bcd travel bordeaux

Solutions for every business travel program

Business Travel Management

We simplify the conversation around managed business travel, showing you how to combine capabilities and services to deliver or improve on your program goals. Review your current program or design what it might look like in the future. Focus on a single area or make plans across the entire program. Wherever you are today, there’s a solution to help you get where you want to go tomorrow. Get started

Get in touch

Contact us  if you have any questions, or if you’d like to know more about our solutions for business travel management.

Recognized by the industry

We’re honored that our work, members and company are repeatedly recognized by the travel industry and organizations. BCD Travel awards and recognition

Stay up to date with news, trends and insights from BCD Travel and the business travel industry.

Texas is the new Silicon Valley, according to travel stats

BCD data reveals the top domestic and intercontinental cities that U.S. business travelers visited the most in 2023.

The power of connection: Generations at work

For Global Intergenerational Week 2024, BCD Travel celebrates the power of intergenerational connections at work. Here’s what our people had to say about belonging, what they value and life at BCD.

Report: Taking real climate action

Together with our marketplace partner, goodcarbon, we’re looking at ways we can engage in responsible climate actions that will make a difference to the climate crisis. This new report, “Moving beyond climate neutrality claims: Taking real climate action,” illustrates how companies can effectively reduce emissions and use carbon credits responsibly.

What to look for in a Travel Management Company?

Finding the right Travel Management Company (TMC) to partner with your organization requires strategic planning, a methodical process and involvement from the right travel stakeholders. 

Travel buyers are responsible for how an organization uses travel and meetings to help achieve their broader goals. Partnering with the right TMC leads to improved safety, productivity and wellbeing for business travelers and streamlined processes and cost savings for your organization.

The TMC should demonstrate broad experience in managing travel for organizations like yours. Identify the specific services you need from them, such as ability to connect travel program strategy to company mission and purpose, sector experience, hotel program expertise, sustainability, travel policy compliance, risk management, or a defined approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I).

Latest travel management resources

Moving beyond climate neutrality claims: Taking real climate action

In today’s business environment, companies have an increased responsibility to engage in proven effective climate action.

Impact on travel of the Paris Olympics and UEFA European Championship

In 2024, Europe will host two major multinational sporting events. Building upon a report originally published by Oxford Economics, this Insights report explores the implications for travel.

Cities & Trends U.S. 2023 edition

Discover the latest insights into U.S. business travel for 2023 with BCD’s Cities & Trends report. Explore key trends in destinations, flight routes, and car rentals. Optimize travel strategies, control costs, and benchmark your company’s performance effectively.

Change how you manage guest travel

As business evolves, companies are relying more on contractors, consultants, and mobile professionals to travel on their behalf.

BCD Invite is an innovative solution designed to streamline the management of guest travel. Drive compliance, eliminate manual processes, keep information secure, and most importantly, safeguard your reputation by providing a best-in-class experience for your guest travelers. Because first impressions last.

When entertainment is your business, every detail has to be right.

Case studies.

It’s all about excellent service and partnership

Michael O’Neill and David Currie from the Irish Football Association share why they’re so proud of their strategic partnership with BCD M&E Sports.

Innovative solution transforms HCP and group travel for healthcare company

Discover how BCD helped a multinational healthcare company by implementing two innovative configurations to manage HCP and group bookings.

Hong Kong customer consolidates travel program in APAC

Based on BCD Travel’s expertise and trust, a multinational financial services customer in Hong Kong decided to consolidate all travel in APAC with BCD.

more case studies

Life Sciences

We know life sciences

We support customers across the healthcare spectrum through our Life Sciences Center of Excellence.

As the leading life sciences travel management and meetings company, we service over 100 organizations in this sector across travel, meetings and consulting, including 90% of the top 20 pharmas in the world.

Read our blog

Move offers news and analysis of issues and innovation in business travel, especially for program stakeholders. Subscribe to stay one step ahead.

Where we do business​

Our global network spans more than 100 countries. Find our location map and contact info here.

Travel smart. Achieve more.

Get solutions for business travel that help you save time, money and stress.

About BCD Travel

BCD Travel helps companies travel smart and achieve more. We drive program adoption, cost savings and talent retention through digital experiences that simplify business travel. Our 13,000 dedicated team members service clients in 170+ countries as we shape a sustainable future for business travel. For more information, visit www.bcdtravel.com .

SME corporate travel management

Media and entertainment travel management

Meetings and event management

Sports travel and events

Travel management consultancy

BCD Travel reveals 2024 travel outlook

Q4 travel market report predicts 0.8% drop in global airfares and 6.8% increase in hotel rates.

UTRECHT, The Netherlands, November 30, 2023 – Leading travel management company BCD Travel published the fourth edition of its quarterly Travel Market Report. The Q4 report, dedicated to presenting an outlook for 2024, provides travel managers and buyers with insights on economic prospects, key risks, projected prices for air, hotel and car rental, sustainable travel trends, and more.

Some highlights from the report that corporate travel programs need to consider:

The world economy has managed to confound most forecasters during 2023. But the foundations for future growth may not be as stable as they seem. Even if the economy continues to defy concerns, specific risks that could undermine or derail growth include persistent high interest rates, bond market developments and geopolitical issues.

