Sea to Summit EVAC Compression Dry Bag
This is a review for a compression dry bag that I’m happy to write. A lot of the time I get stuff to review and frankly it doesn’t really merit a positive review. So I simply don’t write anything at all. This one is different. This is a positive review of a product that deserves the kudos I’m about to give it.
I’ve been using dry compression bags for several years. I’ve tried a number of them and some I like and some I’m “meh” about. This one, from Sea to Summit is one I like. It checks all the boxes and performs as a dry bag is supposed to.
Let’s quickly get into it. First off, it’s their Compression Dry Bag UL (UltraLight), 8L (liter) size bag. It runs about $50, which I think is a bit much, but then dry bags in general seem to cost too much to me. But let’s talk performance. This bag proved to be a good size for a good number of my needs. It fit in my backpack comfortably and offered a layer of protection for items I didn’t want to get wet. I also found that the carry strap was handy and comfortable to use. It’s a tough, sturdy strap that has held up admirably. I’ve been using this bag for several months now and the hand strap still look like new.
At 4 ounces it is indeed a light bag. I appreciate that. And while you can’t expect an ultralight bag to be as tough as a heavy duty, thicker, more durable bag, this one is holding its own and thus far I’m impressed with how tough it actually is. It says it’s waterproof and I think I’d agree with that, for the most part. In wet conditions it did keep my stuff dry, while the things outside of the EVAC bag in the rest of my backpack got wet. I wouldn’t call it completely waterproof in the worst conditions - like if it was held underwater or doused with a hose (which I did) but the leakage was about what you’d expect in extreme conditions like that. It’s probably unlikely that you or I will experience conditions like that in everyday camping or backpacking. Rain yes, and I had no problems in the rain, but swimming underwater, probably not. If you’re going to be experiencing really wet conditions, go with a heavier bag. But for average, normal conditions this one was great.
What I really liked though, was the fact that it really compressed my clothing items into a small package. Sea to Summit has some terms like “Ultra-Sil 30D Cordura® nylon with a C0 non-PFC DWR…” I have no idea what that means nor do I care. What I care about is is it reliable and easy to use. The four compression straps are double stitiched and really help compress everything down to a bare minimum. It’s super easy to get into as well. Just unsnap two of the buckles and you’re in.
My Sea to Summit bag is loaded! Pretty sweet of much stuff you can squeeze into a small space. You can tell, I could fit even more into this. Love how light it is.
