Seems like everywhere we look, somebody is trying to tell us we need to lose some weight.  Now the airlines are getting into the act.  With the trend to charge for extra bags, charging even more for heavy bags, it's time to put our gear bags on a diet.  Fortunately, the dive industry has been listening had there are more options to choose from that still offer the features we've come to expect but are on the "lean" side of the scale.

A big weight piggy in most dive bags is the BCD.  What may be a great choice for local diving could be a weighty item in your bag.  Many manufactures have recognized this problem and have come out with some great options that still have the features that we've come to expect without the weight.  My personal favorite is the Aqua Lung Zuma.   This back buoyancy bc weighs less than 5 lbs (compared to traditional bc's that can weigh up to 9 lbs.  It's also easy on your pocketbook- at less than $400.

Another excellent choice a for travel bc's includeOceanic's Islander.  This is Dave's favorite- it is also a back buoyancy bc with weight integration.  It's not as light as the Zuma, but it is only 6 lbs and has trim pockets and zippered pockets for those who need a few more amenities.

Other equipment that have been trimmed down on weight are regulators.  The Apeks Flight and Aqua Lung Mikron.  The Flight is just 25 ounces (the Mikron is 35 ounces).  Both offer the superior performance  that we expect from Aqua Lung and Apeks.  Both regulators use the flexible, Miflex  hoses.  This adds comfort during the dive and less weight in the bag.  Double bonus!  

 A place that weight likes to hide is in the dive bag itself.  In "old" days, bags for international flight could weigh as much as 75 lbs.  You could take everything and the kitchen sink and still be below the weight restrictions.  It really didn't matter that much how the bag weighed, just how many pockets it had an how big of bag we could get.  (Ah, the good old days!)  Now , with 50 pound limits and hefty fees for overweight bags and second bags, it worth considering replacing your old friend for one that is leaner.  Akona has lead the pack in the quest for a lighter bag with the "Less than 10 lbs" bag.  They have kept the storage capacity while trimmed the weight.  This wheeled roller bag is very stable easy to maneuver through the airport and customs. 

Another of my favorite travel gear bags is from AquaLung.  The Traveler 1550 is a medium size bag that also weights less than 10 pounds.  It's cavernous interior and structured sides protect your investment in dive gear, yet is easy to travel with.
For those who really like to travel light or don't want to check their dive gear, check out these two carry on bags.  The Dive Caddy is amazing- you can pack a full set of gear, including some clothes and it fits into standard overhead compartments.  It is also designed to go through the airport security -  the bag rolls out flat, allowing for easy inspection of all of the gear. 

A little more conventional solution is the Aqua Lung "Departure Bag". The bag is designed to accommodate a full set of gear, including the new "HotShot" travel fins. The bag is less 7.26 pounds and meets most airlines carry-on requirements.  Now, if your bags don't make it to your destination, you don't have to let that mess up your trip.  You can always pick up a new tooth brush!

Think the weight limits make your dream of being underwater videography impractical?  Think again.  Take a look at the Compact Video package from Ikelite.  This cool little unit comes with the JVC Picsio 1080p hi-def video camera, a durable Ikelite housing and UR/Pro color filter.  Add the Pro V8 Light and your ready to start capturing your dives to share with your friends.  The set up weight less than 4 lbs and is easy to set up and use. 

For more information on any of these items or to find other ways to trim your gear bag down, stop in and talk to Carolyn or Mandy.  We'd be happy to help you with your weight loss program! No treadmill required.