There’s something special about hitting the road with nothing but a backpack, never knowing exactly where you’ll end up next. Add scuba diving into the mix, and you’ve got the perfect adventure combo – but also a small challenge: how do you balance travelling light with wanting to dive comfortably and safely?
The trick isn’t dragging your whole dive shop around with you (nobody wants to haul a BCD on a night bus). It’s choosing a few clever essentials, renting the heavy stuff, and packing smart so you can say yes to a dive whenever the opportunity comes up.
The Essentials Worth Packing
If you only bring one bit of dive gear, make it your own mask. Rental masks are hit-and-miss, and nothing ruins a dive faster than spending an hour clearing leaks. Frameless masks are perfect for backpackers because they fold almost flat, sliding neatly between clothes in your pack. Pair it with a basic but soft silicone snorkel that rolls up tiny like this Scubapro Apnea Snorkel or Cressi Corsica, and suddenly you’ve got the freedom to jump in for a snorkel session whenever you’re near the ocean – no dive centre needed.
Another backpacker favourite is a dive computer you can wear every day. Instead of carrying both a chunky dive computer and a smartwatch, go for an all-in-one. Models like the Suunto Ocean, Garmin Descent G2 (for more budget option) or Mk3i (if you can splurge a bit on that top-of-the-line watch) track your dives, log your hikes, count your steps, and look sleek enough to wear to a bar. One watch, less clutter, and peace of mind knowing your dives are properly tracked.
When it comes to exposure protection, think versatile. If you’re sticking to warmer waters, a rash guard with leggings or boardies can often replace a wetsuit. They pack tiny, protect you from sunburn and stings, and you’ll end up wearing them for kayaking, surfing, or just lazing on the beach anyway. Pair them with lightweight reef shoes like the Fourth Element Rock Hoppers and you’re sorted for rocky shore entries, hostel showers, and waterfall scrambles alike.
For those who plan to dive a lot, a compact regulator can be worth the space. It’s lighter than a standard reg set, and you know it’s properly maintained. But if diving is more of an occasional add-on, renting locally is usually the better option.
And then there are the little travel staples that make life on the road so much easier. A lightweight foldable dry bag is one of those items you’ll end up using every day – it packs down small in your rucksack, then opens up to keep your gear safe on boat rides, beach days, or even sudden tropical downpours. A tube of reef-safe sunscreen is another essential, protecting your skin while making sure the reefs you’re visiting stay healthy for the next travellers. And of course, for those who want to capture it all, a GoPro HERO13 or similar action camera is hard to beat. Small and tough enough to throw in your daypack, it handles everything from diving and snorkelling to jungle hikes and sunset parties. 👉 Check them out at Mike’s Dive Cameras.
Smarter Travel, Better Diving
Gear is only half the story. Backpacking and diving blend best when you travel smart:
- Check your insurance. Make sure it actually covers scuba diving – and that the depth limit matches your plans.
- Find affordable dive shops. Ask in hostels, chat to locals, or check traveller forums – sometimes the best deals are word-of-mouth.
- Buddy up. If you meet other divers on the road, team up. Dive centres often offer group discounts, and you might make a new travel friend along the way.
- Rent the heavy/bulky kit. Save your back and your baggage allowance. Almost every dive destination has the rentals ready to go.
The Freedom of Travelling Light
At the end of the day, backpacking and diving are about the same thing: freedom. The freedom to change plans on a whim, to dive a reef you didn’t even know existed yesterday, to say yes to that sunrise hike even if you were underwater the day before.
By packing light and choosing just a handful of smart essentials – your own mask and snorkel, a multi-use dive computer, a rash guard, and maybe a GoPro – you’ll be ready for whatever adventure comes your way, on land or underwater.
