Special Edition Gear Review

For our 2024 liveaboard themed issue, ScubaLab reviewed travel-friendly dive gear. Instead of our typical head to-head reviews testing one type of product, the following pages highlight several different categories of gear, including bags, BCs, fins and more. This roundup includes several items you may recognize from previous ScubaLab tests along with numerous brand-new items. Gear was selected based on its suitability for tropical warm-water conditions, with special attention paid to lightweight, compact designs for easy packing or other features that make travel easier and more convenient.

Large Roller Bag

AKONA

Terrapin Spinner

The Terrapin combines the reliable protection and convenience of a traditional piece of hard-shell luggage with elongated dimensions specifically designed for dive gear. Measuring 33 by 14 by 14 inches, the boxy bag is sized to accommodate longer fins. Its wide-open compartment and four zippered pockets along the spine allow lots of flexibility for packing any assortment of dive gear, clothing and camera equipment—just make sure to pack it so it isn’t top heavy. Each half of the compartment includes three retainer straps.

The long zipper has anchors for a luggage lock. The tall telescoping handle and smooth-as-butter spinner wheels provide easy traversal through airport lobbies, while multiple grips can be used to heft the bag onto counters and into car trunks. The lightweight ABS/PC outer shell provides heavy-duty protection to ensure your equipment is safe and sound when it reaches your destination. The bag weighs 10 pounds and 2 ounces when empty. Its 360-degree pivoting wheels can be replaced, ensuring a long lifetime of use.

MSRP $300

CONTACT akona.com

Duffels and Large Roller Bag

SCUBAPRO

Definition Duo 118

This rectangular roller measures roughly 14 by 17 by 31 inches. The 118-liter internal volume is broken into two large zippered compartments stacked on top of each other. This allows divers to carry clothing and dive gear in a single bag while keeping them in separate compartments. There is a large vertically opening zipper pocket on the outside of the front panel. The discreet gray fabric is made of recycled 600-denier polyester.

The main compartments, outfitted with U-shaped zippers and double sliders, open wide for easy, convenient packing for bulkier items. Water-blocking panels in the outer pocket and bottom compartment minimize seepage between sections. Both main compartments are equipped with rainproof YKK zippers and lightly padded walls. The bag has roller wheels and an adjustable top handle for navigating smooth, hard surfaces. It includes stowable backpack straps for hands-free off-road carry. External compression straps can be used to secure contents, and the bag can collapse into a flattened state when empty. It weighs about 7.5 pounds.

MSRP $350

CONTACT scubapro.com

STAHLSAC

Abyss Duffel

Tough, waterproof double-TPU nylon and heavy-duty RF-welded seams enable this bag to protect your gear from the elements. It is available in three different sizes to suit the needs of any adventurer, whether you want a compact, weatherproof carry-on or a bag sized to swallow your entire dive locker. The middling 75-liter version weighs under 5 pounds and measures 11.5 by 15 by 28.5 inches.

Multiple web loops and grips make for easy lifting and lashing. Removable padded duffel straps can double as backpack straps. A thick rubberized coating protects the bottom of the bag. The rectangular shape makes the most of the bag’s interior dimensions. A mesh pocket adorns the interior of the opening flap.

The inside walls include two waterproof zipper pockets and three mesh pouches. The bag can be used to keep clothing and other items protected from the elements or to keep wet, damp gear contained when traveling back from a dive.

MSRP $199.95 (50L), $229.95 (75L), $249.95 (100L)

CONTACT stahlsac.com

Related Reading: Gear of The Year: The Best New Dive Gear & Equipment

XS SCUBA

Coastal CD

In its collapsed form, this lightweight duffel bag can be used as a padded regulator bag to protect your reg, computer and other sensitive dive equipment during transit. Upon arrival, the mesh compartment can be deployed to carry your entire kit to the dive site. The dive-flag emblazoned regulator pocket measures 12 by 12 inches and is 5 inches long.

