The last couple of trips I have done I have used a friends H2Zero dry bags. They are 103L are work great for tents/hammocks/sleeping bags, rope, etc.

These bags have been discontinued and I am looking for a replacement because 1)I would really like my own and 2)one of the straps on my friends is starting to tear out and I would like to get him a replacement.

Doing some searching I found a couple similar bags. Earth Pak has one that is smaller (55L) and runs around $60 while Seal Line has both a 115L ($220) and a 65L ($200)

Wondering if anyone has experience with any of these bags? Is there other options out there?

Thanks!

Look at NRS bags NRS dry bags . Their stuff is very good, and they've been out for over 30 years. I have a couple of their Bill's Bags (65L and 110L HD).

I have used the SealLine Pro Pack which I think has a better suspension than their regular dry backpacks. It was nice, but belonged to a friend whose gear I stopped borrowing once I started to have my own.

I own 2 of the H2Zero packs, one that is going on 13 years old. Definitely a "soft, not heavy stuff" kind of pack and we use them for exactly that. Good luck on your search! When my bags wear out I'll probably switch to more dry bags/compression sacks in a regular portage pack for the "should not get wet" stuff.

MReid: "Look at NRS bags NRS dry bags . Their stuff is very good, and they've been out for over 30 years. I have a couple of their Bill's Bags (65L and 110L HD). "

My brother and nephew have the NRS 110 bags and are happy with them. They have held up very well over the past decade or so on 2-3 trips annually.

@ Cricket67 - I have a couple (four?) of the SealLine 110 or 115 packs, most closely like the Black Canyon bags currently on their website. They are good packs, but I moved on to other stuff. If you're interested, I could dig them up and get you a few more details/pics and maybe we could strike a deal.

portagedog09: "@ Cricket67 - I have a couple (four?) of the SealLine 110 or 115 packs, most closely like the Black Canyon bags currently on their website. They are good packs, but I moved on to other stuff. If you're interested, I could dig them up and get you a few more details/pics and maybe we could strike a deal."

Sending you an email now. Thanks!

We have a very old Sealline 115L (basic) and a newer Sealline 115L (ProPack, I believe). The old one is more than 25 years old and is still holding up very well. It is just starting to get a few thin spots that make me wonder if it would still offer full waterproof protection if we had a swamping, but I haven't swamped a canoe since I stopped doing whitewater). The new one seems even heavier duty. I love the new one, but my son doesn't think it rides on his back as well as the old one. But the new one has much more adjustability in the harness.

I also have a 55L EarthPak and I love it for solo trips. It holds my gear perfectly for a week long trip. I have had it for a few years and it seems like it will last a long time. One thing to note if it matters, the waist belt on the EarthPak is not padded...it is just webbing. And for long torsos, the waist belt might ride too high. I am 5'7" and it barely rides low enough for me.

straighthairedcurly: "We have a very old Sealline 115L (basic) and a newer Sealline 115L (ProPack, I believe). The old one is more than 25 years old and is still holding up very well. It is just starting to get a few thin spots that make me wonder if it would still offer full waterproof protection if we had a swamping, but I haven't swamped a canoe since I stopped doing whitewater). The new one seems even heavier duty. I love the new one, but my son doesn't think it rides on his back as well as the old one. But the new one has much more adjustability in the harness.


I also have a 55L EarthPak and I love it for solo trips. It holds my gear perfectly for a week long trip. I have had it for a few years and it seems like it will last a long time. One thing to note if it matters, the waist belt on the EarthPak is not padded...it is just webbing. And for long torsos, the waist belt might ride too high. I am 5'7" and it barely rides low enough for me. "

Thanks. when I saw the Earth Pak was 55L I was thinking it would be a great size for soloing. And you have me by an inch so I am guessing it would work. Follow up question - If that is your one pack, how do you handle ballast for a solo canoe?

Cricket67: "

straighthairedcurly: "We have a very old Sealline 115L (basic) and a newer Sealline 115L (ProPack, I believe). The old one is more than 25 years old and is still holding up very well. It is just starting to get a few thin spots that make me wonder if it would still offer full waterproof protection if we had a swamping, but I haven't swamped a canoe since I stopped doing whitewater). The new one seems even heavier duty. I love the new one, but my son doesn't think it rides on his back as well as the old one. But the new one has much more adjustability in the harness.



I also have a 55L EarthPak and I love it for solo trips. It holds my gear perfectly for a week long trip. I have had it for a few years and it seems like it will last a long time. One thing to note if it matters, the waist belt on the EarthPak is not padded...it is just webbing. And for long torsos, the waist belt might ride too high. I am 5'7" and it barely rides low enough for me. "

Thanks. when I saw the Earth Pak was 55L I was thinking it would be a great size for soloing. And you have me by an inch so I am guessing it would work. Follow up question - If that is your one pack, how do you handle ballast for a solo canoe? "

I also carry a small (18L) daypack where I store water, lunch, sunscreen, etc. I use webbing to strap it to the outside of the EarthPak on portages, and use it as ballast when paddling. My seat is a sliding seat so I don't find I need much ballast.

All my dry bags are Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sacks. they have been extremely durable and kept things dry for years. I use the compression sack for my sleeping bag and underquilt.