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 lighter, 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. I will try to make the selection process a bit easier by presenting key factors in the design and use of a BCD in a buying guide and then introduce a range of some of the top travel models. After that is a table for you to compare important features.
Best Travel BCDs 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:
Below is a detailed description and comparison of the best travel BCDs of 2019. For each BCD key features and specifications are outlined. Videos are provided to fill in the gaps and demonstrate. At the end is the comparison table.
Best Travel BCD Reviews
- 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
The Zuma is an ultra-light BCD great for travel with lots of features, is quite comfortable, and still has plenty of lift capacity. It has an innovative tank support system that doesn’t require a hard pack. 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
- 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
- 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
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
The Zeagle Scout is a durable, back inflation BCD. It has reasonable lift capacity and a comfortable flexible padded backplate. There is no integrated weight system which 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
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
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
| Picture | BCD | Type | Dry Weight | Lift Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture | Wetsuit | 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 | $$ |
  | Scubapro Litehawk | Back Inflation | 4.8 to 5 lbs (2.2 to 2.3 kg) | 29.2 lbs (13.2 kg) | 4.8 | $$ |
For more information concerning BCDs, please check this review:
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Historically back inflate BCDs were primarily used in technical diving. They offer a better range of motion and underwater streamlining and accommodate a variety of accessories. Designers have been making them more versatile for use in a variety of situations and popularity is gaining rapidly. To help you in your selection process I have created a buying guide and selected a range of the best back inflate BCDs for a variety of diving styles for your consideration.
Comfort, function, and durability – the HD 200 is everything the advanced sport diver could ask for. It has a combination of tech/rec features that provide comfort and function in heavy-duty construction and innovative design to make this BC the best in its class.
Due to modular construction, it is able to adapt to warm and cold water diving, in wet or dry suits. 
Scuba equipment that is a bad fit or designed for men or “generic” divers can be uncomfortable and even unsafe to use. That’s particularly true for a BCD that can slide around, pinch, or generally make you miserable. When you spring for your own equipment why not get a BCD that is designed for a woman’s anatomy and figure? There are many on the market today created with you in mind. I will try to make the selection process a bit easier by presenting key factors in the design and use of a BCD and then introduce a range of some of the top models. After that is a table for you to compare important features.
Perfect for beginners, the Cressi Start Pro is a simple, comfortable and practical jacket BCD that fits all sizes and the female anatomy well. It’s rugged and durable with a streamlined underwater profile and strong ascension capacity with an integrated ballast system improved over previous models, making it flatter, lighter and discreet. It also has back pockets for additional ballast.
This model of the Nomad introduces the Nomad LS Sidemount System which is more streamlined and capable than previous models for optimal buoyancy and trim position.
The Cressi Aquaride Pro BCD stands out as a jacket type light and compact enough for travel and versatile enough for a wide variety of diving. It also has enough lift and weight capacity and room for maneuverability to be used with a dry suit in cold-water conditions. It a good all-around BCD.
The Aqua Lung Pro is a relatively new, affordable model. This one has integrated ballast. Also, there is a built-in traction pad to prevent bottle slippage along with features including D-rings, utility pockets, tear-resistant, sturdy material, a squeeze lock knife, reflector kit, and a fully adjustable waist strap to fit multiple sized divers.
The Liberator Sigma II BCD is a sturdy, jacket style BC with an integrated ballast system and back pockets to accommodate additional ballast. The two double zippered pockets are large and constructed with mesh drainage. The Tusa Liberator Sigma II is a comfortable BC at a great price for beginners or advanced divers. Its Independent Harness System (IHS) isolates the jacket’s harness from the air cell and secures the tank firmly even with changes in inflation or deflation. With Tusa’s Ultimate Stabilizing Harness (USH), the chance of a tank roll is unlikely and there are various sizes for selection to get a good fit.
of air in the back part of the rig when compared to the wing style. A hybrid will keep the diver in a more vertical position, which many divers will appreciate.
has a back-pack on the back or, in some cases, the back-pack is in the form of a foldable plate. Some models have even eliminated the lateral pockets and some of the rings for hanging accessories. They can be extremely light and convenient to carry in your baggage, but the primary drawback is that they tend to have less buoyancy, so it may not be appropriate for cold water diving, where you will need to use a lot of ballast due to the thickness of the suit.
come with a basic inflator/deflator mechanism that can be replaced with an alternate inflator regulator, which allows the same inflation and deflation mechanism of the BCD, and the function of an alternate air source in one unit.