The mesh expansion adds another 26 inches of length and 62 liters of capacity to the overall bag. The uncoated mesh is tough and breathable but doesn’t add excess weight. The bag weighs about 2 pounds empty. Pack fins first to provide support to the soft bottom, and away you go! It includes a duffel-style handle and a side grip/reg bag carry handle. The packability and versatility of this bag are a great option for divers looking for a lightweight, capable boat bag.

MSRP $79.95

CONTACT xsscuba.com

Backpacks and Masks

CRESSI

Malpelo

This sleek backpack boasts a 40-liter carrying capacity. The main compartment houses a padded 17-inch laptop sleeve and zippered mesh compartment. A deep lip and two-adjustable compression straps allow for easy packing of clothing, as if it were a typical piece of luggage, and can easily hold enough clothing for a weekend getaway. There is a front-facing exterior pocket to keep travel documents easily accessible.

The coated exterior provides some protection against the elements. Several web loops can be used to mount accessories. It has an expandable water bottle holder and an ID window. Plentiful padding and an adjustable sternum strap make the bag easy to wear as a backpack, but it can convert from backpack to duffel thanks to tuck-away straps and a hidden carry grip.

MSRP $109.95

CONTACT cressiusa.com

ISLE GATEWAY

Waterproof Backpack

Offering 25 liters of dry, waterproof storage, this lightweight backpack uses an airtight, waterproof zipper for quick, easy access. The lightweight bag uses TPU-coated 600D nylon fabric to withstand sea spray and squalls and keep contents safe and dry. The back panel and shoulder straps use breathable Hexmesh padding for comfortable carry.

The bag includes an adjustable and removable sternum strap. The exterior of the bag has web loops and a water-resistant zipper pocket. The interior includes two zipper pouches and a lightly padded 15-inch laptop sleeve. The bag weighs less than 2 pounds and measures roughly 8.5 by 12.75 by 18 inches. The bag includes G-hook webbing straps to lash the bag to Isle paddleboards and other objects.

MSRP $195

CONTACT islesurfandsup.com

FOURTH ELEMENT

Seeker

This mask has a low internal volume for easy clearing and equalization and a natural field of view. The wide single lens further enhances the view. The included low-profile case is designed to fit inside of an open-heel fin pocket. Half of the case cradles the lens and nose pocket in a molded EVA foam shell, while the back features an elastic opening that securely retains the mask while allowing ventilation. The case easily slips inside of most openheel fin pockets to keep the mask protected while utilizing your luggage capacity to the max.

MSRP $175.50

CONTACT fourthelement.com

TUSA

Intega

The Intega fits a wide variety of face shapes and sizes, and is available with corrective lenses. Its small, compact frame is easy to stow in a carry-on bag and offers a low-internal volume for easy equalization and clearing. The supple silicone skirt has a rounded edge along with several other fit and performance features. The result is a soft, effective seal that remains comfortable throughout long days of diving and snorkeling. Available with either slim, ergonomic buckles and a three-dimensional mask strap or an easy-adjust anti-slip elastic fabric mask strap.

MSRP $110

CONTACT tusa.com

Fins

AQUALUNG

Storm

The Storm, like the other two fins on this page, has an open-heel foot pocket but is designed to be worn barefoot. This hybrid design is designed to pack open-heel power band barefoot comfort into a compact, travel-ready package. The Storm is made of durable Monprene and is positively buoyant. Available in five sizes, it uses a silicone bungee and heel pad to secure a snug fit on bare feet.

The compact scalloped blade measures 11 inches long in size medium, with a total length of 21 inches. It is highly maneuverable and packs a surprising amount of power for its size. The stiff edge of the foot pocket can cause some discomfort during hard kicking or longer dives but can easily be remedied with a pair of neoprene socks. Numerous color options are available to suit any diver’s sense of style. A single pair weighs 2.5 pounds and easily slips into any bag for powerful thrust and performance on the go.

