’t need to bring booties.
This model, in particular, is relatively basic, affordable and also makes a great set of fins for beginners.
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Key Features
- Comfortable foot pocket forming to various sized feet.
- Ergonomic design for better underwater movements.
- Durable material for longer lasting fins.
Travel Mask and Snorkel
The problem with packing a scuba mask is the outside frame. The problem with packing a snorkel for travel is the rigid structure. Thankfully, new technology has brought us masks and snorkels combatting both of these issues while maintaining comfort and functionality.
Cressi Frameless F1 Mask
The top rated travel mask for scuba diving: the Cressi Frameless F1. As the name would suggest, no, it does not have a rigid frame.
Meaning, you can fold the silicone up easily to pack away into your travel bag without compromising any functionality while diving.
Additionally, the low profile makes for easy packing – a favorite feature among divers who use this mask.
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Key Features
- Frameless with foldable silicone.
- Sturdy design for long lasting capabilities.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Comes in various colors to match your scuba kit.
- Durable tempered glass lens.
Oceanic Pocket Snorkel
Oceanic has made the ultimate travel snorkel with their Pocket Snorkel!
This beautiful design allows divers to fold the entire snorkel up into a neat little package for travel – stow away in your dive bag with ease!
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Key Features
- Drop-away flexible mouthpiece
- Snorkel lock for easy snorkel ditching and donning
- Foldable design for easy storage
- Oversized purge valve
Travel Wetsuits
Wetsuits are a tricky one: thicker wetsuits = more thickness and more bulk. It’s a tough call, especially if you’re diving in colder climates. However, we’ve discovered two solid wetsuits with a 2mm thickness not only easy to pack, but comfortable and warm in semi-warm dive environments.
Seaskin 2mm Lightweight Wetsuit
Seaskin’s 2mm Lightweight Wetsuit comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Purchase in either a shorty or a full wetsuit; men’s or women’s.
What makes it so great for travel is its lightweight design. And at 2mm, it’s not overly thick, making it a perfect wetsuit for tropical diving in the winter.
Not to mention, it folds up easily and stows away nicely in your dive bag!
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Key Features
- Shorty or Full
- Men’s and Women’s fit
- Durable stitching
- Front zipper for easy entry and exit.
IST DS20 Dive Skin
This dive skin is perfect for snorkeling, skin diving, and scuba diving. It’s spandex material is suitable for warm climate dives.
Additionally, if you need to get a thicker wetsuit where you’re diving, at the very least, you can use this dive skin under a wetsuit you might rent.
That way you can cut down on some bag space while not fulling immersing yourself into a wetsuit hundreds of other people likely peed in (yuck!)
Key Features
- Lightweight spandex material.
- Protection from marine irritants and UV rays.
- Stretchy for a comfortable fit.
Dive Bags for Travel
But when all said and done, the biggest factor for dive travel is the bag you pack everything in. Well designed bags can turn your dive travel into a piece of cake. Conversely, poorly designed dive bags will turn your dive vacation into a nightmare, particularly at the airport!
Akona Pro Regulator Bag
The first of three Akona bags that are specifically designed for lightweight dive travel – and they all work with one another.
This regulator bag is a perfect first purchase of the bunch!
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Akona Globetrotter Backpack
Although roller bags are great, this backpack works equally as well for dive travel – if not easier.
Why? It’s a carry on! You’ll be able to carry all your gear with you and never hassle with checked bags again.
Additionally, the regulator bag above is designed to fit snuggly on the bottom. You simply cannot have one without the other.
TIP: Don’t forget to remove your dive knife when you go!
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Akona Chelan Roller Bag
If you need just a touch more space then we recommend purchasing Akona’s high end roller bag.
The Chelan is a top of the line product with anti-corrosive zippers, durable stitching and fabric.
The side pockets can hold a set of fins each with two other spacious compartments for accessories, snorkels, and masks.
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Scuba Travel Accessories
Scuba gear goes beyond your main kit with a plethora of gizmos and gadgets to add on. Don’t forget these essential accessories made for easy, compact dive travel!
SeaLife Sea Dragon Mini Flashlight
Compact, Small Surface Marker Buoy
ScubaPro X-Cut Knife
Finger Spool
READ MORE: Your Complete List of Essential Scuba Accessories
Debriefing the Best Travel Scuba Gear
Scuba travel gear is an emerging market that keeps improving its technology. We’re fortunate to live in an age that we’re able to pack our gear lightweight, compact and care free.
For another reference, click here to go back to the top of the page and view our top picks. Otherwise, here are some send off tips before you go:
- When buying travel scuba gear, prioritize lightweight and compact.
- The biggest piece of equipment you can shed weight and space on is your BCD. If you’re going to spend money, this is where you should invest it.
- Regulators are heavy, a lightweight 1st stage is key to cutting down on its weight.
- A quality dive travel bag will take you a long way during your scuba diving travels.
Happy adventuring!
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Read More About Scuba Diving Gear
We hope you enjoyed our post on the best travel scuba diving gear. Hopefully you’ll find it useful on your next adventure! Here are a few more ocean-loving articles we think you should read next:
- 7 Best Travel BCDs in 2023 (By a Dive Professional)
- 17 Useful Tips for Better Underwater GoPro Videos – Scuba Diving
- Best GoPro Hero 9 Scuba Diving Accessories
- 5 Best Scuba Diving Log Books in 2021
There’s a lot of scuba diving gear designed for travel on the market. This list surely isn’t exclusive. What travel scuba gear do you use? Let us know in a comment below!
