TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack

The TYR Big Mesh Mummy is a large, well-made mesh backpack that crosses over neatly from the swim world into dive use — and at $43, it offers genuine brand quality at a budget price.

TYR is a name more commonly seen on pool decks than dive boats, but their Big Mesh Mummy backpack has quietly become a favourite among divers who want a quality mesh bag without paying dive-industry prices. The bag is designed for swimmers carrying wet gear to and from training, which means it is built to handle exactly the same challenges divers face: heavy, wet, salty equipment that needs to dry quickly. The large drawstring opening, padded straps, and quick-dry mesh tick all the right boxes.

## Overview

The TYR Big Mesh Mummy is a tall, cylindrical mesh backpack with a drawstring closure at the top. The mesh is a heavy-duty polyester weave that allows water and air to pass through for rapid drying. Padded backpack-style shoulder straps distribute the load across both shoulders, and the bag's tall, narrow profile keeps it manageable even when fully loaded. A small zippered pocket inside provides secure storage for valuables.

## Key Features

- Large capacity mesh backpack with tall cylindrical profile - Heavy-duty polyester mesh construction - Padded adjustable shoulder straps - Drawstring closure - Internal zippered pocket for small items - Quick-dry design suited to wet gear

## The Good

- Build quality is a clear step above most budget mesh bags. TYR's swim heritage means they know how to make gear that handles chlorine, salt water, and daily abuse. The mesh is thicker and more tightly woven than the Athletico, and the stitching at stress points is reinforced. - The padded shoulder straps are comfortable under load. Carrying a full snorkel kit — fins, mask, wetsuit, booties — from the car park down to Gordons Bay or along the Coogee coastal walk is manageable without the straps biting into your shoulders. - The tall, narrow profile is practical. Unlike wider bags that flop sideways when loaded, the Mummy stands up reasonably well and fits into tighter spaces — boat storage compartments, car boots, locker shelves. - Drying performance is excellent. The polyester mesh does not hold water, and the open weave lets air circulate through wet gear efficiently. Hang it in a breezy spot after a dive and everything dries noticeably faster. - At $43, you are getting TYR brand quality for less than many unbranded dive mesh bags. The swim-industry pricing works in your favour here. - The drawstring closure is quick and simple. Tug the cord, cinch the top shut, and go. No zippers to jam with sand, no buckles to fiddle with.

## The Bad

- The capacity, while large by swim bag standards, is slightly smaller than dedicated XL dive mesh bags like the Athletico. If you need to fit a full scuba kit including a thick wetsuit, booties, and full-foot fins, it will be a tight squeeze. For snorkel gear and light dive setups, it is fine. - The drawstring closure shares the same limitation as all drawstring bags: it does not seal the top. Gear can fall out if the bag tips, and rain gets in freely. This is inherent to the design, not a flaw. - The internal zippered pocket is small — phone and keys, essentially. If you want to carry a water bottle, sunscreen, or other accessories in a separate compartment, you will need to get creative. - The cylindrical shape means fins must go in vertically. Long full-foot fins may poke out the top of the bag. Open-heel fins with the straps folded down generally fit without issue. - No external pockets or attachment points. Everything goes into one main compartment. Divers who like to organise their gear into separate sections may find this limiting. - The mesh, while durable, does pick up sand and salt crystals that require a rinse to clear. The tighter weave traps fine particles more than a looser mesh would.

## Verdict

The TYR Big Mesh Mummy is a well-built mesh backpack that leverages swim-industry quality at a price point that undercuts most dive-specific alternatives. The padded straps, heavy-duty mesh, and practical tall profile make it a strong choice for divers who carry snorkel gear or light dive setups to the water. It is slightly smaller than the largest dive mesh bags, so dedicated scuba divers with full kits may want something bigger, but for the majority of recreational divers and snorkellers it hits a great balance of quality, capacity, and price.

**Rating: 4.0 / 5 stars**