Re: [Paddlewise] Do your dry bags deflate air

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 11:57:33 -0800
I agree with the throng __here:__    complete deflation of drybags produces
the most watertight package, all right.  It also minimizes their volume for
packing in tight places.

And disagree slightly __here:__   although I would not rely on gear-filled
drybags for all my flotation, they do provide flotation buoyancy, and their
leak rate is very slow.  I always complete filling a bulkheaded compartment
by inflating a genuine air bag, both to ensure no load shift, and to
maximize the flotation.  Finally, I avoid drybagging hard-edged stuff
because that invites a puncture.  Most of the time, it is stuff that can get
wet anyway:  pots and pans, stove, etc.  I also do not drybag my tent.
Minimizing drybagging makes for better ability to fit stuff into small
holes.

One last piece of iconoclasm:   for years I have put all my on-shore dry
stuff, including sleeping bag, in a large dry bag, instead of two or three
smaller ones.  This has worked because my boats have very large hatches in
the rear, and cross-sections that make the single large dry bag fit very
snugly.  This arrangement makes better use of space than a couple of
side-by-side bags.  And, when it's time to haul gear to camp, the carrying
is quicker and dryer.

I use a separate dry bag, held in the cockpit for quick access, for
on-the-water dry stuff if I need more insulation.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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Received on Sat Feb 22 2003 - 11:57:45 PST

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