Updated July 10, 2023
If you are planning to travel to any of the great locations around the world to do some diving, rather than just taking in the local spots near home, then portable, light, easy-to-pack, and stow gear is important. That is particularly true when it comes to a BCD which can be bulky and heavy.
There are many lightweight, easier-to-pack BCDs available, but you want to make sure you are getting one with the features you need and will be durable enough to last for many dive trips.
Selecting the right BCD from the many on the market can take significant research. To help in that process some of the top models have been selected as an introduction. There is a comparison table, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment at the bottom of the post. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Travel BCD Review Comparison Table
| Picture | BCD | Type | Dry Weight | Lift Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Oceanic Jetpack | Back Inflation | 6.3 lbs (2.86 kg) | 30 lbs (13.63 kg) | 4.4 | $$$ |
  | Aqua Lung Zuma | Back Inflation | < 4.4 lbs (2 kg) | 22-34 lbs (10-15.45 kg) | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Oceanic Biolite | Back Inflation | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) | 32 to 38 lbs (14.5 to 17.24 kg) | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Cressi Travelight | Jacket | 5 to 6.2 lbs (2.3 to 2.8 kg) | 13.5 to 36 lbs (6.1 to 16.3 kg) | 4.7 | $ |
  | Scubapro Go | Jacket | 6 lbs (2.73 kg) | 22 to 42 lbs (10 to 19 kg) | 4.7 | $$$ |
  | Zeagle Scout | Back Inflation | 6.7 lbs (3 kg) | 24 lbs (10.9 kg) | 4.5 | $ |
  | Hollis LTS | Back Inflation | 5 lbs (2.27 kg) | 30 lbs (13.63 kg) | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Scubapro Litehawk | Back Inflation | 4.8 to 5 lbs (2.2 to 2.3 kg) | 29.2 lbs (13.2 kg) | 4.8 | $$ |
| Picture | Wetsuit | Type | Dry Weight | Lift Capacity | Rating | Price |
Best Travel BCD Review
- Oceanic Jetpack
- Aqua Lung Zuma
- Oceanic Biolite
- Cressi Travelight
- Scubapro Go
- Zeagle Scout
- Hollis LTS
- Scubapro Litehawk
This high-quality durable back inflation model provides plenty of lift and stability, fits a range of heights with a system of adjustable straps, and is lightweight for travel. But that is just the beginning.
With a few quick folds, the Oceanic Jetpack also serves as a zippered carry-on bag with room to include the rest of your travel scuba diving gear. Transporting your equipment has never been easier.
Features:
- Material: 1000 denier Cordura, 420 denier nylon urethane laminated bladder material, quick dry 800 denier double-coated nylon
- Lift capacity: 30 lbs (13.63 kg)
- Dry weight: 6.3 lbs (2.86 kg)
- Women’s version: NA
- Integrated weight system
- No backplate for easy packing
- Waist and chest straps adjust up and down for all heights, one size fits all
- Doubles as a semi-dry backpack and lightweight BCD all in one
Rating: 4.4
Price: $$$
The Zuma is an ultra-light BCD great for travel with lots of features, is quite comfortable, and has plenty of lift capacity.
It has an innovative tank support system that doesn’t require a hard pack.
The padding is in the right places to provide stability and comfort and there is plenty of storage capacity in pockets and on D-rings.
Features:
- Material: not listed
- Lift capacity: 22 to 34 lbs (10 to 15.45 kg)
- Dry weight: < 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
- Women’s version: NA
- Integrated weight system with the patented SureLock II mechanical weight release system
- Padded shoulders and spine, and extra lumbar support
- Adjustable chest strap
- Easy access fold-down pockets, 4 D-rings, grommets for knife attachment
- Exceptionally lightweight and easy to pack for travel
Rating: 4.6
Price: $$
The new Biolite BCD has a simple, clean, straightforward design that focuses on comfort and convenience.
It is very lightweight with a low-profile flexible backpack that can be folded in half for travel.
3 color combinations are available in this model with substantial lift capacity.
