zeagle travel bcd

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• Diving Gear
• Buoyancy Compensators (BC's) & Weight Systems

Zeagle Covert Review - Zeagle 3.9 lb travel BCD

• Thread starter salth2owannabe
• Start date Jan 16, 2014

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salth2owannabe

Contributor.

• Jan 16, 2014

Before Christmas I was looking for a travel BCD and the Zeagle Covert caught my attention but I couldn't find a lot of information out there from folks that had used it. I said in a previous post that if I ended up getting the Covert I'd leave a review after having a chance to use it. Well, here it is: Just returning from a trip to Belize (I haven't unpacked it yet) here are my thoughts- Pros.- -Packs very nice, lays flat in luggage, and at 3.9 lbs probably one of the lightest travel BCD's out there. -Having 2 tank straps was one of my requirements. The top strap is a velcro band and the bottom has a cam strap. The tank never slipped and felt very solid. -Back inflate, if you like that, makes for a comfortable BCD and less material. I was able to drop my weight needed by 2 lbs over my cold water vest style BCD I have used in the past. -As a back inflate some mention being uncomfortable on the surface with a "head down" position. I tried inflating the Covert at various levels on the surface and never felt like I was being tipped forward. -The BCD is weight integrated (another one of my requirements), but see below. -The Covert is very solidly built and is a heavy duty BCD, which is nice for a BCD that weighs 3.9 lbs. -Very comfortable. Cons- -The Covert doesn't have any pockets for accessories. I added a small Zeagle BCD pocket on the waist strap, but this seemed to get in the way when putting on the BCD. A small pocket incorporated in the vest would have been nice for a small flashlight, etc. -The weight integrated pockets are very small and would work great for soft weights. The hard belt weights that most resorts have fit a little poorly. I could fit 6 lbs per side, but going up to 7 lbs per side stretched the pockets a bit. -The Covert has limited plastic D-rings for hanging octo and computer, and accessories. I added 2 rings low in the BCD for hanging my octo and Computer retractor and they worked great. They look factory, and it would be nice if Zeagle added them. -The Covert seemed to be a little finicky on tank location. A little low and I felt like I was rear heavy and not as able to have a horizontal body position in the water. A little high and it leveled out but I would hit my head on the 1st stage occasionally. Get it just right and it was wonderful. Overall - Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, requirements, etc., and it's hard to find a BCD that meets every personal need. I went with a two BCD option, one for cold water and one dedicated to travel. I wanted a travel BCD that was light, packed well, durable, weight integrated and had two tank straps. The Covert fits this nicely and I'm very happy overall with my purchase.  

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• 7 Best Travel BCDs in 2023 (By a Dive Professional)

The best travel BCDs come in all sorts of makes and models – but which is right for you?

Best Travel BCDs in 2023

Are you a scuba diver looking for the best travel BCDs? As a scuba diver, you want to explore the world and see amazing reefs and wrecks. But traveling with bulky and heavy scuba gear can be expensive due to exorbitant airline fees.

You don’t want your dive trips restricted by what you can carry in your luggage or how much it costs. You need something lightweight and compact that won’t break the bank.

That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the top 7 travel BCDs from leading brands to help make your next dive trip more accessible and enjoyable. Each BCD is lightweight and compact , so you don’t have to worry about paying excessive airline fees. Our guide will explain each product in simple terms, so you can easily decide which is best without all the confusing jargon.

I work as a Captain and dive professional in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands , so I know a thing or two about travel BCDs! Nearly all of my guests are using one!

Check out our 7 Best Travel BCDS now and find the perfect fit for your next dive adventure!

Best BCDs for Traveling: Table of Contents

Best travel bcds: quick answer chart, best travel bcd for women, lift capacity, what is the lightest bcd for diving, reviewing the best scuba bcds for travel, best overall travel bcd, scubapro hydros pro.

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• Built to be highly customizable – add pouches, weight pockets, and even change colors of different parts of the BCD.
• The Monprene technology used for the shoulder straps is extremely moldable to your physique – far superior to other BCDs.
• Fabric is designed as “Instant Dry,” meaning less water retention, so it can be easily stowed into your travel bags with no unnecessary added weight.
• It packs away into a compact and lightweight backpack , making traveling with the Hydros Pro simple. Paired with other proper travel scuba gear , you won’t need any additional baggage.

The Hydros Pro is the crown jewel of BCDs for Scubapro – combining their top-of-the-line technology with the style, fit, and comfort that Scubapro BCDs are typically known for. The engineers designing this BCD had customization and unique comfort in mind while implementing the Monprene technology.

What is the Monprene technology, you ask ? Essentially, it’s a durable yet flexible thermoplastic used in products for extra cushioning, soft grip, and protection. The shoulder straps, waistband, and more are made of the material, making for a customizable and comfortable BCD.

When you purchase the Hydros Pro, it includes a handy backpack that’s perfect for dive travel. The BCD fits tightly while providing space for a travel regulator, fins, and mask – making it our top pick for best travel BCDs.

• The BCD fits most body types comfortably.
• Extremely customizable.
• Integrated weight pockets are included (which many travel BCDs lack).
• Easy to pack neatly and tightly for your trip.
• No weight belt is necessary.
• One of the most expensive BCDs on the market.
• The BCD lacks storage pockets found on jacket-style BCDs.

Most Compact Travel BCD

Cressi travelight bcd.

• Lightweight version of Cressi’s traditional jacket-style BCD.
• The BCD includes a small carry bag that’s perfect for travel.
• The BCD folds and compresses tightly, making it the most compact travel BCD on our list.
• Cressi Travelight is one of the only jacket-style Travel BCDs.

Cressi’s Travelight BCD is an excellent choice for both men and women seeking a quality jacket-style travel BCD. With both men’s and women’s models, the compact design and small travel bag make it our top choice for fitting efficiently into your luggage.

Cressi doesn’t cut back on many features you’ve come to love in a jacket-style BCD. The BCD features plenty of D-Rings, zipper pockets, an integrated weights system, and trim pockets for extra weight.

The lift of the BCD is no joke, either, with a staggering range of 13.5 to 36 lbs – making it an ideal selection for those requiring a little extra weight while diving.

• Various sizes and fits for both men and women.
• Most compact travel BCD on the market.
• Lightweight BCD weighing a mere 5 to 6.2 lbs.
• One of the only jacket-style travel BCDs.
• Middle-of-the-road pricing for a travel BCD.
• Lacks customizable features like other travel BCDs.

Lightest Travel BCD

Aqualung rogue.

• One of the most lightweight BCDs on the market at a total of 4.4 lbs for smaller sizes and 4.75 lbs for more oversized fits.
• Packable into carry-on luggage as the BCD can be rolled up like a sleeping bag.
• BCD doesn’t skimp out on necessary features you’ve become accustomed to on your BCDs, like removable weight pockets.
• Utilizes Aqua Lung’s SureLock II weight integration system (the best-integrated weight pockets in the game).

Aqua Lung’s brand of travel BCD (after they discontinued the Zuma) makes our list because of its absurdly lightweight design. At only 4.4 lbs, you can easily pack this into a suitcase or carry-on bag. It rolls up like a sleeping bag making your travel packing even more effortless.

Despite its lack of weight, the Rogue doesn’t skimp out on any other features you’d expect out of a functional BCD. Multiple dump valves? Check. SureLock weight-integrated pockets? Check. Multiple D-rings? Knife attachment point? Check and check.

And it’s a great price compared to other travel BCDs – making it one of the more budget-friendly BCDs on our list.

• An excellent price point for one of the most budget-friendly BCDs for travel.
• Super compact – easy to pack and store.
• The lightest travel BCD we could find at 4.4 lbs.
• Lacks the customization features of other travel BCDs.
• It lacks the rigid backplate you’d want on a back-inflate BCD.

Best Travel BCD for Beginners

Scubapro go.

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• 6 Aluminum D-Rings to cut down on weight.
• Includes a foldable Airnet backpack – a soft and lightweight travel bag without rigid elements.
• Jacket BCD provides ample lift.
• Easily folded and secured with a buckle inside the included travel bag.

A notch down from ScubaPro’s Hydros Pro is the ScubaPro GO – a more affordable option for ScubaPro gear junkies and newbie divers. We like the ScubaPro Go as our top travel BCD for beginners because of its lightweight, packable design without slacking on all the features new divers are familiar with.

For beginners, it’s difficult to adjust and adapt to entirely different style BCDs after becoming certified – you’re likely not that comfortable in the water yet. The ScubaPro GO doesn’t skimp on any of these features – it’ll feel almost identical to the BCD you got certified in.

Additionally, the price point is suitable for new divers. Not too expensive like the Hydros Pro, yet not too cheap where you’re cutting out necessary features on your BCD.

• Travel-style features without cutting down on critical BCD specs.
• Folds into a handy travel bag.
• Jacket-style BCD with ample amount of lift.
• Not the most lightweight travel BCD coming in at nearly 5 lbs.
• More expensive compared to other travel BCDs.
• No trim weight pockets.

