11 Essentials to Pack for a Smarter Diving Excursion

Before you jump overboard and start exploring the depths, make sure you’ve packed all the right gear.

1. Mask and Snorkel

They may not be advanced equipment, but they’re often the best for underwater exploration. They’ve certainly stood the test of time - snorkeling is such an old hobby, even Aristotle wrote about it.

2. Wetsuit and Compensator Vest

A wetsuit does more than keep you warm - it also gives a diver added buoyancy. This is why you’ll need to pair it with the weighted vest.

3. SCUBA Gear

Regulator, octopus, depth gauge, tank-pressure gauge — if you’re a licensed diver, you’ll know what all these things are and how to use them. You’ll also know that SCUBA is an acronym, meaning “self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.”

4. Dive knife

These blades aren’t just for show — they can help you out of many submerged binds like fishing lines or nets. These knives are stainless steel to prevent corrosion, but you should still clean and remove any film after a dive.

5. International Medical Emergency Plan

The best diving is often in exotic locales, so prepare for whatever comes your way. You hopefully won’t need a rescue, but people who are saved by air evacuation have the Serbian Air Force to thank — they performed the first-ever medevac operation in 1915.

6. Underwater camera

Memories are great, but a picture of an incredible eel is even better. Find out how deep you’ll be going and invest in a camera that can handle it. Soon, you’ll be a regular William Thompson (the first person to ever take a photograph underwater, in 1856).

7. Dive Log

This is essential to keep track of your dives. The sea is a vast and confusing place — so make sure to record all of your adventures.

8. Underwater Light

You’ll be plunging to where the sun barely shines, so there’s a chance you’ll need some illumination. Modern lights use LEDs and are extremely durable and long-lasting, something that will come in handy if you venture below the dark zone where sunlight stops penetrating, usually around 200 meters deep.

9. Dive Repair Kit

If your gear breaks, don’t let it ruin your trip. A good repair kit will help you seal, patch, and repair any minor damage your equipment suffers.

10. Waterproof Case

Keep your valuables dry and safe with a good waterproof case. You can even bring your smartphone with you and use one of the many dive log apps — but maybe it’s smarter to take this time to enjoy life away from your phone.

11. Sunscreen

It may be dark once you start diving, but open water equals lots of sun. Dermatologists recommend you use one ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass, to cover your entire body.

Whatever adventure you’re embarking on, make sure you’ve packed the right gear. To learn more about the new Mercedes-Benz GLA and see what some of your favorite celebrities pack for their own excursions, visit GLApacked.com.