In addition to these macro risks, BCD’s Global Crisis Management team has outlined several key risks that may impact business travel, such as climate change, cybersecurity, geopolitics, health, polarized politics and rising crime. As part of their Travel Risk Management program, travel managers should not only monitor risks, but also stay abreast of any changes to legislation that might directly affect their travelers.

Recovery in air travel isn’t synchronized around the world. As a result, the factors driving changes to airfares in 2024 will vary by market. In some cases, demand or capacity haven’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels; in others, the initial rebound may have ended, allowing more normal market conditions to resurface.

Globally, average ticket prices (ATPs) are expected to decrease by 0.8% in 2024. Regional fares should fall by 0.9% and intercontinental fares by 0.5%. At 1.2%, the forecasted fall in global business fares should be steeper than the 0.8% easing expected for economy tickets.

Asia, Europe, Latin America and Southwest Pacific can expect to see ATPs fall by more than 2%. Higher average airfares are only likely in Africa and North America, but the increase in ATPs in these two markets is estimated to be less than 1%.

“Over the past two years, airfares have increased significantly,” said Jorge Cruz, executive vice president of Global Sales & Marketing at BCD. “As a result, using savings as a performance measure has been almost impossible for travel buyers. We advise companies to review their travel policies and their travelers’ booking behaviors to lower the overall cost of their travel programs.”

Hotel rates

Global hotel rates are expected to rise by 6.8% on average in 2024. Even as the pace of recovery shows signs of slowing, demand will continue to outpace available supply in many markets. Although numerous projects are underway to increase the number of hotel rooms, these will take time to come online, and development will vary greatly by market. In addition, hoteliers’ concerns about occupancy have given way to a sharper focus on average daily rates and revenue per available room.

Instead of trying to fill every room, hotels seem more willing to accept lower occupancy, limiting availability and then charging higher rates. With inflation so high in many countries, this change in priorities has the added benefit of lowering hotels’ operating costs. Lower occupancy should allow for lower housekeeping costs, for example.

“Hotels have adopted more sophisticated techniques for revenue and yield management in recent years,” Cruz said. “Available rooms at preferred rates have been increasingly more difficult for business travelers to find. While it’s important for travel buyers to negotiate good rates , it’s equally important for those rates to be available when needed. Otherwise, they end up paying market rates, which will increase the cost of their hotel programs in 2024.”

Sustainability

Two-thirds of travel buyers consider environmentally sustainable travel to be very or extremely important. And almost half have formal goals in place to make corporate travel more sustainable. But travel managers will need to do more. Particularly in light of sustainability developments expected for 2024, like new emissions regulations.

“The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive will come into effect in 2024, expanding on existing corporate sustainability disclosures,” Cruz added. “With the U.K., Australia and possibly the U.S. likely to follow, travel suppliers and their corporate clients should anticipate greater demands for data and transparency around their emissions.”

For more details from the 2024 outlook, download the full Travel Market Report .

About BCD Travel

BCD Travel helps companies travel smart and achieve more. We drive program adoption, cost savings and talent retention through digital experiences that simplify business travel. Our 13,000 dedicated team members service clients in 170+ countries as we shape a sustainable future for business travel. For more information, visit www.bcdtravel.com .

BCD Travel announces new leadership in Japan

November 6, 2023

Ávoris Corporación Empresarial and BCD Travel sign partnership agreement for Portugal

December 4, 2023

Full control for the best results

Make managing business travel a lot easier and more effective with tools like travel policy integration, (automated) pre-trip approval and our award-winning travel app.

Keep control over business travel costs

Enforcing rules is never fun. But what if your travelers follow the rules automatically? We’ll integrate your travel policy directly into our self-service platform, making it invisible for your travelers. You’ll steer your travelers to make the best buying decisions for your travel budget. With every booking they make, you’ll be sure to capture all your business travel spend, realize savings and keep your travelers safe.

Preferred flight/rail travel classes

Let your travelers know which travel classes they can book

Preferred hotels and rental cars

Indicate your preferred hotels and rental companies

Maximum fares and rates

Set maximum limits on air fares and hotel rates that your travelers can book

Company locations

Add your company offices or other locations to make booking easier and faster

Preferred payment method

Make travel payment easier by presetting your preferred payment method

Invoice references

Use up to six references to streamline your travel invoice handling

Trip approval

Keep travelers safe and control costs with the built-in trip approval process

Multiple travel policies

Set up separate travel policy guidelines for e.g. your VIP travelers

Take action when it's needed the most

With our built-in, automated pre-trip approval process, you’ll know when and where your travelers are headed to before their journey starts. Act fast and prevent them from booking options that exceed your travel budget or traveling to high-risk destinations.

Manage risks and ensure the safety of your travelers

Travel risks like COVID-19 has put traveler safety as the number one priority for many companies. Risk management for your employees or colleagues is an essential part of managing business travel. With reliable tools and 24/7 emergency service, we help you ensure the safety of your travelers on the road.

Manage trips, anytime, anywhere

Even while your travelers are on the road, we help make the best of their trip by keeping them informed and productive with our travel app for iPhone and Android.

