Travel Light: Choosing The Right Bcd Or Wing

When it comes to choosing the best lightweight travel BCD or wing, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, weight and packability are key – a good travel BCD should be lightweight and easy to pack, with some even featuring their own travel sacks or the ability to fold down for easy packing. Additionally, it's worth considering the lift capacity, durability, comfort, and price of the BCD. Integrated weight systems, storage pockets, and D-rings are also important features to look out for, as they provide stability and allow you to attach and store gear.

- Oceanic Jetpack Travel BCD: This BCD stands out for its versatility, as it can be used as both a BCD and a semi-dry day backpack. It has a lift capacity of 13.6 kg, a dry weight of 2.84 kg, and features an adjustable harness, cummerbund, lumbar support, and pockets for integrated weights. It's made from quick-dry nylon, making it durable, lightweight, and quick to dry.

- Scubapro Litehawk: The Litehawk is comfortable and lightweight, with extra padding around the shoulder blades and a clutter-free harness that reduces underwater drag. It has a lift capacity of 13.2 kg and a dry weight of 2.36 kg, making it the second most lightweight travel BCD on the market. It's also one of the most affordable options.

- Cressi Travelight: This BCD has a special FAST folding system that allows it to be folded down quickly and easily. It has a lift capacity of 6-16.3 kg and a dry weight of 2.7 kg. It features integrated weights, eight D-rings, and two zippered accessory pockets for storage. The air cell inflates away from the body, providing a comfortable and streamlined fit.

- Aqua Lung Zuma Travel BCD: The Zuma is one of the lightest travel BCDs available, with a dry weight of 1.9 kg. It can be rolled up for easy packing and features an adjustable chest strap and padded back and lumbar support for comfort. It has a lift capacity of 10-15.4 kg and includes four D-rings and knife grommets for attaching accessories.

- Zeagle Covert: The Covert is a minimal and lightweight BCD, weighing only 3.9 lbs. It has a travel-friendly design, adjustable waist strap, and a double bladder construction. The ballistic nylon construction makes it durable and resistant to wear and tear. However, it lacks pockets and has limited D-rings.

- Hollis LTS Light Travel System: The Hollis LTS is a simple and non-modular BCD designed for advanced divers. It has a flexible backplate that can be rolled up for travel and features padded shoulder straps and backplate for comfort. The wing is made from durable 1000-denier nylon, and the internal bladder is made from 420-denier cordura nylon. It includes D-rings on the chest and hip belts for attaching accessories.

- Scubapro Hydros Pro: The Hydros Pro is a versatile BCD that can be used for all dive environments. It has a dry weight of 6.4 lbs when converted to a travel BCD and features integrated weights, four stainless steel D-rings, and a lift capacity of 16.3-18.3 kg. It's highly customizable and modular, with detachable integrated weights and a travel backpack included. However, it is on the heavier and more expensive side.

How to choose the best travel BCD for your needs

When choosing the best travel BCD for your needs, there are several factors to consider. Here are some essential tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Style: Travel BCDs typically come in three styles: wing, jacket, and hybrid. The most common style among beginner and recreational divers is the jacket style, which is similar to wearing a regular jacket with inflation around the back and sides. On the other hand, back inflation BCDs are more compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travel. Backplate and wing setups offer customizability and can be used with single or multiple tank configurations.
• Weight: The weight of the BCD is crucial, especially if you plan to travel by air. Look for BCDs that are lightweight and easy to pack, like the Aqua Lung Zuma, which is one of the lightest options available.
• Lift Capacity: Consider the lift capacity of the BCD based on your diving environment and the amount of gear you'll be carrying. If you dive in cold water or with heavy gear, you'll need more lift capacity. The Cressi Travelight, for example, offers a decent amount of lift and integrated weight capacity.
• Integrated Weight System: Most BCDs nowadays come with an integrated weight system. Decide whether you prefer lock mechanisms or buckles and zippers with quick-release switches. Ensure that you can easily release weights in case of emergencies.
• Storage Pockets and D-Rings: If you need to carry a lot of accessories, look for BCDs with ample storage pockets and D-rings. The Cressi Travelight, for instance, offers four D-rings and two large zippered pockets. Some BCDs, like the Scubapro Hydros Pro, even have removable storage pockets.
• Comfort: Choose a BCD that provides comfort during your dives. Look for features like padded shoulder straps, adjustable straps, and an adjustable sternum strap to ensure a snug fit. The Scubapro Litehawk, for example, has extra padding around the shoulder blades for added comfort.
• Durability: Opt for BCDs made with durable materials that can withstand the test of time. The Hollis LTS, for instance, is made with 1000-denier nylon and a 420-denier urethane laminated nylon internal bladder, ensuring its longevity.
• Price: Finally, consider your budget when choosing a travel BCD. While some options like the Zeagle Covert offer excellent value for money, others like the Scubapro Hydros Pro are more expensive due to their additional features and accessories.

