First Impressions – A duffel bag for watersports
When packing for our trip, right off the bat, we liked that light grey lining, and the contrast it created really helped us to find our belongings. Also having a firmer bottom (no naughty thoughts now!) made it easier to pack larger items and keep everything in place.
The lid and on the inside walls there are a few pockets, good for separating essential or small items. An exterior pocket could have been nice but wasn’t a deal breaker.
The oversized lip of the top flap protects nicely against splashes and rain, while th boxy compartment is great for loading larger items, like scuba gear or scooters.
Ample Storage for All Your Scuba Diving Essentials
Although not something we have seen before to this degree with duffel bags – and to be honest we don’t know why – the reinforced base is great. Having this kind of backbone to the bag made packing bulky BCDs and wetsuits way easier.
Also, a different feature, is that these Abyss bags have square ends (as opposed to cylindrical) which helps the bag to keep its shape, whether it is standing up or lying down.
The interior of the duffel bags is the same light grey as the exterior. Light or bright colors are common in diving luggage as they help to contrast against the generally dark diving gear. There is one large mesh pocket on the lid inside, two zipped pockets, and three mesh elasticated compartments. These five smaller pockets are good for diving accessories, like a compass, a dive computer, or an SMB that you might want to keep separate from the larger items.
We found that the Stahlsac Abyss duffel bag was missing some external pockets, and when compared with other duffel bags, it is a noticeable difference. Another key difference is that these duffel bags cannot be stored compactly within itself.
Waterproof Construction for Watersports
Stahlsac is generally known for producing dive bags, but these Abyss Duffel bags are marketed as “made to be your partner-in-crime on every adventure.” So even though these duffel bags are great for scuba divers, their weatherproof construction makes them suitable for anyone involved with watersports, such as SUPers, surfers, and sailors.
Made from double-TPU nylon, the exterior shell is waterproof and can keep your kit dry and protected. The zips themselves aren’t waterproof, so if were to submerge the bag for a prolonged time, water will eventually seep in (or out). However, the flap over the lid’s zip is a substantial inch, protecting it from the elements. We tested the water resistance and found that under a heavy shower, the contents of the bags remained dry.
Inside the bag there are two zipped pockets made of the same material as the exterior shell. We tested by placing tissue inside and splashing inside the duffel bag and around these pockets with water. The contents did remain dry, and since dive gear is never soaking wet, these two pockets are a good place to hide anything you want to keep separate.
Backpack Straps and Grab Handles galore
A standard design in many travel duffels today is that they can be a standard holdall and have backpack straps. On some backpack straps are a permanent feature.
A standard design in many travel duffels today is that they can be a standard holdall and have backpack straps. On some backpack straps are a permanent feature.
We enjoyed having the 75L on our latest trip.
For others, like this Stalhsac Abyss Duffel or Wolfskin Expedition Trunk, the backpack straps can be removed. This can be useful when it’s time to check in the bag and perhaps you want to remove them just in case.
There is also a velcro attachment on the left strap so both straps can be kept tidy together.
The outer material of the backpack straps is made from the same double TPU as the bag itself. They have a mesh lining on the inside, and curve so that it is a comfortable fit around the body. However, there isn’t much padding or a sternum strap, and we felt that little bit extra could’ve gone a long way. Compared to the Osprey Transporter, which has these two features and load-lifting, we can feel the difference in comfort for longer carrying periods.
A unique feature of the Abyss duffel bags is their eight grab handles. Yes, you read that right, eight. There are six around the sides of the duffel and then one on either side of the lid.
They are welded on and have strong stitching so they can take some force. At first, we weren’t convinced of the need for eight, but one trip later we are! Whether it was pulling it off the conveyor belt, from under other bags in the car trunk, or picking it up off the ground, having all eight grab handles made handling easy.
One member of our testing team is looking forward to future sailing trips with this bag, being able to bucket-brigade it from beach to the boat.
The last external feature is that there are 16 lash points around the bag. Also strongly stitched to the duffel, they are good for attaching items with carabiners or tying the bag down.
Price/Quality Ratio
When compared to the other duffel bags we have mentioned in this review, such as the popular North Face Base Camp or Osprey Transporter, the Stahlsac was the most expensive. If you need a sturdy bag that can carry heavy dry suits or two loads of wet dive gear, then paying extra for the rigidness and strength of this Abyss duffel bag is a good idea.
However, if you’re after a general watersports bag or have lighter diving gear, then the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60L – which is $70 cheaper than the 50L Abyss – will probably serve you just as well.
Do we recommend it?
For the bag itself, yes we do recommend it, but recognize that its heavy-duty construction isn’t for everyone’s needs. We found it to be lacking a few features such as external pockets to tidy away the backpack straps or for smaller items, and a sternum strap. A unique selling point for these Abyss Stahlsac bags is their more rigid form and firm base, and the bags don’t bend or sag with heavier loads. Great for tec diving gear, bulky dry suits, wet kitesurfing kit, etc. Most of the duffel bags produced by adventure and outdoor brands are very comparable and, in the end, it comes down to your personal preference or needs.
Specs & Features
| Sizes | 50L, 75L and 100L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50L: 22.25”x14”x10” / 56.5×35.5×25.5cm |
| (L x W x H) | 75L: 28”x14”x12” / 71×35.5×30.5cm |
| 100L: 33.25”x15.75”x13.75” / 84.5x40x35cm | |
| Color | Grey |
| Weight | 50L: 2.4lbs / 1.1kg |
| 75L: 2.9lbs / 1.3kg | |
| 100L: 3.4lbs / 1.5kg | |
| Material | Weatherproof & strong double-TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) laminated |
| nylon material and RF-welded seams |
Take a moment to look at this.