• Trips automatically sync after booking
• Direct access to current and past trip details
• Real-time flight notifications and check-in reminders
• Risk alerts and emergency response ("I'm safe" feature)
• Share trips with colleagues, family and friends
• Add trip items
• Cancel your trip elements
• Maps and directions
• Add receipts
• Account settings and preferences

Full control and maximum results

• Integrated travel policy
• Pre-trip approval process
• Award-winning travel app

One size fits all doesn’t work with corporate travel programs.

Bring best-in-class travel partners to your program – creating a customized program that fits your unique business needs..

The BCD marketplace gives you access to industry-leading technology providers in one comprehensive marketplace. We’ve strategically selected and thoroughly vetted each technology partner, giving you peace of mind as you tailor your program to better fit your specific needs.

What is BCD Marketplace?

Each of our clients has special challenges and nuances that make them, and their travel programs, unique. The marketplace allows our customers to partner with leading technology providers to create a program customized to their specific needs. Whether you are complementing BCD’s in-house solutions or look for alternative capabilities, the marketplace puts you in control.

All marketplace partners are evaluated prior to being included in the marketplace, giving clients confidence in choosing a solution that is compatible with their BCD managed travel program.

Partner with Us

BCD’s open approach to travel technology makes it easy to integrate solutions, and extend the reach of your company. We provide innovative APIs and developer tools to further streamline integration, implementation, and process. Want to learn more? Check out our Developer Hub .

Back to Partners

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

DIVE Magazine

Scuba Diving Luxury Travel Magazine

The best travel BCDs for 2023

4 May 2023 11 minutes

A lightweight travel BCD makes the perfect choice for warm-water recreational diving. Here are some of the best travel B CDs on the market today – a mix of traditional jacket, back-inflation and wing-style versions, all 3kg or less in weight

This article contains Amazon Affiliate links, through which DIVE Magazine earns commission from qualifying purchases – helping to keep us in print and produce quality content, largely available free of charge to our readers. Click here for more information

With airline baggage charges occupying a shadowy borderline between ‘additional fees’ and ‘not far off blackmail’, travellers can find themselves handing over cash for even the slightest packing oversight.

A full set of dive gear can take up your entire baggage allowance all by itself and airlines are inconsistent as to whether or not they will accept dive gear as ‘sporting goods’. If you have to take multiple carriers to reach your destination, then it’s entirely possible you will find yourself held to ransom halfway through your journey.

Lightweight travel BCDs may have compromises regarding their use and durability, but for the typical tropical diver, these are offset by the savings in baggage fees and ease of transport. There’s no hard-and-fast rule as to what the weight limit of a travel BCD should be, but the unofficial target set by the manufacturers is 3kg, so we’ve aimed in this article for a range of products that come in at 3kg or under.

More from DIVE’s equipment guides:

• DIVE’s guide to the best action cameras for scuba divers
• DIVE’s guide to the best dive computers
• DIVE’s guide to the best scuba diving fins
• DIVE’s guide to the best scuba diving regulators
• DIVE’s guide to prescription lens masks for scuba divers

AP Diving Commando Escape €469.65

AP Diving is a cutting-edge, independent British manufacturer based in Cornwall. Everything is built and tested in the company’s own workshop, and the quality of its products shines through. The Commando Escape is a traditional jacket-style BCD bordering on the 3kg weight limit and demonstrates AP Diving’s no-compromise approach to design. Using a bespoke material for the single-bladder construction that is welded rather than stitched, the Escape has four pockets, four anodized aluminium D-rings and a rigid, blow-moulded lightweight backplate, resulting in a complete BCD in terms of functionality and durability, but light enough to travel easily. There is no integrated weight system, but twin-cylinder and pony bottle cam bands are available as optional extras.

Specifications

Dry weight: 2.63kg (S) – 3.26kg (XXL) Maximum lift: 11.2kg(S) – 27.5kg (XXL) Material/denier: bespoke OceanSeal 805 (bladder), Cordura 1000 (exterior) Backplate: rigid Integrated weights: no

www.apdiving.com

Ap diving travelwing €469.65.

Built with a combination of the same 1,000-denier Cordura and the bespoke OceanSeal material as the Escape, the TravelWing is a back-inflation-style jacket that comes with an integrated weight system as standard, although the pockets can be extended and used for storage if the diver prefers to use a weight belt or harness. The padded cummerbund is adjustable at both the front and rear, and the soft backplate is padded for extra comfort, although it does mean that the twin cylinder cam upgrade is not available. D-rings are plentiful, with a total of seven on the outside and one in each pocket.

Dry weight : 2.7kg(S/M) – 2.9kg(L/XL) Maximum lift: 14.5kg Material/denier : bespoke OceanSeal 805 (bladder), Cordura 1,000 (exterior) Backplate: soft Integrated weights: yes

Aqualung Rogue £540.00

Aqualung’s Rogue is a cut-down back-inflation-style modular BCD which comes in at a lightweight 2.2kg, adding a little more for the optional integrated weight pockets. The Rogue’s unique ‘Mod-Lock’ system allows for a wide range of customisation, so that divers whose personal dimensions don’t match the standard sizes might use – for example – a large waistband with smaller shoulder straps. Uto 27 different customisation options are available. It’s ‘no fuss design’ retains essential features such as pockets, stainless steel D-rings, an octo holder and knife attachment point. It doesn’t have a backplate as such, rather, a semi-rigid harness to which everything else attaches, making packing and storage a low-profile affair.