MSRP $119

CONTACT aqualung.com

SCUBAPRO

Go Travel

The original hybrid open-heel/barefoot travel fin, the Go Travel was designed to fit in standard carry-on luggage. It measures 20.5 inches in size M/L and weighs 2.5 pounds a pair. The short paddle blade is pre-bent at a 25-degree angle, with ventral support bars designed to maintain the optimal angle of attack during hard kicking. This design allows the compact Go Travel to kick like a much larger fin. Powerful, fast and nimble, the Go Travel performs very well in all kicking styles and allows for excellent maneuverability.

The foot pocket uses a self-adjusting bungee strap with a silicone heel pad integrated into the bungee sleeve to prevent sliding. Overall this fin provides a great balance between comfort and performance. The tip of each fin features a nifty clip that helps keep the fins together during transport. The Go Travel is made of durable Monprene and is available in six sizes in either black or white.

MSRP $110

CONTACT scubapro.com

TUSA

Travel Right

The Travel Right’s approach to the hybrid open-heel/barefoot fin is slightly heavier than the other fins featured on this page. A pair of these fins weighs roughly 3.5 pounds despite having slightly shorter dimensions; the fin runs just shy of 20.25 inches in size medium and features an 11-inch blade. The fin uses an ultra-soft, flexible Monoprene material. This, combined with a rounded foot-pocket edge and lightweight silicone bungee, help the foot pocket better conform to the diver for a more comfortable barefoot experience.

The fin uses stiffening panels in the blade for additional support and features an angled blade design to maximize thrust. These carry-on-size fins provide an extremely comfortable, low-effort kick that is easy on the diver’s legs and is ideal for laid-back tropical diving and snorkeling. The Travel Right is available in five sizes and two colors: black and white.

MSRP $ 89.95

CONTACT tusa.com

Snorkels and Computers

XS SCUBA

Cargo

Designed for easy stowage in a BC pocket, this clever snorkel is made of soft silicone that allows it not only to bend but to actually roll up into a super compact package. The Cargo is aimed at scuba divers who don’t want to wear a snorkel during their dive but nonetheless understand the importance of carrying one just incase. Its flexible, space-reducing design also happens to make it very handy for packing into spaces where a full-length rigid snorkel just won’t fit, creating more space for the truly bulky and long items in your bag. The snorkel top has an integrated semi-dry hood that keeps splashes at bay and latches on to the special customized mask attachment to keep the snorkel securely rolled up when not in use.

MSRP $34.95

CONTACT xsscuba.com

RIFFE

Stable

This semi-rigid snorkel can fold up for stowage in a pocket or piece of luggage. Its clever hinged mask attachment secures with a pinch-release clasp that can be opened and closed with a single hand, and allows the snorkel to be attached and removed from a mask strap quickly and effortlessly for fast packing and reassembly.

The attachment has no loose parts, so there is no risk of losing any pieces out in the field. The snorkel’s effective semi-dry top has a shark-fin tip designed to reduce the chances of entanglement on a line. It has a bottom purge chamber to keep water out of the airway and facilitate easy clearing. Local and traveling divers alike will appreciate the Stable’s comfort and convenience.

MSRP $52.50

CONTACT riffeinternational.com

Related Reading: Is a Snorkel Really Necessary When I Dive?

OCEANIC+

Divers with an Apple Watch Ultra can turn their device into a fullfledged dive computer with the Oceanic+ app. The free version displays depth and elapsed dive time. Full dive computer mode is unlocked with a paid subscription and includes nitrox, a digital compass, and decompression mode (should you exceed your NDL). Multiple subscription plans give divers a lot of flexibility. For instance, an annual plan gives the greatest savings to a frequent year-round diver, while monthly and daily plans can cover a yearly dive trip for about the same cost as renting a computer, but with the benefit of a familiar operation and access to dive log information post-trip.