Most Comfortable Travel BCD

Zeagle scout.

• Exceptional value for divers on a budget.
• Low profile single bladder scuba BCD.
• Lightweight and compact design for easy travel.
• Adjustable torso, waist, and sternum straps for a comfortable fit.
• Four stainless steel D-rings for added convenience.

The Zeagle Scout BCD is an exceptional choice for those seeking a lightweight, compact, and extremely comfortable option that won’t break the bank. This low-profile single-air bladder BC has four stainless steel d-rings, providing superior value and convenience.

With an adjustable sternum strap, quick-release shoulder buckles, and two large zippered pockets, the Zeagle Scout is among recreational divers’ most comfortable and practical BCDs. It’s our top pick for extreme comfort in lightweight travel BCDs.

Whether planning a dive trip or upgrading your gear, the Zeagle Scout BCD is ideal for diving enthusiasts. Its unbeatable features and affordability make it easy to see why this product is among the best on the market!

• Zeagle’s lightest and most compact BCD for recreational and advanced divers.
• Extremely comfortable fit with easily adjustable straps – a great addition to your scuba diving equipment.
• Solid BCD for recreational diving.
• Four stainless steel D-rings for seamless attachment.
• Not everywhere services Zeagle equipment, so finding parts and technicians to repair it may be difficult, depending on your location.
• Slightly heavier BCD at 6.7 lbs dry weight.
• Lacks integrated weights.

Most Unique Travel BCD

Oceanic jetpack bcd.

• True hybrid BCD as the device turns into a convenient travel backpack.
• Most unique travel BCD available on the market.
• One size fits all dive BCD with adjustable shoulder straps, adjustable chest strap, and integrated weight pockets to accommodate how much weight you use.

This innovative product offers all the convenience of a traditional BCD, with the added benefit of accommodating most travel dive gear in its semi-dry bag. The travel bag features water-resistant zippers, so you can take your gear on any adventure without worrying about it getting wet or damaged.

With the Oceanic Jetpack, you’ll get an effortless combination of performance and style – perfect for any diver’s needs. And with its one size fits all solution, the Oceanic Jetpack will surely be the properly sized BCD for most divers.

• The best solution for airline carry-on and transport.
• Integrated weights despite the extremely compact style.
• Easily transport your dive gear with the semi-dry bag.
• Enjoy a combination of performance and style.
• Despite the one size fits all solution, I’m sure some sizes DO NOT fit no matter how hard they try to squeeze in.

Oceanic Biolite

• An extremely light dry weight of 5.5 lbs.
• The Oceanic Biolite BCD is the ultimate travel BCD for women divers .
• Back-Inflate Style BCD with integrated weights and plastic D-rings.

The Oceanic Biolite BCD is a revolutionary product for women seeking ultimate travel convenience. This back-inflate style BCD weighs in at an incredibly light 5.5 lbs and offers superior comfort, support, and stability underwater.

With its adjustable straps and harness system, this BCD provides a secure fit that won’t weigh you down or restrict your movement during dives. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started, the Oceanic Biolite BCD is the perfect choice for any female adventure seeker!

• Easy to fold in half for travel luggage.
• The Biolite is extremely form-fitting, making it the best travel BCD for women
• Lightweight and compact making it an ideal selection for traveling.
• Enjoy the freedom of movement during dives without feeling weighed down
• Lacks the handy hybrid travel bag the Oceanic Jetpack features for traveling divers.

Why Purchase a Travel BCD for Scuba Diving?

• Enjoy an unforgettable dive experience with the perfect travel BCD.
• Save money on airline fees by packing light.
• Feel confident knowing you have the best gear to explore amazing reefs and wrecks.
• Adjustable straps and harness system for a secure fit while underwater.
• Lightweight design allows easy transport of dive equipment.
• Easily pack away your bulkiest piece of scuba gear, excluding your scuba tank!

Tips for Purchasing a Travel BCD

What style of bcd is best for travel jacket or back-inflate.

Scuba divers have two main options for BCDs and traveling: jacket style or back-inflate. While both types offer the same primary function of buoyancy control, several vital differences make one preferable depending on individual needs and preferences.

Jacket-Style BCDs

Jacket-style BCDs are the most widely used type of BCD. They fit snugly around the torso and upper arms like a vest, with shoulder straps to secure it in place. Most jacket-style BCDs feature an integrated weight system and are generally easier to don and doff than back-inflate BCDs. Regarding travel, jacket-style are bulkier and heavier, making them the least likely pick as a travel BCD.

Back-Inflate BCDs

Back-inflate BCDs offer a slightly different approach to buoyancy control. These BCDs use a single air cell vertically oriented around the back, allowing for more significant lift than jacket-style BCDs. Back-inflate BCDs do not have an integrated weight system and require additional weight pockets to secure weights in place.

Ultimately, the choice between jacket style and back-inflate BCDs for travel comes from individual needs and preferences. Both offer the same essential function of buoyancy control but offer different advantages and disadvantages. I recommend going with a back-inflate BCD for ultimate compact and lightweight designs.

Knowing Your Dry Weight

Dry weight is a term used to describe the weight of a piece of scuba diving gear when it is not filled with air or water. This term is often used to compare the difference between the dry weight of a product and its wet weight when it is filled with air or water, as this can be a significant difference.

It’s essential to know the difference between a product’s dry and wet weight so you can be sure your gear won’t be too heavy to transport safely. This information will also help you plan and prepare for dive trips and ensure your gear meets all safety requirements.

Ensuring Proper Fit in a Travel BCD

Fit is essential in using a travel BCD for scuba diving because it ensures the BCD will work adequately, fit comfortably and provide proper buoyancy. An ill-fitting BCD can be uncomfortable or even dangerous if it doesn’t offer proper flotation or if the straps rub against your body, preventing you from making easy adjustments when needed.

Understanding Your Weight System

A weight system in a travel BCD is an integrated or removable pocket that allows you to add weights to your BCD for added buoyancy control. This helps divers maintain neutral buoyancy underwater, allowing them to stay at the same depth without constantly adjusting their air supply.

Some travel BCDs don’t feature a weight system and require an additional weight belt and weights. These types of BCDs are favored since they ultimately cut down on the dry weight of the BCD. Overall, a weight system in a travel BCD is an essential feature that helps divers maintain neutral buoyancy underwater, save air and make diving more comfortable.

Lift capacity measures how much lift a BCD can provide underwater. The amount of air in your BCD pushes against the water pressure, allowing you to stay afloat or control your descent and ascent rate. The total lift capacity will vary depending on the type and size of your BCD and its buoyancy adjustment mechanisms, such as valves and inflator hoses.

FAQ: Travel BCDs

What is a travel bcd.

A BCD is a buoyancy compensator device used in scuba diving to control buoyancy underwater. Travel BCDs tend to reduce non-essential features to minimize dry weight and space, making transport to and from a dive destination easy and effortless.

The Cressi Travelight BCD is the lightest BCD for scuba diving at a minimal dry weight of 4.4 lbs.

Best Travel BCDs: Debrief

Traveling scuba divers are always looking for the best possible gear to help them explore the underwater world without compromising comfort and convenience. Our list above offers unbeatable features that make it easy to see why they’re among the top travel BCDs available today.

With features like adjustable straps, lightweight designs, compact storage, semi-dry bags, water-resistant zippers, and more – you can feel confident knowing that your dive equipment is in good hands when traveling with any of these products!

Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started, investing in a quality BCD for traveling should be at the top of your dive gear to-do list!

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Check out our scuba adventures on youtube .

Read More About Scuba Diving!

We hope you enjoyed our post on the best travel BCDs for scuba divers. Hopefully, you’ll find it useful on your next adventure! Here are a few more ocean-loving articles we think you should read next:

• 13 Unforgettable Adventures to Experience in Puerto Rico

Exploring an Underwater Cliff: Scuba Diving the Wall in La Parguera, Puerto Rico

• Honeymoon Pt. 6 – Scuba Diving in La Parguera
• A Scuba Diver’s Guide to Tipping (How to Tip Your Dive Crew Accordingly)

Which style of travel BCD do you like? Do you know of any that we missed? Please let us know in the comments below! Happy diving!

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Best Travel BCDs of 2024

Are you ready to explore the planet’s most exciting dive sites? If your plans include dive travel, you’ll need to prepare for your upcoming adventures by buying the right gear. While most divers purchase their regulator, mask, and fins first; travel enthusiasts should consider buying a BCD (buoyancy control device) sooner rather than later. The best travel BCDs are lightweight and portable, yet strong and stable enough to keep you feeling comfortable in the water. But which design is best for you? Keep reading to learn about our favorite models on the market, and all the features and considerations you should keep in mind while shopping.

For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the Best Scuba BCDs . 

Quick Answer - The Best Travel BCDs

• Zeagle Scout View at Amazon
• Dive Rite Travel-Pac View at Amazon
• Oceanic BioLite View at Amazon
• ScubaPro GO View at Amazon
• Oceanic Jetpack View at Amazon

Comparison Table - Best Travel BCD

Reviews - the best bcds for travel, zeagle scout.

