Dry Bags

[beanbag]

I guess this is kind of a broad question, but I'll ask anyway.

What's your favorite size dry bag for canoeing?

Mostly for day trips, but some overnights on occasion.

Any brand preferences?

This will be a gift for a friend.

Thanks in advance,

Beanbag

 

[Codger_64]

I use Seal Line Baja bags in the 40L size, two of them because it makes it easier to distribute weight and keep gear sorted than one larger bag. I know some like clear bags or bags with windows, but mine are solid materials (19 oz. sides, 30 oz. bottom), yellow that doesn't bake as bad as red, green or dark blue in the sun. I've been using these two for a while now and had no leaks or other issues with them. But I don't treat them rough by throwing them onto rocks, getting them muddy, near fire, or storing them outdoors. I intend to get a few more in smaller sizes to further segregate gear. Right now one holds tent, bedding and clothes, and the other all the rest.

 

[baldtaco-II]

I've only ever bought Ortlieb so I can't compare. I was happy with those, but that was a while ago and we've all passed much water since, so there could be a lot better now. Dunno.

 

[beanbag]

Thanks for the info.

 

[MacCairnie]

I agree with Codger_64- I love the Baja Seal Lines. They're tough, which is absolutely essential. I've never understood people using ultralight materials for their dry bags. They don't last nearly as long, and you're saving a few ounces at the possible expense of waterproofing, which is the whole point of the bag. You can also extend the Baja bags' lifespan- you can decently repair any small holes that might develop over the years if you have duct tape and a lighter to really get that tape to bind long-term. I wouldn't try that with silnylon or some other super-thin material.

I wouldn't ever use anything above 25 litres, and my normal trip length is somewhere between one and two weeks. That'll hold a sleeping bag and as much clothing as you should ever need for a trip. It wouldn't also fit a tent, true, but I wrap my tent in the fly. While it doesn't make for perfect waterproofing, it'll keep it decently dry if my pack doesn't get immersed for longer than ten seconds. A wet tent isn't the end of the world anyway. It's definitely uncomfortable, so I see why some people might put the tent in a dry bag, but for me it's not worth the extra expense of a bigger dry bag. If your clothes and sleeping bag are dry, you'll have happy days and happy nights.

I also like to use a 10-litre dry bag for my first aid kit. I recommend a red bag for that particular purpose- just to make it a bit more intuitive- and I duct tape a cross onto it, just to make it more obvious.

 

[Codger_64]

Sizing of dry bags is a personal choice. They are made in five to 65 liter size and nearly every increment inbetween for that reason. I like to waterproof all of my gear. An added reason, besides keeping it dry, it to make recovery easier if an upset occurs. Depending on the type of water and weather, I tether to bags to the canoe or not. A waterproof bag will usually float. A compressed tent by itself usually will not. Small items, like a first aid kit, fishing lures and licenses, snacks etc., I keep in a dry box for easy access while on the water. Personally, I prefer to be able to locate and recover a few large bright bags from an upset than to chase down a half dozen or more small bags.

But everyone is different.

 

[Guyon]

I'll also throw in a vote for the Seattle Sport Hydro Block bags. Super tough and dependable.