Pro Tip: Rafting Bags
Once you take on rafting you quickly start to acquire all sorts of gear. If you look at your pile of rafting gear you will quickly notice how many different bags you may have. There are many styles and purpose built bags out there and having the right ones can keep organized and looking good.
Dry Bags
Keeping all of your gear dry (hopefully) and organized is the bags main purpose. There are a handful of styles from roll-top backpacks to zip-lock duffle bags. There is also a huge size and shape range from your small day bag to bags you could bivy in if you needed too.
If you are venturing out on an overnight trip you will need something big for all of your clothes and sleeping gear. The most common one is probably be a roll-top backpack called a "Bill's Bag". However, you will see many guides using the Colorado duffle bag from Watershed.
Roll-top Bill's Bag
Along with your big dry bag you will need a smaller "day bag" to keep all the items you want quick and easy access too through out the day. Again you will see lots of roll-top bags as well as zip-lock Watershed bags. Yeti is trying things out with their Sidekick dry pouch keeping your essentials dry with the power of magnets!
Watershed Dry Bags
Rig Bags
A sort of catch all bag is the ever important rig bag. Everything from straps, webbing, water bottles, coozies, and sand stakes call this bag home.
Rig Bag
Again coming in all sizes and many color options you can find one, or more, that fit your needs. Check out Wet Dreams River Gear for pre-made sizes, colors, and endless custom options.
Captains Bags/Box
This may be a new category for some but be ready to embrace it. A simple bag/box system rigged at arms reach from the oars will keep your boat organized as well as help you look cool. Some folks choose to use a dry box or two.
Captain's Boxes
However, I really like to use my Watershed Tote paired with mesh bag similar to this Junk Drawer bag. I have easy access to all of the things I need to stay dry and things that can get wet.
Captain's Bags
Drag Bags
While some folks keep their beverages cold in the cooler sometimes there just isn't enough space. A small mesh bag attached to your oar raft floating behind can keep your beverages cold and ready to enjoy.
Are there any bags you really like to you? Share in the comments below!
