[River Rat Gear]

Hey fellow water enthusiasts! I’m here to chat about one of the unsung heroes of the kayaking world: dry bags. You know, those trusty companions that keep our precious gear safe from the wet and wild? Whether you’re trying to keep your sandwich from turning into a soggy mess or making sure your camera stays dry for those epic shots, having the right dry bag is crucial. I’ll be giving you a rundown of my top three picks and why they’re absolutely worth adding to your gear collection. Stick around till the end, because I’ll also be sharing a little buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect dry bag for your next adventure!

Without further ado, here’s my short and sweet list of dry bags that have earned their keep on my kayaking escapades. Each one brings something special to the table, so buckle up and prepare to meet your new kayaking best friends:

• Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag
• Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
• YETI Sidekick Dry

Grab your paddle and let’s dive in!

[River Rat Gear]

Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

Ahoy, fellow water enthusiasts! Today, I’m here to chat about my recent experience with the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag, a trusty sidekick for my aquatic adventures.

First off, let’s talk about size variety. This bad boy comes in a range of capacities, so whether you’re a minimalist carrying the bare essentials or a packrat bringing everything but the kitchen sink, there’s a size for you. I personally opted for the 13L version because, well, it perfectly matches my indecisive nature—just enough room for all the stuff I probably don’t need.

One thing I initially noticed is the material. This bag is built with heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant nylon. It feels like it could survive a brawl with a particularly aggressive beaver. I’ve taken it on both canoeing and kayaking trips, and despite some rough handling and one questionable encounter with a submerged branch, it’s holding up splendidly!

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—or should I say, the river? The sealing mechanism. The hypalon roll-top closure is easy to use and less likely to make you want to practice colorful language when you’re in a rush. Just remember, folks, don’t be lazy—roll it down at least three times! Think of it as a gift wrapping technique—if you do it right, magic happens.

My gear inside stayed bone dry, even after an unplanned swim (courtesy of overconfidence in my kayaking skills). Talk about a trust test! I was able to keep my phone, snacks, and one very confused rubber duck completely unscathed.

It’s also worth mentioning the field repairable feature. The bag comes with a few handy patches for those “damn, I’ve dinged it” moments. This is especially beneficial for those who like to tempt fate by playing ‘tag’ with sharp rocks.

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a hardy dry bag that can handle your reckless river misadventures while also accommodating your collection of waterproof snacks, the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag is definitely a wise choice. Just make sure to keep your sense of humor dry, too! If you’re interested, check it out here.

Happy paddling!

[River Rat Gear]

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

So, let me tell you about my recent escapade with the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag. Picture this: I’m paddling down a serene river, the sun is shining, and the vibes are just right. But, as we all know, nature loves throwing curveballs. Cue the surprise downpour. Thanks, Mother Nature!

I stuffed my bag with a bunch of essentials: my precious snacks (because no one wants to meet Hangry Me), my phone, and my trusty old camera for snapping those insta-worthy shots. This bag claims to be as waterproof as a duck’s back—seriously. Was I skeptical? Totally. But hey, what’s life without a little suspense?

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty:

• Space Galore: I opted for the 20L size, and it was like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag in there. I managed to fit everything I needed and then some.
• Easy Peasy Closure: Rolling the top down and snapping the buckle is as simple as it gets. If I can do it without accidentally shutting my phone in there, anybody can!
• Comfy Carry: This thing comes with a shoulder strap. It’s adjustable, so you can sling it over your shoulder, leaving hands free for paddling, high-fiving, or, you know, keeping balance in the canoe.

But did it hold up against the rain? After about an hour on the water, the clouds decided to release their fury. I beached the kayak, opened the bag with one eye closed, praying the dry sanctum hadn’t let me down. Everything was bone dry. Hallelujah!

On a side note, they throw in a waterproof phone case too. I tested it out in the bathtub after my trip (don’t judge me) and it survived admirably—even though my dog looked at me like I’d lost my marbles.

In conclusion, with my phone unscathed, snacks unharmed, and my faith in humanity *slightly* restored, I say this bag is worth every penny. Grab one, and may your adventures remain adventurous and appropriately moist.

Now, if they could make one for my sense of humor, we’d all be in business!

[River Rat Gear]

YETI Sidekick Dry

Hey fellow water adventurers!

So, I recently got my hands on the YETI Sidekick Dry for my latest kayaking venture. I’ll start by saying this little guy is the ultimate sidekick—think Robin to my Batman, only it’s waterproof and doesn’t make puns.

First off, let’s talk about the waterproofing capabilities. The YETI Sidekick Dry deserves an Oscar for best performance in keeping my gear dry. Picture this: you’re paddling through some mild rapids, and instead of worrying about your phone taking an unplanned swim, you can focus on not doing a barrel roll. My phone, wallet, and snacks stayed as dry as a desert the whole time. The MagShield closure is like a VIP section for your belongings—so exclusive that neither water nor dust can break in.

Pros:

• That magnetic closure? It’s akin to having a bouncer for your bag. Absolutely no water gets past it.
• It’s a breeze to attach to anything, thanks to its versatile straps. I’ve even seen some folks macgyver it onto paddleboards.
• Spacious without being bulky. You can fit all your essentials without feeling like you’re lugging a suitcase down the river.

