packing a wetsuit and air travel

[regul8r]

Okay. I want to pose a question to you all.
I am leaving in <45 days on a trip to grand turk/nassau.
What I want to ask is: as this is my first trip taking my own gear with me. I understand you are not suppose to pack a wetsuit for extended periods of time as it will reduce the insulating abilities of the suit. What I want to know is how long is too long? I will need to leave mine packed up for about 5 days each time I travel .. too and from location. This period of time to include some local things in between.
Also have any of you flown domestic lately with your gear?
Did you carry on your equipment in a small equipment bag. Or did you check your equipment and just carry on yoru regs? Actually a little worried about carrying on everything since I know how small the storage is on those stupid planes. So I dont' think I would have a problem with checking it as long as I carry on my regs so I dont' have to worry about them getting damaged.

[MgicTwnger]

I carry on my regs, computer, and mask: stuff I would most prefer not to rent. The rest gets checked and I hope for the best.
Getting crushed is what will damage a wetsuit, so I roll it up and put it at the top of a suitcase.
You might have to explain what the regs and computer are at the security checkpoint, but I've allways gotten through.
Also, one time leaving Coz they checked all my baggage by hand before I could check it in. The guy made me take the batteries out of my lights, said they might explode. Take that for what it's worth.

[reefraff]

Gently roll the wetsuit, taking care to avoid compressing it. Start at the feet and work your way up, gently fold the arms over the roll at the top. The suit should be okay like this for extended periods, so long as you don't put anything heavy on top of it.

In order to end the travel day without looking and feeling like a third world refugee, I pack most everything. Your regs don't need much babying and can be packed without fear of damaging them - tuck the second stages inside a sock (to prevent anything accidentally slipping inside and damaging the diaphragm) and gently coil the hoses and they will be fine. Losing gear would be a bummer but the incidence of that happening is actually pretty small and you can rent/borrow gear for a day until your stuff catches up with you. In fairness, however, I should note that I travel with an extra of almost everything (packed in separate bags) so losing a bag wouldn't be catastrophic. I also use big Pelican boxes stenciled "LIFE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT - DO NOT DELAY" and my business name instead of more normal luggage.

Travelling is a PITA. Or neck, as the case may be. I decided long ago that the risk/reward ratio of carrying everything on didn't justify the effort, so I started crating the pigs and chickens and now carry as little as possible on my shoulder. It's amazing how much better you'll feel at the end of the day if the only thing in your carry-on bag is your travel papers, a fresh shirt, a good book and a compact camera. For what it's worth, my normal schedule includes dive travel at least a couple of times each year. I've been travelling like this for years and haven't had any lost/delayed luggage in ages.

[nauifins73]

So far all I have taken in the way of a wetsuit is a skin - no concern about crushing them.

I do put my reg (any more is it a single hose and inflator hose), dive computer, laptop, a change of clothes, my logbook and a book in my carry on. Coming home I tuck my reg inside my BC - not as concerned about it coming home. I have never had my gear arrive late but I prefer to CYA when it comes to my reg.

[regul8r]

K.. thanks for the information.. I will make a point to roll up the wetsuit instead of folding it. And pack the regs and mask in the carry on with me. I have been fortunate so far with my lugage "KNOCK ON WOOD" and have yet to loose a piece when traveling. So i'll just hope that my luck holds out. :)

[MgicTwnger]

I have been fortunate so far with my lugage "KNOCK ON WOOD" and have yet to loose a piece when traveling. So i'll just hope that my luck holds out. :)
You just doomed yourself.:D

[regul8r]

You just doomed yourself.:D


Well I did knock on my head.. so hopefully by knocking on wood I won't have any problems.