Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks

This review is for the Ultra-Sil 1 L. size bag ( in orange) that I use while canoeing, to protect my electronic keys and/or flip phone. It would also be very suitable for protecting items while hiking, snowshoeing, or in any foul weather conditions. I certainly can recommend this bag, as I have used it successfully (gear has not been damaged by water) for over a year.

I purchased this bag to protect my electronic car key and fob, while canoeing, and sometimes while snowshoeing in wet weather. Since this car key is bulky, it does not fit well in many waterproof container options, at least not which permit me to then put it in my pocket.

This little bag (9 in. x 4 in) can hold my keys, and/or my flip phone, and then can be put inside a zippered pocket, or in my waterproof canoe bag.

Since Sea to Summit reports that "This product is not intended for boating or marine use", and also recommends double bagging sensitive electronics, I gave the bag an immersion test. I put crumpled paper in the bag, sealed as recommended (at least 3 rolls of the easy to use and snug Hypalon roll top closure), and then submerged it in water, and weighted it under water for over an hour. The internal contents remained completely dry.

The bag does roll up small enough to stow/hold in a small area, once the air in the bag is bled. I suppose that if I keep a bit of air in it, the flotation would increase, possible preventing this set of keys from the fate of a prior set (at the bottom of a nearby lake). However, it would then not fit into a pocket of my paddle shorts, pfd, or canoe dry bag!

The 1 L. bag is very well made, and is available in a variety of colors (orange, blue, kiwi). It is also available in larger sizes (five sizes from the 1 L. up to 35 liter), and we would feel comfortable using larger bags to pack trips for canoe trips (double bagged most likely, just in case).

The bag is reported to be designed for use inside another bag or a backpack, but I feel comfortable in the manner in which I am using it. Yes, my use goes beyond the manufacturer' suggested use, but I do so fully aware of the risks I take.

The material is Ultra-Sil nylon, a polyurethane coated siliconized Cordura; this reportedly provides ultimate waterproofing and maximum durability. My bag certainly has proved durable, since it gets frequent use. It weighs only .7 oz, and the fabric is slightly translucent. It does not really let you see the contents, though they do make a related bag that has a clear window. The seams are double stitched and taped, and have shown no signs of deterioration.

So, I have found this bag to be another well-made, and well-used, product from Sea to Summit.

These bags work great as long as they are not submerged to where water can get in the top. And they hardly weigh anything. Before packing my pack I now put my important gear individually in these bags.