Kayaking gear : Waterproof rucksack tested on land and onboard

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I recently got my hands on an Overboard dry daysack. So, to see just what it was made of, I tested it  walking and kayaking – it is a rucksack after all, so let’s see if it did what it said on the tin/ lid.

Waterproof rucksack: good for land and sea?

The route a friend and I chose was from Shaugh Bridge to Hexworthy – about 11 miles in total with a few detours for the tors and old tin works of Dartmouth.

With the steep start out of the way, and us up onto the moor and out of the forest, we opened up the pace a little and I found that the day sack was both comfortable and easy to carry, although it was a little small to hold all the kit I’d normally be carrying for a days walking.

Now after so much paddling I think I’ve forgotten how to use my legs effectively for the climbing of hills, 250 meters in and an ascent of around 150m was a wake up my lungs and legs have not had for quite a few years (a mental note was taken which has now affected my new year’s resolutions!!!).

I like the fold-over top for the weather tight closing and the individual interior and exterior pockets to separate out what you’re carrying, or to keep things to hand, such as your flask, water and food.  And it did a really good job of keeping the wet on the outside even though exposed to some quite horrendous showers and sleet – regular rucksacks, can’t always protect against heavy waterfall so it was good to see this bit of kayaking gear doing this before it even got close to the real test.

Also, the extra load capabilities of the daysack came in handy for picking up a souvenir on the way. The bungee cross-string on the back able to take a large awkward load if not being used for a map and compass.

After a good day’s walking, the daysack was still a pleasure to walk with, and the only disappointment of the day was the pub at Hexworthy being closed  after much time being spent thinking of a pint to finish the walk.

Paddling on a wet and windy water

After the success I had using the dry daysack on land, I thought I’d put it to test in its main environment. So, on New Year’s Day I decided a quick paddle in my canoe and later in my kayak would let me test the capabilities of it as a dry bag.

Stashed or soaked, the Overboard kept kit dry

Once again I wasn’t disappointed, the dry bag has a removable back support system that makes it more versatile as a dry bag. As it takes up less space with it removed, the bag will flex through the small hatch that I have on my kayak, and also makes it easy to stow and use in the canoe.  Best of all you can clip it to the inwale or to the seat.

Because of the wind and chop, there was quite a bit of water inside my open canoe, still the Overboard bag kept it out.

I think the size is just right for this type of dry bag/day sack.  Having used it in some testing conditions, I’d definitely recommend it as essential kayaking gear it to anyone getting on the water over winter.

About the author

Richie Bracey wrote 5 articles on this blog.

Hi I build wooden kayaks, canoes and small boats, near Plymouth in Devon. These are custom made to your specification and my own designs. I also build kits for people and boats from plans (either bought or your own). I also make Greenland style and wooden paddles.

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