ARB Storm Bags

[kenallwine]

I was wondering if anyone knows of any alternatives to the ARB Storm Bags? My wife and I like them but wondering if there is a cheaper (just as good solution). We would be using something like this for our upcoming road trip. We would be looking for a bag with shoulder straps and is "storm proof".

[SunTzuNephew]

How about plain old river bags? Durable, waterproof, not terribly expensive


http://countycomm.com/cargo.html

[nwoods]

NorthFace makes some awesome dry bags too, probably not any cheaper. Check out Whitewater Designs, Watershed, Sea-to-summit, SealLine, or REI for other options

[UNI]

Check out SealLine (http://www.cascadedesigns.com/sealline/packs-and-duffles/boundary-pack/product) its what we use.

[762X39]

I'll second on SealLine. I always have one packed with a change of clothes down to the shoes when I am out and find them to be rugged w/o overkill.I have seen them with handles (pack size) and find their construction to be heavy duty enough to be effective.:coffee:

[bomar]

Bass Pro has some of all sizes.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10205325_999043014_100000000_999043012?cmC at=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

[R_Lefebvre]

I have used one of the large non-waterproof roof basket bags that you can find. The cheap ones, made out of Cordura. But then I put all my gear into Sealine bags. So, the Sealine bags are waterproof, and the cordura bag contains everything, and takes the brunt of whatever you can throw at them. This worked out great for me.

[cruiseroutfit]

The SealLine stuff is very hi quality and truly water proof, but when you start comparing the prices of apples to apples (duffle versus duffle), they are not really any cheaper than the ARB Storm Bags. I will say that the ARB product is designed for tossing up on a roof rack or in your trailer, not strapped to the side of a J-Rig down the Colorado :D

[mmccurdy]

The SealLine stuff is very hi quality and truly water proof, but when you start comparing the prices of apples to apples (duffle versus duffle), they are not really any cheaper than the ARB Storm Bags. I will say that the ARB product is designed for tossing up on a roof rack or in your trailer, not strapped to the side of a J-Rig down the Colorado :D

I agree.... I have an ARB storm bag and it works well. It's about the same price as other comparable-quality options, and it's made of seemingly more abrasion resistant material.

I have a SealLine Bag that I use for smaller items and it seems very, very waterproof -- it is air tight when closed -- but I'm not sure how the larger ones would hold up on the rack assuming they're made of the same type of rubberized material.

FWIW, I also have a North Face "dry bag" and it's really not waterproof at all in the same way -- no roll-top closure, and I would definitely not trust it up on the roof in a downpour.

[762X39]

I have used one of the large non-waterproof roof basket bags that you can find. The cheap ones, made out of Cordura. But then I put all my gear into Sealine bags. So, the Sealine bags are waterproof, and the cordura bag contains everything, and takes the brunt of whatever you can throw at them.

This seems like the best idea. I have a roof bag that is about 15 years old. It isn't totally waterproof but it stops the bugs and grit from hitting the bags inside.My SealLinebags stay in good condition and the gear gets to where it is going.:coffee:

[Honu]

had a huge backpack style (and smaller clear ones) go all over central america and in the south pacific carrying some of my personal gear put maybe ten years of use into them and its still going strong this included long plane travel bus travel in Central America and boat travel in South Pacific

have no idea about the arb bags :) but I am on the hunt for some new dry bags for the roof rack area so will check out the arbs also :)

REI has some nice lightweight nylon coated ones ? but I am skeptical

I liked the dry zip bags but the zippers like on my dry suits need to much maintenance and went back to the fold over design in the past ?

