Scuba Diving Accessories Buyers Guide
From dive knives to mesh bags and all the extras, find the accessory that complements your dive kit by scrolling through our 2021 scuba diving Gear Buyers Guide.
BAGS
AKONA PRO REG BAG
Jon WhittleDesigned to maximize storage space and protect your dive gear.
$58 | akona.com
This regulator bag is fully padded to protect your dive valuables. The interior features Velcro straps to hold your reg securely and a mesh pocket for batteries, O-rings and other small components. A padded console sleeve is included. The bag travels readily since it is designed to fit into the bottom of the Akona Globetrotter bag or slide over the handle of rolling bags.
AKONA SNORKEL BAGS WITH MICROFIBER TOWEL
Jon WhittleA matching Akona microfiber towel is included with each bag.
$52 (medium), $58 (large) | akona.com
This snorkel bag is larger near the fin blade area to make it easier to stow fins when inserted foot-pocket first. The bag features a zippered pocket for the mask box as well as an additional pocket for a snorkel and included microfiber towel. The small snorkel bag has a max capacity of 24 liters, while the large version holds up to 35 liters.
IST SPORTS BG-03 ROLLER BAG
Jon WhittleBig—and tough—enough to hold all your dive gear.
$300 | istdivingsystem.com
Photo caption: Big—and tough—enough to hold all your dive gear.
This 32-by-17-by-16-inch bag has a place for everything. Large zippered side pockets have mesh vents to air out wet or damp gear, and there are three pockets on the front flap, which unzips wide for easy packing. Heavy-duty roller wheels and a stout aluminum telescoping handle make it a cinch to tow fully loaded, and backpack straps help you tote it when the road runs out.
TUSA ROLLER DIVE BAG
Jon WhittleCoated materials make the bag well-suited for heavy and wet uses.
$185 | tusa.com
Compact and cabin-friendly, this bag rolls quietly and smoothly, and lifts easily with comfortable handles. The main 9-by-14.6-by-21.7-inch compartment features elastic compression straps and two zippered pockets. Two front pockets keep your passport, phone or other accessories safe and quickly accessible. External compression straps on the wide front zip-up panel keep everything secure.
KNIVES
IST SPORTS K25
Jon WhittleMultifunctional tool is the Swiss army knife of scuba diving.
$68 | istdivingsystem.com
Made with 420-grade stainless steel, this multitool offers divers several options for dealing with underwater entanglements. Featuring both smooth and serrated cutting surfaces, the 6-inch (15 centimeter) blade also incorporates a line cutter at its base. Unlocking the large grip opens up the blade to convert the K25 into a powerful set of shears that can make short work of tough line with a simple snip.
SPYDERCO ATLANTIC SALT GREEN LC200N
Jon WhittleAlso available with a full-flat-ground plain-edged blade.
$177 | spyderco.com
Long a favorite of discerning mariners for its versatile, rugged design, the Atlantic Salt now boasts a blade of LC200N, a harder, nitrogen-enriched steel that resists corrosion and holds a sharp edge. The blunt-tipped, 3.7- inch sheep foot blade is 3 mm thick, and has an integrated index-finger choil and a heavy-duty back lock for secure cutting.
SPYDERCO SALT 2 GREEN LC200N
Jon WhittleFour-position clip for left/right tip-up or tip-down carry.
$166 | spyderco.com
The popular Salt 2 folder gets an upgrade with the improved edge holding ability of corrosion-resistant LC200N steel. Just 4.25 inches long when folded, the Salt 2 slips securely into any BC or accessory pocket and opens with a flick of the thumb thanks to the oversize thumb hole. The 3-inch hollow ground blade features a grooved thumb stop and a sturdy back lock, and is available with a plain or heavily serrated edge.
SPYDERCO PACIFIC SALT 2 GREEN LC200N
Jon WhittleAvailable with plain or fully serrated SpyderEdge.
$180 | spyderco.com
This new Pacific Salt 2 ups the game for Spyderco’s line of capable, corrosion-resistant folding dive knives. Made with LC200N steel, it’s highly resistant to the corrosive effects of salt water and hardened to better retain a superior edge even with heavy use. Less than 5 inches long when folded, it has a full-flat-ground 3.8-inch blade that opens easily with one hand and a high-visibility, fiberglass-reinforced handle with a textured grip.
SPYDERCO SALT 2 WHARNCLIFFE
Jon WhittleBlade of H1 steel for durable, corrosion-proof edge.
$137.50 | spyderco.com
Designed to thrive in a marine environment, the folding Salt 2 is made of H1 steel impervious to salt and moisture. The hollow-ground Wharncliffe blade (available with plain or SpyderEdge serration) has a straight edge for maximum power and a deeply arched back for strength. Just 4.25 inches when folded, it comes with a titanium pocket clip.
