Snorkel Bags Buying Guide

We have a lot of experience with snorkel bags, from the simple mesh ones to big backpacks. And over the years we have figured out what works best for us. Even though we try to keep our snorkel gear simple, we still end up hauling a lot of gear around. So comfort and durability are important.

First you have to figure out what you are going to carry.

We have found over the years that we prefer to have one bag for all the gear for both of us. It just makes things simpler.

So here is what we will often have in our snorkel bag when going out for a day, from the beach or from a boat:

• Two sets of snorkel fins
• Two snorkels
• Two masks & mask cases (neoprene)
• Small spray bottle of mask de-fog
• Sunscreen lotion bottle or two (we each like different types)
• Two underwater cameras (protected by the same type of neoprene cases we use for our masks)
• Bottle of water
• Towels
• Waterproof case (for our valuables)
• Extra clothes
• A snack - energy bar, etc
• Sometimes even a book and sun hats, for hanging out on the beach after we snorkel.

And then when we are snorkeling we will often stick clothes, shoes, hats, and sunglasses into the bag.

You see, it is a lot of stuff.

Even if you are splitting it up and carrying individual bags, it still weighs a decent amount.

Snorkel Bags Requirements - What We Want

1. We often hike or walk some distance to snorkel grounds - so it needs to have a wide padded shoulder strap, preferably two (backpack).
2. It needs to dry out quickly and allow things inside to drain and dry. It needs to be made of mesh and other materials that don't absorb water and will let air through (you don't want to have to pack a wet bag into your luggage).
3. It helps to have a place to keep dry stuff away from wet stuff (like towels, shirts, wallets, etc.).
4. Needs to fold down fairly compactly for traveling.
5. Needs to be oversized. Wet stuff is hard to get into a tight bag.

U.S. Divers' Bags
We have tried several U.S. Divers snorkel bags (including the Explorer bag) simply because they are more commonly available at Walmart and the like. They are cheap. But unfortunately every one we have owned has torn out pretty quickly. So if you plan on using your snorkel bags more than a couple of times, we would avoid the U.S. Divers bags.

We ended up with a Stahlsac Panama Mesh Backpack and love it (pictured at right).

It has been fantastic on several trips. It is very durable, has a super tough bottom (with a drain) and very padded and comfortable backpack straps.

It has a full length inner pocket that is water proof to keep your dry stuff in. This pocket also protects your back from getting wet when you wear the bag. It also has a front pocket for some of the small stuff. It easily carries all the gear we listed above, with extra room.



If there is one drawback to this near perfect snorkel bag, it is maybe a little bit too big. But I would prefer too big to too small. Stahlsac also makes a smaller similar bag (18"x12" vs. 28"x13") called the B.V.I Mesh Backpack (pictured right), but it only has one shoulder strap and no dry pocket inside.


One good company of bag makers for snorkel bags is Akona. If we were going to get a bag to carry a single set of gear the Akona Snorkel Bags would be a good choice (probably the small one, unless you have fins longer than 22"). Check them out below.

Good snorkel bags are a worthwhile investment, if you value your shoulders. We certainly appreciate ours.

Now check out waterproof snorkel bags & boxes for valuables

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