By John Brumm
Photography by Joseph Byrd

Whether you're dashing through the airport terminal or strolling down the boat dock, a good piece of rolling dive luggage can make the journey a whole lot easier. With that in mind, ScubaLab went in search of the best full-sized options for divers.

We were looking for durable bags and cases that could swallow an entire set of gear, handle tons of abuse and still roll like a dream--no tipping on the curves, wobbling on the straightaways or falling over when left unattended. We also considered the most stringent checked baggage restrictions of the major air carriers. Most airlines limit economy-class ticket holders to two items of checked baggage, each item limited to 50 pounds in weight and 62 total linear inches (length + width + height). And in a time of high fuel costs, airlines are paying much closer attention to these restrictions and charging excess baggage fees--as much as $80 to $100 each way--where once you could get away with a wink and nod.

Putting Them To The Test

After scrutinizing the materials and workmanship, we measured each bag and case inside and out. Then we put down our pencils and started packing. We loaded each one with the same set of gear--a supersized collection of items that could stock a small dive store--always packing each bag in the same sequence and using the same sections of the bag wherever possible. If a bag had dedicated fin pockets, we checked to make sure they could accommodate our larger open-heel fins as well as a smaller pair of full-foots (they all could).

When all the gear was loaded, we filled any unused space with T-shirts and shorts and then weighed each bag. If the weight exceeded 50 pounds, we reversed course until the bag got back down to the airline limit. Then we muscled the bag around to test handles, shoulder straps and backpack systems. Finally, we took each bag on a test drive, negotiating curbs, parking lot surfaces and a slalom course of sharp turns.

The Results

All of these bags and cases proved to be efficient at stowing and hauling gear. Even the most compact had room for our entire gear inventory, and they all passed the road course with flying colors. Across the board, the quality of materials and construction was first-rate, and most offer innovative features that ease the burden of traveling, from removable carry-on bags to easy-access compartments to user-friendly towing systems. It's easy to love every one of them.

For this review, our Testers' Choice rating is based on the consensus of the ScubaLab staff and we found choosing the best a difficult task. To earn our top rating, a bag or case had to be well-built, easy to pack, easy to wheel around, and it had to meet the tightest airline baggage requirements.

We've noted in individual reviews when a bag or case exceeded the airline restrictions and leave it to you to judge whether that's a factor in your buying decision. Oversized bags are still useful for beach and boat diving or for car-based travel. You might even get away with flying with them. In many cases, they exceed the size restrictions by just a few inches and you're probably not going to be setting off any alarm bells--though we can't guarantee that. Overweight bags are more likely to be noticed--that ledge you place your bags on at the check-in counter is a scale. You can always stay within the 50-pound limit by weighing the bag yourself as you pack, but with really large bags and cases you may end up with a lot of unused space. And if you decide to chance it, just remember that the decision on charging excess baggage fees often comes down to whether the agent behind the counter has had her morning coffee yet. Do you feel lucky?

The Reviews

All bags and cases are listed in alphabetical order by manufacturer.

AERIS Wheeled Roller Duffel

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| AERIS Wheeled Roller Duffel|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 63 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear, 1 T-shirt, 1 pair of shorts/44 pounds.
Unused space: None.

Aeris's Wheeled Roller Duffel is super lightweight with lots of cargo space. Its cavernous main compartment and fin pocket easily swallowed our entire inventory of test gear with room for a spare T-shirt and pair of shorts in the zippered side pouch. Thus loaded, the bag weighed in at 44 pounds, well within airline limits. The bag's published outside dimensions exceed the airline size limit by one inch, but that's a typo because by cinching down on the external compression strap we could easily meet the size requirement.

The main compartment opening is scalloped to allow the bag to maintain its shape when partially full. The bag stands upright when loaded and comes with double-duffel straps, a removable shoulder strap and lift handles on each end for muscling the bag off luggage carousels. It lacks a rigid pull handle--you need to use the top lift handle to wheel the bag around--but we found it fairly maneuverable. Above-average packing and performance attributes, combined with a great price, make this bag a Best Buy.