- Material: patented Bioflex bladder, (Bioflex material- a living fabric that stretches)
- Lift capacity: 32 to 38 lbs (14.5 to 17.24 kg)
- Dry weight: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
- Women’s version: Oceanic Biolite Women’s
- Integrated weight system
- No backplate
- D-rings for storage
- Waist and chest straps slide up and down to fit all heights
- Lightweight, takes up little space so ideal for travel
Rating: 4.6
Price: $$
The Cressi Travelight BCD is just what its name represents. It is an easily and conveniently packed piece of gear ready for travel on very short notice, that is much lighter and more compact than a traditional jacket-style BCD.
Cressi has incorporated comfort, good balance and trim under the water, and good lift capability.
There are a total of eight D-rings, two rear trim pockets, and two large accessory pockets to allow you to carry and store gear such as knives, dive lights, and gauges.
A padded back panel provides comfort and is flexible enough to move with you.
- Material: 210 denier nylon
- Lift capacity: 13.5 to 36 lbs. (6.1 to 16.3 kg) size-dependent
- Dry weight: 5 To 6.2 lbs (2.3 To 2.8 kg)
- Integrated weight system
- Women’s version: Cressi Travelite Women’s
- Lightweight, packs down well for a jacket-style BCD
- Plenty of D-rings, padded back, lots of storage
- Recalibrated speed of inflation is now 50% greater
Rating: 4.7
Price: $
The Scubapro Go is a basic jacket-style BCD that is stable and comfortable with substantial lift capacity in a lightweight package.
There is plenty of storage, easy-to-access zippered pockets, D-rings, and side grommets for knife attachment.
It has a flexible backplate and double tank straps for balance in any position and reduced pressure on your back. It folds and fits nicely in the provided travel bag.
- Material: Nylon 210 denier material covered in polyurethane for protection
- Lift capacity: 22 to 42 lbs (10 to 19 kg)
- Dry weight: 6 lbs (2.73 kg)
- Integrated weight system
- Women’s version: NA
- Multiple pull-dumps on shoulders and lower rear
- Lightweight and folds for packing in its own travel bag
- Plenty of D-rings, pockets, and grommets
Rating: 4.7
Price: $$$
The Zeagle Scout is a durable, back-inflation BCD.
It has a reasonable lift capacity and a comfortable flexible padded backplate.
There is no integrated weight system that allows more storage possibilities, reduces weight, and aids in packing for travel.
It is very reasonably priced while maintaining exceptional quality.
- Material: 1000 denier nylon
- Lift capacity: 24 lbs (10.9 kg)
- Dry weight: 6.7 lbs (3 kg)
- Traditional weight system
- Women’s version: NA
- Efficient Bx power inflator system for easy rinsing of the bladder
- Sewn-on lumbar pad
- Adjustable elastic waist panels and sternum strap
- 2 zippered pockets, 5 stainless steel D-rings, and mounting grommets
- Low priced
Rating: 4.5
Price: $
The LTS (Light Travel System) back inflation BCD is extremely light and designed to handle single AL80s and steel 85s.
Lift capacity is substantial on this comfortable and durable model.
Chest and hip D-rings provide storage on this easy-to-pack travel model.
- Material: 1000 denier nylon wing with a 420 denier urethane laminated internal nylon bladder
- Lift capacity: 30 lbs (13.63 kg)
- Dry weight: 5 lbs (2.27 kg)
- Integrated weight system
- Women’s version: NA
- Chest and hip D-rings for storage
- Comfortable back pad
- Torso and Waist Adjustment Webbing Straps
- Very lightweight modular design stows easily
Rating: 4.7
Price: $$
This back inflation system does an excellent job of freeing up movement in the chest and shoulders while providing good lift capacity.
Buoyancy regulation is possible in a variety of underwater positions with a 3-dump deflation system.
The exceptionally lightweight and flexible backpack makes stowage for travel easy.
- Material: 420 denier nylon
- Lift capacity: 29.2 lbs (13.2 kg)
- Dry weight: 4.8 to 5 lbs (2.2 to 2.3 kg)
- Integrated weight system
- Women’s version: NA
- Optional Air 2 alternate inflator
- 3-dump deflation system
- Flexible backpack
- Quick-release rotating shoulder buckles and two-position sternum strap
- High quality at a reasonable price
Rating: 4.8
Price: $$
Travel BCD Buying Guide
For a detailed introduction and key considerations when selecting a BCD, including travel BCDs, with photos, videos, and maintenance guidelines, please click here:
For more information concerning BCDs, please check this review:
Another Lightweight Travel BCD to Consider
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