Product Review: Advanced Elements StashPak RollTop Dry Bags – 20L & 40L

This past summer, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California, introduced their new WaterTech™ Gear line of deck and cargo bags designed to fully complement Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks and paddle boards, as well as any kayak or watercraft.

The new WaterTech Gear accessory line consists of seven models ranging in size from 3 to 60 liters, with retail prices of $24.95 to $79.99. The product line covers a wide range of applications from small roll-tops and waterproof backpacks to deck bags and duffels.
We decided to take a look at the product line, beginning with the new 20-liter and 40-liter StashPak rolltop drybags.

The StashPaks are basically large duffels constructed from a heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin for water-resistance and durability; each is capable of handling quite a bit of gear. The bags are easy to use – after filling, simply roll down the top 3-5 times, then clip it shut. The more it’s rolled, the more water-resistant it becomes. (AirKayaks note: These are water- resistant, not water-proof. If you are concerned about your belongings, put them first in a waterproof ziplock inside the bag.)

Each bag comes with a nifty, removable, clip-on pack with zipper – perfect for small gear that needs to be easily accessed like phones, GPS, keys and wallet. When detached, the packs can also serve as carrying pouches; each has a handle and measures roughly 14 inches tall and 8 inches wide. The four attachment straps are adjustable roughly 7 inches each side, and each attachment point has an additional d-ring for lashing gear. As an added bonus, the StashPak body can be rolled up and stored inside the detachable pouch.

Each StashPak comes with two detachable carrying straps with clips; these attach to four d-rings located on the back side. The carrying straps turn the bag into a quasi-backpack; each can be adjusted from 24 to 42 inches in length. There are an additional two d-rings adjacent to the rolltop clips.

While not mentioned in the product specifications, each of the StashPaks come with a “compression valve” – basically a small valve that is screwed open or shut to add or remove air. To use, make sure you have a good seal of 3 to 5 rolls and then clip shut. Screw open the valve and start pushing out the air to create a vacuum, then screw the vent shut – this makes a smaller package if carrying a lot of gear. Conversely, one can open the valve and blow air in, making it more “floatable.”
Outer bag measurements are as follows:
20L: 26 inches tall (unrolled) with a 10 inch diameter. Rolled 4 times, 20 inches tall (unfilled)
40L: 34 inches tall (unrolled) with a 12 inch diameter. Rolled 4 times, 28 inches tall (unfilled).
The

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

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