AKONA AKB155 Evolution

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| AKONA AKB155 Evolution|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 57 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear/47 pounds.
Unused space: None.

Akona's new Evolution is super compact yet holds a pile of dive gear. The main compartment makes up the bottom half of the bag. Inside, there's a removable mesh bag that secures to D-rings, and a regulator bag that can be used as a carry-on. The top half of the Evolution is divided into two compartments that can be accessed from outside or inside. The divider is removable if you'd prefer one large storage space. The main compartment took all our test gear except for the wetsuits, gloves and hood, which fit easily in the top two compartments. With all available storage space filled, the bag came in under both airline weight and size limits. The bag zips together and then secures with a large buckled strap that ties into a front lift handle. It's a sturdy system.

Fully loaded, the bag stands upright, although not as rock solid as some of the others we tested. The Evolution comes with a really nice locking retractable handle as well as lifting handles on top and at the base. Reinforced corners are designed to handle abuse and there are grommet holes in the main compartment for drainage and ventilation. The bag also comes with a security sleeve to protect it during transit, but it was awkward to use and tended to get jammed in the wheels. Leave the sleeve at home and you have a perfect wheeled bag for traveling divers.

AQUA LUNG Tropical

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| AQUA LUNG Tropical|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 60.5 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear/46 pounds.
Unused space: None.

There's nothing complicated about Aqua Lung's new Tropical wheeled duffel bag. One of our favorites, the bag offers a nice blend of useable space and practical features. The bag's fully lined main compartment is a lot more spacious than it looks. It took our entire test gear inventory without a hitch, fins went into their molded pockets, and that was that. All available storage space utilized, the bag weighed in at 46 pounds, and its outside dimensions are well within airline size limits.

The bag stands upright when fully loaded and offers lots of protection down around the wheels. The main compartment zipper is set in from the edge of the bag to protect it from abuse, and the fin pockets have drain holes in the sides and the ends. This is one of the best handling roller bags of this group, using a locking pull handle that stows in a nice zippered pouch. When you can't roll it, the Tropical offers a hidden backpack system with contoured, padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap, plus double-duffel straps that join at a padded grip. Lift handles on each end aid in hefting the bag onto tables for inspection.

AQUA LUNG Destination

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| AQUA LUNG Destination|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 65 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear, 1 T-shirt, 1 pair of shorts/50 pounds.
Unused space: Upper front pouch (partially), lower front pouch.

The Destination is similar in design and construction to the Tropical, but it's bigger, and it comes with more features. For example, the lined main compartment is not only roomier than the Tropical's, it also has elastic mesh gear sleeves, a removable laundry bag that folds into its own compact carrying case, and security straps to keep gear from shifting during transit. On the front lid there are large padded pouches that can be accessed from either the inside or outside. But the first-rate molded fin pockets are the same, as are the backpack straps, lifting handles, locking pull handle and wheel system.

With the Destination we easily loaded our gear inventory into the main compartment and fin pockets, threw a T-shirt and a pair of shorts into the top front pouch and we were at 50 pounds with a lot of room to spare. The weight limit prevented us from maximizing the front pouches, which is too bad, because they hold a lot (a dozen T-shirts and a half-dozen shorts), they load easily and expand inward to avoid increasing the overall size of the bag. If weight or size restrictions (the bag exceeds airline size limits by three inches) are not a consideration, the Destination is a very good choice.

ARMOR 2-IE Ironclad Edition

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| ARMOR Ironclad Edition|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 64 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear, 2 T-shirts/50 pounds.
Unused space: 1 fin pocket, accessories pouch.

The rugged 2-IE Ironclad was designed back when 70 pounds was the airline weight limit. Armor claims the bag will fit two complete sets of dive gear, and we believe it. A pair of fins fits easily into one side pocket, and with the reg/console going into the reg compartment on the lid, the rest of our test gear disappeared into the main compartment, eating up only half the available space. We added 10 T-shirts and five pairs of shorts to the spare fin pocket and accessories pouch, just to see what the bag would take, and we could have kept going, but we were already way over the 50-pound weight limit.