MSRP $799 (Apple Watch Ultra), free, with premium subscription starting at $9.99/month (Oceanic+ app)

CONTACT oceanicworldwide.com

GARMIN

Descent MK3I

The Descent Mk3i offers air integration in both the 43 mm and 51 mm models. Both provide full dive support for recreational and technical diving. Among its many features, divers on holiday may especially appreciate the computer’s GPS mapping capabilities, Garmin Pay contactless payments, and jet lag advisor functions.

Bluetooth connectivity allows for seamless syncing of dive logs and for smartphone notifications. Divers can receive messages and SOS alerts from the surface with an active subscription to the Iridium satellite network and a compatible Garmin in-Reach device. The smaller model provides easier wearability, but the bulkier 51 mm model still has a handy built-in LED light.

MSRP $1,399.99 (43 mm), $1,599.99 (51 mm)

CONTACT garmin.com

Computers and BCS

SHEARWATER

Perdix 2

Easy to read and use, the Perdix 2 is suitable for any occasion. Outfitted with advanced recreational and technical modes, the Perdix 2 is capable of tackling shallow coral-covered atolls; deep, demanding wrecks; and anything in between. It includes air integration, vibrating haptic feedback, a digital compass and Bluetooth connectivity. A titanium bezel—available with either a black or silver finish—and toughened glass display let the Perdix 2 shrug off the heavy wear and tear of dive travel with ease. It is powered by a user-replaceable AA battery, so divers can easily source a backup battery no matter where their travels take them.

MSRP $1,165 (Ti black or silver finish)

CONTACT shearwater.com

DIVE RITE

Hydrolite

This streamlined BC offers a lightweight, warm-water rig for single-tank divers who prefer a back plate/wing for their tropical getaways. It uses heavy-duty materials throughout, including stainless D-rings and hardware. It weighs about 6 pounds and has a soft back plate that folds for easy packing. The hydrodynamic bladder provides up to 30 pounds of lift. The harness has easily adjustable, quick-disconnect straps at the sternum, shoulders and crotch. Padding at the back and shoulders adds additional comfort when diving without a wetsuit. Small vertical-mount weight pockets allow for minimal warm-water ballast without adding bulk.

MSRP $619

CONTACT diverite.com

AQUALUNG

Pro HD Compact

An ultralight packable design allows this back-inflation BC to fold flat or roll up without sacrificing performance and allows for hardly-know-it’s-there comfort and freedom in the water. The BC weighs only 4.75 pounds in size ML/L, and the air cell offers an impressive 34 pounds of lift with multiple low-profile dump valves. The harness uses a retainer strap and lightweight padding at the lower back to distribute the weight of the cylinder across the hips. The BC has six metal D-rings, a drop-down cargo pocket, and a set of mounting grommets. Weight pockets are perfectly sized for warm-water conditions where buoyant exposure gear is kept to a minimum.

MSRP $549

CONTACT aqualung.com

GENESIS

Odyssey

This travel-size back-inflation BC squeezes in all the creature comforts. The harness includes swiveling buckles, a two-position sternum strap and plushy air mesh padding for comfort. The 25-pound air cell has a streamlined profile with three pull-dump valves. Pinch-release weight pockets and two tank-mounted trim pockets provide ample room for ballast. Stowage includes two small #5 Delrin zipper pockets, five plastic D-rings, an octo pocket, and attachment points for the optional Pro-Kit. A hard backpack with an integrated carry handle allows the BC to use a single tank band for convenient tank switches while boat diving.

MSRP $518

CONTACT genesisscuba.com

SEA TO SUMMIT

Ultra-Sil Bags

These durable, semi-translucent bags are made of lightweight Ultra-Sil 30D Cordura nylon. They are water-resistant, with a slippery finish that makes them easy to slide in and out of larger bags using the built-in handle. The collection includes a roll-top dry bag with taped seams, a drawstring stuff sack with a tear-proof drawcord and double-stitched seams, and a roll-top eVac compression bag with compression straps and an air-permeable base that keeps water out.