Dry weight: 1.5kg Maximum lift: 15.3kg (33.7lbs) Material/denier: N/A Backplate: N/A Integrated weights: optional

www.aqualung.com

Check it out on amazon, cressi travelight / travelight lady £459.99.

Cressi’s most popular travel BCD is the jacket-style Travelight. The 210-denier nylon from which it is constructed means that some overall durability is sacrificed to make up for the light weight, but Cressi is keen to point out that the lighter material does not make the BCD any more ‘flimsy’ than others. The fully-flexible backplate comes with extra padding and two cambands for tank security, integrated weights are standard and two trim pockets at the rear are part of the design. Large zippered pockets and four alloy D-rings allow for plenty of carrying capacity, and the rear dump valve control is mounted at the front of the jacket. The Travelight Lady has differently-routed shoulder straps and fastenings to cater for the female form.

Dry weight: 2.3kg(XS) – 2.8kg (XL) Maximum lift: 6.1kg (XS) – 16.3kg(XL) Material/denier: nylon 210 Backplate: fully flexible Integrated weights: yes

www.cressi.com

Hollis lts $499.95.

Technical diving specialist Hollis has produced a slimmed-down version of its all-purpose HD200 tech/rec crossover, with the 2.27kg Lightweight Travel System featuring the classic ‘donut’ wing bladder with drag-reducing bungee cords in a lightweight harness. It is constructed from a 420-denier rated bladder with a 1,000-denier nylon external covering. Although it’s not strictly speaking a technical diving product, the location of chest and hip D-rings and 13.6kg lift capacity allows for the slinging of a second tank for those who wish to do so. The design is an all-in-one piece rather than an interchangeable modular system, and like most technical rigs there are no storage pockets and no integrated weight system as such. However, side pockets allow for 2.27kg of ditchable trim-weights according to the diver’s needs.

Dry weight: 2.27kg (S/M – XL) Max. lift: 13.6kg (all sizes) Material/denier: nylon 420 (bladder), 1000 (exterior) Backplate: partially flexible Integrated weights: trim only

www.hollis.com

Mares magellan £360.

Mares, for some time, did not have an especially lightweight option, but this has been dramatically changed with the introduction of its Magellan BCD, a back-inflate jacket weighing just 2.3kg in its largest available size, yet generating an impressive 18.5kg of lift. The backplate is completely foldable for ease of packing; an integrated weight system comes as standard with optional tank-mountable trim pockets. 1 heavy technopolymer and 4 stainless D ring plus a roll-up pocket keep accessories stored, and ergonomic concave shoulder straps make for a more comfortable all-round fit, especially for female divers.

Dry weight: 2.1kg (S/M) – 2.3kg (L/XL) Maximum lift: 18.5kg (41lbs) Material/denier: Cordura 420 Backplate: fully flexible Integrated weights: yes.

www.mares.com

Mares xr-rec trim single backmount set £480.

The Mares XR-Rec Trim Single Backmount Set comes with a redesigned ‘skeleton’ aluminium backplate shedding 40 per cent of its weight compared to its predecessor, with a soft back panel providing extra suport and comfort. Two tank straps provide cylinder security for the single bladder, which is longer than traditional designs for greater buoyancy in the lower back area, and two aluminium D-rings on the waist strap provide support for stage tanks. The set is available in black, blue, white and aqua.

Dry weight: 2.8kg Maximum lift: N/A Material/denier: 1000D Cordura Backplate: rigid Integrated weights: optional extra

Northern Diver Flight Travel £330

Northern Diver’s Flight Travel is a lightweight version of its popular Guardian BCD, weighing in between 2.7kg in its smallest size to 2.9kg in its largest. The Flight Travel has a moulded, padded, semi-rigid backplte and may be low in weight but it is definitely not short of features, with 15 – yes, fifteen! – CETL plastic D-rings, two generous zipped pockets and four air dumping methods. The BCD also has sliders for vertical adjustment of the chest strap, a removable reflective pocket for Northern Diver’s Flexi-Light, and a removable bungee cord with a split ring attachment point. Two integrated quick-release weight pockets come as standard. The ,

Dry weight: 2.8kg Maximum lift: 12.2kg (M), 22.4kg (L), 27.5kg (XL) Material/denier: Nylon 420D Backplate: moulded, padded Integrated weights: yes.

www.ndiver.com

Oceanic biolite $534.95.

Promoted by Oceanic as ‘minimalistic’, the open- harness, rear-inflation Biolite certainly meets that description. The bladder is constructed from Oceanic’s patented Bioflex material, which is claimed to be up to 30 per cent more flexible than other materials, therefore allowing the BCD to be built with a smaller air cell to minimise the amount of material used and to reduce the overall dimensions of the jacket. The exterior is constructed of 1,000-denier Cordura and, in keeping with the minimalist design, the integrated ‘quick drop’ weight system carries up to 6.4kg, with two non-ditchable trim pockets attached to the tank strap fitted as standard. Plastic D-rings, an adjustable shoulder carabiner retainer and small, zippered side pockets provide enough storage space for small accessories.