Size-wise, the bag's outside dimensions exceed airline limits, although Armor says divers have been traveling with this bag for years and have yet to report a problem. Nevertheless, Armor recognizes dive travel's new realities, and is coming out this spring with a new downsized bag. In the meantime, the Ironclad remains a great bag for beach or local boat diving when you need lots of room to carry lots of stuff. It comes with external compression straps, double-duffel handles and a comfortable backpack system. A rugged, easy-to-use security sleeve is available as an option.

DEEP OUTDOORS Road Trip

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| DEEP OUTDOORS Road Trip|
Total outside dimensions (per ScubaLab measurements): 62 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear, 10 T-shirts, 5 pairs of shorts/50 pounds.
Unused space: None.

The Road Trip has an elegant luggage feel to it. It has a maroon-lined main compartment with security straps and grommets for air circulation. On the front lid there are three odd-shaped pockets that expand internally so the bag doesn't increase in size when loaded. A suitcase-style handle ties into a reinforcing web system. There's also a webbed pull handle that stows in a zippered pouch and lift handles on top and on the base. The Road Trip also comes with a changing mat that stows in a zippered side sleeve.

The main compartment is substantial, easily taking our inventory of gear, including fins. The front storage pockets offer no padding, so you probably don't want to stow a regulator/console here unless it's in its own padded bag. The pockets are, however, good for soft goods, so we loaded them with 10 T-shirts and five pairs of shorts before running out of space. The bag itself doesn't weigh much, and the combination of gear and a lot of clothes still came in under the 50-pound limit. Manufacturer dimensions were not available, but ScubaLab's measurements put the bag right at airline size limits. Able to stand upright fully loaded, the Road Trip also maneuvers relatively well in spite of its lack of a rigid pull handle.

DEEP OUTDOORS Tropical Traveler

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| DEEP OUTDOORS Tropical Traveler|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 65 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear, 5 T-shirts, 2 pairs of shorts/50 pounds.
Unused space: 2 front storage pouches.

The Tropical Traveler looks very similar to the Road Trip, with a maroon-lined main compartment fitted with security straps and ventilation grommets. It also has a lift handle on its base, three odd-shaped pockets on the lid that expand internally and a changing mat that stows in a zippered side sleeve. However, unlike the Road Trip, the Tropical Traveler has a pair of fin pockets, a rigid retractable pull handle, hidden backpack straps and a molded rubber lift handle on top.

While the main compartment of the Tropical Traveler is a bit smaller than the Road Trip's, it still easily accommodated our inventory of test dive gear. However, the bag is a little heavier than the Road Trip, so it could handle only half as many T-shirts and shorts in the largest front zippered pouch before hitting the 50-pound mark. The additional width of its fin pockets puts the Tropical Traveler over airline size limits (Deep Outdoors says that with approximately 3,000 bags in circulation, they have not heard of even one Tropical Traveler bag that has been penalized by an airline). Fully loaded, the bag stands solidly upright. The rigid handle doesn't lock into position, but it still makes maneuvering the bag easier than with the Road Trip's web pull handle.

OCEANIC Premier 2

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| OCEANIC Premier 2|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 61 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear, 2 T-shirts/50 pounds.
Unused space: None.

The Premier 2 is a traditional, go-anywhere dive bag with lots of storage and lots of extras, including a removable regulator bag, a padded instrument sleeve, a large dry bag and a tarp that can be used as a changing tent, ground mat or solar blanket. The main compartment is spacious, and features security straps and elastic mesh pockets. A rubberized handle on top and a rigid handle on the base make hefting this bag easy.

Our test open-heel fins fit in the fin pockets, but it was a snug fit due to the width of the blades. We put the reg in the front reg compartment, the rest of the gear in the main compartment, and a couple of T-shirts in the accessory pocket, and that got us to 50 pounds, leaving a pretty loose load in all compartments. The bag measures under airline size limits.

The Premier 2 easily stands upright when loaded. Its retractable handle locks in open and closed positions. The bag is stable on its wheels and takes tight corners without a wobble. In addition to its standard one-year warranty, it offers an extended five-year warranty that covers any problems during years two through five for a flat rate of $50.

