For many years, we have been searching for ideal packing solutions for storing various items both inside the camper and on the roof rack of our Land Rover Defender. Since we have traveled as a family of full-time nomads, we need to transport all of our on-the-road essentials and have had to be equipped for all seasons and extremes of heat, cold, moldy wet, and dusty dry. Over a period of months, we explored North America from northern Nevada to southern Mexico with the Sea To Summit Big River Dry Bag, eVac Compression Dry Bag, and Hydraulic Packing Cubes, experiencing almost every variation of climate and terrain. Our quest for ideal packing solutions may well be at an end.
Big River Dry Bag, 65-liter
The Big River dry bag is designed for enthusiasts engaging in water sports and rough outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing, overlanding, and motorcycle touring. This bag is built from robust 420-denier nylon laminated with a TPU film, ensuring high tear strength and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for extreme conditions. It features multiple lash points and a white interior laminate that enhances visibility inside the bag, which is helpful for locating items quickly.
The non-wicking roll-top closure effectively keeps water out, and the bag also includes a field repairable/replaceable buckle, allowing for quick fixes on the go using just a Phillips screwdriver (perhaps purchase a spare; we never needed one). Available in a range of sizes from 5 liters to 65 liters and several colors, the bag offers versatility for various packing needs.
The Big River Dry bag, in Gold Brown, has lived on our roof rack for long periods, protecting our bulky and expensive winter jackets. When correctly sealed (which it has been), it is as tough as an old boot and has not lost color or allowed the ingress of water or dust. Despite not featuring shoulder straps, the bag also serves well as a duffel bag for nights away from the vehicle, and the lash points double as a carry handle.
$80 | Big River Dry Bag 65L
eVac Compression Dry Bag HD, 35-liter
The Sea to Summit eVac compression dry bag HD is a robust storage solution designed for a variety of outdoor activities including bikepacking, motorcycle touring, overlanding, and snowmobiling. Made from a durable 420-denier nylon body laminated with TPU and a 500-denier Cordura eVent base, the bag is highly resistant to abrasion and puncture. The eVent base is air-permeable, allowing air to be pushed out without letting water in, which enhances compression without the need for a purge valve.
The bag is waterproof with double-stitched, tape-sealed seams, and a non-wicking hypalon roll-top closure, ensuring contents stay dry. It also includes four compression straps for even packing and multiple lash points for secure attachment to vehicles or other equipment. The bag’s design facilitates easy visibility of contents due to its light-reflecting white interior. It’s available in multiple sizes ranging from 8 liters to 35 liters, all in a jet-black color.
The Evac Compression dry bag is lashed beside the Big River dry bag on our Defender’s roof rack and has performed excellently as the new permanent home for our awning’s canvas walls. However, the Evac Compression dry bag would benefit from the addition of flank-located lash points, as featured on the Big River dry bag.
$90 | Evac Compression Dry Bag HD
Hydraulic Packing Cubes
The hydraulic packing cubes are a practical tool for travelers who need to keep their gear organized, protected, and easily accessible during outdoor adventures or while in transit. These packing cubes are crafted from TPU-laminated 70-denier ripstop nylon, and they offer water-resistant properties thanks to PU-coated zippers and RF-welded seams.
An important feature of the hydraulic packing cubes is their translucent window panel, which allows for quick identification of contents without needing to open the cube. This feature is particularly useful in maintaining organization and efficiency, especially when handling multiple bags in a fully packed vehicle. Additionally, these cubes are equipped with welded, low-profile Hypalon grab handles, which facilitate easy handling and can be used to lash the cubes securely to other gear.
Offered in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, the cubes have become an essential element of our camper’s interior and are charged with protecting everything from important documents (such as passports) to spare parts, toiletries, and our pooch’s snacks.
From $30 | Hydraulic Packing Cubes
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