How to Carry Your Scuba Dive Mask When Traveling // Should You Keep Your Dive Mask in the Original Box
Should you keep your scuba dive mask in the original hard case for travel, or should you remove the mask and pack it inside your bcd? This probably is as widely disputed as whether the bathroom tissue should lead from the top or bottom.
While we are on dive boats, at dive shops, and even on shore dives, I tend to watch to observe how other people deal with the piles of gear that scuba diving requires. Always, I’m looking to streamline our systems and learn the best tips from “the pro’s.”
Pros for Keeping the Mask in the Box
- Your mask is protected from crushing.
- The lenses are protected from scratches.
- Truly, the mask is easier to find when it is in a box that is of a color different from all the other dive gear. In fact, that’s the only reason I haven’t invested in a matchy-matchy dive mask case!
- Separating the mask keeps the clear silicone masks from absorbing colors from other dive gear. Ladies will be familiar with avoiding dark blue and black jeans when wearing pale manicures and pale handbags – you can experience the same smudging effect. I have read you can bleach your mask later.
- My favorite – because then you can use the box to organize your reef safe mask defog, a couple hair ties, a small pot of reef safe sunscreen, another small pot of leave-in conditioner, your sunglasses, and your cellular telephone while you are out diving! It’s the perfect storage box for the items you relinquish last before a dive and require first after diving. In fact, you could also fit in a small sun and sting relief gel, and a lip balm!
Of course all my products are tested and reef safe from Stream2Sea. They package their products in totally biodegradable tubes, so it’s always a step ahead of any others claiming to be reef safe. http://bit.ly/dwhStream2Sea Your mask is protected from crushing.
Cons for Keeping Mask in the Box
- I can’t think of any. Wait. Give me a minute. Ok…
- Maybe you will feel like a “newbie” – but don’t! Even fin instructions tell you to keep the inserts in them to maintain their shape.
Reasons for Storing the Mask in the BCD, a Bootie, or Your Dive Fin
- This is the ultimate in saving space and streamlining your gear.
- Fewer items of which you have to keep track.
- A box doesn’t smoosh down – that’s really back to #1 again.
Bad Effects of Storing the Mask in the BCD, a Bootie, or Your Dive Fin
- Someone might falter and accidentally step on your BCD, breaking your lens.
- It might slip out and get left behind.
- Possibility of discoloration from other items in the bundle.
Which Is Your Preference?
Even after considering all the options, I am adamant about my mask packing routine. I bet you can guess what I do!
So, what’s your preference? Leave your comments and reasons below!
The Story Behind This Mask
This funny example was a donation from Venice Dive Center. Someone found it, and left it at the shop. The owner left it outside in the hopes that someone would “steal” it off their bench. You can see it below, to the left side of the bench, just to the right of the rinse bin with the dive sticker on it.
His wife was eager to see it go, so it came home with us. I’ve been looking for a castoff mask for several months. My plan is to use it for a trophy at our NAS JAX dive club meetings. You’re invited, of course! Whenever someone does something really safety conscious, we plan to award it monthly to the “Safety Diver of the Month.” Stay tuned for the first presentation!
Reef Safe Sunscreen and Mask De-Fog
Here’s an easy way to do your part in saving our oceans. No matter where you plan to dive, whatever you put on your body will eventually find its way into a waterway, river, lake, stream, or ocean. Do your research! Then order reef-safe mask defog, sunscreen and hair products at Stream2Sea.com. Use my code “KimW” for 10% off. AD: affiliate links used. Stream2Sea Sunscreen for Face and Body SPF 20 or Stream2Sea Tinted Sunscreen for Face and Body SPF 20!
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