If you’re anything like the typical Oceanic diver, then travel is something that’s deeply intertwined with your underwater pursuits. Once-exotic destinations become bucket-list targets and your dive log and passport—over the course of years—become best friends.
From the Red Sea to Rai Ley, puddle jumper to long haul, chasing your dive habit across the planet can be a great way to spend a vacation or holiday—on adventure.
Early on in one’s diving career, renting can extend your reach, budget and options while on dive holiday. But as you acquire more gear, the idea of traveling to a world-class destination without your best equipment becomes a foolish option.
The answer? Bring your own. If you’re at a phase in your diving where you’re debating whether to take the plunge into owning your own kit, you’re not alone. Below are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to bring your own gear on dive holiday.
1) Fit and Comfort
Having a comfortable BC, mask or fins can mean the difference between two dives and 20. If you’re only planning on doing a couple dives during your next trip, an uncomfortable rental setup can and will suffice. Albeit, you may be gritting your teeth (on your regulator) throughout the experience.
You can try to make do with rental equipment temporarily, and if you’re backpacking the world for six months, definitely stick with the rental gear. But if your next big trip or holiday is going to be spent mostly diving—definitely bring your own kit for the sake sustained comfort and enjoyment. Generally speaking, the more dives you’ll be taking, the more you should consider packing your own gear.
2) Knowledge of use
Every year, dive gear gets more and more specialized and designs are changing constantly. While some consistencies carry over, it’s much better to know exactly how to use the equipment you’re diving with than be “kinda sure.”
Avoid being caught flatfinned by unfamiliar rental equipment and bring your own kit on your next dive trip.
3) Maintenance
Having a safe, trustworthy, reliable dive kit is mandatory. Although most dive outfits take good care of their equipment, some outfitters and dive schools do mess up from time to time.
Bringing your own gear on holiday allows you to avoid the outfitter’s stuff entirely. Assuming you know how to responsibly maintain your kit, you’ll be more confident knowing the history of your gear’s upkeep.
Again, 98% of the time, a dive shop’s equipment is fine. But to truly avoid the uncertainty, you’re better off packing your own.
4) You know you look good
Aesthetics are certainly the least important factor in this conversation. That said, it’s always nice to know that you’re not completely derping it up out there on the reef. Having your own kit allows you to not only improve the appearance, but also to streamline and modify before, during and after your travel.