Gear Review: Wilderness Technology Dragon River Lightweight Dry Bag
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: All over the country
Duration of Test: 5 years
Product Name: Dragon River Lightweight Dry Bag
Product Brand: Wilderness Technology
Best Use: Kayaking, Canoeing, Backpacking, Skiing, Camping in wet weather.
Sizes: 7L, 10L, 20L, 40L, 50L
The Full Review:
Five years ago, when I was visiting friends in Portland I came by Next Adventure to pick up a few odds and ends for an upcoming section hike on the AT. I bought a couple of great dry bags and have used them quite thoroughly ever since. I had assumed that the Dragon River Dry Bags from Wilderness Technology that I have been using were commonplace around the country since I had seen mine everywhere I've gone for the past five years. Little did I know that this is actually the Next Adventure house brand and can be found almost exclusively at Next Adventure and for a superb price. Now my entire family is using these.
I have found these dry bags to be top notch. The material is lightweight and very packable, yet durable enough to last for years. In the past, I have used lighter weight dry bags from other brands but found that they would break down quickly if there were not used with great care. I have also used many PVC dry bags and while they are exceptionally durable, some I've had for 15 plus years, I've found them clunky, and heavy for many applications. Wilderness Technology's Dragon River Lightweight Dry Bag is an excellent middle ground for me. I regularly use them kayaking and canoeing for my electronics, clothing, and sleeping bag. I use a 10L bag nearly every time I go ski touring to keep a puffy jacket protected and dry. I've even used them to hang my food when in bear country.
Note that Wilderness Technology is currently shifting away from the Dragon River branding and simply branding their dry bags as Wilderness Technology. Same top-quality product just by a different name.
The Good
Light, smooth textured, packable, dry, long-lasting, all at an excellent price.
The Bad:
It is not as durable as PVC dry bag options. While this is a fairly tough material I recommend using it inside of another pack or in other fairly protected situations. They do patch readily and durably with Tenacious Tape or other similar products.
The Bottom Line:
This is a top-notch lightweight dry bag at an unbeatable price and is only available at Next Adventure.
The Full Review:
Five years ago, when I was visiting friends in Portland I came by Next Adventure to pick up a few odds and ends for an upcoming section hike on the AT. I bought a couple of great dry bags and have used them quite thoroughly ever since. I had assumed that the Dragon River Dry Bags from Wilderness Technology that I have been using were commonplace around the country since I had seen mine everywhere I've gone for the past five years. Little did I know that this is actually the Next Adventure house brand and can be found almost exclusively at Next Adventure and for a superb price. Now my entire family is using these.
I have found these dry bags to be top notch. The material is lightweight and very packable, yet durable enough to last for years. In the past, I have used lighter weight dry bags from other brands but found that they would break down quickly if there were not used with great care. I have also used many PVC dry bags and while they are exceptionally durable, some I've had for 15 plus years, I've found them clunky, and heavy for many applications. Wilderness Technology's Dragon River Lightweight Dry Bag is an excellent middle ground for me. I regularly use them kayaking and canoeing for my electronics, clothing, and sleeping bag. I use a 10L bag nearly every time I go ski touring to keep a puffy jacket protected and dry. I've even used them to hang my food when in bear country.
Note that Wilderness Technology is currently shifting away from the Dragon River branding and simply branding their dry bags as Wilderness Technology. Same top-quality product just by a different name.
The Good
Light, smooth textured, packable, dry, long-lasting, all at an excellent price.
The Bad:
It is not as durable as PVC dry bag options. While this is a fairly tough material I recommend using it inside of another pack or in other fairly protected situations. They do patch readily and durably with Tenacious Tape or other similar products.
The Bottom Line:
This is a top-notch lightweight dry bag at an unbeatable price and is only available at Next Adventure.