Speaking of Bags.....

Eric Patterson

Eric Patterson

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Staff member
I don't remember how many years ago I bought my first Watershed bag but it seems like eight or so. Ira McCauley turned me onto Watershed and I can't say enough good things about these bags. The bag pictured has been used heavily every season and has never let me down. It is 100% waterproof. I know the question of which blind bag to purchase comes up occasionally so I thought I'd mention these bags are a great investment at keeping your gear dry and safe. I know of no other bag that is truly waterproof, at least not in a hunting configuration.


 
Thanks for the idea! Jen needs a camera case for our arctic float trip next summer and that is a sweet idea!

For a dry box in the boat, I like my waterproof bucket, I like the rigid, but there are times when a bag like that would be much better.

T
 
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Those are nice bags. Not a show stopper but I wish they offered the camo patterns a waterfowler would use. My current bag is black but I like the zipper in these.
 
Tod, Watershed definitely has a bag for that purpose. Be sure to check the accessories page for a compartmented liner to keep her lenses protected. By the way, Thomas likes the bags so much he's taken over the backpack I got from Watershed.

Ed, they used to have Mossy Oak camo but I don't see it anymore. They do have Army camo or simple colors like green that would be passible for a duck hunters bag. I wonder if they have some other camo that isn't on their website.
 
Tod, Watershed definitely has a bag for that purpose. Be sure to check the accessories page for a compartmented liner to keep her lenses protected. By the way, Thomas likes the bags so much he's taken over the backpack I got from Watershed.

Ed, they used to have Mossy Oak camo but I don't see it anymore. They do have Army camo or simple colors like green that would be passible for a duck hunters bag. I wonder if they have some other camo that isn't on their website.
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I ordered one for Jen's B-day.

I saw that they make gun cases. I need 3 waterproof soft gun cases for a float trip and $90 a piece is painful, but I have not found a better price. I also don't know if (dont' think) a scoped rifle will fit. Anyone have a suggestion? I can't find one (Koplin used to make one, but I can't find that one anymore). I have several floater cases, but I've never had a waterproof case (which I need for this trip).

T
 
Tod, Watershed definitely has a bag for that purpose. Be sure to check the accessories page for a compartmented liner to keep her lenses protected. By the way, Thomas likes the bags so much he's taken over the backpack I got from Watershed.

Ed, they used to have Mossy Oak camo but I don't see it anymore. They do have Army camo or simple colors like green that would be passible for a duck hunters bag. I wonder if they have some other camo that isn't on their website.
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I ordered one for Jen's B-day.

I saw that they make gun cases. I need 3 waterproof soft gun cases for a float trip and $90 a piece is painful, but I have not found a better price. I also don't know if (dont' think) a scoped rifle will fit. Anyone have a suggestion? I can't find one (Koplin used to make one, but I can't find that one anymore). I have several floater cases, but I've never had a waterproof case (which I need for this trip).

T
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Scratch the gun case. I found the waterproof sleeve I was looking for - they (Kolpin) transferred the product to the Uncle Mike's line. I ordered one to see if it is big enough and is built well enough.

T
 
I have a Watershed case for my shotgun and it works great and Subsalve dry bags for clothing and anything else that needs to be kept dry. Subsalve will make custom bags of any size. I have been using there lift bags for underwater salvage work for over 20 years. They are reliable, tough and priced right if your looking for military quality. They are light years ahead of anything that you will find at West Marine or any other marine dealer.
 
Tod-

I've got one of the Uncle Mike's bags for my shotgun. I just slip a soft padded case inside for extra padding ad slip the gun in....they're great....I've been really happy with it.

Not sure though if they'll hold a scoped rifle. They are wide though....

Dani
 
Those are nice-looking bags, but pricy.

For simply dry bags, I've had good luck with the roll-closure bags like Seal Line. They're often available at steep discount on Sierra Trading Post's website, an I've never had one leak until after years of abuse.

My favorite dry bag is a pair of 60 liter backpacks I got on clearance from Pacific Outdoors through Sierra Trading Post or maybe Campmor. We've used them for canoe trips for 5 years now without a leak. The best thing about them is that they are really functional as a backpack--I don't mind a long portage carrying 50+ pounds in this pack. Most dry bags can't do that, though some of the Watershed bags look similarly well designed.
 
Those are nice-looking bags, but pricy.

For simply dry bags, I've had good luck with the roll-closure bags like Seal Line. They're often available at steep discount on Sierra Trading Post's website, an I've never had one leak until after years of abuse.

My favorite dry bag is a pair of 60 liter backpacks I got on clearance from Pacific Outdoors through Sierra Trading Post or maybe Campmor. We've used them for canoe trips for 5 years now without a leak. The best thing about them is that they are really functional as a backpack--I don't mind a long portage carrying 50+ pounds in this pack. Most dry bags can't do that, though some of the Watershed bags look similarly well designed.
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I too am fine with regular roll closures for most stuff, I wanted something a little nicer for her camera and easier to get into.

I have a similar backpack bag as you describe. We have 2 and they are perfect for our tripping canoe, plop right in when loaded. Mine are Cabelas, a 1 1/2 mile portage is getting a little long, but they do work well.
 
Tod-

I've got one of the Uncle Mike's bags for my shotgun. I just slip a soft padded case inside for extra padding ad slip the gun in....they're great....I've been really happy with it.

Not sure though if they'll hold a scoped rifle. They are wide though....

Dani
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Good to hear, thanks!
 
I use the Colorado bag w/ their liner, and I added the option inflation valve so I can put air in the bag after I close it. That way it floats even w/ 50lbs of gear in it. And then I use these handy little zipper bags instead of the partitions to keep gear organized and padded. There are all different sizes. I use thick fleece decoy sacks for the cameras and lenses. I get them at the Westlake show.

I also have a Largo tote for when I'm just carrying a camera and flash and a few other things.

Keep the zip closure lubed with the silicone wipes and they close and open far easier.

Hitch
 

The royalty for the mossy oak pattern was $5000.00 and ten rolls of material for blinds when I checked into it. Way too costly for my tastes. On another note my son gave me one of the water proof bags for christmas. It happens to be orange and I wondered why he got it for me. Inside was a note that he is taking me on a six day conoe trip on the Minn. Boundry waters. I was there last in 1969 with my Boy Scout troop for a ten day trip. The best summer of my life. Our guide wanted me to come back the next summer to be a guide in training. I didn't go back. I've thought maney time I should have. Well anyways I can hardly wait to go.

Tom.
 
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