EXTRAS
AKONA KEN KIEFER STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD
Courtesy AkonaInflatable stand-up paddleboard doesn't take up much space, leaving more room for dive gear.
$799 | akona.com
Sporting a beautiful sea turtle image from award-winning photographer Ken Kiefer, this limited-edition inflatable stand-up paddleboard is perfect for ocean lovers. It has a 6-inch drop-stitch construction for durability and is designed with a stability-enhancing shape. The board is inflatable, and won’t take up much space when not in use. Includes pump, paddle, leash and bag.
AKONA SOFT COOLERS
Jon WhittleEasily transport and insulate food and drinks for post-dive activities.
$230 (Baffin and Alpine), $288 (Fargo) | akona.com
This new line of coolers is perfect for keeping food and beverages cold during a day at the beach, on the boat or anywhere your adventures may take you. The Baffin tote and Alpine backpack feature padded carry/backpack straps, an accessory pocket and a secure roll-top closure. The lightweight cube-style Fargo cooler has a mesh pocket and a rugged waterproof zipper.
GARMIN GPSMAP 86SCI
Jon WhittleWater-resistant floating design and sunlight-readable display for marine use.
$649.99 | garmin.com
This GPS device comes preloaded with BlueChart g3 coastal charts and can stream boat data from compatible chart plotters and instruments to aid in marine navigation. Built-in inReach satellite technology helps you stay in touch globally, allowing for two-way text messaging, and the ability to trigger an interactive SOS to get emergency help from a 24/7 global monitoring center (subscription required).
GARMIN INREACH MINI
Jon WhittleWorldwide two-way surface texting and SOS via global satellite network.
$349.99 | garmin.com
Compact and rugged, this satellite communicator enables you to engage in surface two-way text messaging via Garmin’s Iridium satellite network (subscription required). You can also trigger an interactive SOS to a 24/7 search-and-rescue monitoring center, and access downloadable maps and NOAA charts using the Earthmate app. Social media integration allows you to share with friends and family.
GARMIN INREACH MINI WATERPROOF HOUSING
Jon WhittleAccess two-way satellite communication every time you surface.
$49.99 | garmin.com
Water-resistant to depths of 330 feet (100 meters), this protective housing allows you to take your Garmin inReach Mini on every dive. Simply clip the device to your scuba gear and you can have access to two-way text messaging, GPS positioning and the ability to trigger an interactive SOS to a 24/7 search-and-rescue service whenever and wherever you surface.
PAU PILAU WETSUIT WASH
Jon WhittleCertified natural by the Natural Products Association.
$8.99 | paupilau.com
Pau Pilau is a convenient, effective and environmentally friendly way to clean and condition wetsuits. Activated by contact with water, its concentrated formula of natural bacillus and cleaning agents derived from coconut, corn and citrus penetrates neoprene pores and digests foul-smelling organic matter—just soak and air dry. Available in 16-ounce, 32-ounce and 1-gallon sizes.
SNORKLEAN
Jon WhittleMade of soft, durable silicone, they’re reusable and recyclable.
$5.95 | snorkleanstore.com
If you have qualms about the number of divers who have bitten down on the mouthpiece of that rental reg before you, Snorklean offers some peace of mind. It is a durable, comfortable protective sleeve that slips over reg and snorkel mouthpieces to provide safety and confidence. Snorklean is reusable for multiple days of diving, and can be customized with company branding.
WAVE RUNNER AQUA SNEAKER
Courtesy Wave RunnerGreat for use inside your open-heel fins for warm water diving or snorkeling.
$29 | waverunnersport.com
Made from premium polyester mesh fabric, Aqua Sneakers quickly drain water away while allowing excellent air circulation for quick drying. The slip-resistant outsole provides firm support, protection against sharp or uneven surfaces, and secure traction whether in the wet or dry. The breathable mesh is cool and comfortable, with a soft inner surface, and the self-adjusting elastic laces and a thumb loop at the heel make them easy to slip on and off.
WAVE RUNNER LADIES AQUA SNEAKER
Courtesy Wave RunnerAvailable in hot pink, neon yellow or coral red.
$29 | waverunnersport.com
The Aqua Sneaker shows that water shoes can be both practical and stylish, with elastic stretch laces that add an attractive style element and stretch to maintain a comfortable, secure fit whether wet or dry. Cushion insole inserts are removable and have a soft mesh surface for comfort as well as quick draining and drying. Available in six women’s sizes from 5 to 10.
WAVE RUNNER MEN'S AQUA SNEAKER
Courtesy Wave RunnerUltra-lightweight, breathable protection from sharp ground, bites and stings.
$29 | waverunnersport.com
These versatile and practical water shoes are ready for any activity in, on or around the water. The flexible rubber sole is nonslip and won’t mark decks or floors, and the hydrophobic mesh uppers and bottom quickly drain and dry. They offer comfortable protection for anything from beach-combing or boating to wearing inside open-heel fins for warm-water diving.
