OR DryComp Ridge Sack

by Ron J.

(Words in italics came from Outdoor Research website.)

This ultralight and waterproof day sack has all the features needed for a fast and light summit push. Radio frequency welded seams and reinforced fabric on the bottom and pocket area provide maximum strength and waterproofness. A mesh pocket accommodates a hydration bladder and stretch cording and gear loops secure crampons and ice tools. Compression straps cinch your load down and breathable mesh shoulder straps combine to offer a comfortable fit for alpine climbing and peak bagging.

Color: Alpenglow/Grey

Sizes: 1 SIZE

MSRP: $119.00 USD   Style #: 36620

Avg. Weight (oz./g): 16.4 / 465

+ 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 as a review item, 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.

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