OCEANIC Voyager 3

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| OCEANIC Voyager 3|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 60 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear, 3 T-shirts/50 pounds.
Unused space: None.

The Voyager 3 is a duffel-style bag with a cavernous fully lined main compartment, a large fin pocket, and a handy wet/dry compartment. The bag is easy to muscle around, with lifting handles on both ends, and double-duffel straps and a padded shoulder strap when you can't use its wheels. The zipper on the main compartment is set in from the edge of the bag to protect it from abuse. The bag offers lots of storage space so you don't have to cram to get all your gear packed. After stashing our pair of full-foots in the fin pocket, the balance of our gear fit into the main compartment with room to spare. With three T-shirts in the wet/dry pouch we were at the 50-pound weight limit and well within airline size limits.

The bag stands upright when full. The locking retractable handle is rigid and helps maintain rolling control. The Voyager 3 comes with a standard one-year warranty, plus an extended three-year warranty that covers any problems during years two and three for a flat rate of $50.

PINNACLE AQUATICS Passport

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| PINNACLE AQUATICS Passport|
**

Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer):** 62 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear, 6 T-shirts, 4 pairs of shorts/50 pounds.
Unused space: None.

Unique among bags in this test group, the Passport opens like a book. The bottom half is the main compartment, the top half is made up of three load-through pockets. The main compartment has a rigid base and padded sides. It also has a storage divider, which just gets in the way, and a day bag that takes up half the storage area; luckily, they're both removable.

With the main compartment cleared, we loaded all test gear but the two wetsuits and the hotel-to-boat bag, which we stowed in the center lid compartment along with the day bag. That left the remaining two lid compartments for six T-shirts and four pairs of shorts. So loaded, the bag met airline weight and size restrictions.

This is a good-looking bag with nice hardware. Zippers are covered with protective flaps in critical wear areas. External compression straps tie into the double-duffel handle. There's also a padded shoulder strap, but no rigid pull handle. By grabbing the rubber lift handle on top, you can maintain pretty good control while rolling the bag. The Passport stands solidly upright when loaded, although it could use a handle on the base for lifting the bag onto tables.

PINNACLE AQUATICS Travelor

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| PINNACLE AQUATICS Travelor|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 62 inches.
Contents/Weight (main bag only): All dive gear/47 pounds.
Unused space: None.

This bag takes a different approach to cargo distribution. There's a primary bag with a roomy main compartment for dive gear that you check as baggage, plus a backpack that unzips from the primary bag that you use as a carry-on. The backpack is designed for stowing regulator/consoles and other valuable gear, or for stuffing enough T-shirts and shorts to get you through a tropical vacation.

We tried it both ways. As a gear bag, we were able to pack a reg/console, wrist computer, digital camera with housing, our favorite mask, plus five T-shirts and two pairs of shorts, leaving the main bag to easily take the rest of the test gear. Then we put all dive gear, including reg, computer, etc., in the main compartment, and filled the backpack with 10 T-shirts and four pairs of shorts. Either way, the main bag was always under 50 pounds, and we had a nifty backpack to take as a carry-on.

The main bag snugs down into a compact package due to a superb system of external compression straps. The retractable pull handle can withstand a lot of torque, but doesn't lock in position. This bag could also use a lift handle on its base, but overall it's a winner.

STAHLSAC Truk Lagoon Traveler

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| STAHLSAC Truk Lagoon Traveler|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 59 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear, 2 T-shirts, 2 pairs of shorts/50 pounds.
Unused space: 3 lid compartments.

Stahlsac's new Truk Lagoon Traveler makes maximum use of its dimensions, which are well under airline size limits. The main compartment is expandable, fully lined and sports two security straps. The two internal and two external lid compartments are roomy and easy to access, and there's a sleeved organizer in the upper external pocket for keeping travel documents orderly. The padded lift handles on the top and side are among the best we've seen; there's also a rigid lift handle on the base. The bag doesn't have skid rails, but molded covers on all lower corners and a reinforced baseplate offer plenty of protection.

