Monday, October 21, 2013

Watershed Ocoee and Tote Drybag Review

My search for a quality drybag started when I bought a nice digital SLR to take out on the water.  The scrutinizing investigation took me through the world of waterproof housings, pelican/otter type hard cases, and various other drybag options.  I needed it to be strong, durable, easy to access, as well as provide proper padding for the camera and lenses.  To make things harder, I also needed it to be small enough to fit in my Trident 13's rod pod hatch. 

Previous experiences with cheap drybags left bad impressions as seams started leaking and exposure to UV had my confidence waning.  Water proof camera housings were out of my budget and most cases that fit a 300mm lens didn't fit in the rod pod hatch.


After recommendations from professional on-the-water camera guys like Will Richardson of Heliconia Press (camera man for The Kayak Fishing Show with Jim Sammons) and Cory Routh (guide and photographer), I checked out Watershed.  I could tell immediately that these were a step above the drybags I was used to...  A big step.

The seams are welded shut using some crazy high tech radio frequency stuff so they never come undone.  The materials are top notch with layers of polyurethane film to hold up to years of abrasion, UV exposure, extreme temps, you name it.  The unique closure system is water/air tight, but also easy to get into.  The duffel style bags make loading and unloading a breeze and it all fit right in my rod pod hatch.  On top of all that, they're made here in the U.S. so you can feel good about supporting one of us.


The Ocoee is perfect for DSLR cameras while the larger Tote is great for a change of clothes, perhaps a towel or two, or just about anything you need to keep dry. 

If you're in the market for a drybag and don't want to have to buy another one ever, or worse yet, ruin an expensive piece of equipment, this is it.  



I honestly believe that Watershed makes the best drybags
you will ever own.


7 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks. I updated the post with a link at the end.

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  2. Thanks Rob for great review... been looking for a camera bag myself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very welcome. I'm glad you found it helpful.

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  3. I have used Watershed bags for the past 2 seasons, both the Ocoee size and the Largo tote. They have protected my DSLR camera gear in storms, rapids and paddle drips all over the southeast. easy, fast access means my gear stays protected till I need it but I can get it out fast during a fight. My only beef is the liner system should be included and really leaves a lot to be desired. I opted to use micro fiber towels instead of a liner on the newer bag.

    Gretta Hewson
    Veritable Atlantic Highlands NJ House Cleaning site info

    ReplyDelete

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