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Cressi Travelight Review: Lightweight Comfort for Traveling Divers

By: Brian Young  ● Updated: September, 2025  ● Min read

The Cressi Travelight BCD is designed with one goal in mind—making travel easier for divers. It’s built for recreational divers who need a lightweight, compact BCD that won’t take up half your luggage space.

At just over 6 pounds, it packs down small yet still delivers the features you expect from a full-size BCD. You get integrated weights, multiple pockets, and good buoyancy control without all the bulk.

This review breaks down what makes the Travelight stand out, covering its features, performance, build quality, and value for money so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you and your diving style.

Cressi Travelight BCD

Cressi Travelight

Cressi Travelight BCD Folded Carrying bag

Our Overall Score:

4.2/5

Manufacturer: Cressi

Disclaimer: This review is based on personal experiences and opinions of the author and may differ from others.

Fit & Comfort

 Adjustable harness, padded straps, good comfort for long dive days.

Buoyancy & Performance

Stable jacket-style lift, ideal for warm-water single-tank dives.

Build Quality & Durability 

The 210-denier nylon is light but strong. It has held up well over many dives.

Storage & Features

Two large cargo pockets, eight D-rings, trim pockets, integrated weights.

Value For Money

Mid-range price, strong choice for frequent traveling divers

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Cressi Travelight

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What You Need To Know About The Cressi Travelight: Key Features and Benefits

The Cressi Travelight is all about making dive travel simple. It’s a jacket-style BCD that keeps the comfort and stability of a full-size model but trims the weight and bulk so you can take it anywhere. Here’s what stands out most when using it.

Ultralight and Packable

At just 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) in size M, this BCD is one of the lightest on the market. It folds down into its own compact bag (36 × 25 × 15 cm), which makes it easy to slide into a carry-on or backpack. For divers who fly often, this is a real space saver.

Integrated Weight System

The Travelight features Cressi’s Lock-Aid 2.0 system. The two quick-release weight pockets hold up to 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) each, and the rear trim pockets add another 2.5 kg (5.5 lb). The setup is simple, secure, and balances well underwater.

Comfortable Jacket Fit

Unlike many travel BCDs that cut corners, the Travelight keeps the wraparound bladder design. This helps you stay upright on the surface and stable while submerged. The independent waist strap also prevents that tight “squeeze” you sometimes get with other jackets.

Storage Space That Matters

Two large, zippered cargo pockets give you enough room for essentials like a DSMB, spool, or spare mask. Many lightweight BCDs skip storage altogether, so having this space without adding bulk is a big plus.

Multiple Attachment Points

With 4 Alloy D-rings, you get plenty of places to clip accessories. They’re lightweight yet durable, making them practical for carrying a torch, camera, or pointer stick without overloading the BCD.

Reliable Lift for Warm Waters

The lift capacity ranges from 60 to 160 N (13.5 to 36 lb), depending on size. For a size M, you’re looking at about 9.1 kg (20.2 lb). That’s more than enough for a single-tank setup in tropical waters where this BCD is designed to shine.

Cressi Travelight: Manufacturer's Specification

BCD Type:

Jacket-Style

Lift Capacity (Size Medium):

~9.2 kg / 20.2 lb

Weight Integrated:

Yes

Weight Capacity (Size Medium):

~31.5 lbs (14.2 kg) including trim

Trim Pockets:

2 rear trim pockets, 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) each 

Dump Valves:

3

Materials:

210 denier nylon with rubberized rear panel

Number of Pockets:

2 large zippered cargo pockets with gussets

Number Of D-rings:

4 (Alloy)

Activity:

Recreational, Travel

Our Rating: Cressi Travelight Review

Cressi Travelight BCD

Overall Score

4.2/5

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4.5

Fit and Comfort

The Travelight is easy to adjust with padded shoulder straps, a chest strap, and a waist cummerbund. The fit feels snug without restricting movement, even on repetitive dives. The semi-rigid backplate adds structure while staying comfortable for travel use.

4.0

Buoyancy & Performance

As a jacket-style BCD, it provides stable buoyancy on the surface and balanced control underwater. The lift in size M (about 20 lb) is well suited for single-tank diving in warm waters. Trim pockets help fine-tune balance, making drift and reef dives steady and predictable.

4.0

Build Quality & Durability

Made from 210 denier nylon, it’s not as heavy-duty as some cold-water BCDs, but that’s intentional to keep weight low. The stitching, inflator, and hardware hold up well under normal travel and recreational use, provided you rinse and care for it regularly

4.5

Storage & Features

Two large cargo pockets, 4 Alloy D-rings, and an integrated weight system give you plenty of options for accessories and essentials. For a travel BCD, the amount of usable storage is a standout.