• Lift Capacity : 24 lbs
• Style : Back Inflate
• Dry Weight : 6.7 lbs
• Mounting Grommets (for storing accessories outside your BCD)
• Easy Clean Bladder (easy access to rinse the BCDs internal bladder)
• Traditional Weight System (no integrated pockets)

BEST FOR: EXTRA COMFORT

If you’re looking for a travel BCD that doesn’t cut corners on comfort, the Zeagle Scout is a top pick. This back inflating system wraps snugly around your shoulders and hips, reducing unwanted movement underwater. Plus, its padded and flexible backplate won’t dig into your back and sides, even on the surface. The Zeagle Scout features a traditional (non-integrated) weight system plus a few extra pockets for trim and accessories, reducing its dry weight and making it an easy-to-pack option.

Dive Rite Travel-Pac

• Lift Capacity : 25 lbs
• Dry Weight : 5.2 lbs
• Adjustable Height (waist and chest straps that slide up and down to fit all heights)
• Easy Clean Bladder (easy access to rinse the BCD’s internal bladder)

BEST FOR: EXPERIENCED DIVERS

Most back inflating systems fit like a jacket, despite the placement of their air bladders. But, the Dive Rite Travel-Pac is an entirely different design. This BCD features a metal backplate and wing, plus a fully adjustable diving harness made from flexible webbing. This model’s straps adjust to your exact body size and are held in place by a crotch strap (an additional piece of webbing that keeps your equipment from riding up). This BCD is ideal for diving in caverns, caves, wrecks, and other overhead environments. Plus, it’s one of the most lightweight models on the market.

Oceanic BioLite

• Lift Capacity : 32 - 38 lbs
• Dry Weight : 5.5 lbs
• Trim Pockets
• No Backplate (completely flexible design)

BEST FOR: TROPICAL TRAVEL

Whether you dive in warm or cold water, the Oceanic Biolite is a great choice for drive travel. This back inflating model features everything you need and nothing you don’t, so it’s one of the lightest options available. Because it was designed without a backplate or plastic trays in its weight system, it’s flexible enough to roll up and shove in your gear bag. While this design doesn’t feature much internal storage, tropical divers will find all the space they need for accessories on its metal D-rings.

ScubaPro GO

• Lift Capacity : 22 - 42 lbs
• Style : Jacket
• Dry Weight : 6 lbs
• Travel Bag Included
• Utility Pockets (for storing accessories inside your BCD)

BEST FOR: BEGINNERS

Are you recently certified or planning your very first dive vacation? The ScubaPro Go is an excellent entry-level choice, perfect for globetrotters. This traditionally designed jacket is stable and comfortable thanks to its wraparound sides and adjustable swiveling straps. Plus, it offers plenty of storage and a unique buckled-in weight system that requires no plastic trays or handles. Best of all, this BCD weighs in at only 6 lbs, and the flexible backplate folds neatly for packing in its provided travel bag.

Oceanic Jetpack

• Lift Capacity : 30 lbs
• Dry Weight : 6.3 lbs

BEST FOR: BACKPACKERS

The Oceanic Jetpack was designed for divers on the go. This BCD doesn’t just store in a travel bag; it actually becomes the travel bag. In the water, this back inflating system offers stable wraparound support and a highly adjustable system of straps. Plus, it provides enough lift for divers in cool climates. After diving, a few quick folds transform the Jetpack into a zippered carry-on gear bag with plenty of room for your entire kit. The bag’s exterior features a semi-dry seal, perfect for keeping wet items separate from the rest of your luggage.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A TRAVEL BCD

No matter what type of gear you’re shopping for, fit is the most important consideration . Travel BCDs are more lightweight and flexible than their traditional counterparts, so they are more prone to moving around on your shoulders underwater and riding up while on the surface.

You should try your BCD on before buying it if possible to ensure a good fit. A full BCD that fits properly will wrap snugly around your body without pinching or squeezing. When emptied, it should not rotate or slide around on your shoulders or waist. Choose a model with room for adjustment in all of its clips and straps, just in case you put on a couple of pounds in between dive holidays.

The two most common BCD designs are back flotation (also referred to as back inflate ) and jacket.

Back flotation BCDs are less popular, except when it comes to dive travel. These styles are much more compact and easy to pack, thanks to their easy-to-roll-up bladders and flexible backplates. This makes them an obvious choice for jet setters. Many experienced divers prefer back flotation BCDs because they are less restrictive than their bulky counterparts, making them more comfortable and “free” feeling. These styles promote perfect trim and streamlining underwater, thanks to their form-fitting designs. So, they are ideal for divers who are interested in exploring overhead environments like shipwrecks and caves.

Jacket style BCDs fit snugly around the shoulders and chest, just like a jacket. These are the most common models available and considered the “traditional” design by old-school SCUBA divers. Most dive centers train their students using this type of buoyancy device because they are stable, supportive, and easy to control. Jacket styles are easy to don and doff because they slide over the shoulders like a winter coat, making them a popular choice for rental equipment.

If you plan to dive in rough conditions, keep in mind that a jacket style BCD will be more comfortable on the surface. This design pushes your head and shoulders well above water, whereas some back inflating models actually rotate your body forward, pushing your face closer to the water’s surface.

A BCD’s lift describes how much weight it can compensate for. Because most divers prefer to visit warm water destinations, lift is not a major focus when it comes to travel BCDs. But, if you’re planning to dive with a lot of lead or in colder waters, you’ll need to offset the weight. A BCD with too little lift will let your face and shoulders dip close to the water when you’re on the surface, causing distress during long swims or while waiting for the boat. Too little lift can also cause issues underwater because you become less and less buoyant as you descend. This is especially noticeable for divers who use a large amount of weight. When in doubt, choose a BCD with more lift than you think you’ll need.

WEIGHT SYSTEM

These days, most BCDs include an integrated weight system. Some utilize plastic trays with locking handles to hold your lead in place, while others use buckles or zippers with “quick release” mechanisms. No matter what type of weight integration you choose, be sure to select a system that is easy to release at depth.

The most lightweight BCDs on the market typically don’t include weight integration. The trays and clips required aren’t easy to fold or roll. And, they add weight to your gear bag. Consider a traditional system that uses a weight belt if you are trying to travel with as little weight as possible.

DIVE ENVIRONMENT

Most divers prefer to vacation in calm destinations with warm, tropical water. But that isn’t always the case. When shopping for a travel BCD, keep all the diving environments you want to explore in mind.

If you’re expecting cold water or rough surface conditions, you’ll want a little bit of extra lift. Technical diving and overhead environments (any enclosed space underwater) may require the use of a back inflating system. If your travel plans include challenging environments, choose a BCD that is strong, and stable, and offers plenty of versatility.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

Adjustable height.

If you’ve ever experienced dive gear that rides up on the surface, you know it isn’t any fun. But, this uncomfortable situation is easy to prevent. Some BCDs are designed with moving chest and waist straps that allow a custom fit for divers of all heights. This feature will keep your kit’s center of gravity low, and help your tank “stick” to your back instead of bobbing around on the surface. This feature is especially valuable for petite divers, women, and kids.

UTILITY POCKETS

Utility pockets make it easy to carry accessories like a torch, dive knife, and SMB (surface marker buoy). These internal storage pouches close with Velcro or a zipper, sometimes expanding or rolling out for extra space. While most travel BCDs are designed with very little storage, at least one closing pocket is vital for carrying those odds and ends.

TRIM POCKETS

Trim pockets evenly distribute your dive weights and help you maintain proper body positioning both above and below water. Typically, these are not “quick release”, so they only hold a few pounds while the majority of your weight is stored in integrated pockets or on a belt. Most trim pockets are on the back of your BCD, near the tank.

MOUNTING GROMMETS

If your BCD doesn’t include much internal storage, you’ll want a few mounting grommets for attaching accessories. These reinforced points allow dive knives , lights, and other tools to stow securely on the outside of your gear.

EASY CLEAN BLADDER

Caring for your BCD will extend its life, and removing all traces of salt is the most critical part of the cleaning process. Some styles have a port on the air bladder that attaches directly to a garden hose for super easy interior cleaning. An easy-to-open port also provides air circulation and speeds the drying process.

NO BACKPLATE

Most travel BCDs use a flexible backplate or none at all. This allows your gear to roll or fold into a much smaller space, ideal for cramming everything into an equipment bag. While styles with a plastic backplate and carrying handle might be best for everyday use, they are a bit bulky for packing.

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10 Best Travel BCDs in 2023

Last Updated December 30, 2022 By Scott Maldonado

The explosion of scuba diving and a tendency to travel overseas for diving makes the need to own the best travel BCDs increase dramatically.

These items require minimalist design, lighter materials, more flexible backplate but must include enough vital features to ensure divers safety. Therefore, purchasing an ideal travel BCD is considered one of the most headache problems for a novice diver.