Dry weight: 2.5kg (L) Maximum lift: 11.4kg (S/M) – 13.2kg (L/XL/XXL) Material/denier: bespoke BioFlex (bladder), 1,000-denier Cordura (exterior) Backplate: fully flexible Integrated weights: trim only

www.oceanicworldwide.com

Scubapro go £455.

A mainstay of the recreational dive industry, Scubapro is renowned for its high-quality, staple products – the Go is no exception. Although the base material is 210-denier nylon, a polyurethane coating helps to reduce the damage associated with abrasion, while keeping the weight down to just 2.5kg. The fully-flexible backpack allows the Go to be folded into dimensions small enough to fit into cabin baggage, with its single-bladder wraparound construction built for the comfort of a standard BCD. A robust second strap, in addition to the cam buckle, helps to keep the tank stable, and voluminous zippered pockets, plus six aluminium D-rings and attachment grommets allow for plenty of storage. An integrated weight system is added as standard but can be removed to save further weight if needed. Trim weight pockets are available as an optional extra.

Dry weight: 2.4kg (XS) – 2.7kg (XL) Maximum lift: 10.2kg (XS) – 19.4kg (XL) Material/denier: polyurethane-coated, 210-denier nylon Backplate: fully flexible Integrated weights: yes

www.scubapro.com

Xdeep nx ghost £515-589.

The X-Deep Ghost is a premium wing geared towards the travelling recreational diver who prefers the wing and harness configuration. The skeleton backplate is made from aircraft-grade aluminium alloy and the tank adapter at the rear can be relocated to suit the diver’s requirements. The Ghost’s bladder, constructed from 1,100-denier Cordura, is smaller at the top than at the bottom, reducing the tendency to push a diver forward at the surface. Weighing in at just 2.2kg for the backplate, bladder and harness, complete with steel D-rings, the system is one of the lightest on the market. Ditchable weight pockets, as with most wing systems, are sold as modular extras but add little to the overall weight. A deluxe model is available which includes a quick-release harness and extra shoulder padding.

Dry weight: 2.2kg (standard), 2.4kg (deluxe) Maximum lift: 17kg Material/denier: polyurethane-coated nylon 420 (bladder), 1,100-denier Cordura (weight pockets) Backplate: rigid Integrated weights: no

www.xdeep.eu

Before you buy…, rent or buy your own dive gear for travel.

One obvious solution to the problem of excess baggage is not to carry any equipment at all, and to simply rent your kit from the dive centre. This is a personal choice, but most people who dive regularly prefer to buy their own gear. You know its history and how well it’s been looked after and – barring a change in your physique – it will be a perfect fit.

If you only dive once per year on holiday, renting equipment is less expensive overall, but since hiring a full set of gear can cost between €5 and €50 per day, regular divers will find that purchasing their own equipment will lead to long-term savings.

The first rule when buying equipment is: if you’re not certain, stick with what you know. Many divers will learn to dive in a jacket-style BCD, and if you know a product that fits you well and is known to be comfortable, then that’s your best starting point.

Fit is essential for BCDs as a poorly-fitting device can have a major impact on buoyancy control, but sizing can vary between manufacturers and their design philosophy and is often substantially different from what size T-shirt a person might wear.

Trying them out in person is highly recommended, and don’t forget that you might have to leave enough room for adjustment depending on the thickness of exposure suit you might be using. Consider what functionality you might require in terms of pockets and D-rings based on what you’re likely to carry during a dive.

Click here for DIVE’s guide to buying your first dive gear

Jacket, wing or back-inflate.

The jacket is the most common style of BCD and the one in which most people learn to dive. The bladder inflates at both the rear and the sides and this style is probably the best choice for inexperienced divers, as a jacket – generally speaking – gives you more vertical stability at the surface.

Wings are favoured by technical divers as they allow for more flexible configurations, provide excellent horizontal stability and have more room under the arms for carrying extra tanks or performing complicated tasks. They are increasingly popular among recreational divers, but you do need to learn to compensate for the position into which they can push you at the surface.

Wings have an inherent advantage when it comes to packing, as they are less bulky than a traditional jacket-style BCD, but don’t let this be a determining factor unless you’re sure a wing is right for you

Back-inflate BCDs are a hybrid of the jacket and wing designs which help maintain horizontal trim, but retain the pockets and integrated weight systems that many divers love. 

Click here for DIVE’s choice of back-inflate BCDs

Construction.

The basic material used in the construction of BCDs is nylon, or a variation thereof. Cordura®, which often crops up in BCD specs, is a brand that specialises in tough fabrics made from, among other things, nylon. Some manufacturers may highlight extra polyurethane (PU) or bespoke coatings for increased resistance to abrasion, usually with an increased price tag.