This bag easily accommodated all of our test dive gear in the main compartment, leaving enough storage space in the lid compartments to load 13 T-shirts and eight pairs of shorts. Unfortunately, this tipped the scales at over 60 pounds. To make the 50-pound airline limit, we had to back off to two T-shirts and two pairs of shorts in one lid compartment, leaving the other three empty. It's the most stable bag of this group on its wheels. The locking, multi-position pull handle contributes to above-average control.

TILOS Renaissance Rolling Backpack

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| TILOS Renaissance Rolling Backpack|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 60.5 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear, 2 T-shirts/50 pounds.
Unused space: None.

The traditional-style Renaissance is the only bag to offer a rigid frame in its main compartment, making it very easy to load. The bag rolls smoothly on a pair of low-profile wheels. Backpack straps, a rubber lift handle on top and side duffel straps provide additional ways to move the bag. There isn't a dedicated lift handle on the bag's base, but the frame can be used as a hand grip. The retractable pull handle is made from lighter-grade metal than others, but you can lock it in virtually any position.

The fin pockets can each fit a pair of full foots with room to spare, but to balance the bag we loaded one fin per pocket, put the regulator/console into the padded front regulator bag like designed, and the rest of the gear went into the main compartment. Surprisingly, it was a tight fit. A couple of T-shirts stuffed into the top accessories pouch brought the bag to the 50-pound limit. The Renaissance meets airline size limits, and includes a water bottle pouch and a documents envelope.

TUSA BP-2 Roller Backpack

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| TUSA BP-2 Roller Backpack|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 55 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear/45 pounds.
Unused space: None.

The BP-2 is the smallest bag of this group, but it swallowed the entire set of gear, met the airline size requirements and impressed us with a number of well-designed features. The main compartment has two small zippered storage pouches and grommets for ventilation and drainage, and there are security straps to hold gear in place. The fin pocket is located on the front of the bag. It's not overly roomy--our full-foots fit fine, but our open-heels took some stuffing. The rest of our test gear went into the main compartment. This too was a snug fit, but not a cram. Fully loaded, the bag met the airline weight and size limits.

The bag comes with two carry handles, one on top and one on the side, plus a really nice backpack system hidden behind a zippered flap. External compression straps allow you to cinch everything down into a compact travel package. The wide wheelbase and rigid pull handle provide good stability and control. However, if the handle locked it would be even better. All in all, this is a great little bag, compact yet able to tote the load.

XS SCUBA BG120 Wheeled Traveler

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| XS SCUBA BG120 Wheeled Traveler|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 59 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear/47 pounds.
Unused space: None.

The BG120 Wheeled Traveler is a traditional-style dive bag that's been scaled down to make the most of every inch of available space without violating weight or size restrictions. The tapered fin pockets accommodate just one fin each and the large removable regulator bag is the best we've seen yet. It's rounded on top to match the shape of a coiled reg, and comes with a protective console sleeve and a pocket for storing DIN valves and such. It held our regulator/console combo with room to spare for a wrist computer and housed digital camera. Fully loaded, the bag weighed in at an airline-friendly 47 pounds. It maneuvered well, but it didn't stand upright as solidly as other bags. The BG120 is constructed with stainless-steel nuts and bolts instead of rivets. There's a rigid lift handle on the base, and the retractable pull handle on top locks in both open and closed positions. The locking button is located on the top of the bag rather than on the handle so you can't accidentally depress it.

Hard Case Alternatives

Waterproof, shockproof and virtually indestructible, hard cases offer the most protection for your gear. Most come packed with foam to cradle delicate items like cameras and lenses. Remove the foam, however, and you have a rolling dive box capable of holding more. The drawback: Hard cases are two to three times heavier than soft bags. If you're packing them to the gills, the weight adds up fast. But for some divers, the added security is worth every penny of a $25 overweight fee.

HARDIGG Storm Cases

Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 67.2 inches (iM2975), 63.9 inches (iM2950), 58.7 inches (iM2750).
Contents/Weight: All dive gear/56 pounds. (iM2975), 54 pounds. (iM2950), 52 pounds. (iM2750).
Unused space: None.