That’s the reason why I wrote this article. It contains all of the most relevant information and considerations you should keep in mind while shopping.

Please keep reading to learn about my list of the top 10 best travel BCDs. They are the most popular and fashionable models on the market currently.

Table of Contents

My Top Picks

Comparison chart, 1. cressi travelight, 2. zeagle covert, 3. scubapro go, 4. oceanic biolite, 5. oceanic jetpack, 6. zeagle scout, 7. hollis lts light travel system, 8. scubapro litehawk, 9. dive rite travelpac, 10. mares pure sls, 3. lift capacity, 4. weight system, 5. dive environment, travel bcd vs. regular bcd, frequently asked questions (faqs), final thoughts.

You can either reach out to a local store or an online website to get a travel BCD. However, in case you have not aimed for an optimal and suitable model in advance, it is easy for you to be confused by thousands of items on the market now.

Therefore, I have highlighted remarkable features of the top 10 best travel BCDs, helping you be conscious of which is your truly suitable equipment.

• Best Overall: Cressi Travelight “Lock-Aid Integrated Weight System 2.0, FAST system, alloy D-rings, Cressi Inflator Flat, dual air filtration system.”
• Best Budget: Zeagle Covert “Side release buckles, travel-friendly design, double bladder construction, Delrin D-ring mounting platform.”
• Best for Beginners: ScubaPro Go “Single air bladder, foldable Airnet backpack, quick-release mechanism, power Inflator included.”
• Best for Women: Oceanic Biolite “Low-profile backplate, four sizes, patented Bioflex material, a safety whistle, remove your movement restrictions.”
• Best With Integrated Weights: Oceanic Jetpack “One size fits all, adjustable harness, cummerbund, and lumbar, ergonomic design, perfect for long-day trips.”
• Best Value for the Money: Zeagle Scout “Inflator, hose, and RE valve included, two zippered utility pockets, lots of attachment points, use the first-rate material.”
• Best for Instructors: Hollis LTS Light Travel System “Non-modular design, D-rings on the chest and hip belts, the best choice for tropical water divers, remove weight restriction problems when traveling.”
• Best Comfortable: Scubapro Litehawk “3-dump deflation system, compression straps, Balanced Power Inflator, offers excellent buoyancy control.”
• Best Lightweight: Dive Rite TravelPac “A chest, camera and crotch strap, narrower side plates, two bent chest D-rings, suitable for recreational divers.”

What’s the point if you waste a bunch of time and money on an ineffective model? That’s why you need a comprehensive comparison table of fundamental criteria to evaluate multiple items at once.

So, I have collected key functions that the best travel BCDs should have and introduce them here for your convenience.

The 10 Best Travel BCDs Reviews

Now you may have grabbed a few critical features of the best travel BCDs after reading the two sections above. But it is just a quick and brief glance, which cannot help you avoid buying your gear with the wrong intention.

Thus, I highly recommend you read this thorough review about the pros and cons of each model for understanding to the utmost extent.

Possessing all the cool features that a travel BCD can bring, the Cressi Travelight deserves its title best overall, without a doubt.

Being inspired by the Cressi Flex BCD, its design combines the traditional jacket style with considerable buoyancy, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

In addition, a built-in FAST system makes the Cressi Travelight structure bendable, allowing it to be folded down effortlessly. Thanks to that, the BCD looks more lightweight and compact to bring for your travel.

Travel BCDs are often thought to remove some pockets and D-rings for making them lighter and more suitable for dive traveling. However, this does not happen with the Cressi Travelight.

The BCD even offers divers up to eight D-rings for attaching personal accessories as well as two massive zippered pouches. Moreover, it provides you with various color options, enabling you to own a stylish item and reflect your personality.

Key Features:

• Lock-Aid Integrated Weight System 2.0
• FAST system
• Two zippered utility pockets
• Padded backplate
• Waist-length shape and larger wings
• Cressi Inflator Flat
• A dual air filtration system
• Alloy D-rings
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Ultra-light travel BCD
• Easy to pack and put in the suitcase
• The air filtration system helps to prevent the valve from being damaged by sand particles
• Comes with a huge carrying capacity thanks to plenty of pockets
• Simple to attach accessories with alloy D-rings
• The jacket style makes it comfortable to wear
• The quick-release mechanism provides you with extra safety
• Not being a perfect choice for advanced divers.

Product Specifications:

Watch this video of the Cressi Travelight BCD and see if it will be part of your dive gear on your next beach holiday.

With this unbelievable price point, I make sure that the Zeagle Covert BCD will be a bargain for you because its fabulous functions and premium quality won’t let you down. Besides, it also can be your ideal companion during your dive expeditions due to the travel-friendly design.

The most remarkable feature of the Zeagle Covert is bringing you ultimate comfort. It includes fully padded shoulder straps to reduce your fatigue underwater.

Additionally, an adjustable waist is another great benefit. This function helps to create a perfect fit no matter your wetsuits .

Because of being designed exclusively for divers who love traveling, the Zeagle Covert is super lightweight with only 3.9 lbs.

However, you don’t need to worry whether the BCD is durable enough for prolonged use. The reason is that the ballistic nylon construction makes it resistant to wear and tear.

See Also: The 9 Cost-Effective Dive Computers in 2023

• Side release buckles
• Adjustable waist strap
• Travel-friendly design
• Double bladder construction
• Delrin D-ring mounting platform
• The BCD can resist abrasion
• The weight system is easy to unload under challenging conditions
• Effortless to use
• The straps are widened to make divers more comfortable
• An adjustable waist enables the BCD to fit with different sizes of dive suits.
• Comes in a compact size to be brought on the go
• Remove the problems related to travel weight restrictions
• Not includes a double air filtration system
• The BCD cannot be folded down
• No information about the number of D-rings and storage pockets

Here is a video of the Zeagle Covert BCD. Watch it and see its incredible performance in reality.

It is obvious that the ScubaPro Go with a classic and intuitive design is always a safe choice for inexperienced divers.

The BCD is unique because its material is made from 210 denier nylon accompanied by a polyurethane coating. Thanks to that, the manufacturer can keep its weight always below 6.6 lbs, which means much more lightweight than most other models ​on this list.

Along with lighter materials, the ScubaPro Go features a compact size as well. That’s because of its soft, fully flexible, and foldable backplate.

Hence, it’s easy as a piece of cake to roll up the entire BCD within a few seconds. What’s more, the item also can be compactly stored in a travel sack that it comes with in the purchase.

More impressively, there is only a single air bladder in the ScubaPro Go construction. You may think that this will make the BCD create a low performance. Conversely, this feature even gives you excellent buoyancy and premium comfort.

See Also: The 15 Favorite Dive Computers for Beginners in 2023

• Ergonomic harness design
• Single air bladder
• Foldable Airnet backpack
• Made from 210 Denier Nylon with Polyurethane coating.
• Quick-release mechanism
• Power Inflator included
• Integrated with weight system
• Customizable straps enable you to get a better fit
• Simple to control
• Easy to pack
• Ideal for beginners and travelers
• Offers you high buoyancy
• Designed to maximize your comfort
• Uses rugged material
• A travel sack is included in the purchase
• It is heavier than the Scubapro LiteHawk.

Check out this video of the wonderful ScubaPro Go BCD and see how much you can do with it on your diving workouts.

The Oceanic Biolite Travel Scuba Diving is a certain combination of comfort and convenience. Besides coming with a pink appearance to make it look more feminine, the BCD is considered a terrific option for women.

The most remarkable advantage of the Oceanic Biolite is its Patented Bioflex material. This fabric type makes it stretchable, thereby flexibly and snugly wraps around your body. The air bladders benefit from this technology as well.

This way, the BCD can create smaller air cells, contributing to reducing drag and making it less bulky. Thus, you can dive and move underwater at ease.

Additionally, the Oceanic Biolite offers you four different sizes, from X-Small to Large. So you can freely choose an item with lift capacity suitable for your weight and need.

• Low-profile backplate
• Patented Bioflex material
• Self-adjustable sternum belt
• Customizable shoulder straps
• A safety whistle
• Built-in Quick Drop weight release system
• Effortless to fold the BCD in half
• Provides you with a straightforward design
• Best choice for women
• The back inflate style remove your movement restrictions
• The weight system is easy to use
• Offers divers additional stability through fixed weight pockets
• The top-quality material gives you extra comfort even when you wear the BCD all days
• The number of D-rings is limited
• Not comes with tremendous storage space

Here is a video review of the Oceanic Biolite Travel Scuba Diving BCD. Check it out and see if it is a worthy investment.

The Oceanic Jetpack is a striking BCD coming from the reputable worldwide brand Oceanic. It is particularly designed to meet the various needs of carrying and storing essentials for a multi-day excursion.

That’s why the Oceanic Jetpack is constructed by combining a semi-dry backpack with a fully adjustable travel BC. This smart design lets you fill the bag’s ample storage space with a complete dive kit, including your scuba regulators , fins , and wetsuits.

