How to Pack for a Dive Trip

It’s time, let’s talk packing.

Packing for any trip is a challenge for most people, but dive travel (or any sport travel) is extra tricky. So let’s break it down.

I have been travelling almost exclusively for scuba diving since 2021, and over the years, I have tried just about every packing combination possible.

First, I did carry-on only and travelled with two backpacks. Then, I got a rolly-bag carry on to make walking across airports easier (only took me one visit to LAX to make that decision).

Now, I typically travel with two backpacks and a suitcase. My situation means I am constantly travelling, so I have to take everything I need with me all the time.

Every setup taught me something different about what actually matters when you are constantly moving between airports, dive boats, tropical destinations, and long-haul flights.

I learned what I actually need, what I need to be comfortable, and what things are bonus and I only pack if there’s space.

Packing for dive travel is very different than packing for a normal vacation. Dive gear is heavy, airlines have strict rules around batteries and luggage weight, and you also need to think about sun protection, staying warm underwater, and spending long days in salty, wet clothes.

After years of trial and error, this is the system I keep coming back to.

My Packing Philosophy

I live by three main rules when it comes to packing. Honestly, I apply this methodology when shopping too.

Everything I pack should:

1. Makes me feel good
2. Makes me look good
3. Have more than one purpose

I try to hit at least two out of the three points with every item I bring. It helps me decide very quickly if something deserves space in my bag or not.

Weight is also a huge consideration for me. Dive gear gets heavy very fast, so I try to choose loose, lightweight clothing whenever possible.

Personal Item

My personal item is where I keep my most valuable items, plus anything restricted by airlines.

This is the one bag that never leaves my side.

Essentials & Travel Documents

I actually have a sneaky cross-body bag that I put my passport & phone in and hide on my waist or under a sweater. If I’m not using it, I put my passport in the hidden pocket on my CORSurf Island Hopper backpack.

• I actually use a sneaky little cross-body bag to carry my passport and phone. I wear it under a sweater or around my waist while travelling.
• If I am not actively using it, my passport goes into the hidden pocket of my CORSurf Island Hopper backpack.
• My important documents usually include:
• passport
• visas
• residency cards
• immigration paperwork
• wallet
• boarding passes

I have noticed lately a move back to paper boarding passes. Most of my flights (especially big international ones) require a printed pass.

Tech & Electronics

Electronics restrictions are becoming stricter every year, especially around lithium batteries and power banks.

In many parts of Asia, power banks are not even allowed in your overhead carry-on. They need to stay under the seat with you in your personal item.

My tech setup usually includes:

• power bank
• battery bag for rechargeable dive lights and cameras
• laptop
• drone
• phone charger
• universal travel adapter
• power bar

A power bar is one of my favourite travel hacks. It makes me very popular at airports.

Shev’s Plane kit

I have a small pouch that I call my “plane kit.” I originally made it for my first long-haul flight, and now I never travel without it.

Inside I keep:

• hand sanitizer
• chapstick
• face wipes
• toothpaste
• protein bar
• tea bags
• electrolyte packages

Having everything in one small bag makes long travel days so much easier. When I get to my seat, I take it out and put in the seat pocket for easy access.

What I wear on the plane

Long-haul flights are not the time for restrictive outfits.

I usually wear:

• my comfy plane pants
• a cropped tank
• a t-shirt
• my hoodie

Layers are important because planes somehow manage to be both freezing and sweaty at the same time.

Personal Item or Carry-On

There are a few more things to have with you on the plane, but which bag they are in is not important.

• cameras
• external computer monitor
• emergency change of clothes
• swimsuit

Tip from Shev: If you gate check your carry on, make sure you take out the cameras and your emergency clothes and put them in your personal item!

Carry-On Bag

My carry-on is mostly for expensive or fragile dive gear that I do not trust airlines with. For scuba diving, your carry-on should include the dive gear that would be hardest to replace if your checked suitcase was delayed.

For me, that means my

• regulator
• mask
• fins strapped to the outside
• make-up bag
• small toiletries

If you are comfortable renting BCDs and fins, those can usually go in checked luggage or be rented at the destination.

My full toiletry kit normally goes in my checked suitcase to save space.

I also like keeping one or two backup outfits in my carry-on just in case my checked bag gets delayed.

Did you know: some technicians say that the pressure & temperature changes in the baggage hold can deteriorate your o-rings quickly, especially in your regulator. That’s why I always carry mine on.

Suitcase

My suitcase is for bulkier items, dive clothes, and things that are less fragile.

• Dive clothes
• clothes
• yoga mat
• protein powder
• big toiletry bag
• slides & hiking sandals
• wetsuit and layers
• laundry bag
• mesh bag

I try to organize everything into categories so unpacking at destinations is easier.

Tip from Shev: Everything that goes in my suitcase goes in a bag. Either a compression bag or a silicone ziploc. This keeps me organized and makes unpacking a breeze.

Things I Don’t Compromise when Packing

Dive clothes

I have always packed too many land clothes, but I have almost never regretted packing extra dive clothes.

I do a lot of women’s dive trips, and we love taking photos together. I also hate putting wet clothes back on, so I like having enough outfits for at least two full dive days.

Dive Gear

I am never sad that I packed a torch.

That said, I also try not to bring duplicates of things unless absolutely necessary. Dive gear gets heavy quickly, and there is a balance between being prepared and overpacking.

Travel Hacks

Neck Pillow

My mom actually made my neck pillow for me, and it is one of my favourite travel items.

It is basically just the shell with a strap attached for safekeeping, plus a little pouch where I keep my eye mask and headphones.

For long-haul flights, I put a change of clothes and underwear to freshen up mid-flight.

