Heading to a dive destination soon? Whether you're all about light, efficient packing or prefer having every possible gadget, both styles have their merits. Here’s a breakdown of the Minimal vs Full Gear approach—plus, curated gear suggestions from Mike’s Dive Store to help you assemble the perfect kit.
1. Why Bring Your Own Gear?
- Comfort & Fit — Familiar gear fits better and feels safer. Rental kit may not match your preferences.
- Safety & Familiarity — Knowing your equipment’s layout helps you respond quickly underwater.
- Cost Effectiveness — Regular travellers might find purchasing gear more economical over time compared to rentals.
2. Minimalist Packing Essentials
If you’re travelling light, the smartest approach is to focus on three key pieces of kit: your mask, computer, and regulator. These items have the most personal fit and safety considerations, and they’re also the ones that can make or break your comfort on a dive.
For masks, fit should always come first. A well-sealed, comfortable mask is worth its weight in gold, and that’s why we often recommend the TUSA Ceos, a reliable option that suits a wide range of face shapes. If space in your bag is at a premium, frameless masks are a brilliant choice as they fold completely flat. Models like the Scubapro Frameless, Hollis M1, or Fourth Element Seeker are all excellent travel-friendly picks that don’t compromise on vision or comfort.
Your dive computer is another piece of gear you’ll be glad you brought along. Not only does it track your dives and safety stops, but choosing a watch-style model also saves you packing an everyday timepiece. The Garmin G2 is a great budget-friendly option here: simple, reliable, and slim enough to wear all day. If you’re after something more advanced, the Garmin Mk3i brings air integration, full smartwatch features and robust design to your wrist, while the Shearwater Teric is a diver’s favourite for its intuitive design and high performance – perfect if you’re not fussed about smartwatch extras. On the more affordable end, the Suunto Ocean blends recreational dive features with smartwatch convenience, all without the bulk of older computer designs.
Finally, your regulator. Rental regs are fine in a pinch, but nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with your own well-maintained system. For travel, the Scubapro Mk11 C370 strikes a nice balance between compactness and reliability. If you want something more high-end, the Scubapro Mk25 S620Ti incorporates titanium elements to cut down weight without losing any performance. And for those who really want to pack light, the AquaLung Mikron remains one of the smallest and lightest regulators on the market – designed with the travelling diver in mind.
And if space allows, we also recommend packing your own SMB and reel. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference to your safety, ensuring you can always signal your position to the surface. Compact options like the Mares Compact SMB & Reel Set take up very little room in your luggage but give you huge peace of mind on every dive.
3. The Full Kit
For some divers, travelling light just isn’t an option – and that’s perfectly valid. If you want the peace of mind of having your own gear for every eventuality, going all in with a full kit is the way to go. Dive equipment packages at Mike’s Dive Store are a brilliant starting point. These pre-assembled sets include essentials like a regulator, BCD, and often other key items, all tested and matched to work seamlessly together. They’re ideal for divers who don’t want to worry about compatibility or forget a critical piece of kit at home. Everything arrives ready to dive, and with modern travel-friendly designs, even a “full kit” can stay relatively compact.
From there, you can build on your setup with accessories of your choice, or go for one of our trusted Hydros BCD accessory sets (available for both men and women) to cover all bases in one go. A wetsuit is another essential — and depending on your destination, you’ll want a different thickness to match the water temperature. If space isn’t your biggest concern, travelling with your own fins is always worth it. They’re one of the most awkwardly shaped items to pack but having a pair that you know fits and performs well makes a huge difference. For added flexibility, modular fins like the Scubapro Seawing Supernovas are a fantastic choice, with interchangeable foot pockets to suit either warm-water barefoot diving or colder-water boot setups.
Beyond the core kit, smaller items can make your trip smoother and safer. Boots, hoods, and accessories tailored to your comfort level are worth packing, and safety gear like an SMB and reel should never be overlooked. And of course, if you’re travelling with a full set of dive gear, a roller bag is an essential. Purpose-built dive bags are designed to handle awkward shapes, protect your equipment, and make it far easier to move through airports and along docks without breaking a sweat.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to packing for a dive trip, there’s no single right answer — it’s all about what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Some divers love the simplicity of travelling with just their core kit, while others enjoy the reassurance of bringing everything they might need. Both approaches work, and both can be made easier with the right choices.
If you lean minimalist, investing in a good mask, dive computer, and regulator will keep your dives safe and enjoyable without overloading your luggage. If you prefer the all-in style, full equipment packages, accessories, and a reliable roller bag mean you’ll never have to compromise on comfort or readiness.
Whichever camp you fall into — or if you sit somewhere in between — Mike’s Dive Store has the gear to match your style of travel. The important part is to choose equipment that you trust, so you can spend less time worrying about your kit and more time enjoying the dives you’ve travelled for.
If you need any help choosing your gear, dont hesitate to reach out to us. You can email us at support@mikesdivestore.com, schedule a video consultation, or drop by our Chiswick store for expert, face-to-face advice.