Plus, the 42L main compartment is roomy enough to pack a few clothes you’ll need for a week of diving. Additionally, you can take advantage of D-rings mounting points to attach your tiny accessories without any worry of accidentally losing them.

Also, since most divers head to their diving destinations by plane, the Oceanic Jetpack should be lightweight as much as possible. Luckily, the BCD features a mid-range weight of 6.25 lbs, making it an optimal choice for transportation.

Nevertheless, the lift capacity of the Oceanic Jetpack is pretty limited, with 30 lbs. Besides, the back inflate style makes it less robust and stable compared to other models. Therefore, I highly recommend that you should only use the BCD for recreational diving.

• One size fits all
• Adjustable harness, cummerbund, and lumbar
• Customizable weight pockets
• It is the combination between a travel BCD and a day bag
• Ergonomic design
• Offers a custom fit
• Perfect for long-day trips
• Rugged construction
• Lightweight
• Provides you with sizable storage space
• Simple to pack
• Comes with a carry-on size
• Only ideal for recreational divers
• The lift capacity is restricted

The video below will show you clearly the good-looking appearance of the Oceanic Jetpack BCD in action.

If you are looking for a sturdy and robust BCD to use for a long time, my recommendation would definitely go for the Zeagle Scout.

The model comes with a back inflate style, which is usually regarded as less stable than a jacket BCD. However, this Zeagle Scout is an exception due to its rugged construction.

The Zeagle Scout is made from 1000 denier nylon fabric, giving it excellent abrasion resistance regardless of dive environments.

Additionally, its D-rings use premium stainless steel instead of cheap plastic as a material. This helps the BCD to be exceptionally durable to dive in saltwater.

In addition to wonderful upsides, the Zeagle Scout still retains some limitations, especially in lift capacity. Its lifting standard is only 24 lbs, and thus, I hope this will be improved in the next versions.

• Low-profile air bladder
• Inflator, hose, and RE valve included
• Adjustable elastic waist panels
• Five stainless steel D-rings
• Customizable sternum belt
• Gives divers lots of attachment points
• Solid and tenacious construction
• Uses the first-rate material
• Fits with different body shapes thanks to adjustable straps
• Your accessories are always secure when stored in pockets with zipper closure
• Back inflate style BCD offers you a great ease of movement
• Limited lift capacity
• Not includes aluminum D-rings
• A little heavier than some other travel BCDs on the list

Check out this Youtube video of the Zeagle Scout BCD and learn how to attach the 8137 Zip Mount Adapter onto your item. Besides, the video also gives you information about suitable accessories that can be packed.

If you are a big fan of the well-known Hollis HD200, you surely should not skip the Hollis LTS Light.

This model owns fundamental features as the HD200 does but is much more lightweight and offers a more economical price tag. Hence, it is your finest selection as advanced divers.

Its design is simple, non-modular, accompanied by stiff wings made from 1000 denier nylon to equip you with high stability. Besides, the 420 denier Cordura air bladder makes it long-lasting and gives you excellent buoyancy.

To bring you ultimate comfort and serve for traveling purposes, the Hollis LTS Light comes with a flexible backplate, enabling it to be rollable and suits snugly on the bottom of a suitcase.

Few pockets are the main disadvantage of a travel BCD. Yet, you can solve this problem by using D-rings built-in in the chest and hip straps of the Hollis LTS Light.

• Non-modular design
• D-rings on the chest and hip belts
• Includes primary functions from Hollis HD200
• Padded back panel and straps
• Best choice for tropical water divers
• Remove weight restriction problem when traveling
• Easy to control
• The backplate can be folded up
• The weight system enables you to adjust weight pocket position and remove your waist fatigue
• Padded shoulders make it comfortable to use underwater
• The high-quality material offers a long lifespan
• No side pockets
• Not ideal for diving in icy water

Here is a video review of the Hollis LTS Light Travel System BCD. Check it out and see if it fills the gap of what you are looking for.

Being one of the best-seller models among various items from a popular brand, the Scubapro Litehawk deserves high marks from divers thanks to its perfect quality. At a glance, the BCD impresses you with its back inflate style and streamlined air bladder technology.

This design helps to increase your movement freedom as well as create a bulk-free feel. Furthermore, unlike other back flotation BCDs, which take longer to deflate, the Scubapro Litehawk can release air from it within a few seconds thanks to three dump valves.

Thus, your buoyancy may be controlled with great ease. In addition, the BCD offers D-rings made from aluminum instead of stainless steel, which contributes to making it lighter.

Nevertheless, the most outstanding benefit which helps the Scubapro Litehawk surpass thousands of other leading opponents is its high stability when below the surface.

With the perfect combination of a tank bank, an upper strap, and an adjustable yoke belt, you can fix the scuba tank position during your movement without much effort.

This also allows you to connect to a console dive computer effortlessly and achieve higher performance at any depth.

• Low-profile design
• 3-dump deflation system
• Compression straps
• Elastic cords
• Low-drag air bladder
• Balanced Power Inflator
• The quick-release rotating shoulder buckles
• Four aluminum D-rings
• You can get the ease of movement
• Offers excellent buoyancy control
• Comes with durable construction for long use
• Perfect for travel
• Gives you a snug fit thanks to adjustable straps and buckles
• Offers high stability
• Boost your performance at numerous depth
• Limited color options

Watch the following video for more features and usage details of the fantastic Scubapro Litehawk Travel BCD.

The Dive Rite TravelPac is an all-rounder BCD whose design is blended between the Travel EXP wing and TransPac harness.

Also, it will be a huge appeal to seasoned divers because of its superior lightweight size and streamlined construction. Accordingly, with the abundant number of D-rings, the gear can offer them a highly customizable model.

Thanks to these mounting points, it is simple for divers to add tiny accessories and handy items. Moreover, this enables them to access attached supporting tools underwater more quickly.

Since the Dive Rite TravelPac is specially designed for diving in warm-water destinations, its lift capacity is restricted to only 27 lbs. Hence, even though the back inflate style is an ideal choice for technical divers, I suggest you use the BCD for recreational diving.

Plus, in case you want to dive deeper , you should equip yourself with a dive watch to control dive time. This guarantees your health safety and prevents the body from feeling fatigued when being submerged too long.

Check out other High-End Dive Watches Under $1000 here, or under $2000 here .

• A stainless steel belt buckle
• A chest, camera, and crotch strap
• Includes the Travel EXP wing and TransPac harness.
• Two bent chest D-rings
• Two waist D-rings
• Narrower side plates
• Easy to attach accessories
• Lots of straps give divers a better fit
• Suitable for recreational divers
• Enhance your performance thanks to a large wing and adjustable harness
• Ultra-lightweight
• It can be connected to a 12L tank
• The back inflate style makes the BCD less cumbersome to move
• Only ideal for tropical diving
• No shoulder dump valves

Watch this video review of the Dive Rite TravelPac BCD and get more information on its fabulous features and functionality.

The Mares Pure SLS offers the largest lift capacity on this list, and thereby, you can completely feel secure to use it no matter whether you plan to dive in freshwater or saltwater.

Besides, the shoulder strap has swivel buckles, allowing you to adjust your position to get optimal comfort.

Additionally, the BCD is integrated with the SLS weight system as well. This helps to control and achieve neutral buoyancy at ease. The weight integration also uses a quick-release mechanism, giving you additional protection under emergencies.

The Mares Pure’s backplate is another bonus point. This design enables divers to dive with single or double tanks. However, since the BCD has a rigid back panel, folding it down is not as smooth as other items.

• Swivel shoulder buckles
• SLS weight system
• Rollable cargo pocket
• Rigid backplate
• Back-mounted air bladder
• Comes with a massive lift capacity
• Ideal for diving in warm and cold water conditions
• Integrated with modern weight system
• Comfortable to wear
• The robust construction gives you high stability
• Adjustable waist strap maximizes your fit
• The backplate is not flexible
• It is heavier than most travel BCDs on this list

Learn a few more ways of achieving higher performance with the awesome Mares Pure SLS BCD from this Youtube video.

Related Reviews:

• Top 12 Best Scuba Masks in 2023
• Top 15 Best Dive Computers in 2023
• Top 15 Best Air Integrated Dive Computers in 2023
• Top 5 Best GoPro for Scuba Diving in 2023
• Top 12 Best Dive Lights in 2023

Finding the Right Travel BCD

It is highly possible that only the top 10 finest travel BCDs here can also cause challenges for you to filter out the most suitable model. Hence, you need to remember particular basic standards to focus on during your buying process.

This plays a significant role in preventing you from making wrong decisions. Let’s read the informative buying guide below to have a clearer view of your ideal item.

You are more prone to notice that most travel BCDs reviewed in this article come with a jacket or back inflate style. On top of that, the latter pattern is more popular among dive travelers thanks to the compact and minimalist design.

What’s more, the back inflate BCDs with air bladders only at the back of a diver makes it less bulky compared to its counterpart – the jacket ones.

