FAQ's
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WHAT IS NORTH STORM®S SHIPPING PROCESS AFTER I ORDER MY WATERPROOF BAG OR GEAR?
How does delivery work?
So you’ve placed an order (yess!!) and are waiting in excitement and anticipation to get moving onto your next epic outdoor adventure! But until then...what happens now?
Once an order is placed and funds have cleared, we will carefully check it, and package it. We do our best to fulfil all orders within 24 hours of receiving payment (on business days Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm (Australia Post McLaren Vale Australia LPO Opening Hours). However please allow up to 48 hours for us to pick and pack your order during peak periods.
As soon as your order is sent you will receive a shipping confirmation email sent directly from Australia Post with a tracking number so you can follow this exciting journey!**
Australian Residence Only
Your North Storm® gear will be sent via Australia Post (with the postal method you selected - standard or express), and then it should safely arrive in your patiently waiting hands within 2-8 business days.*
All Other Countries and Nations
Your North Storm® gear will be sent via Australia Post (with the postal method you selected - standard or express), and then it should safely arrive in your patiently waiting hands within 6 - 27 business days.*
*Please note: On the rare occasion that you do not receive your email tracking from Australia Post - please contact us on sales@northstorm.com.au and we will be happy to email it to you directly. Quick tip! Please check your junk mail, sometimes the tracking has been known to sneak in there.
**Please note: Shipping timeframes may vary depending on the region, country or area you live in. More remote area’s may take longer to arrive. We are based in South Australia, Australia and all orders are shipped from this region.
Any concerns about your delivery at any time please feel free to reach out to us - sales@northstorm.com.au
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
TAKING CARE OF YOUR NORTH STORM® WATERPROOF BAGS
North Storm® waterproof bags are a great way to keep your gear dry and clean in even the most challenging conditions.
But now you’ve been out on an epic adventure and your North Storm® bag is looking a little grubby.
Well congratulations! We love to hear that, because that's exactly what they are made for!
Maintaining the life of any product is crucial to getting maximum value from it. So we want to enable you to use your North Storm® waterproof bags again and again to get longevity from your gear.
Here are the ways you can maintain and extend the life of your North Storm® waterproof bags.
1. Washing instructions are super easy
Dependant on how hardcore your adventure was, you can typically just empty your bag and hose off the sand, dirt and dust, then hang upside down to air dry.
TIP: Please open all pockets to ensure they dry out too.
For those more muddy adventure escapades you can use warm soapy water (dishwashing liquid is A-OK) and wipe down with a sponge or cloth to clean. Then rinse off with clean water and hang upside down to air dry.
DO NOT use an abrasive scourer or steel wool. It will scratch the material.
NEVER use bleach or other corrosive cleaners.
DON’T EVER machine wash, dry clean or tumble dry.
ALWAYS Hand wash only, as any other method may damage the welded seams.
ALWAYS Ensure they are completely dry inside and out before you store them.
2. Other tips
If you have used your North Storm® waterproof bag to carry bait or wet smelly socks after getting caught in a storm on a hike and it is now quite stinky inside - here’s how you can fix this easily.
USE a mix of baking powder with white vinegar. This will eliminate smells.
TURN your bag inside out when washing or drying too.
ENSURE your bag is completely dry prior to storing.
IF you are in a hurry to dry off your bag for reuse - simply towel dry your bag.
TRY not to store in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Like anything the sun, over time, will colour fade the material.
KEEP up the epic adventures, rinse and repeat!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WATER RESISTANT, WATERPROOF AND SUBMERSIBLE BAGS?
Water Resistant Bags
Can withstand light rain and splashes only. Suitable for use where light water resistance is adequate. These bags are generally suitable for use where light splashes may occur. They will keep gear dry for a while, however multiple days in a damp environment and moisture will seep through the lightweight woven material. (They are not waterproof).
Waterproof Bags
This is where our North Storm® waterproof bags sit. They will withstand a quick submersion and will float if dropped in the water. Waterproof bags are generally suitable for boating, kayaking, waterbased activities or where there is a chance of heavy rain, high seas or any chance of capsizing.
Our bags have a waterproof rating of Class 3: IP66. Which means they can handle a quick submersion and have the ability to float. The external zipped pockets are water resistant only and have a Class 2: IP65 rating. So we strongly advise that you place all electronics items in main compartment if you are experiencing heavy rain or will be submersing your bag.
Click here to view the waterproof IP rating chart or you can find this under each product in their description section.
Submersible Bags
Have the ability to withstand water penetration for up to 30 mins and are submersible to the depth of 1 metre / 3ft. These bags are generally suitable for use in extreme and extended wet conditions. However they can still be permiated where submersion has occurred greater than the manufacturers recommendations (depth rating) or high force that compromises the water-tight seal.
CAN I USE MY NORTH STORM® DUFFEL FOR CARRY ON LUGGAGE ON A FLIGHT?
YES! You sure can. As long as you keep it under the airlines weight limit so you avoid an additional cost.
The North Storm® 60L is roomy enough to store enough clothing and items to do you for a trip away.
Any of our bags stow nicely in the overhead luggage compartment.
Plus our 60L Duffel has removable backpack straps so you can throw it on your back for that exciting walk to the gate!
