Diving is all about discipline, even before you get in the water. You’ve got to know where everything is, what shape it’s in, and have it somewhere accessible. A good dive bag will help you keep organized so you can get in the water instead of fiddling with your gear. Here’s what to look for.
A good strong mesh is the ideal for a dive bag. Mesh both allows you to eyeball what’s in the bag and what might be missing, and after the dive, lets your wet gear drip-dry, avoiding salt deposits and nasty smells. It also lets you stuff beach gear and swimsuits in for days when you’re sitting by the water instead of diving under it.
Pick a bag style that makes sense. If you’re hauling gear from your hotel room to the hotel dock, or stowing it on a boat, a duffel bag will be a better type to use. If you’re going to haul gear during a hike or travel to a cove, a backpack will be a better choice.
Use a bag that’s easy to get into. Drawstrings in particular are useful because they’re easy to close when you’re tired or cold after a long dive, and give the bag a looser design that lets you cram in more of the soft stuff without worrying about zippers popping open or Velcro separating. A good bag will let you dive with confidence, without worrying where your gear is.