‘Denier’ is a measure of how densely the fibres of a particular fabric are woven, with the lower end of the scale being less dense – and therefore lighter, but less durable – than the higher. This does not mean that a BCD with a low-denier rating is in any way sub-standard, but it does mean that they are less resistant to abrasion.

Backplates are traditionally rigid constructions of hardened plastic, aluminium or steel. Some travel BCDs may have rigid, partially rigid or soft, flexible backplates to reduce luggage space, but care should be taken topside when handling kit with a soft backplate set up on a tank.

Integrated weights, pockets and D-rings

Integrated weight pouches are a common feature of many BCDs, but may be smaller in travel BCDs than on regular jackets, so you may need to carry extra weight using a weight belt. Some designs have additional trim pockets or pouches included as standard, other brands sell them as optional extras.

Similarly, side pockets on a travel BCD are often smaller than on a standard jacket to save on material weight. Some travel BCDs have only one pocket, and some have none at all.

D-rings are more likely to be made from plastic or aluminium rather than stainless steel, so if you habitually carry heavier equipment such as a professional-level camera with housing and strobes, you may need to take this into consideration.

Overall, there should be enough room for the carriage of accessories such as small torches, SMBs, reels, and to clip alternative air sources to the jacket, but you might need to invest in some extra clips.

• Latest Posts

• British snorkeller’s death attributed to Immersion Pulmonary Oedema - 29 April 2024
• DIVE’s Big Shot – Caves, Caverns and Overhangs - 26 April 2024
• Alessia Zecchini sets new CMAS freediving world record - 23 April 2024

FOLLOW DIVE

Want to access DIVE on your tablet or smartphone? Press the Apple, Android or PC/Mac image below to download the app for your device

More from DIVE

• Advertise with DIVE Magazine
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Click here to learn more about Connect BCD Travel’s client hub.

5 Best Light Travel BCDs (PADI Divemaster Tested 2023)

Written and Reviewed By

• Divemaster Alex Lowe
• Last Updated: September 27, 2023

For scuba divers that fly with their gear often, a travel BCD is an absolutely essential part of your diving equipment.

Not all BCDs pack well, making it tricky to transport them to your next dive vacation.

While some divers choose to exclusively own a travel BCD, they make great secondary BCDs used only on vacation.

Regardless of whether this is going to be your only BCD or a backup, I wanted to make it easy for divers to identify which travel BCD is best for them.

As a PADI Divemaster based in Florida that’s travelled across the world to dive, all the way from Costa Rica, the Gili Islands in Indonesia, I’ve learned a thing or two about travel BCDs.

I compiled a list of all of the best travel BCDs on the market, and reviewed them on the following criteria:

• Size and dimensions
• Style of BCD
• Manufacturer reputation
• Weight system
• Lift capacity
• # of D Rings

Below, we’ll list our favorite lightweight travel BCDs, and then dive into individual reviews of each followed by a buying guide.

• Highly customisable design
• Very durable
• Ultra-lightweight
• Camera strap included
• Quite expensive

If you’re an experienced diver who dives mainly dives in caves and caverns or want to try something different then the perfect BCD pick for you would be the Dive Rite Travel-Pack. The big attraction of this BCD is that it is highly customizable so you can add and make it truly unique. 

This device features a metal backplate and wing, along with a fully adjustable diving harness structured by flexible webbing. It also has a 360-degree donut wing that inflates evenly and won’t tip you over on the surface.

What’s more, is that the shoulder straps can be easily adjusted to fit your size comfortably and are held still by a crotch strap.

A crotch strap represents an extra piece of webbing that prevents your equipment from riding up.

The dive-rite is a very streamlined BCD that puts buoyancy where it is needed to give you horizontal trim along the torso and mid-section by evenly distributing the weight of the tank. It’s one of the most lightweight BCDs on the market. Thus, you can carry it wherever you go smoothly. When it is dry it weighs under 5 lbs (2.3 kg).

Product Specs

• Style of BCD: Wing
• # of Pockets: 2
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Weight System: Integrated
• BCD Weight: 5lbs
• Lift Capacity: 30lbs

• Zeagle's lightest and most compact BCD
• 4 Stainless-steel D rings
• 24-lb lift capacity
• Quick-drying
• Can be quite small
• Pockets are in the back and out of reach to the diver

When it comes down to exceptional comfort, you can’t go wrong with the Zeagle Scout BCD. The device lays against your body and curves snugly, especially on the shoulders and hips. It’s a low-profile design and extra padding and a flexible backplate to keep you comfortable and streamlined in the water and on the surface. 

This makes your dive trips enjoyable and convenient. It features the traditional weight system, which is quite decent in terms of stability and security. The uniqueness of this BCD stems from its extra pockets, which keep your dive accessories such as scuba cameras within hands reach. It also has the option for waist and torso straps that can be adjusted. The cumberbund can be adjusted to three different positions for your comfort. 

Moreover, the jacket is designed to dry quickly, and it can be easily packed in the carrying tote in a couple of seconds. It is easy to open and can just pour or add water to the back to rinse it out after use. The quick disconnect mechanism where you can attach the first stage is easy to use as well.

