Athletico XL Mesh Scuba Bag

The Athletico XL mesh bag is a generously sized, quick-drying backpack that swallows a full snorkel or dive kit and costs less than most divers spend on a single lunch at the marina.

Every diver needs a mesh bag. It is one of those boring, essential items that you do not think about until you are carrying wet gear in a plastic shopping bag or stuffing a damp wetsuit into your car boot. The Athletico XL takes the simple mesh bag concept and scales it up to extra-large dimensions with backpack-style shoulder straps, giving you enough room for a full set of recreational dive gear with space to spare. At $44, it is one of the most affordable XL mesh bags on the Australian market.

## Overview

The Athletico XL is a drawstring-closure mesh backpack made from a durable nylon mesh that allows air and water to flow through freely. The extra-large sizing is the key selling point — it is noticeably bigger than standard mesh bags, with enough internal volume to fit fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuit, booties, gloves, and still have room for a towel. The adjustable padded shoulder straps let you carry it as a backpack, and a zippered interior pocket provides storage for small items like defog, reef-safe sunscreen, or your car keys.

## Key Features

- Extra-large capacity mesh backpack design - Durable nylon mesh for quick drying and ventilation - Adjustable padded shoulder straps - Drawstring closure - Zippered interior pocket for small items - Fits a complete snorkel or recreational dive kit

## The Good

- The size is genuinely extra-large. We fit a full 3mm wetsuit, open-heel fins, mask, snorkel, booties, gloves, and a towel in the bag with room to spare. For shore divers heading down to Bare Island or Shelly Beach, you can carry your entire exposure kit in one bag and leave your hands free. - The mesh dries quickly. After a morning of diving, hang the bag in the sun or in a ventilated area and both the bag and its contents dry significantly faster than they would in a solid fabric bag. No more festering damp gear smell in the back of the car. - The backpack straps are a genuine upgrade over single-strap or duffel-style mesh bags. When the bag is loaded with a full wet kit, the weight distributes across both shoulders instead of cutting into one. The padding is basic but effective. - At $44, the price is excellent for the size and functionality. Comparable mesh bags from dive-specific brands often cost two to three times as much for essentially the same concept. - The zippered interior pocket is a useful touch. It keeps your small valuables — keys, wallet, phone — separated from the wet gear and easy to find. - Durability has been solid in our testing. The mesh has not torn or frayed despite being loaded with heavy, sharp-edged fins and dragged across rough car park surfaces.

## The Bad

- The drawstring closure is not as secure as a zippered top. If the bag tips over or gets jostled during transport, gear can spill out the top. A toggle or clip to lock the drawstring would be a welcome improvement. - The mesh offers zero protection from the elements. If it rains on your walk back to the car, everything in the bag gets wet again. - The shoulder straps, while padded, are not padded enough for very heavy loads. A waist strap or more substantial padding would help for full scuba kits. - The bag has no rigid structure. When empty, it collapses into a shapeless pile. When loaded, it bulges in whatever direction the heaviest item pushes. - The interior pocket is useful but small. It fits keys and a phone, but not much more. A second external pocket for a water bottle would be a practical addition. - The mesh material is a magnet for sand. Fine sand from beach entries works its way into the weave and takes effort to shake out completely.

## Verdict

The Athletico XL mesh bag does exactly what it promises: it holds a lot of wet gear, lets it dry, and carries comfortably on your back. The extra-large size is genuinely useful, the backpack straps are a smart inclusion, and the price makes it an easy recommendation for any diver who needs a no-fuss gear bag. It is not a premium product and it will not win any design awards, but it solves the wet-gear-transport problem effectively and affordably. A sensible buy for shore divers and boat divers alike.

**Rating: 4.0 / 5 stars**