Hey guys! If you're a diver constantly lugging gear around, you know the struggle of finding the perfect bag. Is the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro the answer? Let's dive deep (pun intended!) into this popular dive bag and see if it lives up to the hype.

What is the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro?

The Mares Cruise Backpack Pro is designed with the travelling diver in mind. It's essentially a large, durable, and thoughtfully designed backpack meant to hold pretty much all your dive gear. We're talking regulators, fins, wetsuit, BCD, and all those essential accessories. It's built to be carried as a backpack (obviously!), but it also has wheels and a telescoping handle, transforming it into a rolling suitcase. This versatility is a major selling point, especially for navigating airports and dive boats. One of the standout features is its impressive capacity. You can really pack a ton of gear into this thing. The main compartment is spacious and easily accessible, making packing and unpacking a breeze. Several internal and external pockets allow organization for smaller items, like masks, computers, and spare parts. It's not just about space. The Mares Cruise Backpack Pro is constructed from durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers add to its overall robustness. The bag also incorporates features like drainage holes to allow water to escape, preventing mildew and unpleasant odors after a dive. The telescoping handle and smooth-rolling wheels make navigating airports and other travel hubs a breeze, even when the bag is fully loaded. The padded shoulder straps and back panel provide comfort when carrying it as a backpack, even for extended periods. This is a huge plus when you need to traverse uneven terrain or climb stairs. The Mares Cruise Backpack Pro is a popular choice among divers for its combination of space, durability, versatility, and comfort. It's an investment that can make your dive travel experiences much smoother and more enjoyable.

Key Features and Benefits

Let's break down what makes the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro stand out. Durability is a HUGE factor. This bag is built to last, using tough materials that can handle the wear and tear of travel and diving. The reinforced stitching and heavy-duty zippers are confidence-inspiring. Capacity is another significant benefit of the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro. This bag offers ample space for a full set of dive gear, including a BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask, and other accessories. This eliminates the need for multiple bags and simplifies the packing process. Organization is Key with this Backpack. Multiple internal and external pockets allow divers to organize their gear efficiently. There are dedicated compartments for delicate items like dive computers and masks, ensuring they are protected during transport. The versatility is unmatched. The bag can be used as a backpack or a rolling suitcase, making it suitable for various travel scenarios. The telescoping handle and smooth-rolling wheels make navigating airports and other travel hubs a breeze. Comfort is not an afterthought. The padded shoulder straps and back panel provide comfort when carrying the bag as a backpack, even when fully loaded. This is especially important for those who need to walk long distances or navigate uneven terrain. The Mares Cruise Backpack Pro is designed with convenience in mind. Features like drainage holes, which allow water to escape and prevent the buildup of mildew and odors, make it easy to maintain. The easy-access main compartment and thoughtfully placed pockets streamline the packing and unpacking process. Ultimately, the key benefits of the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro are its ability to simplify and enhance the dive travel experience. It offers a convenient, durable, and comfortable way to transport dive gear, allowing divers to focus on enjoying their underwater adventures.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's get real about the pros and cons of the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro. We'll start with the good stuff. This thing is seriously durable. I've seen these bags take a beating and keep on ticking. The storage space is incredible. You can fit EVERYTHING in here, which is a lifesaver when you're trying to avoid extra baggage fees. Having the option to roll it or wear it as a backpack is awesome. This is perfect for navigating airports or lugging your gear on a boat. It's surprisingly comfortable to wear as a backpack, even when fully loaded, thanks to the padding. Now for the not-so-good. The price tag is a bit steep. It's definitely an investment. When it's fully packed, it can get pretty heavy. This might be an issue for some people, especially when carrying it as a backpack. It's a large bag, which can be a problem if you're trying to squeeze it into tight spaces on a boat or in a car. While it has drainage holes, it can still take a while for everything to dry completely, especially if you pack it tightly. So, to summarize the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro has fantastic durability, tons of storage, versatile carrying options and decent comfort. On the other hand, it also has a high price, potential for excessive weight, bulky size and moderate drying time.

Who is this backpack for?

So, who is the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro really for? If you are a frequent traveller, this bag is ideal. If you're constantly hopping on planes and boats to reach your dive destinations, the durability and versatility of this bag will be a game-changer. If you're tired of lugging around multiple bags for your dive gear, this backpack offers ample space to consolidate everything into one convenient package. If you prioritize comfort when carrying your gear, the padded shoulder straps and back panel will make a noticeable difference, especially on long walks or uneven terrain. On the flip side, if you are an occasional diver, the price tag might be a bit hard to justify. There are definitely more affordable options available if you only dive a few times a year. If you are a minimalist packer, you might find this bag to be overkill. If you prefer to travel light, a smaller and less bulky option might be more suitable. If you have back problems, be cautious. Even with the padded straps, a fully loaded bag can be quite heavy, which could exacerbate existing back issues. Consider using the rolling feature whenever possible. Ultimately, the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro is best suited for frequent travelling divers who value durability, capacity, versatility, and comfort. It's an investment that can significantly enhance the dive travel experience, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine if it's the right fit for your individual needs and diving style.

Alternatives to the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro

Okay, so maybe the Mares Cruise Backpack Pro isn't quite your jam. No worries! There are other options out there. Let's take a look at some alternatives: The Aqua Lung Explorer II Roller Bag is another popular choice. It's known for its spacious interior, rugged construction, and smooth-rolling wheels. It's a strong contender if you're looking for a similar rolling bag. If you prefer a more streamlined backpack, the Scubapro Dry Backpack is a great option. It's waterproof, lightweight, and comfortable to carry, making it ideal for divers who want to keep their gear dry and protected. For those on a budget, the Cressi Moby 5 is a solid choice. It's a large and durable bag with plenty of space for dive gear, but it comes at a more affordable price point. If you want a hybrid option, the **Stahlsac Steel 27