Design and Aesthetics
At first glance, the Stahlac Drylite bags impress with their sleek and clean design. They are essentially thin and flat with a seemingly strong buckle for the folding enclosure. An included carabiner for attaching to another bag (the Abyss duffel, for example) or, in the case of a kayak, SUP or a boat, to cargo straps is nice to have.
Where the Nylon is welded at the bottom, there are some sharp corners, which is the only gripe we really have with this. The RF welding–exciting the molecules of thermoplastics into a strong, fused bond–has proven reliable when floating a bag with around 10 pounds.
As a dry bag for rain or literally on the water, the Drylite will keep your stuff dry, including protection from condensation. Where it may come up short is if sealed with air and impacted by something heavier than 150 pounds, the welding might be compromised, losing its airtightness but still maintaining decent water protection.
Otherwise, the material feels robust and durable. It survives getting grated against thorns without puncture, something that might happen during kayak camping or portaging.
Available in a variety of colors, these bags offer a functional means of organizing specific gear into different packs by color.
Dry Bag Uses for the Drylite
The Stahlac Drylite series offers a range of sizes, making them suitable for a variety of activities. Whether you’re going for a day-long hike and need a small bag for your essentials or embarking on a multi-day kayaking trip requiring larger storage options, there’s a size to fit every need. This flexibility is a significant plus, as it caters to casual outdoor enthusiasts and more serious adventurers.
Drylite’s Waterproof Performance
One of the standout features of the Stahlac Drylite, that we’ve already mentioned, is its low-profile design when not in use. Unlike many bulky alternatives, these bags can be flattened and packed away easily, making them ideal for those who need to optimize their packing space. This feature is particularly beneficial for activities like backpacking or bikepacking, where every inch of space counts.
Durability and Build Quality
In terms of durability, the Stahlac Drylite bags hold up admirably. The material is not only waterproof but also resistant to tears and punctures. The stress points, particularly around the closure system, are well-reinforced using a reliable welding procedure that will maintain waterproofing.
Nylon is a very reliable material for waterproof applications and this particular thermoplastic is very light, as we’ve noted. It’s also got some UV protection to keep it from getting weakened in the sun over the years.
Closing and Connecting the Drylite Dry Bag
Dry bags are straightforward to use. It’s important to fold them 3 times over before clicking the buckle together. Once sealed, they are easy to carry with the strap as a sling bag lite or by connecting them to another pack using the included carabiner.
Another interesting feature of the Drylite line is the extra strap on the 18- and 25-liter options. These turn the larger dry bags into rudimentary backpacks. The straps are a bit thin, so they’re not going to replace proper waterproof backpacks. We applaud Stahlsac for this little additional feature.
Value of the Drylite Dry Bag
The Stahlac Drylite dry bags are priced competitively, sitting in the mid-range of the market. At the time of this writing the cost ranges from under $30 for the 6-liter bag up to plus or minus $50 for the 25-liter sack.
Considering their design features and waterproof performance, they offer good value for money. For serious outdoor enthusiasts, the packability and ability to use the larger bags with two straps is a compelling quality.
Conclusion
The Stahlac Drylite dry bags are a robust and reliable option for anyone looking to keep their gear dry and protected in the outdoors. Their standout feature is their low-profile design for packing and the extra strap on the two larger options.
While the price might be a consideration for some, there’s little compromise on quality making them an indispensable thing to have on expeditions guaranteed to be wet and even wild.
Our one (already noted) reservation has to do with an unrealistic expectation of surviving a bomb blast. By that we mean it won’t survive getting run over by a car like heavier PVC bags will. On the other hand, those dry bags are so big and cumbersome that the tradeoff is a no-brainer for technical and easier pursuits.
All in all, these will make a great addition to the arsenal of watersport enthusiasts, divers, sailors and even campers.
Specs & Features
| Material: | TPU Nylon + Hypalon® Buckles |
|---|---|
| Sizes Available: | 6L, 12L, 18L & 25L |
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