This style seems helpful when your scuba tank is connected to a regulator, and then, they look quite cumbersome to move easily underwater.

In addition, the back inflate models often use lighter materials which includes aluminum D-rings instead of steel.

Besides, its backplate is designed to be fully flexible, enabling it to be folded down for packing in a suitcase. Thereby, back flotation BCDs are perfect choices for dive traveling.

However, if you are a new diver, you will find a jacket BCD simpler to control due to its high stability feature. Additionally, because of the ability to float vertically, it is more suitable for diving in rough conditions.

Fit is one of the vital factors to consider before purchasing a travel BCD. Always keep in mind that this element has a major effect on your safety when diving. You can encounter problems in breathing or buoyancy in case the BCD is too tight or loose.

For bringing you an ultimate comfort sense when below the surface, your equipment needs to wrap around your body snugly.

Furthermore, it should not pinch, squeeze, or make you tightened when the air bladders are filled with air. In contrast, when empty, the BCD must not slide or rotate around your waist or shoulders.

Generally speaking, I highly advise you to choose a model with adjustable straps to get a perfect fit. Plus, this helps to add more weights during your dive trips effortlessly.

Lift capacity refers to how much weight a BCD can compensate for when the air bladder is full size, allowing you to get neutral buoyancy in different dive environments. If your destinations are tropical beaches, it may not be a problem worth considering.

However, in icy water conditions, especially saltwater, you will need more lift. If you are not sure about the amount of lift required, let’s choose an item with a large weight to avoid safety hazards.

Nowadays, most BCDs sold on the market are integrated with a weight system. While some models apply to lock mechanisms, others use buckles and zippers with a quick-release switch.

Regardless of which type of weight integration you choose, please ensure that you can unload all weights anytime in challenging situations.

Nevertheless, one downside of built-in weight system BCDs is that they are often heavier and require higher price points. Therefore, if you travel frequently, the super lightweight models with weight belts sold solely are highly recommended options.

The diving environment is another essential factor you need to spend much attention on. This means that you have to consider the type of water you will dive into and decide on a suitable lift capacity.

Besides, environmental conditions also affect which style of travel BCDs you should choose.

For example, as a technical diver, a back inflate model will be your best choice. At the same time, a jacket BCD will be perfect for rough conditions thanks to its versatility and maneuverability.

The travel BCD is famous for its portable size and super lightweight feature. However, to maintain this design, the manufacturer may have to sacrifice some unimportant capabilities while a regular BCD always offers full.

Therefore, a few divers think that travel BCDs are less durable and cannot help you achieve high performance. However, I believe this is an incorrect thought. To prove my opinion, I have created the following comparison table to clarify the benefits and drawbacks of each model.

It’s so happy to see you reading and scrolling carefully down to this section. Here will equip you with answers to some frequently asked questions. In case any problems are wondering you now, I hope this part can clear your thoughts.

What Is a Travel BCD?

A travel BCD is much more lightweight and compact than normal scuba BCDs on the market today. That’s because when traveling, especially for airplane trips, the demand of taking with you requires its design to be rollable and easy to pack in your luggage.

How Much Lift Do I Need in a Travel BCD?

There is a common rule that the lift capacity of your travel BCD should be at least 10 pounds more than the total weight you are wearing.

How Long Will a Travel BCD Last?

The more basic design the travel BCD has, the more long-lasting it can be. What’s more, if being cared for properly and maintained annually, your gear can last up to eight years (corresponds to 4000 dives).

How Often Should I Get My Travel BCD Serviced?

My best advice is to service your travel BCD at least once a year, which is often after every 80 to 100 dives. In addition, you even need to do this more frequently if you use the BCD daily or dive in saltwater.

How Do You Release Air From Travel BCD?

You can take advantage of built-in dump valves or deflate buttons to vent the air from your travel BCD.

Along with helping you get neutral buoyancy as its primary function, a travel BCD is truly a streamlined solution in baggage weight restrictions when traveling by plane. I suppose that this type of item can bring you superb comfort not only in the water.

Without a doubt, the best overall travel BCD on my list is the Cressi Travelight . I am sure that its foldable construction, basic design, and spacious storage space can live up to your expectations.

Meanwhile, it is hard to deny that the Zeagle Covert provides you with the most affordable price tag. In addition to the travel-friendly design, adjustable straps and rugged construction are two other selling points of the BCD.

Other divers would feel delighted to know your personal opinions. And I would love to read further feedback to improve the quality of my research as well. Would you please drop them in the comment section?

If the article is advantageous for your purposes, let’s share it with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the share button!

Related Articles:

• What Does BCD Stand For in Scuba Diving?
• Why Do Scuba Divers Dive Backwards?
• Do You Need to Know How to Swim to Scuba Dive?

About Scott Maldonado

Hi, I am Scott Maldonado, the founder of diveaeris.com. You are welcome to this website. Diving is so much fun, and I’ve got a flair for it. With many diving sessions under my belt, I have transformed from just an experienced diver to a professional instructor. I will love to contribute to your development as a diver. Therefore, I will be engaging my years of experience by discussing anything related to diving on this website. Read more about me .

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9 Best Travel BCDs in 2023 (Reviewed & Tested)

It’s not easy to find the best travel BCD that’ll suit both your needs and wants. There are so many BCDs sold in the market today.

Compared to the normal BCD, a travel BCD is easier to pack and more lightweight. Some even have the feature a travel sack and can be folded!

However, there are trade offs to a travel BCD. Because its lighter and more compact, some are less durable than others.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best travel BCDs to help you find the right one for you!

Our Top Picks

9 best travel bcds.

• Best Value- Oceanic Jetpack Travel BCD 
• Most Comfortable- Scubapro Litehawk with Balanced Inflator 
• A Buoyant Underwater Companion- Oceanic Biolite Travel BCD 
• Makes You Feel Light Underwater- Aqua Lung Zuma Travel BCD 
• A Dry Weight Handy Travel BCD – Cressi Travelight Scuba CBD 
• An Inflated Buoyancy Device- Zeagle Scout BCD 
• A Lumbar Support Like No Other- Scubapro Go BCD
• Your Scuba Diving Companion- Zeagle Stiletto Scuba BCD 
• Your Leisure Companion- Dive Rite TravelPac BCD 

1. Oceanic Jetpack Travel BCD 

Key Features:

• Weight pockets
• Backpack conversion
• Resistant to damages 

You don’t have to bring a large bag with weight pockets to carry an Oceanic Jetpack Travel BCD. This best travel jacket style BCD quickly turns into a backpack that’s a perfect companion when you’re on the go. 

Although a lightweight BCD Oceanic Jetpack is easy to carry, it’s also resistant to damages. You don’t have to worry about buying another Oceanic jetpack lightweight travel BCD right away once the gear you have is damaged. Having said this, you save money having an Oceanic Jetpack best travel BCD. 

2. Scubapro Litehawk with Balanced Inflator 

Most comfortable.

Key Features: 

• Balanced inflator
• Pleasant to use
• Integrated weight pockets 

A Scubapro Litehawk dive gear with a balanced inflator has a comfortable padded portion on the shoulders. So, this gear is pleasant to put on while doing an underwater activity under a lift capacity. The clean slate form of this gear prevents inconvenience in lift capacity while you’re diving underwater.

A Scubapro Litehawk with a Balanced Inflator with integrated weight pockets is the second travel BCD most light to carry. What’s more, it’s one of the most affordable denier nylon travel BCD, too!

The comfort in doing multiple movements using a Scubapro Litehawk with trim weight pockets enables you to do strenuous activities underwater. The said lightest bcd gear is excellent for photographers, cave, and wreck divers to use. 

3. Oceanic Biolite Travel BCD 

A buoyant underwater companion .

Key Features 

• Bioflex material with shoulder straps
• Does a quick release 
• Foldable in a low-profile backpack

The buoyancy control device is the most affordable travel BCD. It has a Bioflex material with shoulder straps which makes you find it easy to use and gives off a sensation of a tight fit. You’ll feel the weight of using this gear with shoulder straps as balanced.

This gear makes you do a quick release while you’re using it underwater, regardless of how much weight you put on it. The Oceanic Biolite Travel BCD is easily foldable in a low-profile backpack with an attached air bladder. 

This gear’s bladders zippered pockets are at its back portion. Thus, moving underwater with a waist strap is easier when you use it for scuba diving. 

4. Aqua Lung Zuma Travel BCD 

Makes you feel light underwater .

• A d rings gear
• Has e valves 
• It gives a comfortable dry weight feeling

The Aqua Lung Zuma is the lightest travel BCD that exists. You can roll up this d rings gear; thus, it’s easy to have it packed and carry it around with you. Its chest strap with d rings can be adjusted per your comfort preference.

The E valves’ fully adjustable diving harness minimizes the bulk of the weight you’ll feel when using an Aqua Lung Zuma. For an additional comfortable dry weight feeling, you can count on Aqua Lung’s padded back and lumbar features. 

This gear is also famous for having dry-weight flat relief valves for excellent streamlining. 