• Style of BCD: Backplate
• # of Pockets: Two
• D Rings: Four
• Sizes: Medium-XXL
• BCD Weight: 6.7lbs
• Lift Capacity: 24lbs

• Right shoulder carabiner adjustable positioning system
• Generous soft pad
• Self-adjusting sternum strap
• Lightweight and can be folded for travel
• Weight system cannot hold too much weight
• The two D-rings are made of plastic

The Oceanic Biolite BCD is the perfect buoyancy device for those who love to dive no matter the weather conditions. It has a bio-flex material that stretches well and is combined with the adjustable straps on the shoulder allowing it to fit to all body types. 

What’s more, is that due to its lack of backplate and plastic rays, the BCD becomes exceptionally lightweight. That bio flex material is used in the air bladder as well to make them smaller so that it is less bulky and reduces drag and improves your buoyancy when used correctly. 

This actually makes carrying it very easy, you can fit it in your backpack without any issues and with a weight of just over five pounds (2.5 kg), it will pack away easily and can even go in your carry-on. 

However, the jacket lacks any extra pockets. To compensate for this, the Oceanic Biolite BCD comes with various D-rings that keep all your accessories in hand’s reach.

• Style of BCD: Jacket
• # of Pockets: None
• Sizes: XS-XL
• BCD Weight: 5lbs 5oz
• Lift Capacity: 32lbs

• Travel sack included
• Easily fit into cabin baggage
• Integrated weight system
• Comfortable, one size fits all design
• Not as light as the other options, but still very light!

your needs. If that’s the case, then you can’t go wrong by picking the Scubapro GO BCD. Also, make sure you get yourself a dive computer for effortless dives.

It weighs only 6 pounds (2.5 kg), which makes the carrying process effortless.

You just got certified as a diver, and you’re looking for the perfect buoyancy device to suit It comes with a backplate, which can be easily folded. Therefore, the device can fit in a backpack or your carry-on without any issues.

When it comes to comfort, the adjustable swiveling straps make your dive endeavors enjoyable and convenient.

The tank strap and clamp on the back it near the bottom of the jacket to keep the weight around the hips instead of the shoulders (which is good). There is also a Velcro strap up toward the top of the jacket to keep the tank where it is supposed to be. 

Moreover, the jacket delivers plenty of storage. It comes with an outstanding buckled-in weight system, which makes you stable and secure. To justify your buying decision, this jacket comes with a travel bag for more comfortable transportation.

• # of Pockets: 2 Large
• D Rings: 4 Rings

• Doubles as a BCD and a day bag
• Can be carried like a backpack
• Ergonomic design
• Rapid deflation
• When fully packed with dive gear, is unlikely to fit into the overhead cabin

If you love to travel to the outdoors and consider yourself a “diver on the go,” then the Oceanic Jetpack BCD will definitely suit your needs. This BCD is suitable for backpackers (within reason) and can be actually converted into a travel bag where you can store all of your other equipment (fins, dive computer, etc.). It is the first of its kind and is very innovative. 

What’s more, is that it comes with adjustable straps that snug perfectly against your body curvature. This makes your dive endeavor quite comfortable.  It does weigh over 8lbs (3.75 kg) but it boasts an impressive 42 liters of space in it. The bag also has two external pockets for separating your stuff. 

  After you’ve finished your diving trip, a few folds are what separate the BCD from becoming a carrying tote. It is made of quick dry material as well so you don’t have to worry about that after your last dive. On the Scuba diving side, it still has a trusted power inflator and is equipped with an internal bump cable to the dump valves. The other handy thing is that the weight pockets can be moved to suit your needs.

• Style of BCD: Back Inflation
• # of Pockets: Two Zipper Pockets
• Sizes: One Size Fits All
• BCD Weight: 6lbs 5oz
• Lift Capacity: 30 lbs

How To Choose The Best Travel BCD

When choosing a BCD for travel, there are a few things to bear in mind. Not every BCD will be the best one for you, so to help you decide we’ve put together a guide on choosing the best travel BCD for you.

BCDs come in various styles like the

• Wing and the jacket (which is the most common)
• Back inflates that have air bladders just on the back and not the sides, so the tank will just sit on top of it. 

You will see most travel BCDs are back-inflated style and that is because back inflates BCDs are much less bulky. They tend to be lighter and much easier to pack in your luggage or backpack than other styles of BCDs

Back-inflated BCDs are more streamlined and a lot easier to travel due to their lightweight and easy-to-pack design.

Jacket-style BCDs fit over the shoulders and are secured at the waist and chest, just like an actual jacket. The air bladders will sit behind and on both sides of the diver. They are the most common type of BCD.

There are a plethora of differences between jacket BCDs and back inflate BCDs . One is that the back-inflated BCDs don’t constrict your chest as much as a jacket so, for some, this is more comfortable but this slows down the deflation time

When it comes to travel-friendly items, they should preferably be as light as possible. This will ensure ease of travel and you can potentially take your BCD as carry-on luggage and if not it will still be able to go into your luggage without having to buy more weight to comply with the airline’s rules. 

Just remember that lighter doesn’t necessarily mean better if a BCD is too light that might mean it might be made of low-quality and non-durable material. With new materials, they have some very light ones that are sturdy, but they are very expensive but could be a good fit if you have the funds.

