Packing Your Gear Securely/Safely and Why Have Integrated Weights If You Can't Take Them?

Hi,

So - pretty noobie as I've never taken my own gear on a plane before. I have a good bag for it but how do I pack everything so it doesn't get broken by the handlers or whatever?

Just wrap my wetsuit and some t-shirts around the regs and first stage and air transmitter?

Also, my supervisor told me I shouldn't take my integrated weights and just use a weight belt which bums me as I bought this system...

But then, he has booked me 2x23kg check-in bags so I might just put my 13kg weights in with my BCD, regs and wetsuit for one of the 23kg bags and use the other for all other stuff and my clothes.

Without the regs a wetsuit, weights and BCD will weigh approximately 20kg. Hopefully 3kg for a Titan LX, transmitter, Suunto compass/gauge and Aqualung otci?

Hey MitHere

I don't know where you are diving - not that it makes a huge difference - but you don't need to worry about your integrated weights. Don't take the actually weights (doh!) but do take the BCD and the BCD pouches that hold the weight. You then get loose weights from the dive centre, put them in the BCD pouches and, presto, you have an integrated BCD.

Yep, just pack soft things around your 1st stage, transmitter and second stage - and obviously anything that is breakable, e.g. mask glass.

It's just common sense really and no different to packing for any other trip.

I reckon my dive bag usually weighs about 22kgs with all my dive gear, precious little extra clothing and my wash kit. Who needs anything else right? That's what credit cards are for.....

Enjoy the trip!

Lol, I would've figured on not actually taking the OG weights but I'm sure they piled they x3 in increments of 0.5kg high otherwise.. I dunno. This basically all stems from me not wanting to look at equipment a metre from me, haha. Kidding.

I'll just use this as a learning trip.

Thanks for the advice for far Master G.

What's the fine wine you're into, TimG?

There are lots of topics on this subject. Do a little searching and you'll find more that you have time to read.

Although using an integrated weight system may be convenient for you, it's a PITA for the folks handling your BC depending on how much weight you use. If you're handing up your BC to a boat, first remove the weight pockets and hand them up. Then remove the BC and hand it up. Fins are the last thing that comes off before you hoist yourself up onto the panda. Or you can fin up to the top of the panda side.

I always pack my reg. in my carry on. If my stuff is lost or delayed, I don't want to have to use a reg. whose service history is unknown. Too many horror stories on rental regs.

Another hint on rentals: If you have to rent a BC, before you take it, fully inflate it using the LP inflator, i.e. from a tank, and make sure it holds air. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes fully inflated and ensure that it doesn't leak. Then test all of the dumps.

I always pack my masks in my fin pockets. Broken glass from a shattered mask through all your gear is not fun.

As i travel a lot with my dive and photo gear i have some experience to share:
- use your weightpouches, there is no reason not to use them. Should you loose one you can still use a belt

- put your mask in a sturdy mask box and wrap it in a wetsuit or clothes

- wrap regulator in your wetsuit and/or clothes
- NEVER use a transmitter alone, always use a second, traditional SPG for backup. Should your transmitter fail you will have no computer and even worst; no SPG
- mount the transmiter on a short high pressure hose to avoid breaking it off as he is flexible mounted on the 1° stage
- Use a light, cheap hard shell suitcase and not scuba luggage, any brand, stickers, dive flags on the luggage is a invitation to steal it.

Chris

Yeah, I was planning in putting my mask in its box.

I bought an SPG with a compass for your reasoning.

Fair call on the weight pockets being a pain - I tried my reach through the arm holes and grab the tank to swing onto my back trick with the pockets in.. tough!

I'll take a look at the weights in the pouches.

Thank you, all!

Yeah, I was planning in putting my mask in its box.

I bought an SPG with a compass for your reasoning.

Fair call on the weight pockets being a pain - I tried my reach through the arm holes and grab the tank to swing onto my back trick with the pockets in.. tough!

I'll take a look at the weights in the pouches.

Thank you, all!

Also ask your local dive shop for advice as well! They are the professionals.