Depending on the type of bag, multiple color options and sizes are available, ranging from 1.5 liters to 35 liters. They are great for nesting inside larger bags, improving organization and keeping water-averse gear protected. For instance, sensitive objects like phones, keys and wallets can be kept in a smaller dry bag inside of a boat bag. Dry clothes (or wet swimwear) can be kept in a stuff sack for easy access or a compression bag to make the most of your space.

MSRP Starts at $22.95

CONTACT seatosummit.com

XS SCUBA

Travel Hangers

Packing wet gear after a dive trip will add extra weight to your luggage that you may not have accounted for—and dreaded excess baggage fees. These heavy-duty foldable hangers are designed to pack unobtrusively in your bag to provide a convenient platform for drying your dive equipment all at once before packing it for the trip home. Made of tough corrosion-proof plastic, these hangers utilize a tough X-beam design to provide strength and rigidity without adding excessive weight.

Each hanger weighs only 1.5 pounds. Two variations are available, one with broad arms to support the shoulders of a wetsuit and the other with two large hooks to retain the shoulders of a BC. Both versions include two additional folding arms for hanging smaller accessories and a swiveling attachment hook. Both hangers measure 5.4 by 8 by 2.5 inches in their folded form and are available in a choice of black, yellow or blue.

MSRP $16.95

CONTACT xsscuba.com

UNDERWATER KINETICS

Aqualite Multi Reef Explorer

This versatile torch allows divers to pack light thank to its modular accessories that allow the Aqualite to be used in a variety of configurations. The main unit is constructed of rugged, corrosion-proof plastic and is waterproof to 300 feet. It measures 5.6 inches long and weighs 8 ounces. The tail-mounted push button cycles between two levels of white light—500 and 700 lumens—for general dive duty, a red light to illuminate skittish underwater critters, a UV395 light to reveal underwater fluorescence, and a strobe mode for signaling during an emergency.

The default 20-degree spot beam can be widened with an included diffuser to 70 degrees to better suit photo and video capture. A threaded ¼ by 20 mount can be used to attach the light to the included pistol grip or an optional hand mount or camera tray adapter. The included removable, rechargeable lithium-ion 21700 battery will provide up to 1.7 hours of runtime on highpower.

MSRP $299

CONTACT tusa.com

GARMIN

Inreach Messenger

This compact satellite communicator measures 3.1 by 2.5 inches and weighs only 4 ounces. Built for use during remote travel in rugged terrain, it is tough, durable, impact-resistant and water-resistant. With an active subscription to Iridium satellite network and a paired smartphone, it allows for two-way text messaging with friends and family anywhere on the globe and can share GPS coordinates, check weather and trigger an interactive SOS to a 24/7 staffed monitoring center. Battery lasts up to 28 days with 10-minute tracking mode active. The on-device display lets you confirm messages have been sent, read responses and send preset check-in messages directly from the device.

MSRP $299.99

CONTACT garmin.com

SEALIFE

Micro 3.0

Depth-rated to 200 feet, this compact 4K-capable camera’s fully sealed design means you won’t have to assemble and disassemble a housing or worry about leaks. The Micro 3.0 has a built-in 64 GB memory with wireless downloads to mobile devices and an internal rechargeable battery with up to three hours of run time. Its pocket-friendly size is very easy to travel with, while the ergonomic shape and large, accessible controls make it easy to shoot hand-held. If your footage requires some additional illumination, the Pro 3000 kit pairs the Micro 3.0 with an easy-to-use auto-adjusting 3,000-lumen light and modular, luggage-friendly Flex-Connect tray.