Power bar

A power bar is one of the most underrated travel items.

Airports and hostels never seem to have enough outlets, especially when you are travelling with dive lights, cameras, drones, laptops, and power banks. I have met so many fun people just by sharing my power station!

My power bar also has surge protection, to protect my laptop from unruly grids around the world.

LABEL EVERYTHING

Get a sheet of these customizable marine labels, and put them on everything you own. I’m talking:

• all dive gear (I’ve had them on my reg and BCD for hundreds of dives, they stay!)
• charging cables
• batteries (especially GoPro and torch. Everyone has the same)
• fins

Biggest Packing Struggles

Weight

Weight is my biggest packing struggle by far.

I almost always have extra physical space in my bags. The problem is that dive gear becomes heavy incredibly quickly.

Choosing lightweight luggage is the biggest impact you can make. I had a suitcase in my cart and right when I was about to purchase, I read that it was 12 pounds. 12! That’s 1/5 of your alloted weight right there.

Hot Tip – Soft luggage can sometimes weigh less than hard-shell bags, but not always.

Avoiding glass bottles when travelling makes a big difference too. Refillable silicone containers work great for toiletries.

Tip from Shev: Use solid toiletries wherever possible. I have used solid shampoo & conditioner for years, but I recently discovered solid skin care creams like:

• vitamin c face cream
• make up remover
• eye cream
• fash wash

And it’s changed my life!

Overpacking

Overpacking is honestly more of a mental challenge than a physical one.

For me, it helps to get comfortable with the “worst case scenario.”

I ask myself:

• If my bag didn’t arrive, would it ruin my trip?
• Would I still have a good time?
• What do I actually need?

For me, the true essentials are:

• my mask
• my regulator
• one land outfit
• one swimsuit
• one rashguard
• my laptop

My own regulator and mask help reduce anxiety underwater. If I am using rental gear that does not breathe as comfortably, I notice it immediately, and it distracts me from my dives.

How to Avoid Overpacking

One of the best ways to avoid overpacking is to stop packing for imaginary scenarios.

Most dive destinations are casual. You probably do not need five fancy outfits or multiple pairs of shoes.

I also try to remember that if I truly forget something important, I can usually buy it.

Packing lighter does not mean being unprepared. It means being intentional.

Complete Packing List

Travel Day Outfit

Plane Pants
Hoodie
Socks
Running shoes
Neck gator or headband

Dive gear

DSMB & reel
BCD
Regulator
Boots
Fins

Dive Accessories

Camera leash
UW housing for camera
Selfie Stick
Torch
Extra batteries (camera)
Extra batteries (torch)

Dive Clothes

1-2 shorts
1-2 leggings
3-5 rashguards
2 pairs dive socks
Thermal layer (vest or .5mm jacket)
*Wetsuit (if needed)

Land Clothes

lightweight tops
sundresses or casual outfits
sandals
walking shoes

Health & Fitness

• yoga mat
• lacrosse ball
• protein powder & shaker
• resistance band
• electrolyte powder or drops

Shev’s Snack Bag

• protein bars
• my favourite tea
• sweet treats

Toiletries & Self Care

Keep it reef-safe. Everything I bring and use on my skin and hair is reef safe. Brands like Stream2Sea and Attitude have an incredible lineup of reef-safe & solid self-care items. It makes up most of my kit!

• reef safe sunscreen
• leave in conditioner
• moisturizer
• SPF lip balm
• solid shampoo
• concentrate conditioner
• solid face wash
• moisturizer
• makeup remover
• deodorant
• refillable silicone containers

Hair

• spray bottle
• curl cream

First Aid Kit

• water proof bandaids

Things I don’t Pack Anymore

One day I looked at my suitcase and thought

“I don’t know who these clothes are for, but it’s not for me.”

I was tired from a long day of diving, hungry and wanting to head down for lunch, and all I had were cute, uncomfortable outfits I would never wear at home.

That’s when I realized. I packed for the best version of myself, but that’s not who was in the room right now.

That’s when I came up with my packing philosophy. If something is going to take up room in my suitcase, if I have to drag it across borders and down cobblestone streets. It had better make me feel good.

Over the years, I have stopped packing:

• too many land clothes
• towels
• full-size toiletries
• duplicate dive gear
• too many shoes

I also stopped bringing “just in case” items that I almost never actually use.

Those items add up very quickly in weight.

Packing for a Liveaboard

If you are headed on a dive-only vacation like a liveaboard or resort, here are some important modifications:

Even Fewer Clothes

You seriously need one outfit, and you’ll wear it to get on and off the boat. For evenings, have a comfy lounge set, romper, sweats, or something else super cozy.

Poncho is a must

I would never do a Liveaboard or resort without my poncho. In between dives, strip down and wear your poncho to meals. This gives you time to dry out (especially important for the ladies).

More Dive Clothes

• 4 swimsuits
• 4 rashguards
• 2-3 tights

Change between the morning afternoon dives into something dry. This way you have 4 sets of clothes, hopefully something is always dry.

Extra Handy Things for Liveaboards

• Waterproof labels, and label everything

Shev’s Summary: Packing Lighter vs. Packing Smarter

I used to think good packing meant fitting as much as possible into my bags. Now I think good packing is about knowing what actually improves your travel experience.

For me, packing smarter means bringing the things that make me comfortable, confident, and excited for the trip ahead.

Dive travel can already be physically exhausting between flights, boats, wet gear, and changing climates. Having a packing system that works for you makes the entire experience so much easier.

And honestly, after years of dive travel, I still don’t pack perfectly every time. But I have definitely learned that lighter bags and simpler systems almost always lead to better trips.