Since I became a diver and started taking diving trips, many things have changed. For example, packing for a diving trip is not the same as packing for a normal one. Apart from clothing, electronics and personal items, comes the heavy equipment with its weight and volume.
With the limited weight offered by some airline companies, and sometimes some extra costs, I had to manage to take everything I need without paying more for it. This normally means: less clothes and shoes, so on my past diving trips I learned what is superfluous to take, and what really are my essential items (based on diving in warm conditions).
The luggage
Luggage for diving equipment*
Apart from taking 1 normal luggage with clothes, which I share with W, I take a second luggage specifically to fit the diving equipment of two people. I find it very useful, it has pockets everywhere and it is waterproof in case I need to take on the boat or to the beach.
*Considering that the baggage allowance is one luggage per person with maximum 23Kg.
Waterproof cabin luggage
This cabin luggage is very useful to take the smaller or expensive equipment we don’t want to check in, like the dive computers and snorkels. It is waterproof, and it can be taken on the boat for example, not to mention that it fits perfectly on the baggage compartment of the airplane.
Basic diving equipment
Since we started to dive, W and I have bought most of our diving equipment, and here is what I take along:
- Wetsuit
- Jacket
- Regulator
- Boots
- Fins
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Dive computer*
- Buoy Marker
- Logbook + waterproof binder + pens
Photography
Diving without photography is just not the same. So of course, with time I have also acquired some useful equipment to take better underwater pictures, which are indispensable on my diving trips:
- Go pro + red filter + macro lens + integrated screen
- Charger + extra batteries
- Lamps
To wear
Light clothes: t-shirts, shorts and light dresses are basically what I take.
Hoodies: they are always useful on the boat, especially after each dive.
Bathing suit: a must, of course.
Sun glasses
UV t-shirt: very useful to wear under the wetsuit, not to mention it protects your skin against the sun. It is also good for snorkeling.
Havaianas: my inseparable friends, always useful in any travel to the beach. I just have to watch out not to put too many pairs.
For the health
You need to be fit to dive, and I always worry about being healthy while I am on a diving trip. And here are the items I always take along:
Magnesium: very good for muscle pain and cramps, as well as for hydration.
Multivitamin: I take them everyday, especially during trips.
Sun cream and after sun: they have to come along, just because.
Waterproof plasters: very useful for small cuts… I always get cut on diving trips.
Cream/spray for cuts: same as the above.
Rehydration salt: you really need to be hydrated during diving trips; otherwise the risks of getting decompression sickness increase. Rehydration salt is very useful if you get a food poisoning, diarrhea, etc.
Utilities
Vacuum compressed bag/space bag: these are heaven! By the end of the trip all clothes are dirty filled with sea salt and sand, so I just put them on either a vaccum compressed bag, which reduces the volume by 75%, or in a space bag, which you just need to roll. Using them means: more room in the luggage! Yeah!
Waterproof cellphone case: so useful to take the phone and money to the beach/boat without risking getting them wet.
Dry bag: to take on the boat and avoid getting everything wet… a good idea in case you don’t have a small waterproof cabin luggage like mine, or would like something smaller.
Anti-fog spray/sea drops: another great thing you can bring along to a diving trip. This spray really helps you to avoid getting your mask foggy.
Disinfectant spray for masks, regulators and snorkels.
Gear marker: always useful to mark your name on your own gear.
Towels: if you can take the ones from the hotel to boat trips and to the beach, then no need to pack one. If you can’t, then take your own.
Hair bands and pins: in case you have long hair like I do.
Some tips
Check the luggage weight
I have at home a hand scale to check the luggage weight, which I also take to the trip. It has been very useful and I can highly recommend you to get one.
Check extra costs with the airline
Before packing everything and head to the airport, check your airline’s regulations regarding diving equipment. Some charge you extra if they figure out that you are taking them with you, others don’t really mind.
Yes, it’s a lot of things. Yes, it’s a lot of work to fit everything in the luggage with limited space and weight, but diving trips are always worth it, and the ones I most get excited about it! In fact, while this post is being published, I am diving in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.
