Friday, January 31, 2014

Gear Review: SeaToSummit Dry Bags

      Compartmentalization is a key aspect to packing my pack.  Heavy at the bottom and light at the top. Nice weight distribution will mean more happy time for your back and shoulders on the trail.  To help with this I use a system of dry bags to compartmentalize all my essential gear.
      SeaToSummit makes everything from arguably the lightest tent on the market, to a folding bucket, and right down to the kitchen sink.  They are primarily an accessory company, but it seems like they are trying to work themselves into a full blown outdoor company with there ventures into both shelters and sleeping bags. The thing that I feel SeaToSummit is most well known for is there dry bags.  They have several different kinds all made from sil-nylon.  All sil-nylon essentially is, is silicon impregnated nylon to increase water resistance, while keeping weight to a minimum.  The standard dry bags are what most people are looking for. They are durable enough to use to hang food, and throw around in the campsite, and light enough to be efficient in the pack.
      A similar product to the ultra-sil dry bag is the ulta-sil nano dry bags.  They are on average 30% lighter than the standard dry bags.  I personally use these bags in almost all of my adventures whether it be paddling or backpacking.  While they save you a few ounces, they are like most ultralight gear, and need to be treated with care.  I would not advise using it as a bear bag or setting down on abrasive surfaces.
      In addition to the dry bags, SeaToSummit makes a pack liner which is essentially the same idea. keep your things dry let the pack get wet.  This has almost always been the way that I have done things.  Most packs today dry out rather quickly unlike a down sleeping bag.  Pack covers, ill be it a great idea, dont always work the greatest and a lot of the time you end up with some pretty wet gear.  That's why I advise going with a pack liner or dry bags for internal compartmentalization.  The only advantage to compartmentalization is the ease of taking only what you need out of the pack without having to dig around in a mess.
      If ultra light isn't what you are looking for, then take a look at there eVent compression sacks.  Exactly the same as the ultra-sil dry bag, the eVent technology and compression enhances the function.  The eVent bottom allows for air to escape the bag while using the compression straps to make the bag smaller.  Highly recommended for use in car camping or traveling, or even if you have older more bulky gear. 
      Lastly are the big river dry bags, slightly more durable than the others and made with an oval base construction.  These are great for paddling because they stack and fit in bulkheads much easier than the traditional dry bags.  I am not too familiar with these bags and have not personally used them, I just wanted to get them out there, as I think they are a great idea and have heard great reviews on them.  As with almost anything else I write about, there is even more information and weight charts on SeaToSummit's website.  Please go check them out, they are one of my favorite outdoor companies, and almost everyone can find something they want from them, be it a spork or pocket trowel (formerly the iPood until apple got in the way.)

Thanks for Reading

-Tattooed Adventure

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