As you guys know I kayak a lot and been using dry bags (roll down) or if I know that water is pretty calm I jsut strap my bag to the top of the deck and just make sure that radio/camera/lighter is in the ziplock. My packing list for kayaking has been the same for ages and it doesn't take much space.

I want to buy a waterproof duffel bag (medium sized) for both kayaking (strap to the deck) and travel (just carry on or camera gear protector). I would like it to be yellow or red. Size wise it has to hold a fleece, rain jacket/pants, tshirt, swim shorts, 2 pairs of socks, small fleece liner, radio, camera, few lightsticks, small pouch with odds/ends and FAK. Reason I don't want to use roll down bags is that they are difficult to get into and can only be used on water and I would like to use the duffel for travel as well.

I was looking at these but don't know how waterproof they are:
http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AAW1

Any ideas?

Hi Polak187,

If your looking for a waterproof duffle bag, you may want to have a look at the Ortlieb Rack-Pack available in 49 and 89 litre sizes at
http://www.ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=sailing-rackpack#



and in the USA at

http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prod-62.htm

This is a waterproof Duffle Bag.

Only thing that comes to mind, since I have no need for a waterproof duffle and have not checked them out, is a waterproof liner for any old bag. Think GI pack liners, or those giant sized ziploc bags...

Yup man. Great that's what I'm kind of looking for. If I cant find one with zipper this is going to be what I get. Thanks bro.

I spend a lot of time kayaking too, always looking for a better mousetrap. P.O.E makes a few duffels that may meet your criteria. Keep in mind that regardless of the zipper you get it won't be as waterproof as a roll top closure.

http://www.pacoutdoor.com/2007/index.cfm...&familyID=2


Or a couple roll toppers.
http://www.pacoutdoor.com/2007/index.cfm...&familyID=2
http://www.pacoutdoor.com/2007/index.cfm...&familyID=2

If you decide to go with a roll top duffel I would personally make sure that it has a purge valve.

Sierra trading post has the small zippered type POE on sale:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/0,73281_Pacific-Outdoor-Dry-Duffel-Bag-Small.html


Another company you may consider is Watershed. They have a ziplock type closure up top, then you roll it up. That way while you're kayaking you could keep just the ziplock closed so you can access gear easily and if you anticipate rough waters or inclement weather you could roll it up for full waterproofness. (No purge valve though)
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2890&deptid=1632

The TNF Basecamp duffel is not waterproof. The bag itself is pretty much impermeable but the zippers are not water tight.
Other than that they are great bags. I travel quite a lot and my medium bag is indestructable. I use it as my suitcase as well as the bag to carry my climbing gear (both rock and ice). The bag has withstood sharp ice tools, crampons and ice screws with no ill effect.

If you want totally waterproof get something with a roll top like some other posters have mentioned. The Ortlieb stuff is real good.

You might try one of the "Boundary Waters" bags from Cabela's, they have a backpack version that does have a rolltop, and a duffle bag version. I like the backpack with the shoulder straps for more utility.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=pod&id=0031809

Fyi - I had a similar Cabela's bag go down the Kennebeck river recently, through some Class IV and V rapids, floating, and the contents came out dry. One strap was torn, but, otherwise a pretty good indicator of the quality of their stuff. I should have included that little note initially.

I have used the North Face bags and duffles on Forest fires in the past and I can tell you that they will shed water, light rain and dew. every once in a while it woud get hit by a live hose line and I have never had wet underware or socks.
But I don't think they(north face) concider it waterproof.

Have you tryed those BIG plastic bags that they have at the airports.

As other have mentioned, the Ortlieb roll-top duffels are great, and the POE zippered bags are very nice but not fully waterproof. SealLine Zip Duffles are duffle bags with a true waterproof zipper. However they're expensive ($120 and up). They also don't open as wide as the Ortlieb rolltop bags.

Both POE and SealLine make backpacks and bike messenger bags that are waterproof, in case a backpack style might work for you.

I'm still a fan of the usual tube rolltop. Not as convenient access, but fit in a lot of places, simple design, and after years of abusing several they've worked well.
J

Polak, I've used a variety of waterproof bags like the PVC ones posted. In time, with moderate use, every one get a few leaks at folds, seams, or abrasion points.

You've probably already done this, but FWIW: I use GOOP or SHOE GOO to reinforce selected points, and to patch holes, pinholes, and abrasions. Ugly as sin.. but it works. The patch outlives the rest of the bag.