The pros and cons of a travel BCD

A travel BCD is a more lightweight and compact version of a normal scuba BCD. They are designed to be easy to pack and transport, often featuring their own travel sacks or sacks that they can be folded into. They are ideal for divers who travel frequently, especially by plane, as they are designed to be lightweight and comply with airline regulations.

Pros of a Travel BCD

• They are lightweight and easy to pack and transport.
• They often feature their own travel sacks or can be folded into bags.
• They are ideal for divers who travel frequently, especially by plane.
• They are more compact and less bulky than normal BCDs.
• They can be more comfortable and allow for a better range of motion.
• They are often more affordable than normal BCDs.
• They are more streamlined and create less drag in the water.
• They are often made from durable materials that are quick-drying.

Cons of a Travel BCD

• They may be less durable due to being lightweight.
• They may have less lift capacity, which could be an issue for diving in cold or saltwater.
• They may have fewer pockets and D-rings for attaching accessories.
• They may take longer to deflate.
• They may be less stable in the water.
• They may not be suitable for more advanced divers or for diving in certain conditions.

The best travel BCDs for different budgets

Best Overall: Cressi Travelight

The Cressi Travelight is the best BCD on the market right now. It is very well-priced for its long list of features, which include a foldable internal backplate, a hydrodynamic design, a doubled-up tank band, a solid integrated weight system, roomy storage pockets, and robust attachment points. It is lightweight yet durable, and suitable for both advanced and new divers.

Best for Travel: Aqua Lung Zuma

The Aqua Lung Zuma is the best travel BCD because it is extremely light, weight-integrated, and makes it easy to move your arms. It can be packed flat or rolled up, making it perfect for divers who travel regularly. It is also very comfortable, with a wing-designed rear inflation that ensures a stable trim while in the water.

Best Upmarket Modular BCD: Scubapro Hydros Pro/X Dive

This is one of the more expensive BCDs on the market, but it is a very versatile BCD that can be used in all dive environments. It is highly customisable, with lots of additional accessories, and its parts are easily replaceable. It is made from Monprene, which is strong, retains very little water, and dries extremely quickly.

Best for Light Travel and Weekend Trips: Oceanic Jetpack

The Oceanic Jetpack is a fantastic lightweight and robust BCD that can also be used as a semi-dry backpack to carry your scuba gear. At 42 litres, there is ample room to store your gear away from dry clothes. It is the best BCD for weekend getaways or impromptu dive trips.

Best Value for Money: Zeagle Covert

The Zeagle Covert is a very basic, minimal travel BCD for divers who want to save as much weight as possible. It is extremely lightweight, folding down to the size of a newspaper, and is also one of the cheapest BCDs on the market. It is still made from strong and durable 1000 denier Cordura nylon.

The best travel BCDs for different use cases

If you're looking for an all-rounder travel BCD, the Scubapro Hydros Pro is a good option. It's suitable for all dive environments, so you won't need multiple BCDs. It's highly customizable with lots of additional accessories and parts that can be easily replaced. However, it's expensive and the optional accessories are costly.

For those wanting an ultra-lightweight option, the Aqua Lung Zuma is one of the lightest BCDs on the market. It's also comfortable, with padded shoulder and back plates, and can be folded compactly to fit in carry-on luggage. However, it only has one storage pocket and the D-rings are made of plastic.

If you're on a budget, the Zeagle Covert is a good choice. It's one of the lightest and cheapest BCDs available, but still made from durable material. However, it has limited storage options with only two small D-rings.

For those wanting a back inflate BCD, the Hollis LTS is a good option. It's well-built and rugged, with a comfortable and adjustable design. While it has plenty of D-rings, there are no storage pockets and the weight pockets are fairly small.

If you prefer a jacket-style BCD, the Cressi Travelight is a good option. It's compact and fits in carry-on luggage, has lots of storage with four D-rings and two large pockets, and has a decent amount of lift and integrated weight capacity. However, the materials aren't as durable or high-quality as some other BCDs.

For those wanting a backplate and wing setup, the XDeep Zen is a good choice. It's lightweight, durable, and perfect for single-tank diving in all conditions. It's also highly customizable with different colour options and the ability to add your name and logo.

If you're looking for a BCD with winged pockets, the Oceanic Excursion 2 is a good option. It's a tech-enabled, full-feature BCD with good lift capacity and two large storage pockets, while still providing excellent freedom of movement.

For those wanting a BCD for light travel and weekend trips, the Oceanic Jetpack is a great choice. It's fully adjustable and can be used as a semi-dry backpack for your scuba gear.

If you want a BCD that's good for travel, the Aqua Lung Zuma is a good option as it's extremely light and can be packed flat or rolled up.

For those wanting an upmarket modular BCD, the Scubapro Hydros Pro/X Dive is a good choice. It's expensive but has a ton of thoughtful engineering, is easy to pack, and can be customised with swappable components.

