Diver's luggage

[Stevex]

I've been using a large Antler wheeled soft luggage case with built in handle for the last 6 odd months for my dive kit. All diving excursions have included flights as we're an hour and a half from the nearest water here in Riyadh. The baggage handlers in KSA appear more destructive than your average handler although the Antler has so far survived with no more than both wheels being 'flatted'.
A seam looks like it has only a trip or 2 left in it though so I'm looking for recommendations for a large luggage bag (about 130 litres-ish). It must have robust wheels and a built in handle. Fairly bullet proof (if there is such an animal), preferably with no zipped on extras, which tend to suffer early in life.
Clam shell type opening would be nice for access with a seperate wet/dry area if poss. Seen some recently advertised possibilities from Northern Diver but recommendations are always welcome.

[Andy (treerat)]

We don't use dive bags for air travel. They are expensive and a great advertisement to any one that wants some free dive kit.

Instead we use large soft bags bought from the local bag shop for £20.

Been around the world twice with plenty of life left in them. Cheap to buy, unbranded so look no different to the old dears underwear and last forever :)

We do have a couple of these in the loft http://www.dirtydivers.nl/43-bags.html we use them when traveling in the uk, a great bag, that takes all the kit and clothes for a week away. We use them for UK trips only for the reasons above. We used to use them for airtravel but at 6kg each they are too heavy.

[Richard Whitcombe]

Main problem i have with solid case dive bags is the weight of them. Lot are in the 5kg range so thats 25% of an average luggage allowance gone on just the case and there is no way i can reduce my gear and clothes to 15kg!

I used a canvas style bag. Also not marked as dive gear to deter people trying to steal things.

Valuables and fragile items like computer, camera housing etc go in hand luggage. Even better fly Easyjet, BA or a similar airline that allows an unlimited hand luggage then all heavy items including batteries, reg first stages and so on can go in there.

[rongoodman]

I use some very rugged duffels originally designed for hauling expedition climbing gear. Unfortunately, Wild Things has been sold and their product line changed, but I'm sure there are similar bags out there. They're light, and have been impervious to luggage handlers.

[ChristianG]

I had a bag made for me, out of cordura (Sp?), just like my wing.

That was well over 15 years ago and it is still going strong. Black, no decals of any sort, a simple longish (will take the long fins) bag with a two way zip. No side pockets and longish handles which can double as rucksack style at a pinch. It weighs ( just weighed it on the kitchen scales) abut 1.5 kg (or less). No, no wheels, most airport have trolleys which may cost a pittance when compared to overweight baggage.