I've been considering 2nd pack options lately.  I bought a new pack that's a little smaller than my old pack, going from 90L to 75L.  For trips over 7 nights it's a little small.

I tried a 30L barrel, but was optimistic about being able to carry it with my canoe.  Just that much too heavy for me, more the way the weight is all on my shoulders instead of hips.  Too bad really, since a barrel if a very handy item - storage, chair & table all in one.

This looks like it would fit the bill.  Toss on top of my pack tump-like as suggested.

Mad_Mat wrote on Sep 21^st, 2010 at 1:07pm:


The handle straps on these bags are short Matt. I couldn't tolerate anything bangin around down by my knees. My main pack has top straps where I can lash a duffel on top as well.

I'm a little concerned about durability. Toss one on a beaver cutting and I think you would put a hole in it. I don't generally toss bags around though so we'll see. I intend to put them through the grinder this next summer......that will be a good test.

One last positive note and this might interest those who carry camera/video equipment. Liner inserts are also available to help cushion the load. Plus the way these trap air they are in many ways inherently "self cushioning". 

If the handle straps are long enough, you can toss the duffel bag on top of a regular pack and hook one strap over your forehead like a tumpline to keep it in place.  I do that with the light duffle I use for solo trips - sits atop my G pack and I will sometimes do the tumpline thing, or just keep a hand on the straps pulled down over my shoulder.  Its easier to carry that way than at arms length, I think.

Can you believe I'm already getting ready for next year. I know, I'm a fanatic. Once I get something in my head I can't let it go until all the ducks are in a row. Then I put it to bed and forget about it until it's "Go Time".

My paddling partner sprung these on me this past summer and I was impressed. Really sweet. Totally air and water tight with a very slick sealing process. Check them out.
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What I like about the duffel design is I'm able to open them and see where everything is at....Bada-bing! I have always hated my previous set-up where things got jumbled and I was sorting through various bags wasting time and getting annoyed. Now all the cooking stuff including fuel is in a dedicated space. Same for clothes/ personal effects and raingear/first aid.

The seal with these are extraordinary. A straight line pull will not open these and they claim to be watertight to something like 15 meters. Take a dunk and they for sure should keep your stuff dry as well as dandy food storage.....good odor control.

To hand carry I picked the chatooga size which seems most practical. If you get more than one be sure to vary the colors or you'll be like me with my old system looking into the same blue bag twice!