Recommend a waterproof/floating rucksack?

C

cardimon

Joined
Sep 20, 2000
Messages
1,539
My brother has expressed a wish that we go freshwater fishing from a boat sometime. While I enjoy his company thoroughly, I can't get the image of my falling overboard, with all my gear, out of my head.

I've been thinking about a waterproof/floating rucksack-type of device.

I'm rather nearsighted, and the possibility of losing my balance and going arse-over-tip into the water is not as remote as you may think.

Suggestions, anyone?
 
There are very few waterproof, watertight rucksacks. Not within my price range anyway. I use a canoe-bag. long, black tough material bag like a metre long, 30cm diameter or there abouts in a sausage shape.

The open end seals by rolling over itself a few times and clipped together with straps.

It's completely watertight. I use it as large pillow or to sit on sometimes. It's a liner for my rucksack and it has all the stuff which i don't need whilst walking that must remain dry. I have a smaller watertight bag inside this with my spare dry clothes for emergencies. (cos I'm paranoid)

Once it's loaded, if you don't get most of the air out of it, and your rucksack is large enough, you can seal it with quite a bit of air inside. I tested it in my local swimming pool, and it floated when loaded. I carry this with me when I fly. I'll grab my bag if I survive the crashlanding. It has lots of vital emergency kit. (did I mention I'm paranoid?)

I would suggest you get one of these bags as a liner for your favourite rucksack.

Try looking at:

http://www.ortlieb.de/erucksaecke.htm
http://www.ortlieb.de/epack.htm#ps490

Alastair

[This message has been edited by Size15s (edited 01-02-2001).]
 
You might consider this. The price seems right.

[This message has been edited by Ralf (edited 01-08-2001).]
 
I give up trying to link that monster URL
frown.gif
Just cut n' past. That should do the trick.
 
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

Do an advance search, and keyword: Seattle Sports. I can't get it to link up any better than Ralph .
tongue.gif


I got a couple of these blue Seattle Sports drybag for use for saltwater fishing to keep my gear dry while I was on the beach. They keep my clothes dry so I'm happy. Cosmetic flaws are all I can see, appear to be very durable.

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Ray 'md2020'

ATKI member #A001042

[This message has been edited by maddog2020 (edited 01-08-2001).]
 
I use waterproof bags quite a bit for canoeing and kayaking. Usually the Seattle Sports bags or barrels are used, but they aren't the best to carry. There are several different makes in different price ranges available from the usual outfitters like REI, MEC, Nantahala, Cabela's etc. One common alternative is to use a backpack with a drybag liner or simply line with double garbage bags. The best waterproof backpacks or rucksacks are made buy Vaude. The Hobb Creek comes in 40liter and 60 liter sizes and I like rthe 40 liter as a day pack. They also have 3 models that are more technical and the only one of those that is really waterproof is the Black Canyon that has two rolltop-sealed compartments. But they are relatively expensive. Vaude has their own website that is easy to find with any search engine. They can give you price and refer you to a dealer. Few dealers actually carry Vause bags in North America. Hope that helps.
 
I also use the roll top bags for bulky items.For small,important items or just for a day trip,a plastic box that looks like an orange ammo can works great.They are water proof and they float.You can lock them shut with a small shackle.I tie one to a thwart with paracord and at least my wallet,truck keys and spare lighter go in it before I even launch.Lots of boating supply places have them,you might try Bass Pro,Boaters World,West Marine,etc.Maybe even Walmart or Kmart.
 
HERE are some nifty waterproof bags made by Sabre Industries, just scroll down to the bottom half of the page.

Hope this helps,

Dan

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Go Get 'em Gear

[This message has been edited by Javahed (edited 01-12-2001).]
 
All kidding aside, during my active duty days, one pocket of my ALCE pack always contained a roll of cheap black plastic garbage bags.
Super cheap and I didn't care if one sprung a hole.
They are as watertight as anything else, I've used my pack as a one man kick raft more times than I care to think about and I never sank!
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Tráceme no sin la razón, envoltura mi no sin honor
 
My bergan never sank. Waterproof bergan linners, such as those by Saber are the way to go.
Sorry those bin liners just don't take the punishment. I used them for some years until I did a resevoir crossing; I swore never again.
If you carry a top entry, goretex, bivi bag they can be used in a hurry, even inflated for a short crossing.

I pack waterproof twice, by making up packets that then go into the bergan liner bag. A large piece of polysyrene could help floatation. An empty waterbottle on a looong piece of string also works for those things that sink fast.

Hope it helps.
 
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