9 New Mesh Dive Bags

Even if you already own a dive bag for travel, a mesh bag is a great addition to your dive luggage. Mesh bags take up little to no space when empty and can be easily packed so that when you arrive at your destination you have a separate bag to store your dive gear in. Having a mesh bag makes it easy to get your dive gear to and from the dive boat or dive site. Check out the nine mesh bags below to carry your gear in style.

Mesh Backpacks

Akona Mesh Backpack

This bag’s drawstring top opens wide to accommodate a large amount of gear. Even when packed full, the side zipper offers a convenient way to access items near the bottom of the bag. The bag can be collapsed into a compact disk for travel and storage by turning the bottom compartment inside out. When in use, the bottom compartment, extruded, zippered cargo pocket and interior water-resistant pocket provide plenty of options for packing accessories. The bag features tough construction and rustproof hardware throughout. Backpack straps are padded and comfortable with an adjustable sternum strap.

Tusa Mesh Backpack

This backpack’s unusually long coil zipper is about 4 feet long and runs up from the bottom of the bag and circles the top. This design allows it to open from either end, providing direct access to gear whether it’s buried at the bottom or right at the top. It’s a handy feature, but puts a lot riding on the zipper. The bag is well made with quality materials including not just the zipper but also coated fabric on the back and bottom, and tough rubberized mesh. It has an exterior hook-and-loop pocket and internal zippered pocket for accessories.

Oceanic Mesh Backpack

$59.95; oceanicworldwide.com
2 lb. 3 oz.
13x28

This backpack features a tough, double-stitched polyurethane-coated mesh. It is slightly shorter than some of the other bags here, meaning it can be a tight fit for larger loads. But, the bag’s size makes it easy for smaller divers to carry and is well suited for use as a dayboat bag. The drawstring top and side access zipper make it easy to get gear in and out. Two interior water resistant pockets provide options for accessories. There isn’t an exterior cargo pocket, but there is a water bottle holder to help keep hydrated on the go.

Cressi Roatan

$89.95; cressi.com
3 lb. 2 oz.
16x29

This large-capacity bag is made with a high-density polyester and features a drawstring top and a full-length zipper on the side for easy access to gear. The PVC reinforced bottom has a drain on the bottom so water doesn’t collect in the bag. The front cargo pocket is spacious and semi-water resistant. Large reinforced handles on the top and side make the bag easy to lift and the ergonomic, padded backpack straps‑complete with adjustable sternum strap and weight-distributing waist-strap‑make it easy to haul over long distances.

Mesh Duffels

XS Scuba Mesh Duffle Bag

This bag has a lot of nice features, including a built-in reg bag, removable changing mat and large U-shaped opening. The bag’s soft polyester mesh is uncoated, but the tarpaulin bottom and sides are tough enough to withstand lots of wear and tear. The integrated reg bag uses a Velcro hose retainer and has lots of protective padding, but it also makes the bag a little shorter than most. A pleated pocket on the front features an accessory clip for keys and other small items. The padded shoulder strap, duffle handle and molded top handle are all ergonomic and comfortable.

Hollis Mesh Duffle Bag

This durable duffle provides a great way to air out wet dive gear on the go. The sides and bottoms use a heavy-duty coated fabric, but the bottom features a 4-inch wide panel of coated mesh that provides quick drainage and good ventilation. Its compact dimensions make it a little shorter than some other duffels, but the large U-shaped zipper opens fully, providing excellent access for loading and unpacking gear. The bag has an interior zippered pocket and accessory clip, and features top carry handles, simple-but-rugged nylon handgrips and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Gili Gear Bag Pro

This vinyl mesh bag is made of recycled material. Not only is it environmentally conscious, the mesh is also tough, lightweight and nonabsorbent, so it won’t stay damp and dries instantly. The bag’s seams, wraparound handles (with comfortable neoprene grip), end grips and zippers are strongly stitched for maximum durability and long-lasting performance. The bag is on the larger end of Gili’s line, so it has ample room for gear, but the narrow zipper slightly limits access to the spacious interior. There are no compartments or pockets for accessories‑but you could easily use one of Gili’s smaller mesh pouches to keep loose items together.

Mesh Rollers

Tusa Mesh Roller Bag

This durable bag is constructed out of tough rubber-coated mesh. The U-shaped zipper runs the entire length of the bag, making it very easy to get gear in and out of the large compartment. The front panel has zippered compartment that is shallow, but very wide and there is a small pouch on the inside of the bag for small accessories. The bag pulls along well thanks to an ergonomic handle and big wheels. When rolling isn’t practical, solid carrying handles and a comfortable adjustable shoulder strap make the bag easy to carry.

  ### XS Scuba Coastal Roller Bag $110; xsscuba.com 4 lb. 8 oz. 13x15x30

Built of lightweight polyester mesh with thick tarpaulin reinforcement, this bag can fold up to almost nothing for easy storage and travel. The uncoated mesh doesn’t have much structure, which allows the bag to really bulk up when stuffed to capacity. The U-shaped opening provides generous access for large items while a heavy-duty top handle, modular replaceable wheels and carrying handles make for easy transport. The bag also sports rings on either end to add a shoulder strap and a pleated exterior pocket with built-in accessory clip.