NORTH STORM® 20 LITRE DRY BAG REVIEW - EXPLORE OZ

May 21, 2022 North Storm®

A man walking in dry bushland wearing a North Storm 20L Dry Bag.

WATERPROOF BAG RESEARCH

In order to protect our valuables from getting wet when travelling around Australia, Allan had been researching companies that sell waterproof dry bags.

North Storm® was at the top of his list!

We simply couldn’t believe that after entering one of their competitions, we were lucky enough to win this dry bag!

Our North Storm® 20 Litre dry bag has travelled Australia with us and has been extremely useful.

To be honest it has proven Jess’ first impression wrong (read below) which surprisingly she is happy to admit.

So we have since purchased a North Storm® 30 Litre waterproof backpack.

OUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS

As previously mentioned, yes, Jess was sceptical at first saying “it’s just another bag, it adds weight, and we’ll never use it”, but boy was she wrong!

Allan was more accepting of the dry bag and could see its practical use.

One of the first things he noticed was how thick the PVC is, yet still flexible enough to manipulate and store easily.

He also noticed the D-rings on the front may become handy and the shoulder strap would make carrying the dry bag easy.

A North Storm 20L Dry bag leaning against a pole with a towel and a pool noodle next to it. Ready go and have some fun swimming.

DRY BAG TESTED

We have had our North Storm® 20 Litre dry bag for a tad over six months now, and it has certainly been put through its paces in our travels so far across Australia.

In all types of elements and outdoor situations.

We have taken it on all the hikes we have been on throughout South Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland.

We use our dry bag to carry and protect our valuables.

While we were boating, enjoying sunset views around Darwin Harbour, we used our North Storm® 20L dry bag to protect our phones, camera and keys.

Another time it came in handy was while we were on a professional crayfish boat in South Australia’s southeast.

This dry bag has even been attacked by blue swimmer crabs while we were crabbing on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.

We can honestly say this dry bag has never let any water in and has always handled everything we have thrown at it - or in it!

A North Storm® 20 litre dry bag on deck of a boat with the sun setting over the ocean in the background, creating a romantic scene.

PROS

Okay, so, the good stuff first.

The North Storm® 20L waterproof dry bag does its job and it does it well.

We have never had any water get into it and it hasn’t sustained any damage (even from the crabs!)

We have never had any dirt, mud, sand or anything else find its way into the dry bag.

The outside D-rings are a fantastic addition to hang your items on.

Such as a torch or anything else that doesn’t matter if it gets wet because it’s on the outside.

These handy D-rings keep everything within reach and provide easy access.

The external reflective safety strip is neat when heading out on early morning hikes or at dusk.

It’s the perfect safety tool to make sure you can keep an eye on the bag and whoever is carrying it.

The additional adjustable shoulder strap is a bonus as well.

From time-to-time Jess and I take turns to carry the bag.

Therefore, it’s a quick easy way to change over and make sure the bag is comfortable to carry.

When our North Storm® 20 Litre dry bag isn’t in use it simply rolls up or folds flat in half.

It literally takes up next to no space which is always crucial when living on the road.

A North Storm 20 Litre Dry Back rested agains a bunch of crab pots.

CONS

The less good stuff, to be honest there isn’t much we don’t like about our North Storm® 20 Litre dry bag.

If we did have to critique one thing it would be the splash-proof pocket on the front.

There isn’t anything wrong with it, we just haven’t found a use for it yet as it isn’t entirely waterproof.

It will take on light rain, but we just throw everything in the main section anyway.

I’m sure there is plenty it could be used for though.

A mans feet at the end of a kayak with a North Storm Dry Bag in the front of the Kayak.

THE FINAL SCORE FOR THE NORTH STORM® 20L DRY BAG

In a nutshell, this is a dry bag that keeps everything you put in it dry!

Size wise we found that 20 Litre is just about right for our shorter adventures out and about exploring.

The North Storm® 20 Litre dry bag has enough room to hold our keys, phone, GoPro, camera, a couple of water bottles and some smaller items and food.

If you were looking at going on an all-day adventure, you might want to look at the North Storm® 30 Litre waterproof backpack too or that little bit of extra storage.

Overall quality and construction is great and being owned by an Australian family, it really is a no brainer from us.

So much so that we have since gone and purchased the North Storm® 30 Litre waterproof backpack!

So stay tuned for a future review of that one!

Review by Jess and Allan of Explore Oz