WATERPROOF BAG

Waterproof Bag

Whether your adventures involve whitewater, helmets and a white-knuckled grip on your paddle, or a rod, reel, and stringer full of fish, kayak enthusiasts of all stripes require a couple of good dry bags. Dry bags (also known by some as kayak bags) are designed to keep your gear organized, protected and – most importantly – dry, no matter how wet and wild your outing becomes. However, not all dry bags are built equally. Some live up to the expectations of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen, performing admirably in even the most challenging conditions; while others quickly allow water to penetrate the bag.

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Most modern dry bags are made from nylon. “Off-the-shelf” nylon isn’t a waterproof material, so it is usually coated with a water-repelling coating before being used to construct a dry bag. Silicone is one of the most common coating agents, although some are simply laminated with a thin plastic. Nylon is available in varying thread-counts, with higher thread counts representing superior quality.

Vinyl is usually used in lower-priced bags, but some high-quality small bags are made from vinyl. Vinyl is also used in bags that feature clear “windows.” One important benefit of vinyl bags is that it is usually easy to patch them if they should tear.

Product Features

Robust Hardware

Good dry bags feature robust hardware. Any zippers, D-rings or clips on your dry bag must be well-built and sized appropriately for the application. Cheap dry bags often use low-quality rings, zippers and other types of hardware in an attempt to keep the price low, but in the end, you’ll regret choosing bags that cut corners in such manners. If your bag’s D-ring fails, you may end up chasing your dry bag for miles down the river, for example.

Window Design

Good dry bags allow you to see the contents at a glance. While most dry bags are opaque , many feature a clear or transparent “window” that allows you to see the bag’s contents without having to open it up. This is not only convenient, but it can also help you find needed items quickly, should the need arise. The first time you end up unpacking all of your gear to find your granola bars or first aid kit, you’ll swear off opaque bags forever.

Made Of Thick

Good dry bags are made of thick, durable materials. It won’t matter how watertight your dry bag is if it rips on the first rock that scrapes against it. Because they serve a high-stakes purpose with safety implications, dry bags must be durable enough to withstand the rigors of a hard life on the trail and in your yak. Look for bags made from thick materials and well-stitched seams.

Weight In Gold

Good dry bags are worth their weight in gold (their filled weight, that is – they don’t weigh very much when they’re empty). They not only make outdoor adventures more fun and convenient, but they also help to keep you safe; wet clothing and bedding can make you miserable at best and hypothermic at worst.