XS Scuba Companion Travel BCD Review

Budget-conscious divers who need an ultra-compact travel BCD will find the XS Scuba Companion worth considering. I’ve seen this BCD gain a following among traveling divers who prioritize lightweight gear and minimal luggage weight over extensive features. This is a stripped-down entry-level travel BCD that delivers the core essentials at an affordable price, making it particularly attractive for vacation divers and beginners who want packable gear without premium pricing.

Core Features

The Companion weighs just 2.3 kg. The BCD provides 13.6 kg of lift. It uses a back-inflation wing design. Price sits around $430, making it one of the most affordable travel BCDs available.

The BCD features a one-size-fits-most adjustable harness. The harness uses 600-denier polyester construction. The bladder is made from thermoplastic urethane with radio frequency welding. The outer bag is durable 1680-denier nylon.

The package includes two standard-length tank cam straps. The MicroPac backpack provides stability without a rigid structure. Two trim weight pockets hold up to 2.3 kg each. The XS Scuba Micro Inflator uses a drift pin design instead of standard Schrader valves.

Real-World Use

Ultra-Lightweight Construction

The 2.3 kg weight makes this genuinely light. Common feedback from traveling divemasters is that being 40% lighter than traditional BCDs translates to real savings in baggage weight. For divers watching airline weight limits, every kilogram counts. The Companion packs down compactly without a rigid backplate.

MicroPac Backpack System

The exclusive MicroPac backpack is an interesting compromise. Many pros report that it provides more stability than purely soft backpacks while remaining foldable for travel. I’ve heard dive instructors mention that the MicroPac works better than expected for such a lightweight system, though it doesn’t match the rigid structure of hard backpacks.

Trim Weight Pockets Only

The BCD has no integrated ditchable weight pockets. Weight distribution relies entirely on the two rear trim pockets with hook-and-loop release. Common feedback that I got is that this works for warm water diving where weight requirements are minimal, but divers coming from BCDs with front integrated weights find the adjustment awkward. The trim pockets aren’t designed for emergency ditching like front weight systems.

Adjustability and Fit

The one-size-fits-most design uses a two-way adjustable sternum strap and torso-adjustable shoulder straps. The cummerbund waist strap has hook-and-loop closure. Many divers have noted that the extra-large thumb loops make cinching shoulder straps easier. The squeeze-style side-release buckles work well. However, the one-size approach means fit varies significantly based on body type.

Minimal Features

The Companion has no cargo pockets. Attachment points are minimal. There are knife mounting grommets and a removable epaulette for airway hold-down, but this BCD prioritizes simplicity over accessories. ScubaLab testing noted that the adjustability was lacking compared to other BCDs, though the super simple design works well for warm water recreational diving.

Comparing Alternatives

The XS Scuba Companion at around $430 competes with other budget-friendly travel BCDs. The Cressi Travelight at around $400 offers similar pricing with a jacket-style design and more D-rings but weighs slightly more at 2.5 kg. The Zeagle Scout at similar pricing provides a back-inflation design with more attachment points but heavier construction.

The Scubapro Litehawk at $500-600 weighs about the same at 2.2 kg and includes the AIR2 integrated inflator-regulator, but costs more. The Mares Magellan at $400-500 weighs 2.1 kg and provides more features including integrated weight pockets and cargo storage.

The Companion’s main advantage is the combination of extremely light weight, affordable price, and basic reliability. It’s the budget choice for divers who need travel-weight gear without paying for features they won’t use.

Assessment

The ultra-lightweight 2.3 kg design genuinely saves baggage weight. The $430 price point is excellent value for a travel BCD. The MicroPac backpack provides surprising stability. The durable 1680-denier nylon outer bag should handle regular use well. The drift pin inflator design offers reliability.

The lack of integrated ditchable weight pockets is a significant limitation. Minimal D-rings and no cargo pockets restrict functionality. The one-size-fits-most approach won’t work for all body types. The basic feature set means this BCD won’t grow with advancing divers.

Final Verdict

Buy the XS Scuba Companion if you’re a budget-conscious traveling diver who needs the lightest possible BCD at an affordable price. It’s ideal for vacation divers who dive warm water destinations once or twice a year and want minimal luggage weight. Beginning divers looking for an entry-level travel BCD will appreciate the straightforward design and affordable pricing.

This BCD works well for divers with minimal weight requirements who don’t need integrated ditchable weight systems. If you’re diving tropical destinations with aluminum tanks and thin wetsuits, the trim-only weight system is manageable.

Skip this BCD if you need integrated front weight pockets for easier ditching. Divers who carry cameras, lights, or accessories will find the minimal attachment points frustrating. If you dive in various conditions or want gear that adapts as your diving progresses, invest in a more feature-rich BCD.