Keep Small Stuff Dry

Sun., July 23, 1995

Michael Hodgson Special To Outdoors

Product: SeaSafe Description: A 7-inch diameter, 16-inch long waterproof bag made of nylon-reinforced PVC with a 4-inch wide clear plastic window and a 5-inch diameter plastic screw-down cap.

Pro: It floats! Although it floats well enough with the existing air sealed inside the bag, the SeaSafe comes with an inflation valve so you can pump more air inside and add buoyancy. More air means a more rigid bag which offers increased protection for the items stored inside if there is a fear of larger bags or humans landing on top of it. The clear plastic window allows you to easily see what is in the bag, which is a plus if you are stowing a lot of items and don’t want to blindly grope and grab for that one article which most likely has migrated to the opposite side of the bag you are exploring with your fingers. Very waterproof and extremely durable. A retaining string on the lid keeps it from falling off and inadvertently picking up sand and dirt which could foul the threads. A carrying strap clips on and off easily (a bit too easily at times) and can be moved between four attachment points for maximum versatility.

Con: The diameter of the opening. I understand that a screw-on lid with a diameter greater than 5 inches will make it more difficult for those with smaller hands. Still, 5 inches is not adequate since half of all the items the paddling world would want to take with them (a book, a non-compact 35mm camera, binoculars, etc.) won’t fit through the hole. Sure, my wallet, film, keys, chapstick, sunscreen, candy bar and even a small notebook all fit fine, but there they are, rattling around in a cavernous space - seems a bit ridiculous to me. Since the opening is small, and my hands aren’t all that dainty, I also found that time and again I was getting my hand stuck in the opening as I tried to remove the item I needed. It became easier to shake and tip the bag until the article I wanted just appeared near the opening for easy pickings. Basic Designs … I’m begging you, please make the opening larger. A 6-inch diameter with a textured lid for easy gripping would not be too much to ask and this would solve the dilemma. Do this and you have an almost perfect bag.

Comments: It’s going to be a great paddling year on western rivers as the snowmelt will probably continue to feed millions of gallons of runnable water into waterways well into July. Good dry-bags are a given to protect your sleeping bag and camp gear, but it is equally important to have a small and accessible personal dry-bag to hold items such as a camera, sunscreen, a small book, lip balm, snacks, a wallet and maybe a bandanna or two. While the opening size is not ideal, the SeaSafe is a superb waterproof bag for paddling outings and it will keep your personal gear dry and safe, no matter how rough the handling or water is.

Suggested Retail: $26, Company: Basic Designs, Inc., P.O. Box 2507, Santa Rosa, CA 95495; 707 575-1220

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