Run Oregon sometimes receives products to review. In this post, Annette Vaughan and Geli Heidelberger provide some initial impressions of the SealLine BlockerLite Dry Sack and Urban Waterproof Backpack.
Company: SealLine, a brand of Cascade Designs
Our dry bags, portage packs, backpacks and dry sacks are designed and tested in Seattle by engineers who know and live these core sports. They match materials and design to create the most specialized, high-quality waterproof gear available. Each product is designed in Seattle by technicians who draw on over 30 years of RF-welding experience. The differences in what we do matter, and they allow SealLine gear to stand up to any weather or water on Earth.
Products:
BlockerLite Dry Sack 2.5 liter ($15.95), 5 liter ($18.95), 10 liter ($21.95)
Urban Waterproof Backpack, Small ($149.95)
Our lightest, most efficient-packing dry sack, the ultralight BlockerLite boasts a patent-pending rectangular shape and strong fully welded seam construction to deliver waterproof protection while organizing clothing and gear in your pack.
The SealLine BlockerLite Dry Sack is extremely lightweight. The 5 liter dry sack is just 1.2 oz. – almost like it’s not even there. I appreciate being able to throw items into something that is waterproof, but not bulky or stiff. The rectangular shape of the dry sack allows for keeping your items in a space-saving “block” if you choose to load it up and pack it in your backpack or duffel bag. The seams are welded, not sewn, so that lends to the block-like shape. Like most dry sacks, it has a roll down top with a clip to keep the items inside secure and dry.
When the weather improves and I am out kayaking, the dry sack will be ideal for packing smaller items to put into my dry bag. For now, this dry sack will work great for putting items in a backpack for a day hike or packing dry clothes for after a rainy day race. I think it will also come in handy for throwing my wet clothes into post-race so that I can put them back in my duffel bag without getting everything else wet. With dry sacks from 2.5 to 20 liters, SealLine has about any size you’ll need for a short or long outing in the not-so-dry Pacific Northwest.
The Urban Backpack is designed with the bike commuter in mind. If you are looking for a solid waterproof carry-all for your bike commute, this backpack is the way to go. I have the small backpack which is ridiculously roomy at 15″x 4″x 18″. Loading up the backpack with a laptop, files, and even food and a water bottle is no big deal. The top rolls down similar to a dry bag to keep the contents dry and has a super easy clip that can be attached with just one hand. The outer zip pocket is also waterproof, so you can even stick your phone or anything else in without worrying about the rain. While the backpack material is somewhat stiff in comparison to a hiking backpack, it doesn’t seem to be an issue for biking. Just feeling this backpack will give you confidence in its ability to keep your things dry on your rainy day bike commute. The straps are adjustable and you can also utilize the waist belt to secure the bag if desired.
I tend to put my bike away once the rainy season hits, but this waterproof backpack could be used in a variety of situations. I believe I will use it most often for keeping things dry in my kayak for a day on the river. You could even use it for a day hike – if you don’t mind the stiffness of the bag while hiking, or to keep things dry on a camping trip.
In the short time I have had the dry sack and backpack, the SealLine products seem to be good quality multi-use waterproof items. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to someone looking for good waterproof gear for the wet Pacific Northwest weather.