e_a_olson

I'm considering the purchase of a 5L orange baja bag for the purpose of dry rack storage. I'm a little mistrustful of things labeled as "waterproof", and I know from experience that baja bags stay bone dry, even when floated downstream. I was wondering if anyone had done this before, or felt like throwing out some pro's and con's. Thanks!

CigTech

I have a old handlebar bag that's not watter proof any more. So I take a plasic bag and tie it over it when it rains. Works very well.

sgtsmile

Check these out. They close the same way those canoe bags do, and are waterproof. I use them, and have never gotten anything in them wet, even in solid downpours lasting 1 hour.

https://www.axiomgear.com/bags_waterproof/typhoon.php

fsor

I used one as a rack trunk on a very wet tour. It was totally waterproof. It was also quite heavy and takes some ingenuity to lash down as there were no outside tie-points.....sort of like trying to tie up a greased pig. But it certainly was waterproof (you could use it for a waterbucket, if needed). It seemed like everytime that I wanted something out of it, the item was all the way at the bottom.

2manybikes

I used them inside panniers for a while, but they are heavy and bulky. I switched to I gallon food storage zip lock bags. They last a few months and take up a lot less space.

HardyWeinberg

I have some chapak panniers that have the same closure as canoe drybags. Actually, there's a lid that closes over the folded opening, so it's a little different. They have other quirks, but they definitely work as advertised.

e_a_olson

What about the storm sack? The 5L storm sack weighs 45g, as opposed to 200g for the 5L baja.


P.S. I'd love to get some panniers, but I'm trying to do this *cheap*, like under $20 if I can. I like the idea about the gallon freezer storage bags, but I'd also like something that is going to be brightly visible, hence the idea of the dry bag.

P.P.S. I think these can be secured with a bungee by utilizing the D-ring on the clips, and another one on the rear section of the bag that would have to have enough tension to prevent the bungee from sliding around.

balto charlie

I use one all the time. I use to just strap it down onto the rear rack during the warmer months. During the winter as my gear needs increase i put on panniers and put the important stuff into the dry bag in the pannier. I had them hanging around as I am also a kayaker. If I didn't have any I would go with freezer bags as stated above. easier to use. Charlie
PS but yeah they are bone dry. Lord knows i have had my trouble on a few mid-atlantic rivers

spider-man

I have used the Seal Line bags on motorcycles, and they are truly waterproof. I haven't used mine on the bicycle because I have smaller waterproof bags that usually suffice for commuting. If I ever get around to a cross-country ride, I will take at least one, though.

A cool trick (courtesy of the Aerostich Riderwearhouse catalogue and probably other sources) is that when camping, you can use them to wash clothes: insert clothes, soap and water, squeeze out the air and seal the bag, then stand on it and move your feet gently up and down. Do a couple rinse cycles. Hang clothes on clothesline to dry.

e_a_olson

Bravo! Nice tip, though be sure to use an environmentally-friendly soap or detergent.

squeakywheel

I've used medium small ones "stand alone" bungee corded on my rear rack. They are too thick and heavy to be stuffing in other bags or paniers. I have some lighter duty rubber lined nylon bags I use to stuff in other bags. Haven't seen them around here. I bought the light duty ones in Japan about 6 years ago.

Russ

I think you could achieve the same waterproof-ness, plus better ability to attach to your rack if you buy a pair of Ortlieb roll-top panniers. I've got the standard type (with a backpack-type lid), so it isn't submersion proof, but I with a roll top closure, I bet it would be just about as watertight as a dry bag (and would also work in your boat).

Russ

e_a_olson

Thanks for the suggestion, but see my comments on panniers in post #7.

Allen

The spare parts for Ortlieb bags are cheep though. For $23 ($5 top rail, $6 bottom rail, $12 hooks) you can get all the mounting hardware and make a waterproof pannier.

--A

e_a_olson

Most frugal! Mount the waterproof bag of my choice, or do you have another bag to suggest?

squeakywheel

Just buy the waterproof bag and use a bungee cord to hold in on your rack.

unkchunk

Yep. I just drop it in my grocery pannier and go. Never thought about tying it to the rack though. I'll give it a try.