A dry sack isn’t something that gets a lot of attention despite the fact that they’re often a vital piece of equipment for keeping gear dry and organized. Also rare is the dry sack getting much in the way of innovation. The Blocker Dry sack from SealLine makes some key changes to the generic formula, and it works.
Instead of the traditional giant flat pocket design that’s used on most dry sacks, the SealLine Blocker Dry Sack implements an open, rectangular shape. This opens up the dry sack’s interior and allows for more efficient packing, as it fills in more like a box than a coat pocket. This not only improves efficiency, but it also makes for simpler stuffing and organization. The sack also implements welded seams instead of stitches which adds strength and creates a more resistant waterproof seam, seeing that it lacks the perforations formed when needles sew typical dry sacks together. Construction wise, It’s built from a rugged 70d polyurethane coated nylon. This closure is a grippy roll-top that seals the bag by folding onto itself. The sacks come in various sizes and colors, retailing for around $15-$19 depending on the capacity.
What I liked
The wide, rectangular shape does make a difference. Instead of wedging clothing and gear into a pinched corner, it safely nestles into a wide open compartment. This makes for easier stuffing, less wasted space, and easier to retrieve items as it’s not forced into an acute corner inside. Thanks to the wider open shape, I was even able to pack larger electronics away inside, such as tablets, safely protected by jackets and socks folded in around them for padding.
The durability here is far above average, with the welded seams having no stitches to bust and no the higher denier nylon walls absorbing many more scrapes and scratches before showing any wear at all. The polyurethane coating is thick, and does an excellent job of repelling water and keeping the internals dry. The roll top enclosure is also beefed up, with a stiff band creating a somewhat rigid base to work with, and it also handles weight better, which comes in handy if you need to use the sack as a bear bag (rope tied under the roll top, not through the loop and clip). I’m yet to have a leak, on the trail or while torture testing the sack via hours of a brutal downpour on a humid day.
They’re fairly light weight at just 2.2 oz for a 10 liter sack, and a lighter 20d varation (the BlockerLite) is also available.
What I didn’t like
I couldn’t find anything not to like with the Blocker Dry sacks, and trust me, I tried really hard. They could be a tad bit lighter, but it’s certainly within acceptable range and they do provide the lighter version, if one is so inclined.
Overall
Keeping some equipment dry is paramount to success on the trail. Warm layers, down jackets, extra socks, and even some foods are worthless when they’re wet, and the best way to do that is with a dedicated dry sack. When the viability of your gear relies on keeping it dry, it’s worth investing in a way to ensure they’re safe in case of a down pour or unexpected dunk in a river. The Blocker Dry Sacks are far more durable than most dry sacks out there, appreciably light weight, and provide reliable protection from the elements while allowing easier packing and access. Considering their affordable cost and overall quality of build and design, I can’t hesitate to recommend them.
Highly Recommended
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For more information on Seal Line and their excellent line of gear, check out http://www.cascadedesigns.com/sealline
I wanted to send a special thanks out to Cascade Designs for their support and for providing this excellent piece of equipment to review. We couldn’t do this without their help. Thank you so much! Our full disclosure can be found on the about me/contact page.
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