Reliable Protection

Sun., Nov. 19, 1995

Michael Hodgson Special To Outdoors

Product: Amphibigear Short Duffel

Description: A waterproof, 2,600-cubic-inch duffel bag made with a double-wall, nylon-reinforced, laminate shell, injection-molded handles, an 8-inch diameter opening with an ABS plastic screw-on cap with O-ring seal, plastic content-viewing window, inflation/deflation valve and rope attachment grommets. Duffel measures 20 inches long by 13 inches in diameter. Available in green and yellow.

Pro: Using the inflation valve, this watertight bag not only keeps contents totally dry, but it protects them from being crushed by “padding” them with air. The construction is solid, with all the seams welded. It floats - a major plus if your gear and you get separated in the water. Although I suspected the ABS cap might be fragile and prone to cracking or breaking under heavy use, I was pleasantly surprised.

Con: Leave it in the sun and your contents will cook inside, especially if the plastic window is left open to intense rays. There is a flap that covers the window, which reduces the internal temperature somewhat. Don’t leave the bag out in the direct sun for long periods without covering it. Don’t drop the lid in the sand! You need to keep the lid lubed for ease of use and to keep the O-ring pliable, but the lube attracts dirt like ants to a picnic.

Comments: It looks really funky, there is no denying that, but if it works - and it does - who cares? If I were to make one small improvement, it would be to provide a small handle near the lid to provide something to grip when opening the lid. All in all, the Amphibigear is suitable soft luggage that will work just as well in and out of the water.

Suggested Retail: $73

Company: Basic Designs, Inc., 335-A O’Hair Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95407; 707 575-1220.

MEMO: Michael Hodgson welcome comments by E-mail at mjhodgson@aol.com.

Michael Hodgson welcome comments by E-mail at mjhodgson@aol.com.

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