5. Cressi Travelight Scuba CBD 

A dry weight handy travel bcd .

• Pockets with air bladders
• Has 8 D Rings 
• Sizable 

Cressi Travelight Scuba CBD has a dry-weight quick folding feature. You can fold it within only a few seconds. Its pockets with air bladders are suitable for carrying different weights of its accessories. Cressi’s 8D rings are where the scuba gear accessories are around.

You can put your other things while you’re on the go in Cressi’s two-zippered accessory pockets with plastic d rings. These pockets can store a substantial number of the best scuba diving gear with weight integration. 

This gear has an entirely adjustable packing space backplate backed up with extra padded shoulder straps features.

Using Cressi Travelight enables you to have a travel buoyancy control device with your air cell puff up from your body to avoid restricting your movements while diving with other scuba divers with torso adjustable shoulder straps. 

6. Zeagle Scout BCD 

An inflated buoyancy device .

• Small and lightly built
• Made of 420 denier nylon
• Suitable to use when in warm waters. 

The Zeagle Scout is an inflated back device for buoyancy control with excellent travel BCD reviews in a list of lightweight travel bcds.

This gear has a small and lightly built frame 420 denier nylon. Because of this, a Zeagle Scout with two zippered pockets is an excellent companion when traveling and diving in warm waters.

A Zeagle Scout with inflating dry weight feature is one of the durable BCDs available in the market. The balancing of weight is at the back of the gear, though. So, it’s hard to have the weight limit reachable and let them go with chest straps when there’s a need to do so. 

One of the most important things to remember is that a Zeagle Scout BCD with a fully flexible backpack is very expensive!

7. Scubapro Go BCD 

A lumbar support like no other .

• 210 nylon material 
• Adjustable straps
• With an Airnet backpack

A Scubapro Go BCD has a 210 nylon material with a neutral buoyancy coating of polyurethane coating. This gear has straightforward rotating shoulder buckles that can easily do a quick-release shoulder buckles movement while you’re using it underwater, provided there’s lumbar support around.

Scubapro Go is foldable and is handy to pack. It has a standard BCD in adjustable straps travel sack to put your gear accessories, best rated scuba compass , dive knife, and other travel items. 

You’ll get the comfort you need using this express tech buoyancy compensator gear with a unique retractable strap, thanks to a water-draining jacket style BCDs AirNet backpack.

You should find it easy to drift above the water with the help of integrated weights Scubapro Go’s wraparound air bladder attached. 

8. Zeagle Stiletto Scuba BCD 

Your scuba diving companion .

• Stainless Steel D Rings 
• Releasable weights 

This handy integrated weights underwater gear is an excellent companion for scuba diving in warm and moderately temperate water. This gear with integrated weights stainless steel d rings can carry a sizable weight of things in a readily releasable operational weight savings system.

The integrated average bcd weights in Zeagle Stiletto has a ripcord that operates while you’re diving underwater to release all weight pockets that can only have too little lift.

This gear’s trim pockets are also easy to dispose of due to its ability to do rapid deflation in a travel bag. 

However, keep in mind that the Zeagle Stiletto Scuba BCD is a middle to high-class type of BCD with integrated weights. So, not many recreational divers can afford them. 

9. Dive Rite TravelPac BCD 

Your leisure companion .

• TransPac weight system 
• Travel EXP production weight system 
• Torso for support 

A Dive Rite TravelPac BCD is a light, buoyant underwater companion in cold water with small weights. This gear materializes as a result of a mix of TransPac and Travel EXP production weight systems.

This gear is an excellent tool for leisure underwater activity and diving in warm waters. A Dive Rite TravelPac also has a torso where the tank’s weight can lean for stability for easy usage. 

Even if you’re wearing either a 3 mm wetsuit , drysuit or a rash guard, a Dive Rite TravelPac allows for a comfortable and sufficient fit of your underwater clothing. 

What Should I Look for When Buying the Best Travel BCD’s

Lift capacity .

A travel BCD needs to support your body while you’re underwater. For this reason, the weight it provides must be comfortable enough so that it doesn’t feel like a burden when being used for hours on end.

A lightweight BCD is very important if you need to fly with your gear often; however, many people overlook this when deciding which equipment they should use on their next dive trip abroad!

A BCD should be the perfect size to not only fit your body but also allow you to move around underwater with ease. The right-sized travel BCD does this by submerging just below your neck and covering you from the top head down, while still allowing room for movement.

A BCD should be loose enough to allow breathing and movement, but not so tight that it restricts you. If the BCD is too big on your body then it will float up when submerged in water which may cause problems with buoyancy.

Style 

A BCD must be fashionable and stylish. It’s style is paramount, as it needs to fit the body well enough for you to enjoy underwater activities without discomfort.

Colors and patterns are all a personal preference for style. What you like the best is what you should wear, but there’s one more detail to consider with travel scuba gear: safety.

Dry Weight 

Another feature to consider when selecting the perfect travel BCD is weight. The BCD should be light and dry so it can stay afloat in water for as long as possible even if you’re underwater!

Pockets and Rings

Pockets are where you keep the other items in a BCD. They provide optimal support for your travel needs with rings providing increased stability and security.

As divers, we need to carry our tools with us at all times. Yet what many start doing when they go on a dive is take off their pockets and attachment points in order to lower weight. When selecting a travel BCD, make sure that the one you pick has space for your normal items.

Dump Valves 

Dump valves are important safety features and allow you to adjust the air in your BCD quickly. These dump valves typically come with two or more, one on either shoulder; they’re an essential feature for any diver’s gear!

Inflator 

Inflators are an important part of a travel BCD since it enables you to breathe normally underwater by filling the device with air. The inflator is the most important and useful part of a BCD.

It has two functions that allow you to inflate or deflate your suit, but it also supplies air when needed for things like clearing water from your mask’s lens.

Deflator 

When your travel BCD is full of excessive air, you can deflate off some air using a special device. Once you’ve released the excess gas from your body’s regulator, you’ll be able to breathe normally again. A deflator button is a crucial part of your BCD and must always be checked when looking for a BCD. 

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Zeagle Covert BCD

About this item.

• Lightly padded shoulders with side release buckles
• Shoulder designed with wider straps for comfort
• Delrin D-ring mounting platform built in
• Adjustable waist
• Adjustable waist allows for snugging up the BC over a variety of different dive suits

Product Description

Traveling light doesn't mean you have to compromise. The new Covert BC is for those divers counting weight by the ounce and looking for uncompromising quality. Part of the popular and well known Ranger BC lineage, the Covert is for those looking for legendary "Ranger" toughness and durability in a compact travel BC. And at 3.9 lb, you no longer have to worry about travel weight restrictions. Lightly padded shoulders with side release buckles Shoulder designed with wider straps for comfort Delrin D-ring mounting platform built in Adjustable waist Adjustable waist allows for snugging up the BC over a variety of different dive suits Easily adjustable with one hand 32 lb lift with low profile retractable bladder assembly Double bladder construction that is repairable in the field Extremely abrasion resistant Fits close to torso for low drag Inner bladder can be patched in the field 16 lb capacity touch fastener weight system Easily load and unload weights through top opening Use almost any standard dive weight (block, pouch, etc.) Easy to use Touch-fastener release with pull handle

Product information

Technical details, additional information, looking for specific info, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the weight, quality and fit of the personal flotation device. For example, they mention it's lightweight, well thought out and built. That said, they appreciate the slim profile and the ability to trim easily. As for performance, they say it works perfect for destination dives and is functional.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the weight of the personal flotation device to be streamlined and lightweight for travel. They also say it's easy to pack and integrates well with the easy access ripcord. Customers also mention that the product is excellent for travel and is just right for travel size.

"...It's all there. Weight inegrated with Zeagle's easy access ripcord technology, simple, perfectly placed clips so it fits men or women well...." Read more

"...Otherwise - very streamlined and lightweight for travel .For sizing, I am Male, about 5'10", 250lbs or so, 40" waist and used an XL...." Read more

"...However, the fit is great and it truly is lightweight . It is sleek, has all the things I like and want in a BC without a lot of frills...." Read more

"... Love the light weight and small packing size. Very well built...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the personal flotation device. They mention that it's well-thought-out, well-built, and sleek.

"...Hawaii and Mantas etc.. This BCD, like ALL Zeagle products, is well thought out & designed...thus, performed like a champ...." Read more

"...However, the fit is great and it truly is lightweight. It is sleek , has all the things I like and want in a BC without a lot of frills...." Read more

"...Love the light weight and small packing size. Very well built ...." Read more

"...Two weeks in Cozumel and for the last 11 or so dives, BCD was great , very good getting to the bottom and getting buoyancy figured out." Read more

Customers like the fit of the personal flotation device. They say it has a great fit, with plenty of room in the shoulders and a slim profile that allows them to trim easily.

