From what I’ve seen so far, the Matador Flatpak Drybag strikes an impressive balance between weight and durability. I’ve tried a lot of dry bags that are too thin and that puncture very quickly and I’ve also tried dry bags that are super reliable, but also incredibly heavy. This finds the goldilocks zone really well.
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It’s made from a very tough feeling 70D ripstop nylon with a waterproof coating and sealed seams an it weighs just 65g and packs down completely flat. I’ve used it on all my recent trips to the hills, including on a very wet four-day photoshoot in the Highlands, and it kept my camera, batteries and powerpacks all well protected. It’s ideal for things like baselayers, while I also found this size fits my down sleeping bag well too.
I haven’t taken it on any on-the-water (or in the water) adventures yet, but I’d be confident using it. It’s IPX 7 rated which means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 metre (3.3 feet) deep for up to 30 minutes without water entering. I can see it as being ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding or even a bit of adventure swimming.
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The clear TPU down its length is a nice touch. If you’ve got multiple sacks, it’ll help you to find your kit faster and work out what’s in what. I also like the grab handle, the d-ring on the top and the carabiner loop. The base is flat so it will stand up without being held. Also, I’d say that it’s not unrealistic as a bag you can attach to your bike for bikepacking, you’ll need some kind of strap to rig it with though.
This is available in 8-litre (£40) and 2-litre (£30) sizes. Only in black.
