DryComp Ridge Sack

Storage Systems

DryComp Ridge Sack™           

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/drycomp_ridge_sack.html

Alpenglow/Grey

Sizes: 1SIZE
MSRP: $119.00 USD   Style #: 36620

Outdoor Research  DryComp Ridge Sack was provided by Outdoor Research for the purpose of this review.

Words in italics came from Outdoor Research website.

+ Ultralight, waterproof 70D nylon fabric
+ 420D nylon fabric for durable, reinforcement on bottom and around pocket
+ Radio frequency welded seams for highly durable waterproof seals
+ Roll-top waterproof closure; durable buckle secures roll top
+ Mesh back pocket with elastic stretch cording secures loose items and doubles as hydration sleeve
+ Two compression straps
+ Spacermesh shoulder straps are supportive and breathable
+ Dual ice axe loops with shockcord ice axe keepers
+ Dimensions – Rolled: 24″ x 11″ x 8″ / 61cm x 28cm x 20cm
+ Volume: 2075 cu. in / 34 L

When I received the DryComp Ridge Sack in the mail, I was really impressed with its simplicity but at the same time worried about how well it would perform in wet conditions so I immediately put it to a test.  I filled up the 2075 cu inch chamber with dry towels and newspapers.  I was amazed at how much I was able to stuff in there.  I then followed the instructions of purging the air out by pressing down on the top then placing the edges together and folded it flat.  I then rolled the fold the minimum of three times and fastened the buckle.  It was ready for the first test.  I threw the bag into the canoe and shoved off.  I have an old canoe that leaks so I made sure the bag sat in the water.  After several minutes, I looked in the bag and everything was dry.  I then “accidently” dropped it overboard and pulled it behind the canoe for a good 30 minutes.  When I got back to shore, I pulled the bag out of the water and emptied the contents.  I was pleased to see nothing on the inside was even damp.  It was as dry as it was when I put it in the bag.

I was fortunate to get the bag when I did because I was heading out west to Yellowstone with the family and would be able to use it out there.  I packed the bag full of clothes for the trip in the main compartment, put several books in the front mesh pocket that can also be used for holding your hydration bladder and carried it on the plane.  It fit well in the overhead compartments of all the planes that we flew on (there was 6 of them).  Once out there, I used the pack for all our day trips.  I packed it full of our rain gear, extra clothes and food that we needed for the day.  There was more than enough room for the 5 of us.  I even took it on the boat when we went white water rafting and everything on the inside of the bag was dry even though all of us were soaking wet. 

I am very impressed with the performance of the bag.  The only drawback that I have found is the lightweight nylon material can get hot when it is on your back especially down in South Carolina where I live.  There are two loops on the bottom corners of the bag where you can attach things to and also two shock cords on the top corners to attach lightweight items like a hat or maps.  They are intended for ice axes but I don’t see me using the loops and shock cords for that.  The shoulder, waist and chest straps are all easily adjustable to get you a very comfortable fit.  The instructions say this bag is not intended for prolonged submersion or electronic storage and according to the box it has an “Infinite Guarantee”

I look forward to using the DryComp Ridge Sack on several more day hikes, canoe and rafting trips.  More to come in a month.

Update #1

I continue to be impressed with this bag.  If I am not using it for day hikes or my canoe trips, I have it in the back of my car full of clothes and a pair of hiking shoes for those “emergency” strolls thru the woods when I happen to find an interesting trail or park as I travel for my job.

The DryComp Ridge Sack keeps the contents dry inside and it is very easy to clean if anything inside (wet or dry) spills or if it is dropped in the mud.  It cleans up with a damp cloth and dishwashing soap.  As I mentioned in my initial review, this bag is very simple with the main compartment and a mesh pocket for a hydration pack or miscellaneous items.  There are not any zippers to break or snag and the top buckle never fails to perform.  I have not been gentle on the bag. It has been with me on numerous day hikes, rafting and canoe trips, stuffed in the overhead compartment on airplanes, a mud run, thrown around in the back of my car and the nylon shows no signs of wear or tear.

The only negative I have found on this bag is there is not any type of buffer between the bag and my body and the nylon material can become very warm against your body on hot days.  Other than that, the bag is comfortable to carry and I will continue to use it on my adventures.

Final Update

My final update on the DryComp Ridge Sack is as positive as my previous two.  The bag continues to perform very well and it is not showing any signs of wear and tear other than a couple of Carolina mud stains that will not come out. 

I did have a concern of how the nylon would perform in cold temperatures.  I thought it may not be as pliable in the cold as in the warm and it would be more difficult to close.  I left it outside all night when the temperature dipped in the low 20’s.  In the morning, I filled it up and closed it as I always do and was very pleased with the results.  The nylon was slightly stiffer than it is in warmer temperatures but it was still easy to fold over, purge the air and buckle.

The DryComp Ridge Sack has been stuffed in overhead compartments on planes, dropped it in the water and pulled it behind my kayak, on day hikes, on mud runs and thrown around in the back of my car and it has kept all the contents inside clean and dry.  I am very impressed with its performance and will continue to use it on my adventures.

Review done by Ron Jerina

Designed by Tim Sainburg from Brambling Design

Designed by Tim Sainburg from Brambling Design

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