MSRP $599.95 (Micro 3.0 only)

CONTACT sealife-cameras.com

Related Reading: How to Pack Your Underwater Camera Gear

OCEANIC+

Dive Housing

Depth-rated to 196 feet, this housing uses the Oceanic+ App to turn iPhones into underwater cameras and dive computers. It features a hassle-free automatic vacuum pump, no loose parts, and automatic depth-adjusted color correction. The housing is compatible with Ultra Wide iPhone lenses and supports RAW and HEIF image files. The display includes a dive computer overlay identical to that of the Apple Watch Ultra. A single paid subscription unlocks full dive computer mode for both the Apple Watch Ultra and dive housing so divers can pack a primary and backup computer and an underwater camera with hardly anything to pack at all.

MSRP $489.95

CONTACT oceanicworldwide.com

GARMIN

Inreach Mini 2

This compact, hand-held communicator provides two-way text communication anywhere on the planet with an active subscription to the Iridium satellite network and includes the ability to initiate an interactive SOS alert to a 24/7 staffed monitoring center. It provides up to 30 days of battery life with a 30-minute tracking interval. It is easy to carry on your person and, when installed inside the optional dive housing, can accompany divers to depths of 330 feet. It provides peace of mind when visiting remote regions or areas with strong currents, granting access to two-way messaging and emergency help as soon as you reach the surface.

MSRP $349.99 (inReach Mini 2), $79.99 (housing)

CONTACTgarmin.com

AQUALUNG

Helix Compact Pro

The new Helix Compact Pro is probably the tiniest reg AquaLung has ever produced. That makes it perfect for traveling divers looking to shave ounces and inches from their dive luggage. The small, lightweight design is also very easy on the jaw, providing dive-all-day diving comfort for liveaboards and other trips with multiple full days of underwater activity. The Helix Compact Pro is designed to provide easy breathing in warm and cold water alike, so it is a ready and eager companion for any destination on your bucket list.

The compact balanced first stage offers divers two high-pressure and four low-pressure ports in a convenient T-shape configuration. It features an automatic closure device, which prevents water and other contaminants from entering the reg when it isn’t attached to a tank. The lightweight second stage includes a breathing adjustment, Venturi switch and a removable silicone lip guard.

MSRP $699

CONTACT aqualung.com

NEX

Maya With 2-Inch Second Stage

This regulator’s second stage is small and lightweight. You’ll hardly feel it in the water thanks to its natural air delivery and featherweight ergonomics. Despite its size, it still manages to squeeze in a handful of great features, including a supple responsive purge cover, an accessible and effective breathing adjustment control, and a predive/dive switch for preventing surface free-flows.

The high-performance piston first stage is equally compact, making this breathing system easy to travel with and very comfortable to use during multiple days of back-to-back diving. The first stage is available in yoke or DIN. It includes four low-pressure ports and one high-pressure port in a radial layout. For a distinctive look, divers have the option of either a chrome or PVD Blue finish on the first stage body, and several color options for the second stage body and purge cover.

MSRP $420.74 (chrome), $471.83 (PVD Blue)

CONTACT nexdive.com

CRESSI

MC9 - SC/Compact Pro

Combining Cressi’s capable MC9-SC first stage and Compact Pro second stage, this breathing system offers solid breathing performance with travel-friendly dimensions. The MC9-SC first stage features a hyper-balanced diaphragm design and an environmentally sealed chamber that is rated for cold-water use. Four low-pressure ports and a pair of high-pressure ports are situated along the perimeter of the body like the spokes of a wheel.

The Compact Pro second stage’s lightweight plastic body weighs less than 5.5 ounces. It is really tiny, lightweight and comfortable to use. It has a scratch-resistant surface for worry-free travel. The second stage features a large, easy-toaccess purge cover and a low-profile top-mounted Venturi control. The MC9-SC/Compact Pro system offers easy, dry and comfortable breathing with a simple, reliable operation and compact, travel-friendly dimensions.

MSRP $469.95

CONTACT cressiusa.com