NRS Bill's Bag and NRS High Roll Duffel
The last three years we cycled with Ortlieb panniers. These keep our gear dry, even in tropical rainstorms. But with our Hilleberg tent in it, we cannot close the bags completely waterproof. For the canoe trip, we need 100% waterproof bags and after some research we ended up with NRS duffel bags. After 52 days in the canoe we are very positive about the bags, although there are also areas for improvement. We used two 65L heavy duty bill bags and a 35L high roll duffel.
- (+) Waterproof
- the most important thing is water resistance. The bags are perfectly waterproof due to the high roll closure.
- (+) Heavy duty
- the bill bags and the high roll duffles are made with heavy-duty 21 oz TobaTex so that they are super sturdy and durable. You need that for a long canoe trip with many portages.
- (+) No condensation
- we used the high roll duffel for our camera stuff. Before the trip we were a little afraid of condensation in the bags, but in the end that was no problem at all.
- (+) Compression straps
- the volume can be cinched down with four compression straps to compact and stabilize gear.
- (+) Shoulder straps
- the bills bags have shoulder straps so that you can carry them on your back. Super handy during all portages. The backpack harness is removable which might be handy when flying with the bag.
- (-) Hip straps
- the shoulder straps do not have a hip belt to make carrying easier. There is a chest strap, but it does not take away the weight of the shoulders. The hip straps could make portages much more enjoyable. Our opinion
After 52 days in the canoe, the bags hardly show any wear. Just like our Ortlieb panniers, they will probably last a very long time. Our Bill's bags were red coloured, the high roll duffel was grey. A perfect colour combination with our grey canoe.
Curious what we still took with us in the canoe and how we organised our stuff? You can read it all in our packing list for a canoe trip.
On the NRS website you will find more detailed information about the dry bags and much more NRS gear.
