www.bloceyewear.com
By Dale Mears
Dry bags are somewhat of an essential for water sports, whether keeping kit dry or keeping wet kit contained. Bloc Eyewear for most are a sunglasses/ski goggle brand who have made good quality affordable gear for years. As a user of Bloc Ski goggles for some time and having had numerous pairs of glasses I decided to give the new dry bag range a try.
Bloc Eyewear Dry Bags
I got hold of a sample of their new bags to review and have been using them for three weeks now having been really impressed so far.
The bags come in a range of sizes from the smaller 10L roll top bag to 30L rucksacks. Not only have Bloc brought out a range of sizes and styles but the range of colours really makes them stand out from other bags on the market.
The smaller bags are made out of a lightweight TPU material or PVC. TPU features great resistance to abrasion making these bags ideal for day to day use whether slung in the back of a kayak or on the SUP, these bags are welded to keep them watertight. They feature a single weld down one side and a welded base. rated to IPX6 meaning it has been tested with water jets for at least three minutes from all angles. For full submersion IPX7 is required but lets face it these bags are not being submerged for periods of 30 minutes (IPX7 testing requirement). I have not had a 10L to test so can’t comment on the performance of this bag but I did test the 20L below.
The 20-Litre bag
The 20L bag, which for me is the most ideal size to take on the water to store either some warm clothes or gear you want to have for that extra protection, is the same construction as the 10L but manufactured out of a thicker more durable heavyweight PVC. The bag feels really tough and from use over the three weeks has no evidence of any marks or damage which is really impressive. Again, featuring a roll down top means you can easily squeeze out any air prior to rolling and sealing the bag, what is nice is Bloc supply a handy adjustable strap with the bag so you can carry it with ease. making it easy to take down to the beach as a day bag also.
the 30-Litre backpack
I also had the 30L backpack, which I have taken on both river and sea on my SUP and tested on a walk to see how comfortable the bag was. Construction wise this bag is the same as the 20L with the exception that the top features a roll down and compression straps either side to secure and make watertight. The backpack features two padded and adjustable straps and a chest strap which although on first impressions looked very basic when used they are actually really comfortable and keeping them lightweight Bloc have meant they do not get in the way if strapping to a Sup or fitting in the back of your kayak.
The 30-Litre duffle bag
I have also had a 30L duffle bag to test – another great bag. However, I have used this as more of a travel bag the size and shape make it quick and easy to pack. This bag would be great for travel and looks very similar to the Watershed bags except it features a roll top seal which secures at either end. On first impressions I was worried that the roll top was too wide and I might struggle to seal the bag but it has been absolutely fine. To prevent this it also has two very secure compression straps holding the seal across the length – Bloc have designed this bag just right. Again a PVC bag this is strong and durable. I am looking forward to taking this bag out more. It would be ideal to stuff a sleeping bag if on a multi day trip.
What I do love about these bags is the aesthetics, These bags come in a range of colours such as bright green, orange, light blue, yellow, dark blue and black. Bloc have done a great job of making a good looking dry bag that functions well and features the essential straps to make day to day use easy. Not to mention an excellent price point with the 10L coming in at £15/£18, 20L £20, 30L backpack at £40 and the 30L duffle bag £45. Many of my past dry bags have done the job but do not pack as many features for the price point.
Check out www.bloceyewear.com/dry-bags-c133