“hmmm...Semi Dry…Bag”

SealLine Baja Dry Bags are extremely durable bags, lasting in a commercial setting 10+ years. I am still using a 5L and 20L  dry bag I was given on my 15th birthday! In my sea kayaking kit I commonly use 2x 5L dry bags, 1x 10L and 1x20L bags.

As with the lightweight dry bags, this much heavier weight bag relies on folding over the opening and clipping it closed so it is not a perfect seal.

“hmmm...Semi Dry…Bag”

These dry bags are of a lighter weight fabric so they weigh less but are not as durable as the Baja bags. In a commercial setting (ie. frequent use) they last 2 years.

Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Sacks are available in a range of sizes: 1, 2, 4, 8, 13 and 20 litre. I commonly use an 8L for my Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Sleeping Mat.They are useful for a range of soft items such as clothes and food - nothing with sharp edges to poke through the bag.

I can’t get enough of these - I use a Compression Dry Sack for sleeping bags, puffy jackets,  clothing, wet weather clothing,  fly sheets and tents. They have never leaked!  Even in wet plastic sea kayaks! In extremely wet kayaks/canoes or an environment such as the Alaskan rainforest, I do however use a heavy-duty trash bag to make sure they are completely 100% waterproof.

For thicker down sleeping bags the Medium size is recommended, while for those with less loft a Small size will fit.

“A Great way to make a Dry Bag”

Stuff sacks close with a drawstring so they are not actually a dry bag in themselves. They can, however, be converted to a dry bag using a heavy duty garbage bag - squeeze the air out, then twirl and knot the end of the garbage bag for a firm seal.

Our Youtube shows how this is done:
How to Make a DRY Bag - Sea to Summit Stuff Sack

“Use you mobile/cell phone anytime, anywhere... Provided there is reception!”

These small bags are best suited to electronics that you might want to access on the water: phones, VHF radios and GPS units as they have a clear plastic window and allow use of a touchscreen through the plastic. They come in a variety of sizes - we use the Aquapac 348 (iPhone 5, 6, 6S & 7) and the Aquapac 358 (iPhone 6+ & larger phones, Garmin GPSMAP 78sc).

The bag works on a clamp system and is rated at IPX8 - submersible to 5 metres. It comes with a lanyard - as with anything that is not stowed away you should attach it to something, such as your PFD.

“Impact protectors”

Pelican Microcases work as great impact protectors, but they can start to leak over time,  especially when sand and grit gets stuck around the seams/o-rings. I use them for items that are already water resistant such as my camera and HandiCam.

Pelican Cases - These cases are almost indestructible, water- and impact-proof. I utilise the Pelican 1120 case for communications equipment - satellite phone and flares.  These cases are rigid and can be difficult to pack in tight places so I limit them to essential items that must be protected from crushing.

“Bomber - it is the true Dry bag”

Watershed - I am so impressed with these bags - they are quite expensive but well worth it: soft and easy to load, extremely watertight. To maintain this seal, use 303 Aerospace Protectant (or in a jam, Olive Oil).

I do not leave home without my Ocoee duffel bag. It carries wallets,  phones, batteries, passport and a variety of small electronic devices that must be kept dry. The duffel has four clips to compress down so it can be easily stowed

The Aleutian Deck Bag is amazing in field/commercial situations. It is carried on the front deck of the kayak - visible to all, carrying the first aid kit, medical summaries, float plan and rescue equipment such as flares (Marine Safety Pack).

My Big Creek Backpack is only really used on my Trak Adventures, for Fishing Kit and Cooking Kit and bits & bobs, as it can be loaded on the back deck of a kayak and remains very water tight.

Grid Tablet Bag:  Carrying your iPad is an amazing tool for trip planning and this is the only way I would carry it.  The iPad does not work so well if the clear panel is wet - it makes it difficult to navigate the iPad, but it does protect it from the wet environment extremely well.