How a BCD fits is one of the most important things to take into account when choosing a BCD. A BCD should fit snugly around the chest and waist, but not too tight that it constricts your movement. A correctly fitting BCD is vital for your comfort during a dive. Remember when the BCD is totally empty it should not get twisted around you and you will want one that has a lot of clips and straps to customize to your needs. 

Lift Capacity

The lift capacity is how much weight a BCD can compensate for underwater. If you dive in warm water, the lift may not be a major concern when it comes to choosing your BCD. If you do dive in cooler waters with a lot of weight you will need to offset the weight.

If the BCD does not have enough lift it will make your face and shoulders drop in the water when on the surface. On the other hand, too little lift can give you issues underwater as you will become less buoyant when going deeper. When in doubt go with more lift for safety and comfort.

Weight System

You will see most BCDS coming out with an integrated weight system. While some have plastic trays and locking handles to hold the weight in place, others will have buckles that have a quick-release system. It really doesn’t matter as long as you know how to use the system and that it works correctly. 

Most lightweight BCDs usually don’t have weight integration due to saving space and less weight. They also aren’t easy to fold or roll into your case. So you will need to bring or get a weight belt at your destination.   

Diving Environment

Most divers like to go on vacation in tropical places as they live-in cooler environments in the winter. When you are shopping for a travel BCD, keep all the diving environments that you want to visit in your mind. 

If you do go to cooler waters or in rough currents you will want some good lift. In technical diving or in wrecks and caves with overhead environments, you will want a  back-inflating BCD.

Pockets and D-Rings

Pockets and rings are essential for travel-orientated gear, the more you have the easier it is to attach things and organize your setup. This issue will arise in that a lot of travel BCDs don’t have them to save weight as metal D-Rings weight a bit and are not compactable.

Pockets make life easier to carry all your gear like a flashlight, dive knife, SMB, etc. Internal storage pouches usually have a Velcro or a zipper to close them. Nice ones even expand or roll out for extra space. Most travel BCDs are designed with very little storage (to save space and weight) you will want at least one pocket that closes for some of your gear. I like having dive pants as well with pockets to make up for it.

Cleanability

Caring for your BCD will make it last longer and extend its usability of it. Salt and sun destroy everything and even a little bit of salt water can damage the BCD. Some styles have a port on the air bladder that can be connected to a hose for easier cleaning. An easy opening gives you air circulation and will speed it up getting dry.

Male Or Female

Most BCDs are unisex, and it says they are made for both men and women. Just because it says that it is unisex does not always mean that it is. Obviously men and women are built differently, so make sure you try it on. 

However, a BCD’s fit is key for a comfortable dive. A women’s cut is narrower at the shoulders and wider in the hips than a man’s. They are making more BCs for  female divers and for  more information on BCDs for women, check out our review of the  5 best BCDs for women

Frequently Asked Questions

A travel BCD is  much more lightweight and compact  than standard BCD’s.

When traveling, especially for dive trips you need to take an airplane for, having a dive BCD that is light, compact and easily packed away will make your trip a lot easier.

When it comes to servicing your travel BCD, the safest bet is to  service it either once a year or after 80-100 dives.

If you are diving frequently and in salt water, you may want to service your travel BCD more regularly.

A scuba BCD is a vest-like fitted jacket, or back inflated wing, that connects to your scuba tank through your low pressure hose.

The BCD  has an inflatable air bladder that is inflated and deflated depending on the situation to help you to maintain proper buoyancy  in the water and on the surface. 

Yes you can, they are just lighter but usually still made be durable. I know a lot of people that use them for everyday diving. If you are instructing though I wouldn’t recommend it. 

One of your top concerns should be to take care of the BCD, besides keeping it dry, out of the sun and salt free check with the user manual of your BCD for specific maintenance information.

Traveling with scuba gear may sound like a stressful situation at first… But with modern technology and new, improved designs, it’s never been easier!

Now you can have the comfort and confidence of having your own scuba gear that you are familiar with and fits you well anywhere in the world.

Have you ever traveled with scuba gear ?

Let us know in the comments below!

Deepblu Cosmiq+ Review (A Divemasters Thoughts)

3 Best Tank Markers for Night Scuba Dives in 2023

5 Best Scuba Tanks For Each Type of Diver

5 Best Submersible Pressure Gauges (SPGs)

Related posts.

Before I start this review, I first want to thank the Deepblu team for sending me a Deepblu Cosmiq+. I used the device as my

When diving at night scuba divers should always be carrying certain items besides their standard kit, a signaling device, and 3 lights are key for

Scuba diving tanks are one of the last pieces of equipment most divers buy for themselves.

For divers that dive frequently enough, there’s certainly some savings in getting tanks of your own. Not to mention the ability to do spontaneous trips with them, without having to pickup and drop off tanks from a dive shop.

When you go diving you need to know how much air you have left in the tank, it is essential and will keep you alive.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© OtterAquatics 2024

OtterAquatics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

Dive Destinations

Liveaboards

Diving Gear Reviews

Skills and Tips

Useful Links

Privacy Policy

Editorial Policy