After 15 years of diving and traveling the world, I’ve tried my fair share of gear, gadgets, and hacks designed to make life on the go a little bit smoother. From packing essentials to scuba-specific tools, I’ve learned what really works and what doesn’t. If you’re looking for recommendations to streamline your own scuba adventures or travel experiences, keep reading—these are the game-changers that have made all the difference for me!

Travel

Reusable Bags

I am a huge fan of reusable “plastic” bags. Specifically, I am a huge fan of Stasher bags. I love the variety, versatility, and the benefits for the planet. I use stasher bags to carry liquids while traveling, to pack snacks, for things I don’t want to get wet on dive boats, stay organized, and so many more uses.

Comfort on Flights

I am a huge believer in noise canceling headphones. Personally, I think Bose makes the best ones. I use my noise canceling headphones to catch some sleep, rest, or connect to music.

Never travel without your packable travel blanket. I bring my Rumpl blanket everywhere. Easy to pack, wash, and always happy that I brought this awesome blanket. When packed, it fits in my water bottle holder on the side of my backpack.

Compression Socks

Yes, I am a believer in compression socks while flying! All that pressure and sitting has never made me feel great. So I wear compression socks and have found that I feel better and have less swelling after long flights. Just my opinion, but I’m a fan. Make sure the socks fit though, you don’t want compression socks to be too tight!

Water Bottles

Always have a reusable water bottle. Say no to plastic.

Laundry on the Go

Need to wash some clothes while traveling? I am a huge fan of the Good Juju Laundry Detergent Strips. Light and easy to pack, these detergent strips are great for quick washes on the go.

To Cube or Not To Cube…

I tried the packing cube trend and it was just ok to me. I prefer to fold and roll my clothes, I find this trick helps me maximize space. The cube trick is great for non-diving trips or to stay organized, but I found that the cubes took up too much space in my suitcase.

Packing Scuba Gear

I never pack my gear in soft suitcases. I always pack my gear, with care, in a hard exterior suitcase. I have gone through many suitcases in my life and the one that has lasted the longest is my Away suitcase. I purchased the non-flexing one since I don’t want the suitcase to have any give when packed in the underbelly of a plane.

I always make sure to pack my BCD, fins, booties, mask/snorkel together and then I pack my reg in its own special bag. I pack with care and then put my clothes around the gear to provide some cushion.

suit case packed with scuba gear — Packing for cold weather diving

Scuba Hair Care

Leave-in Conditioner

I’m sure we have all heard the phrase “scuba hair, don’t care!” Well I care! Salt and chlorine can damage your hair over time. I have tried so many different leave-in conditioners, deep conditioners, etc. I have found that the best leave-in conditioner that is also not going to damage the oceans is the Stream 2 Sea Leave-in Conditioner. I love this product! I put it in my hair before scuba diving!

Scrunchies

Additionally, if you have long hair like me, you’ll need to secure your hair. While hair down looks amazing and we all think we will look like a mermaid…leaving your hair down while scuba diving is not a good idea (in my opinion). The amount of times I’ve seen people have to rip their hair out of their mask…not fun. I personally love the LuluLemon skinny scrunchies. They are soft, but hold my hair in place! I can’t recommend these scrunchies enough. When I’m done diving, I toss them in a laundry bag and wash them - good as new!

Shampoo & Conditioner

I have switched to bar shampoo and conditioner (mainly for the planet, but also much better for my hair)! They smell great and come in a variety of hair needs. I use the dry/curly shampoo and conditioner bars, love them! The other benefit is that bars are much easier to pack for trips! These shampoo and conditioner bags are ESSENTIAL for travel. I love that I can hang up my shampoo and conditioner bars in the shower and use them to wash my hair, without worrying about the bar having a spot in the shower or falling apart.

Detangler and Other Magic

I love the amika: the wizard detangling primer. This stuff is magic on my hair. I use the amika: dream routine overnight hydrating hair mask on my har and wake up to perfect hair regardless of how much time I spent in the ocean or a pool!

How to Style Scuba Hair

I get asked this A LOT! I have long hair (down to my waist) and my hair is wavy and gets curly with salt water. I do the multiple scrunchies style. I put my hair in a high ponytail and then add scrunchies every few inches down the ponytail so that my hair is secure from top to bottom. I’ll then put on the Waterlust headband to keep my hair contained while diving (and prevent a mask tangle). Another technique, you could braid and/or French braid your hair. In my opinion, the key is to do whatever is comfortable for you! Generally, I recommend having your hair out of your face so you don’t have to deal with a mask tangle (ouch)!

Period Care

Don’t let your period stop you from enjoying scuba diving! I personally use the Flex Cup. You just can’t beat the technology behind this cup. I’ve tried others, but always come back to the Flex Cup. Using a cup in general takes some getting used to, but the benefits far out weigh the negatives to me. Plus an added bonus is that using a cup is better for the environment and better for your wallet! On average women can save $50 - $150 a year by switching to a cup.

Sunscreen

While I love the Stream 2 Sea leave-in conditioner, I found their sunscreens to be difficult for my skin to absorb. I have been loving the Blue Lizard sunscreens, I brought a few bottles with me to the Galapagos where the sun is INTENSE! I left that trip with no sunburns!

I am a huge fan of the Stream 2 Sea lip balms with SPF! Got to protect your lips while out adventuring! A sunburn on your lips would make it hard to enjoy a margarita on the beach!

Skin Care

Face

I love all things Drunk Elephant. Not only are they cruelty free (they don’t test on animals), but they keep out harmful chemicals. The thing I love most is that they sell most of their products in travel sized containers (called midis + littles). I also really like the brands Acure, Eminence, and Mad Hippie.

I use the Yes To Cucumber Face calming face wipes. I have sensitive skin and these wipes never dry me out or make me look as red as a tomato. Plus Yes To brand is cruelty free. I always bring a pack of these with me when I’m out diving.

Body

I use the Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil after every shower. I have dry skin and the ocean/pool water does my skin no favors! This body oil is easy to apply, goes on smooth and not greasy, absorbs into my skin, and is easily my favorite body skin care go to! I love Osea because they are Vegan & Cruelty free.

Good Juju Moisturizing Shaving Bar. I swear by this. I take this when I travel, I use this bar at home, it just works!

Things I Pack

Things I always pack in my carry-on:

Sunglasses (and sunglass wipes) with a hard and soft case
Small crossbody bag (for passport, etc.)
Chapstick with SPF
Reusable water bottle
RFID blocking wallet
Extra hair ties and travel hair brush
Face wipes
Compression socks
Noise canceling headphones
Apple AirTags (AirTags in every single bag)! This has come in handy for me sooo many times…when my bags were misplaced by an airline (looking at you Air France).
Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes
Reusable stasher bag with small toiletries for the flight