"...ripcord technology, simple, perfectly placed clips so it fits men or women well . Even has double tank straps. Highly Recommend." Read more

"... Plenty of room in the shoulders ." Read more

"...However, the fit is great and it truly is lightweight. It is sleek, has all the things I like and want in a BC without a lot of frills...." Read more

"...Having integrated weight pockets and a slim profile allows me to trim easily and move freely while operating the camera...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the personal flotation device. They mention that it is functional, works perfect for destination dives, and is good at getting to the bottom.

"...ALL Zeagle products, is well thought out & designed...thus, performed like a champ . It is feather light, yet everything you need in a travel BC...." Read more

"...Cozumel and for the last 11 or so dives, BCD was great, very good getting to the bottom and getting buoyancy figured out." Read more

"It's clean, light e very functional . Fantastic" Read more

"Great BC, works perfect for destination dives ..." Read more

Customers find the personal flotation device very streamlined and lightweight for travel. They also say it's comfortable.

"...Weight inegrated with Zeagle's easy access ripcord technology, simple , perfectly placed clips so it fits men or women well...." Read more

"...Otherwise - very streamlined and lightweight for travel.For sizing, I am Male, about 5'10", 250lbs or so, 40" waist and used an XL...." Read more

"Fast shipping...excellent BC. Comfortable and simple and exactly what I wanted." Read more

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How to get to Suzdal from Moscow

If you are ever in Moscow, you should look at The Golden Ring , a ring of towns and cities north east of Moscow which played an important part in the formation of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church. The towns themselves are almost like museums and none more so than the jewel of the Golden Ring, Suzdal . You have to visit this town if you are in Moscow and I will tell you exactly how to get to Suzdal from Moscow.

You can do this in a return day trip to Moscow, just, but I recommend staying the night in Suzdal. That will give you the afternoon on the 1st day and the morning and early afternoon on the 2nd day to explore which should be enough time. You can get a bus from Moscow to Suzdal. However, there is only one bus a day and it is not very comfortable. A better option is to get a train to the nearby city of Vladimir and from there get a bus to Suzdal. There are multiple trains every day from Moscow and buses are almost every 30 minutes so you will not have to wait long in Vladimir.

Getting the train to Vladimir

Go to the state run website for Russian railways . In the departure station, click (or type) ‘MOSKVA’, in the arrival station type ‘VLADIMIR”, select your departure date (and return if you will go back to Moscow the next day) and click on the buy ticket button. You will have multiple trains to choose from. The fastest trains do the journey in about 1 hour 45 minutes. Be sure to check which of the Moscow train stations your train will depart from. More than likely this will be Mockva Kurskaia. Whichever station it is, you can get there very easily by using the metro .

How to get to Suzdal from Moscow? By train of course

Looking out train window

Getting Bus from Vladimir to Suzdal

When you arrive at the train station, follow everyone else that is leaving the train station. When you get outside, if you look across the street, you will see the bus station. The facilities in the bus and train station are pretty basic. the train station is a little better so if you want a coffee or something to eat, I would get it there.

In the bus station go to the ticket office and get a single ticket to Suzdal. Something like “odin billet Suzdal” should be enough to be understood. The ticket costs 98.50 rubles so its easier to have a 100 ruble note to get change from.

At the exit of the train station, the bus station is directly across the road

Bus timetables

And more timetables

My ticket to Suzdal is bus number 159, platform 10 at 12:00 and seat number 6.

Bus ticket to Sudal

When you have your ticket, go outside to the platform listed on the ticket and wait for the bus. Simple really!

Not the actual bus in the end. The bus was more of a minivan.

Staying the night in Suzdal

There are a lot of accommodation options available in Suzdal. The place i stayed is Suzdal Hotel . It is actually a house and they have a few rooms available. The breakfast that is included is very very good. Trust me on this. They will even collect you from the bus station in Suzdal and bring you back the next day.

View out my bedroom window

Returning to Vladimir (and Moscow)

To return to Vladimir, just repeat these steps in the opposite direction – return to the bus station in Suzdal, buy a ticket to Vladimir and continue your onward journey in Russia. Simples! 😉

Train to Nizhny Novgorod

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22 comments.

Melissa Butler

I went to Suzdal over 13years ago for Christmas, I was on an on the go tour and they organised the train for us which was a very interesting journey. I would love to go back and explore longer. I am definitely impressed that you have done it on your own and it sounds like you had a bit of an adventure :).

Hi Melissa, it certainly was an adventure that’s for sure! Though sometimes, there is something to be said for letting other people take care of things for you and getting to relax and not be too stressed.

Sandy N Vyjay

Moscow is a place with an intriguing and enigmatic history. Suzdal seems to be a charming place with a rich heritage. As you have mentioned it seems to be a living museum of sorts. Nice step by step instruction on getting to Suzdal from Moscow. This is indeed an invaluable resource for first-time travelers to Russia.

Thank you very much for your kind words. I hope some people find it useful!

Thanks for recommending the Suzdal Hotel, since I prefer to stay in small cozy places with good breakfast. And the service of taking the guests from and to the bus station in Suzdal is a great plus!

Yeah I agree. I would rather stay in a family type place than a bigger place too!

I have never heard of this town and it sounds like a great place to visit if you are already in Moscow. Your instructions are very helpful and I like how you put a photo of the ticket.

You’re welcome Candy. If you don’t speak the language, Russia can be difficult to get around.

Michael Hodgson

Fantastic detail and extremely useful post for anyone wanting to explore outside of Moscow. Suzdal does sound fascinating.

Thanks Michael!

This seems like quite an experience! I am surprised that I haven’t heard of Suzdal before but as soon as I go to Moscow, I will have to do a day trip to there. Is a day trip enough to explore Suzdal?

Hey Lydia, you certainly can! If you go early enough in the day to Vladimir, you can probably get 6-7 hours in Suzdal.

This is a great post with quite a few good details. Pics looks so amazing. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed!

Wow, you are adventurous! I spent years upon years in Russia and never made it to Suzdal. Never realized Vladimir was less than 2 hrs away from Moscow.

Thanks Jenia. Russia is a huge place. You could live there your entire life and not see it all!

Thanks for the instructions. If I ever want to visit Suzdal I now know how to get there from Moscow via Vladimir.

You’re welcome!

Lauren Pears

Suzdal sounds really lovely! I need to travel to more places where there will be snow rather than just constantly chasing the sun 😉

I know what you mean! After 4 months of winter in Russia though, I was craving the sun so much!

I had never heard of Suzdal until now. Thank you for introducing me to a new place. It looks so calm and quiet under the snow. What are some things to do in Suzdal?

I think it is the sort of place you go to get away from the craziness of big cities and have some slower, quiet time. If my memory is correct, they also have a cucumber festival once a year every July. Apparently the cucumbers of the area are very good!

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Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

• Trans-Siberian Railway Tickets
• Trans-Siberian Railway Ticket Booking
• Trans-Siberian Railway Car Classes
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• Trans-Siberian Railway Route
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Home » Prices and Trans-Siberian Tickets » Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

Ticket prices for the Trans-Siberian Railway also depend on the current ruble exchange rate.

Is the Trans-Siberian Railway expensive?

Before starting on your Trans-Siberian Railway adventure you naturally want to know what the entire trip will cost. Although this sounds like a simple question, it is pretty difficult to answer. The Trans-Siberian Railway price of travel depends on the following factors:

• Which travel class do I want to use? The price for a first class ticket is about three times the price of a 3rd class ticket
• Am I willing to buy the tickets myself and assume responsibility for the organisation of the trip?
• How many stopovers do I want to make? The more breaks, the higher the total price.
• What sort of accommodation do I want? Will it be a luxury hotel or will a hostel dormitory be sufficient?
• What tours and excursions would I like to go on?
• What is the current exchange rate for rubles?

Basically, everything from a luxury to a budget holiday is available. If you buy yourself a 3rd Class nonstop ticket at the counter, a few hundred Euros will cover the price. All you will experience is a week on the Trans-Siberian train and will see nothing of the cities on the way. There is, however, any amount of room for upward expansion. Everyone makes different choices about which aspects they are willing to spend money on. I personally prefer to save money on accommodation and railcar class, visit as many cities and do as many trips as possible. To enable better classification of your travel expenses I have contrasted two typical traveler types. In the third column you can calculate the total cost of your own journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that these are only rough estimations and not exact prices.

The all-in costs seem fairly high at first. However, they cover everything and it is quite a long journey taking four weeks. Many people forget to consider that when looking at the list. We should also deduct the running costs for food and leisure at home. I think most visitors to this page will classify themselves somewhere between the two categories, that is around the € 2,000 – € 2,500 range. When comparing these prices with other travel packages, you get the impression that it is hardly worthwhile travelling individually on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that most packages last no more than 14 days and you are herded like cattle through the most beautiful locations.

If you spend less time on the Trans-Siberian Railway you will, of course, pay less. I chose this particular travel length because I prefer not to do things by halves. If you fulfill your dream of travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, enjoy it and don’t rush things. But it’s up to you, of course. Try playing around with the form a bit to find the appropriate price for your trip.

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