Storm Cases are made from Hardigg's own lightweight HPX high-performance resin for strength. The cases are watertight and can be padlocked. They come with three of the nicest padded lift handles we've seen, as well as easy-to-use press-and-pull latches. Their retractable pull handles lock in both open and closed positions, providing above-average control. Hardigg sent us three cases to try out: the iM2975, the iM2950 and the iM2750. We started with the largest, the iM2975, which fit our test gear inventory easily but exceeded airline size limits by over five inches. So we tried the iM2950, which also fit our gear inventory easily, and also exceeded size limits, although by only a couple of inches this time. That left the smallest case, the iM2750, which came in well under airline size limits, but had trouble accommodating all of our gear. Bottom line, these are great cases, if you can find one sized for what you're hauling.

PELICAN 1610 Protector Case

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| PELICAN 1610 Protector Case|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 55.8 inches. Contents/Weight: All dive gear/52 pounds. Unused space: None.

The 1610 case is made of high-impact structural copolymer for strength. Its dual action ABS latches lock and unlock so much easier than the Pelican latches of old, and there are three fold-down lift handles. The case has an automatic purge valve to equalize atmospheric pressure changes, and metal reinforced padlock protectors for increased security. Size-wise, this case fits easily within airline limits. We managed to get our entire gear inventory into the case--minus the hotel-to-boat bag--but it was a very tight fit, requiring a sit-on-the-lid maneuver. So loaded, the case was two pounds over the airline weight limit, but it rolled easily on its hard rubber wheels. An extra-wide wheelbase contributes to outstanding stability, and the retractable pull handle locks in position, which makes maneuvering the case that much easier.

SEAHORSE SE1220

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| SEAHORSE SE1220|
**

Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer):** 65 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear/58 pounds.
Unused space: None.

The new SE1220 is made of a polypropylene copolymer. It comes with six lid latches that seemed a little too prone to accidentally pop open for our tastes. However, the two front latches can be fitted with keyed locks, which would keep unintentional unlatchings from occurring. There is also a molded padlock eye on each corner of the case for added security. The case has three fold-down carry handles, which are handy, and the pressure purge is hidden in a front latch so it can't be damaged.

Our inventory of test gear fit easily into the SE1220 (ditto our open-heel fins), but the load brings the weight of the case to well over the airline weight limit. It also exceeds the size limit by three inches. The case rolls on a pair of smooth wheels, but they seem less sturdy than wheels on other hard case. The locking plastic pull handle is very flexible, but gave us reasonable control on our road tests.

UNDERWATER KINETICS Ready To Go Dive Case

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| UNDERWATER KINETICS Ready To Go Dive Case|
Total outside dimensions (per manufacturer): 62 inches.
Contents/Weight: All dive gear/60 pounds.
Unused space: None.

Our favorite hard case for hauling dive gear, the Ready To Go Dive Case is made of ABS plastic with reinforced walls and protective skid rails. It has three spring-loaded lifting handles and secures with six stainless-steel twist-lock latches. The case is waterproof, with a silicone O-ring seal and pressure equalization valve. Better yet, it accommodated our entire inventory of test gear as if it had been designed specifically for the purpose, and it meets airline size limits. However, loaded with all our gear, it did exceed airline weight limits.

It's the best rolling case in this group. The wide, reinforced locking pull handle can withstand a lot of torque--you can take it around sharp turns without ever lifting a wheel. The case is lockable, and comes with two padlocks, as well as a dry box and mesh boat bag.

TEST GEAR INVENTORY

There's nothing more aggravating than running out of space before you get all your stuff stowed, so we went overboard with our inventory of dive gear. We figure if a bag can hold all this gear, it will certainly satisfy a traveling diver's more conservative gear needs. Here's what we used:

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| 1 Henderson 3mm Hyperstretch shorty, men's size XL 2 UK Light Cannon 100 pistol grip dive light 3 Mares Quattro Excel open- heel fins 4 Scubapro Smart Tec wrist-mount dive computer | |
5 Oceanic Delta 4/FDX-10 regulator with Swivel octo and Pro Plus 2 computer console

6 Atomic Aquatics full-foot splitfins

7 Princeton Tec Impact LED pocket dive light

8 Henderson 3mm booties

9 Scubapro dive slate

10 Genesis Quadra mask in hard case.

11 Tusa Serene mask in hard case

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12 Henderson InstaDry 3mm fullsuit, men's size XL

