PROTECT YOUR GEAR, RAIN OR SHINE. PHOTO: BEN DUCHESNEY


WEATHER DEFENSE SERIOUS BAGS TO KEEP WATER OUT AND GEAR DRY


Paddlers love their dry bags, and when roll top closures are put into duffel bags and backpacks, we flip (or more accurately, roll) with joy. Outdoor Products’ Weather Defense Rafter Duffle (30L or 50L ca- pacity) and Amphibian Backpack (20L capacity) both have welded seams, and roll top closures, perfect for long expeditions or comfort- able overnights. A longtime favorite, I love that the Rafter Duffle, ($79.99 for


50-L capacity) has both top carry handles and a removable padded shoulder strap so carrying it to and from the water is a breeze. A decompression valve is a great feature, allowing me to get out the extra air when packing more gear. The valve also allows for blowing air back into the duffel, which will let the bag float in an upset. I was able to pack more gear and clothing in this duffel than I


really needed for a long weekend trip. I could’ve fit my Labrador retriever if I tried hard enough. Even fully loaded, the padded straps kept the weight evenly distributed and prevented pinch points. The articulated padded shoulder straps, with the sternum strap, of the Amphibian Backpack, $59.99, keeps the bag secure and weight


34 PADDLING MAGAZINE


evenly distributed. Reflective accents help keep you visible walking back to your car at night. Two side pockets hold my essential gear within easy reach, and a


front mesh pocket keeps gear that can get wet within sight. A trek- king pole holder at the bottom of the pack can also be used to hold other essentials, like paddles, camera tripods or a fly rod tube. On the water, the backpack is large enough to store items for later,


but it’s also the ideal size to keep close and used like a smaller dry bag. I kept my camera equipment and a spare jacket in the bag and was able to snap a quick photo and then hide it from the elements all from the seat of my kayak. Though I haven’t had to put it to the test, Outdoor Products has a plain and simple lifetime guarantee on all their durable products. They will repair your item, free of charge, for any reason, damage or defect or replace it. For more information about Outdoor Products, their Rafter


Duffle or their Amphibian Backpack, check out their website, www. outdoorproducts.com.—Ben Duchesney


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60