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Guide to choosing the perfect dive bag

A good quality dive bag will make your diving experience less stressful and help protect your gear, extending its lifespan. The perfect dive bag has the right balance of protection, convenience, and durability. Dive bags come in various styles, with each suited to different needs and environments.

Duffel-type dive bags

By this we mean the classic dive bag, usually with one big main compartment, a big zip opening for throwing all your gear in and two carry handles.

The good thing about this type of bag is that it's simple, and typically this keeps the costs down. You'll find loads of these in all sizes, colours and materials. They're also not rigid so they pack away easier and they also squish into your boot when you need them to :D

The downside is they can be a bit heavy if you've loaded them up fully and now want to carry them long distance.

Backpack dive bags

These distribute the weight of your gear evenly across your shoulders, so they're easier to carry over rough terrain or longer distances. They keep your hands free, they're usually soft-sided as oppose to rigid so easy to store/squish into a smaller space, and like the duffel bags they come in a range of colours, sizes and materials.

There aren't really any cons except you have to give it a bit more thought when packing them compared to throwing everything in your giant duffel bag.

Dry dive bags

Generally this referes to bags that are completely water tight and designed to keep your gear dry. Often they have watertight pockets and water drainage valves. They come in lots of different sizes, and some have a range of compartments, e.g. for keeping fins separate.

Key considerations and features

• Material: Look for heavy-duty, durable materials with reinforced stitching and chunky zips. However, if you're flying, you might want to consider a Sportube instead, to protect from baggage handlers.
• Weight: if you're going to have to carry it some distance, don't pick a bag that's too bulky while empty. Consider a backpack instead.
• Size: Be realistic about your needs and consider any potential size restrictions if flying. A larger bag may fit all your dive gear, but ensure it's manageable to carry or transport.
• Straps and handles: Look for bags with multi-purpose or removable straps for versatility. Shoulder straps can make a significant difference in comfort, especially when carrying heavy loads over distances.
• Compartments: Decide if you prefer multiple compartments for organising fins and accessories or if you're fine with a single large compartment. More pockets can protect your gear but may increase the bag's cost.

Ultimately, the right dive bag depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prefer a versatile all-purpose bag or specialised bags for different task, your choice needs to suit your own personal diving activities. If you're unsure or need assistance, ask our shop team - you can email us: enquiries@spearfishing.co.uk or give us a call: 01726 213290 and we'd be happy to help.