CAN MY NORTH STORM® TRAP ODOURS?
YES! Don't let dirty smelly shoes or wet sweaty odours disrupt your car's atmosphere any longer!
Experience the difference our airtight bags can make in keeping your car clean and fresh, no matter what you transport.
HOW DO I DRY MY NORTH STORM® WATERPROOF BAG?
Drying your North Storm® Waterproof bag is super easy
We know your North Storm® waterproof bag is a must-have for adventurers and outdoorsy people.
But before you can take it out on your next big trip or put it into storage you need to know how to dry it properly.
Thankfully, the material design of our waterproof bags makes drying time really quick, and the drying instructions are easy to follow.
So you won't have any trouble getting your bag ready for its next adventure.
Steps to dry - Quick method
1. After washing or being out in the rain simply use a clean cloth or paper towel and wipe down inside and out (including all pockets).
Steps to dry - Natural method
1. After washing or being out in the rain open up everything on your North Storm® wateproof bag. (main compartment and pockets). Then hang your bag/s upside down on a clothesline. Hanging upside down will release any trapped water that may be caught in the corners or folds.
To speed up the drying process you can refer to the Quick Dry Method above and wipe down inside and out with a clean dry cloth or paper towel.
TIP: Please ensure your North Storm® waterproof bag/s are completely dry inside and out prior to storage.
Now to plan your next adventure!
HOW SHOULD I STORE MY NORTH STORM® WATERPROOF BAG?
Storing your North Storm® Waterproof Bag
If there's one lesson I've learned the hard way when it comes to camping and backpacking, it's this: your gear must be absolutely dry before packing it away.
Failing to do so can lead to mildew and ruined equipment. Not fun when you're in a hurry to pack for your next trip or happen to be miles from civilization.
Here are a few tips for ensuring your North Storm® waterproof bag is completely dry before you put it away.
1. First, make sure all your gear is clean and free of dirt and debris. (you can refer to our Care Instructions on how to clean your waterproof bag on all product pages or above in FAQ's)
2. Once your North Storm® waterproof bag/s are clean and dry, pack your bag tightly so there is as little air as possible inside.
3. Place in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Doing this will keep moisture out and help guard against mildew growth.
Following these tips will help keep your North Storm® wateproof bag/s in good condition for years to come!
WILL MY NORTH STORM® WATERPROOF BAG FLOAT?
Short answer is YES!
It sure will. Each of our North Storm® waterproof roll top bags float when sealed.
If you are going into an environment and have concerns about your gear going into the drink.
Just keep in mind a this handy hint: When sealing your bag don't expel all the air, because the more air = more buoyancy.
WHAT IF MY NORTH STORM® GEAR JUST ISN’T RIGHT FOR ME?
That’s cool, we get it… sometimes we change our minds or life just happens.
Before you decide to return your item please contact us on sales@northstorm.com.au to discuss.
Please click here to ready our complete Returns and Refund Policy
ARE YOUR WATERPROOF BAGS COMFORTABLE TO WEAR WHILE HIKING OR KAYAKING?
Absolutely!
We prioritise comfort in our bag designs.
However we do recommend the best bag to use while hiking is our 30L waterproof backpack.
Both our 30L backpack and 60L duffel bags come with comfortable quick-dry shoulder straps.
The back panels on our 30L backpack help to provide comfort are quick drying and support during outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and other adventures.
Our 20L dry bag come with a cross body strap or you can use your removable waterproof duffel straps on your Dry Bag too! They are interchangeable.
CAN I PUT MY NORTH STORM® WATERPROOF BAG IN THE DRYER?
Short answer is NO
We know you love your North Storm® waterproof bag and want it to dry quickly, however please under NO circumstances ever put your waterproof bag in the dryer.
Why?
Because this could seperate the heat welded seams or melt the PVC tarpaulin. We do not want to ruin your North Storm® bag or your dryer.
It’s important to never place any North Storm® bags inside any machine (including a washing machine) as it will certainly damage it. Letting an opened up North Storm® waterproof bag air out on the clothes line naturally works best.
In a hurry to dry your bag?
However, if you are in a rush to get back out there and explore again and you cant wait for mother nature to do her thing. You can help accelerate this process by wiping the bag/s down with clean cloths or paper towels.
CAN I USE A NORTH STORM® BAG TO STORE FOOD AND DRINKS FOR AN OUTDOOR DAY TRIP?
YES absolutely, our waterproof bags are suitable for storing food and beverages during outdoor adventures.
They provide a secure and dry storage solution for your snacks, drinks, and other essentials.
HOW DO I PROPERLY SEAL MY NORTH STORM® BAG TO ENSURE MAXIMUM PROTECTION?
To achieve a watertight seal, make sure to roll down the top closure at least 3 to 4 times to tightly secure it using the buckle or clips provided.
This will create an airtight and waterproof seal, keeping your items dry.
Click here to read our instructions on how to seal a North Storm® Dry Bag.
WHAT MAKES NORTH STORM® BAGS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER REGULAR BAGS?
Our waterproof bags are specially designed using high-quality, water-resistant materials and advanced heat welded sealing techniques to keep your belongings completely dry, even in the most challenging environments.
Regular bags may not offer the same level of protection against water and moisture.