Waterproof gear

Waterproof Gear encompasses all articles of kit considered waterproof, including camera/cell phone pouches, duffle bags, dry bags, dry backpacks etc etc. Clearly there’s a lot that can be said in this regard but perhaps something for all users to bear in mind is the following:
· Waterproof does not necessarily imply submersible (i.e. an item may not remain watertight if placed under water for a significant period of time). This is due in part to the pressure involved under water and the fact that water is surrounding the bag for a sustained period of time. The longer the submersion the more likely something is going to leak, particularly a roll top closure on a dry bag.
· The level of Waterproof-ness is subject to correct use of a product. For example, if using a dry bag and one rolls the top down once (in stead of a recommended three times), quite clearly the thing might leak!
· When carrying valuables around such as cameras, cell phones etc, It would be prudent to use two layers of waterproof defence if submersion is a possibility, just in case. Unless of course one is using a purpose designed solid case with locks and seals which is specifically designed to resist lengthy submersion. Even then, those pessimists amongst us might still prefer a second layer of defence, just in case…

Waterproof gear can be used in a host of disciplines including mountain biking, adventure racing, backpacking and hiking, 4x4, touring motorcycling, paddling, boating, fishing etc etc.

As an example, One can use certain drybags (eg those made by Pacific Outdoor Equipment) as flotation devices (when crossing rivers), as compression sacks and packing systems for backpacking and also to keep gear dry and or dust free. In other words, they are extremely versatile mainly because these dry bags have purge valves. This allows the user to pack the bag, roll the top down with the valve open, so as to squeeze all the air out, and then close the valve effectively “vacuum” packing the contents. This not only reduces the volume taken up by your kit, but also increases the waterproof integrity of the bag in the event of submersion. Owing to the light weight fabrics used in certain models, they don’t add much weight either.