If you're a beginner, the Scubapro Go is a good choice as it has a classic and intuitive design. It's made from lightweight material, has a compact and foldable design, and comes with a travel sack.

For women, the Oceanic Biolite is a good option as it has a patented Bioflex material that's stretchable and can be adjusted for a snug fit. It's also comfortable, with a low-profile backplate and adjustable shoulder straps. However, it has limited storage with only two pockets and the number of D-rings is limited.

If you're an instructor or advanced diver, the Hollis LTS Light Travel System is a good choice. It's lightweight, flexible, and easy to pack, with a simple and non-modular design. It has D-rings on the chest and hip belts, but no storage pockets and the weight pockets are small.

For those wanting a BCD that's comfortable, the Scubapro Litehawk is a good option. It has extra padding around the shoulder blades, a clutter-free harness, and is the second most lightweight BCD on the market. It's also one of the cheapest BCDs available.

If you want a BCD that's compact and has a fast-folding system, the Cressi Aquaride is a good choice. It has a special FAST folding system that allows it to be folded up quickly and stored in its travel bag. It also has an anti-sand filtering system, an anatomical shape for streamlined movement, and integrated weight and storage pockets.

If you're looking for a hybrid BCD, the Hollis LTS is a good choice. It's designed for more advanced divers and has a comfortable, flexible, and attractive design. It has an integrated weight system, but no shoulder dump valves or integrated weights system.

For those wanting a BCD that's good value for money, the Zeagle Scout is a good option. It's made from durable material and has lots of attachment points, but it's quite expensive and has limited lift capacity.

If you want a BCD that's good for buoyancy control, the Oceanic Biolite is a good choice. It has a Bioflex material that provides a snug and comfortable fit, is lightweight and can be folded for travel, and has an integrated weight system with quick-release. However, it only has two D-rings and they are made of plastic.

If you want a BCD that's good for customisation, the Dive Rite Travel Pac is a good choice. It has a fully adjustable harness and is lightweight and durable. However, it's a little more expensive than some other options.

For those wanting a BCD that's good for kit customisation, the Oceanic Jetpack is a good choice as it can be converted into a day bag. It's lightweight, durable, and comfortable, but it doesn't have aluminium D-rings and it's a little heavier than some other BCDs.

If you're looking for a BCD that's good for beginners, the Scubapro Go is a good choice. It's lightweight, foldable, and comes with a travel sack. It has an integrated weight system, D-rings, and pockets for storage, but it's not as light as some other BCDs.

If you want a BCD that's the lightest option available, the Aqua Lung Zuma is the best choice. It's extremely light and can be rolled up, but it only has one storage pocket and the D-rings are made of plastic.

The key features to look out for when choosing a travel BCD

When choosing a travel BCD, there are several key features to look out for to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some essential considerations:

• Style: Travel BCDs typically come in three styles: wing, jacket, and hybrid. The most common style is the jacket BCD, which is similar to a regular jacket with sleeves and a front fastening. It offers more stability than other styles and is ideal for rough conditions. However, it tends to be bulkier and heavier. On the other hand, back inflation BCDs are more compact and lightweight, making them a popular choice for travel. They have air bladders concentrated at the back, reducing bulk and allowing for greater freedom of movement. Finally, the hybrid BCD combines features of both jacket and back inflation styles, offering a versatile option.
• Weight: The weight of the BCD is crucial, especially if you plan to travel by air. Lighter BCDs are easier to carry and pack, making them more travel-friendly. However, keep in mind that some ultra-lightweight models may compromise on durability.
• Lift Capacity: Lift capacity refers to how much weight the BCD can compensate for and is an important consideration depending on your diving environment. If you dive in cold water or with heavy gear, you will need more lift capacity. For tropical destinations, lift capacity may be less of a concern.
• Integrated Weight System: Most BCDs today come with an integrated weight system, which offers more comfort and security than traditional weight belts. Look for a system that is easy to load and quick to release in an emergency.
• Storage and D-Rings: If you need to carry a lot of accessories, ensure your BCD has sufficient storage pockets and D-Rings. Jacket-style BCDs typically offer more storage, while wing-style BCDs tend to have fewer or smaller pockets. Consider the type and amount of gear you'll be bringing to choose a BCD with adequate storage options.
• Comfort and Fit: A comfortable and well-fitting BCD is essential for an enjoyable diving experience. Look for adjustable straps and waistbands to ensure a snug fit, and consider the padding and backplate design to enhance comfort.
• Durability: Look for BCDs made with high-quality, durable materials like nylon or cordura. Check reviews to see how well the BCD holds up over time and if there are any common issues with durability.
• Ease of Packing: If you plan to travel frequently, consider a BCD that is easy to pack and fits within carry-on luggage restrictions. Some BCDs can be folded or rolled up, while others come with dedicated travel bags.

Frequently asked questions