While on the topic of packing: there is nowhere on board that will not get wet – including inside the foredeck. Dry bags and double-dry bagging was essential. Here’s a collection of what we took – and one day we hope to harmonise to one or two types.
Aldi 50L
Good size – great design – max size for under rear seats of the Quest; too long for under front seat storage; too big for under seat storage on a Savage Dolphin; 50L capacity; stayed completely dry despite being submerged and/or getting very wet constantly; well designed closing/strapping system; The most confidence inspiring design of all the bags we had and tested, as the roll-up section is cut out in a way that does not invite to pack over the waterline; sadly clips are not good enough quality – it took a 10 year old one pull to rip one off while fastening on the first day; the bag stayed dry regardless, however.
Gill Race 90l duffel (old design)
Good for the Quest if loaded on the sides only, leaving gap in the middle for storage across the beam at mast, over the centreboard: keep center empty to be able to lift for centreboard. This bag seems to have been replaced by Gill with a newer design; the biggest flaw of the bag is a missing center strap to keep the folding tight. We used a Grunt strap for that. Good hold all to throw stuff in and keep accessible. After 5y glue is coming apart on one of the two bags we have. Otherwise, it’s probably too big for dinghies.
Bunnings 20/15/5 L
Max 5$ each! Good enough for watertight internal packing – eg pack into other bags. 20L may be big enough for sleeping bags; 5L fits well in front hatches of Quest foredeck. Holds flares and lunch.
Gill backpack – Voyager Kit Bag 35L
Watertight; solid quality 35L; only front zippered pocket is not watertight even if zip is closed properly. The design of the front pocket makes it hard to empty any water that may have come in and takes time to dry out – otherwise, great. Can also hold all sailing gear for a day-sail for one crew.
Northface Basecamp style bags
Are not watertight at all; don’t use them.
Bunga Arm free dry bags (red)
Don’t know the manufacturer – we got them gifted by a shop for a Sea Scout camp on the Gippsland lakes – hence we refer to them as the free Bunga Arm Bags. 45L (est) – material is good, window is great, clips are not good enough quality – ripped one off at first use by using folded over part as handle (recommend not doing that).
Ronstan 10L
Good quality, used for “office”, which included two notebooks, one reading book, burgee collection, spare battery, pen and pencil case, charts, at times also a water bottle and a GoalZero Crush collapsible light, as well as a box of playing cards. Window is useful, used as “internal” dry bag in the 90L bag – carry strap good for use onshore as well.