4.0

Value for Money

The Travelight sits in the mid-to-upper price range for travel BCDs. You’re paying for its packability, comfort, and reliable performance. It’s a strong choice for divers who travel often and want a full-featured BCD without hauling extra weight.

What We Like:

✅ Extremely Lightweight and Packable

At just 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) in size M, the Travelight is one of the lightest full-featured BCDs available. It folds down into its own compact carry bag, making it ideal for divers who travel frequently by air and want to keep baggage weight under control.

✅ Comfortable Jacket Fit

The wraparound bladder keeps you upright at the surface and stable underwater. The independent waist strap prevents uncomfortable squeeze when fully inflated, which adds to comfort during longer dives.

✅ Integrated Weight System with Trim Pockets

The Lock-Aid System 2.0 offers quick-release front weight pockets that are simple to load and secure. The addition of rear trim pockets helps fine-tune buoyancy and balance, a feature not always included in lightweight travel BCDs.

✅ Plenty of Storage and Attachment Options

Two spacious cargo pockets and eight aluminum D-rings give you more storage than many other travel BCDs. It’s practical for carrying essentials like a DSMB, spool, or torch without feeling cluttered.

✅ Reliable Performance for Warm-Water Diving

The lift capacity in size M (about 20 lb) is perfectly suited for tropical single-tank setups. It’s dependable for reef dives, drift dives, and typical recreational depths.

What We Don't Like:

❌ Limited Lift for Heavy Gear

With around 20 lb of lift in size M, the Travelight isn’t designed for cold-water diving or carrying heavy steel tanks and thick exposure protection. It’s best for warm-water travel setups only.

❌ Lighter Materials Require Care

The 210 denier nylon keeps weight down but won’t be as rugged as heavier-duty BCDs. It can show wear faster if frequently used in rough conditions or not rinsed and stored properly.

❌ Not Ideal for Divers Who Want a Back-Inflation Feel

Some divers prefer the trim and horizontal positioning of a back-inflation BCD. The Travelight’s jacket style focuses more on surface comfort and stability, which may not suit everyone’s diving style.

The Verdict

The Cressi Travelight is a strong choice for divers who want a reliable BCD that’s easy to travel with. It combines the comfort of a jacket-style design with the portability of a lightweight build.

It’s best suited for warm-water, single-tank divers who fly often and need gear that packs small without sacrificing storage or features. While it’s not designed for heavy exposure protection or cold-water use, it delivers exactly what traveling divers need: comfort, stability, and convenience.

If your diving plans take you to tropical destinations and you want a BCD that won’t weigh you down, the Travelight is well worth considering.

Related BCD Reviews

Check out these other great Scuba BCDs we reviewed.

Cressi Travelight: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cressi Travelight suitable for cold-water diving?

Yes. The BCD can be folded into a small package and has a storage volume of just 135 cm³. It also comes with its own carrying case, making it practical for transport with space and weight restrictions.

Can you easily pack the Cressi Travelight in a carry-on bag?

Yes. The BCD can be folded into a small package and has a storage volume of just 135 cm³. It also comes with its own carrying case, making it practical for transport with space and weight restrictions.

Can beginners use the Cressi Travelight?

Yes, its intuitive weight system and adjustable fit make it beginner-friendly. However, new divers should practice with the weight pockets to get comfortable with quick releases.

Have you tried the Cressi TravelightBCD? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! Happy diving!

Snippet

Cressi Travelight BCD
Cressi Travelight Review: Lightweight Comfort for Traveling Divers 2

The Cressi Travelight BCD is a great choice for traveling divers who need a lightweight and compact BC that still has all the bells and whistles of a full-featured BCD. It's made from durable materials and folds up small for easy transport. Available at an attractive price point, it's a great choice for almost any recreational diver. There is also a specialized fit for women divers too.

Product Brand: Cressi

Editor's Rating:
4.2

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight and compact for travel
  • Comfortable jacket-style fit
  • Integrated weight system with rear trim pockets
  • Two large cargo pockets and eight D-rings
  • Reliable lift for warm-water single-tank diving

Cons

  • Limited lift capacity for heavy gear or cold-water diving
  • Lightweight materials less rugged than heavy-duty BCDs
  • Jacket-style may not suit divers who prefer back-inflation

About the author

Brian Young is a lifelong scuba diver and marine enthusiast. With years of experience exploring some of the Caribbean’s best dive sites, he brings a personal touch and insider knowledge to every article on ScubaDiverHQ.com. Brian specializes in writing in-depth dive guides, gear reviews, and travel insights that help divers of all levels plan unforgettable underwater adventures. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him in the water, guiding dives, testing new equipment, or sharing his passion for ocean conservation.

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