Harken 45 Litre Roll Top Wet/Dry Bag

My brother-in-law is a professional sailor and sailmaker for North Sails in Denmark. I have raced a few times with him and spent many hours cruising with him around Denmark. He also comes along with me hillwalking so we share similar interests. He advised my mother-in-law on what she could get me for Christmas and this was it. Having joked about how the boot of my car, or indeed my usual hillwalking companion's car, were often ruined by wet kit having come off the hill, this is what I received. It's a rather nice piece of kit and a good idea.

This is a quick post as we all know what dry bags do. I just thought this one would be a break from the normal purveyors of dry bags as it is made by a company that needs its kit to be functional in a completely wet and rugged environment. And Harken are highly regarded in the sailing community. A chance to try something different. This stitch-free waterproof bag features an expandable mesh drying compartment to separate wet from dry gear. Each compartment expands to a full-length waterproof bag, breathable mesh bag, or a combination. This is what makes this bag rather nice and versatile.

Measuring 79 by 38 by 18cm, its capacity is 45 litres and it weighs 476g (not that this really matters as it will be sitting in your boot at the time). Made of 210 denier TPU impregnated waterproof and UV resistant nylon, it features:

Roll-top closure at the top for a watertight seal.

Two roll-top fastening points to accommodate large or small loads.
Exterior mesh compartment with bonded zipper opening at bottom separates/dries wet gear.
Reinforced bottom panel.
Welded seams and components.
Air-purge valve.
Adjustable/removable carry straps also function as backpack straps.
Lightweight material and compressible design.

The air valve serves two purposes - compressing the bag and also allowing wet kit some room to breathe without letting it drench your boot. The carry straps offer an additional carrying option to normal dry bags, and are good enough to carry heavy kit a short distance - say, to the washing machine from your car - but little more. They'll cut through your shoulders like excalibur after more distance than that. In short, it's a well thought out and useful dry bag to store your wet kit until you get home without ruining your car. I like it. Sometimes, it pays to think outside the box (or have someone else do it for you).