Review by Fiona McIntosh
RRP: R299 for 15-litre Compression Dry Sack
RRP: R199 for 15-litre Light Weight Dry Bag
www.rammountain.co.za
In my last life – before I stuffed up my back – I was a white-water kayaker. So every piece of gear that I took on expeditions went in dry-bags. In those days there wasn’t a lot of choice. Most dry-bags were fairly heavy, but provided that they were watertight, it didn’t matter. They weren’t going on your back.
Old habits die hard and dry-bags are still essential items in my backpack. I have one for clothing, one for survival gear, and another for electronics. It’s not just to keep things dry and clean, but so things are organised systematically and don’t get lost.
Fortunately, since there is now a wonderful array of lightweight dry-bags available in South Africa, the extra weight of packing in this manner is no longer an issue. But as usual it’s a trade-off between robustness and weight – superlight materials don’t withstand abuse.
The JR Compression Dry Sacks, which can be compressed using an air release valve, represent an excellent compromise. Well-priced, they are light but not flimsy, so are very popular not just with mountaineers, but with adventure racers, kayakers and other water-sports enthusiasts, who are looking for a space-saving, long-lasting dry-bag.
The 15-litre sack is the perfect size for lining a daypack or for protecting a sleeping bag and clothing on overnight hikes. Weighing in at only 140 grams, it’s surprisingly roomy – I can stuff almost as much in to it as I normally can into a 20-litre dry-bag – and the release valve on the side means that it’s easily squished to minimise bulk. Made from Diamond Ripstop Polyester backed with TPU, it’s solidly constructed with welded seams and an overlap flap over the mouth, which, once you’ve rolled down the closure three times, really does keep the water out in the foulest weather, or if accidentally dunked.
A useful feature of these Compression Dry Sacks is that, unlike most of the lightweight dry-bags on the market, they have solid corners, which you can hold while trying to pull clothing, etc. out of the bag. And the eyelets on these corners, and the D-ring on the buckle mean that the sack is easy to lash on the outside of a pack or on a boat.
The Compression Dry Sacks come in a snazzy yellow, clear and black and in four sizes: 5 litres, 15 litres, 25 litres and 50 litres. JR also do a colourful range of welded seam, Light Weight Dry Bags, that are even lighter and more affordable, (but don’t compress) in 1.5 litres, 2 litres, 5 litres, 10 litres, 15 litres, 20 litres and 30 litres, should space-saving not be an issue.