I can say I like the clear sea bags I had when working on boats as I could quickly see what I wanted in them ? I also found I liked a few med size bags in a cheap duffel over a large bag as I could compartmenal everything and quickly get to what I needed
in a few rough weather situations I noticed opening one small or med bag was not putting the rest of my gear in the bad weather etc...

so part of me wants to stick to the clear med size of bags

OK update decided to order one of these ? from ebags $39.99
http://a1472.g.akamaitech.net/f/1472/124/36h/img.ebags.com/is/image/im2/145302_3_1?&op_sharpen=1&op_usm=1,1,1&qlt=60,1&hei=280&wid=280
I have had a drypak that has lasted well also ? so seems like a decent bag

[R_Lefebvre]

This seems like the best idea. I have a roof bag that is about 15 years old. It isn't totally waterproof but it stops the bugs and grit from hitting the bags inside.My SealLinebags stay in good condition and the gear gets to where it is going.:coffee:

In a pinch, I've even used garbage bags to keep my stuff dry inside the rooftop bag. The purists are prickling at the thought! :wings:

[kenallwine]

We were at REI today in Philly. We looked at the North Face bags. They are well made however, not rain proof. The zipper is the weak point. There is a flap over the ziper but it does not seal the zipper shut.

Right now, the ARB bags are the front runner with their duffle bag style. Still considering the Seattle sport duffle bags as well.

[Honu]

got my drypak today :) very nice setup I think I might get a few more

the bottom is nice and has a molded bottom piece that will take I think quite a bit of abuse

[Fireman78]

For waterproof use.. i have seem many , many rafting folks, (including myslef ) use Watershed bags. Super tough, super easy to open and seal. Just my 2 cents.

[Pedro]

I tend to throw my dry bags into a larger duffel just to keep them easily moveable. the duffle is not waterproof, but the contents are, so it is not typically an issue.

[BIGdaddy]

so in planning our next trip, we will likely throw our gear onto roof rack in the afor-mentioned drybag/roof bag...

if we end up stopping somewhere urban with our gear on the roof, how do we secure it?

any solutions? We want our stuff dry, secure AND safe, since we don't have space inside and can't afford to replace it...

would a rocket/thule box be a better lockable solution? My dad has a nice one that he doesn't use...

[R_Lefebvre]

I've seen wire mesh bags that backpackers put their packs into when they check their baggage at the airport. You could do something similar with a wire mesh over the bag.

To be honest though, it's just not something I ever worried about.

[kenallwine]

You could also use locking ratchet straps. I'm considering these since they are locking and have steel cable that runs through the webbing:

http://www.rei.com/search?query=locking+strap&button.x=0&button.y=0

[nwoods]

The security ratchet straps are what I'd recommend. I think there were advertised in OJ in the first couple of issues as well.

Also, for storage bags, you might consider the Rola Platypus. Available in RV stores, and maybe through REI as well. Our's worked great.

http://www.nextstepdesigns.com/images/utah/IMG_1227.jpg

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/Family/Journeys/Journeys-26/626687185_4peRm-XL.jpg

[dlbrunner]

I want one of these!!

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Zion-Haul-Bag/dp/B002LB6DAM

[rotor]

I just picked up 2 of these http://www.rei.com/product/800383 Not quite as big as the Black Diamond bags, but a fraction of the price.

[kenallwine]

The wife wants me to get duffel bags so that limits my options. However, I am also going to look at that Rola roof bag as an option. It would def. be cheaper than multiple dry bags.

[UNI]

Check out these North Face (http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/equipment-luggage_duffels/base-camp-duffel.html) duffel bags.

Alan

[nwoods]

Check out these North Face (http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/equipment-luggage_duffels/base-camp-duffel.html) duffel bags.

Alan

Those are the bags I mentioned earlier. A lot of Jeep guys use them to pile on gear outside of the vehicle on racks and tire carriers and so forth. As the site describes, they are "totally bomber" in construction

[UNI]

Nwoods Posted: Those are the bags I mentioned earlier.
:oops: Sorry about that, but I guess they are worth mentioning twice! :sombrero:

[kenallwine]

We looked at the North Face bags at REI when we were there. These are sturdy bags alright but they are not weather proof. The zipper is exposed and nothing to seal it shut.