Best Scuba Diving Extras

Gear extras can make diving easier, safer and more fun. From GPS devices to accessory kits and an eco-friendly poncho, these items will make your next dive more fun. Check out the entire 2020 Gear Buyers Guide for more gear picks. 

AKONA PROKIT-2  

The convenient ProKit-2 has all the must-have accessories you need to make sure your BC is well-equipped. The compact 420-lumen LED dive light has a comfortable ergonomic grip and is rated to 330 feet, and can be tethered to your BC with the included retractor. There’s also a stainless-steel knife with a built-in lock that keeps it securely in its sheath and a heavy-duty gauge/computer retractor with a line lock.  
akona.com | $188    

AKONA PROKIT-MINI  

This handy package includes a 100-lumen light rated to 330 feet and equipped with a cone diffuser and a retractor to keep it safe. The gauge/computer console retractor has a quick-release clip and rugged Spectra nylon line for durability. The line cutter has a protected stainless-steel blade and comes with a quick-draw nylon sheath with multiple BC-mounting options and a secure Velcro closure.  
akona.com | $115    

CRESSI DIGI 2 DIGITAL CONSOLE  

Built to withstand the harshest conditions, the Digi 2 uses bold digits organized on a high-contrast display to highlight important data including current and max depth, bottom time and tank pressure. The unit automatically activates when connected to a pressurized tank and is powered by user-replaceable CR2450 batteries. The depth gauge reads to 394 feet (120 meters), and the gas pressure reads up to 4,351 psi (300 bar).  
cressi.com | $264.95  

GARMIN GPSMAP 86SCI  

This GPS device comes preloaded with BlueChart g3 coastal charts and can stream boat data from compatible chart plotters and instruments to aid in marine navigation. Built-in inReach satellite technology helps you stay in touch globally, allowing for two-way text messaging, and the ability to trigger an interactive SOS to get emergency help from a 24/7 global monitoring center (subscription required).  
garmin.com | $649.99   

GARMIN INREACH SE+  

Combining global satellite messaging with robust outdoor navigation, the inReach allows you to send an SOS message 24/7 to the search-and-rescue monitoring center, and access two-way messaging and social media sharing via Garmin’s subscription satellite network. The full-color screen displays GPS tracking, and you can pair with Garmin’s Earthmate app for downloadable maps.  
garmin.com | $399.99  

GARMIN INREACH MINI  

Compact and rugged, this satellite communicator enables you to engage in two-way text messaging via Garmin’s Iridium satellite network (subscription required). You can also use it to trigger an interactive SOS to a 24/7 search-and-rescue monitoring center and access downloadable maps and NOAA charts using the Earthmate app. Social media sharing allows you to share your route with friends and family.  
garmin.com | $349.99   

GARMIN INREACH MINI DIVE CASE  

Water-resistant to depths of 330 feet (100 meters), this protective housing allows you to take your Garmin inReach Mini on every dive. Simply clip the device to your scuba gear and you can have access to two-way text messaging, GPS positioning and the ability to trigger an interactive SOS to a 24/7 search-and- rescue service whenever and wherever you surface. 
garmin.com | $49.99    

PADI X ECO-FRIENDLY PONCHO  

This changing poncho is incredibly soft and wicks away water. It makes changing and drying off easier and allows you to quickly go from wet to dry. It is made from sustainably sourced cotton and recycled plastic bottles. It’s also made in a way that minimizes the shedding of microplastics and has an antimicrobial treatment to keep it feeling and smelling fresh.  
padigear.com | $50  

PADI X RASH’R RASH GUARD  

Sustainable and stylish, this rash guard is made using Econyl nylon, a regenerated nylon sourced from ocean waste such as discarded fishing nets. Designed to maximize comfort and reduce friction on your body, with flat-lock stitching and four-way stretch fabric that further enhance comfort, this rash guard delivers a UPF of 50-plus, meaning it will protect you for up to eight hours against solar ultraviolet radiation. padigear.com | $60   

PADI X ECO-FRIENDLY TOWEL  

Made from recycled plastic bottles and sustainably sourced cotton, this super-soft, cozy towel is a pleasure to use and is environmentally friendly. Designed to minimize the shedding of microplastics during washing, the towel is made with tight cotton threading for durability. Available in two designs, it measures 58 by 33 inches (148 by 84 cm) and has an antimicrobial treatment.  
padigear.com | $30   

Text and photos originally appeared in the March 2020 issue of Scuba Diving magazine.