A kayak deck bag is basically a backpack or a dry-pack that you attach to our kayak. The bag is strapped around the deck of the kayak and secured through the use of clips and carabiners. Deck bags increase boat storage and allow for easy access to items without having to stop and dig through the hull or cockpit.
According to one reviewer, it had seemed for a while that deck bags had gone out of fashion for a time because so many kayak manufacturers were putting an emphasis on integrated kayak compartment storage. But, if the resurgence of deck bags has taught us one thing, it is that scrambling to find your stuff in an internal compartment on an unsteady boat while paddling is no fun and will most likely get you all wet.
Kayak Deck Bags and Dry Bags are Feature-Rich
A deck bag is definitely the way to go if you have a lot of gear that you need to access in a hurry out on the water. It also frees up precious space in the hull so that your legs are not cramped while paddling.
You might think, well, I don’t need another gadget so I will just McGiver my dray bag to my kayak and save a little coin, and, while that, at first, may seem like an ingenious plan, you will soon find that deck bags are specifically made for the single purpose of secure attachment to your boat and come with a flat, reinforced vinyl backing and all the straps you need to keep it in place while you are paddling around.
Your McGivered pack will probably slip around, and, no doubt, does not come with an RF-welded backing to keep it in place. RF-welding (high-frequency welding), for what it is worth, is fairly common practice in watersports products of all kinds, and it is producing a durable product that is both sturdy and waterproof. A method of joining sheets of thermoplastic material together, HF welding uses a jolt of high-frequency electromagnetic energy to soften the materials and fuse them together as they cool.
Many kayak deck bags and kayak dry bags are also low profile and won’t cause much wind resistance. Plus, as an added benefit, you can use the included straps and bungees to tuck useful items under, like gloves, ponchos, or snacks. You will also find many pockets all these bags, water-resistant zippers, and reflective surfaces that make your boat visible or can be used in survival situations.
Kayak Decks Bags Review
There are, of course, a few discerning factors to be aware of when hunting for the perfect kayak deck bag; usage, space, ease of access, and whether or not it is waterproof can make or break how useful the kayak dry bag will actually be for you. In this vent, based on the aforementioned factors, cost, other user reviews, and overall quality of the product, we have listed some of our favorite kayak deck bags.
Overboard Gear Kayak Deck Bag:
This pack is rugged and intended for hardcore sports enthusiasts. It is constructed of
600D PVC tarpaulin and 100% waterproof, and it also boasts six side buckles for steadfastness on choppy waters. The removable shoulder strap and front storage webbing and also convenient and thoughtful features.
The seams are RF-welded to make sure the water stays out, and Overboard guarantees you stuff will stay dry. Plus, the bag is durable and it floats. The roll-top bag is capable of holding 20L of whatever, and you can get it on Amazon for under 55$.
Seattle Sports Deluxe Deck Bag:
The Seattle Sports Deluxe Deck Bag offers multiple tie-down points, which results in an ultra-secure bag that won’t slip around, and, plus, the side straps mean extra storage for small items. The bag is vinyl with RF-welded seams, so all your gear stays extra dry, and one thoughtful addition is the clear window so you can see inside the bag at a glance. Plus, the bag comes with and daisy chain lashing that will allow you to attach to it, and the coated zipper and storm flap are both rust resistant.
The reflective patch in the front is also useful in low-light conditions, and the bag contains 960 cubic inches of space. Perfect for short trips in turbulent waters, the bag can be had for a little over $100 on Amazon.
Chinook AquaTidal Deck Bag:
The Aquatidal Dry Bag is a mid-duty water-resistant bag that features rust-resistant zippers and other hardware as well as a support spine that is supposed to help keep the bag open when accessed. The AuquaTidal comes with bungees and plenty of lashing options, as well as a removable shoulder strap. This Chinook deck bag will hold 25L and is available on Amazon for about $42.
NRS Taj M’Haul Deck Bag:
Specifically made to fit the needs of a fishing kayak. Not quite a kayak fish bag, the Taj M’Haul is quite a nifty in that it is made with a lightweight nylon outer shell and polyurethaned inner bag with a “Hydro Lock” zipper-seal.
The deck bag even floats, and it comes with a large outer pocket, adjustable clip-in buckles, and a mesh storage sleeve. Plus, unlike other bags, this bag can be adjusted from 13″ to 11″ in width to fit thin kayaks. Reflective tape and a transport handle round out the list of features.
Kayak Deck Bag Wrap-Up
That does it for our kayaking bags review. Of course, as mention, picking a kayak dry bag is an incredibly individualized pursuit and you are encouraged to play around with what works for you. As far as the best kayak dry bag, that all depends on what you want out of it
Last update on 2023-06-05 at 12:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