But, let’s be honest; no sidekick is perfect. Sometimes, the magnetic seal is so strong that opening it with one hand feels like trying to separate a two-month-old couple at a PDA convention. Get ready to show off your bicep strength!

During one fishing trip, I hilariously found out how buoyant the Sidekick Dry is. It accidentally became my makeshift bobber when it fell overboard. Talk about a scare! There’s a heart-stopping moment when you watch your valuables float away, but the relief as it stays securely tethered and afloat is priceless.

Final thoughts: Whether you’re a kayaking pro or just a weekend paddler, the YETI Sidekick Dry is one of those pieces of gear you didn’t know you needed until you have it. Sure, it might not have a sense of humor, but it’s reliable and sturdy enough to handle a few jokes thrown its way. If you’re considering beefing up your water gear arsenal, give this little powerhouse a chance to impress.

Happy paddling and keep those perishable snacks dry!

[River Rat Gear]

Best Dry Bags for Kayaking Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the right dry bag for kayaking can be as crucial as selecting the perfect paddle or fishing rod. Believe me, you don’t want to spend hours paddling, only to reach into your bag for a sandwich and find it soggier than a sponge cake. Been there, done that. Here’s your friendly guide to not making the same mistake.

Bags With Benefits
You know that moment when you’re halfway through your kayak trip, feeling like a true adventurer? Your sunglasses are on, the spray of the water is refreshing, and suddenly… FLOP! Your bag does a graceful swan dive into the water. Enter: the trusty dry bag, your partner in preventing soggy GPS devices and damp granola bars.

Consider the Material
Let me introduce you to the heavyweights of the dry bag world: vinyl and nylon. Vinyl is the burly bodybuilder here, super durable but a bit rigid. If your bag might double as a pillow for those riverside naps, consider nylon, which is flexible and slightly more cuddly.

Size Does Matter
I once thought a small dry bag was just fine—until I couldn’t fit my towel, snacks, and camera inside without creating a game of Tetris. Here’s a tip: consider bringing bags of different sizes. An 8-liter for your electronics and a 20-liter for clothes and food should see you through most adventures. Golden rule: Better to have extra space than to sit on your dry clothes because there’s no room for both you and the bag in the kayak!

Closure Types: Twist and Shout!
You’ll commonly find roll-top and zip-top closures. Roll-tops are like secured hugs for your gear. Just roll it over three to four times and snap, and you’re good to go. Meanwhile, zip-tops are like those satisfying zipper hoodie pockets—super watertight. But beware, they can be a bit more of a chore, especially with cold fingers.

• Streamlight Vulcan: Great access to contents but make sure those zips stay clean!
• Blacktail Bag: Safer than Fort Knox with roll-top and extra side pockets for snack emergencies.

Extra Features
Some bags come with transparent panels. Perfect for the perpetual “Where are my keys?” detectives among us. Attachments for external gear can be a lifesaver, too—ever tried to balance a fishing rod on your foot? Not ideal.

Color Code Your Adventures
Lastly, a sprinkle of personality. These bags come in every color under the sun. Grab a neon green one for visibility, or an orange one so bright you’ll never lose sight of it—even if your navigation skills result in an accidental overboard.

Don’t take my word for it. Test, hug, and toss your potential dry bag love interests around the store like a bean bag chair. Get a feel for them, because once you’re on the water, you’ll want a trusty sidekick, not a fair-weather friend. Happy paddling, folks!

[Peak Packer]

Oh, dry bags, the unsung heroes of our kayaking escapades! It’s like they have superhero status—think Captain America shield levels of protection for your gear. Here’s a little extra sprinkle of wisdom when you’re on the hunt for the perfect dry bag:

• Portability Prowess: Opt for dry bags with padded, detachable straps. It’s like giving your shoulders a little love tap instead of a wrestle with Hercules. Especially when you’re juggling a paddle, sunscreen, and the all-important, essential snack pack.
• Color Palette Considerations: Choose bright colors, not just for the aesthetics (and Instagram envy), but for practicality too. Imagine trying to spot a sleek, black bag bobbing away downstream – no thank you! I prefer neon in my life, to ensure nothing goes unspotted, like my favorite kayaking playlist in action.
• Mesh Pockets: Bonus points if your dry bag sports a mesh pocket or two on the outside. It opens up a world of possibilities for stashing a water bottle or securing damp items you’d rather not mingle with your precious dry goods. Say hello to organization, and goodbye to chaos!
• Smell Ya Later: Let’s not ignore zippers that come with a bit of zip—look for corrosion-resistant hardware. It may seem a minor detail, but talk about a big deal when the salty sea air tries to sabotage your smooth operability.
• Pro Tip: When trying out a dry bag at home, toss in a selection of odd-sized items and give it a good shake (imagine you’re in the middle of a chaotic water fight). It’s the ultimate “Will It Blend?” moment, minus the blender and, you know, impending doom.

In the thrilling world of kayaking, a trusty dry bag doesn’t just hold your essentials; it holds your peace of mind. And honestly, that’s worth its weight in gold—or in this case, waterproof vinyl! 🛶✨ Make sure it’s up for the challenge of your wildest adventures. Keep it dry, keep it light, and keep the laughs coming! 🌊😄

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