13 Spyderco Salt knife with H1 SS blade

14 Aeris Barracuda dry snorkel

15 Akona Deluxe Mesh hotel-to-boat backpack

16 UK #309 Portable spare parts/toolbox

17 Sea & Sea DX-8000G digital camera in housing

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18 Henderson 3mm InstaDry hood and gloves

19 McNett Microfiber pack towel

20 Scubapro compass

21 Sherwood Tortuga buoyancy compensator, size L

Smaller Is Smarter

Not so long ago, if you wanted to escape to your favorite tropical dive destination, all you had to do was grab the biggest dive bag you could find, load it with everything--dive gear, shorts, sandals, T-shirts, a fat Tom Clancy--and chase down a plane going the right direction.

Try that today, and it may cost you some hefty excess baggage fees. Why? Eager to cut costs, save fuel and scrounge up additional revenue, most major carriers have recently changed their baggage policies, dropping the economy-class weight limit for checked items from a generous 70 pounds per bag to 50 pounds. There are no official domestic or international standards for checked baggage. Airlines can make their own rules, and accept or deny any piece of luggage at their discretion. (For example: Some airlines allow first- and business-class ticket holders to check heavier baggage. Check with your airline.) Size restrictions have stayed the same (total linear dimensions of 62 inches), but anecdotal evidence suggests airline personnel are paying much closer attention to both size and weight restrictions and charging passengers excess baggage fees with greater frequency. Based on a survey of airline baggage policies, you could be hit with fees of $25 to $50 each way for overweight bags; $80 to $100 for oversized luggage.

Based on this new reality in air travel, downsizing is your best strategy. You're still allowed two pieces of checked baggage, so rather than traveling with one big bag, go for two smaller bags, one specifically for dive gear, one for the rest of your stuff. Minimalist travelers who live by the creed of Òhalf the clothes and twice the moneyÓ may even get by packing all their nongear belongings into a carry-on bag.

Or you can reverse the strategy. Most airlines allow carry-on luggage weighing 30 to 40 pounds maximum weight and up to 45 to 51 linear inches in size, prompting some dive equipment manufacturers to develop complete sets of tropical dive gear that come in their own carry-on-sized rolling bags. We'll cover these sets and other travel-friendly dive gear in the May 2006 issue.

First Look

While they weren't ready in time for this review, here are four more full-sized bags you can expect to see in dive stores this year.

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| ARMOR #89|
ARMOR #89 Available this spring, Armor's downsized bag should fall well within airline size limits with total dimensions of 57 inches. It's made from 1682 denier ballistic nylon and comes with a stainless steel zipper. It's also designed to work with Armor's optional Pro-2 Protective Bag that protects your bag from airline damage and disguises the fact that it's filled with pricey dive gear.

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| MARES Technomad 135 Backpack|
MARES Technomad 135 Backpack One of several new bags from Mares, the Technomad 135 has all the features of traditional rolling dive luggage--locking handle, zippered fin pockets with drain holes, padded adjustable backpack straps, a rubberized top handle and a cavernous main compartment that's both reinforced and padded. It also has this clever twist: Unclip one of the backpack straps and you can string it across the bag for a duffel-style strap.

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| TILOS Renaissance II|
TILOS Renaissance II Similar in design to the original Renaissance bag reviewed on page 62, the new Renaissance II replaces the front pockets and detachable regulator bag with a detachable carry-on backpack. The backpack attaches to the main bag with a zipper for easy removal. Like the original, it has a locking pull handle, rubber-grip top handle, large fin pockets with drain holes and a reinforced main compartment.

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| BARE Wheeled Duffel Bag|
BARE Wheeled Duffel Bag According to the manufacturer, this rolling bag's measurements fall well within airline size restrictions. You maneuver it with a retractable extension handle and it rolls along on rollerblade-style wheels. (Bonus: the wheel assemblies are replaceable.) It comes with a single, 11- by 28-inch external fin pocket, a bonus pocket on the top of the bag and a zippered dry compartment that measures 17 inches by 28 inches.