Central West Virginia's Guide To Life

SCRATCHES, DENTS & DINGS
By Lisa & Frank Minney

FLOAT BAGS
Coleman & Ozark Trail
Price Range: $14.99 - $22.99

Float bags aren’t only for those who travel in boats, canoes and kayaks. Any outdoor adventurer can benefit from having a totally water-tight container for their gear.

The Ozark Trail bags, once found at WalMart, now seem unavailable. However, the large Coleman Float Bags, made of thicker material, are still available and include straps to carry the float bag as a back pack.

Made of heavy-gauge PVC-coated nylon construction, the Coleman Float bag also includes quick release buckle closures, and measures 25" x 43". Instructions warn not to submerge the bag completely in water, and not to store electronic equipment inside.

We regularly use one of our float bags for transportation of our sleeping bags. If we warm the float bag in the sun, our two sleeping bags, rolled tightly, will both fit in one bag. The pillows, extra blankets, and extra tent tarps fit inside another float bag.

This use of the float bags allows us to pack all of our sleeping gear on top of the vehicle for transport to adventure locations. We also have these bags for our shoes and extra coats when needed.

The mouth of the bag is smaller than the width of the bag, a slit-top opening that is sealed shut with velcro before the top is rolled down over itself to keep out water. This is the proper design for water-tightness.

One good stuffing of the bags, however, tears this slit open further. We didn’t mind though, because it made it much easier to get gear in and out of the bag. We haven’t yet noticed any degradation in the water-tightness of the bag -- even while camping this spring at Audra State Park during the nor’easter that flooded the campground.

True to the name, Float Bags actually to float when spilled out of the boat into the water. When you are soaking wet, and your change of clothes and hiking boots are still dry, $23 seems like money very well spent.

Try not to add dampness to the inside of the bag, but if you have to, remember to air wet items out later - or they’ll mold.
Coleman Float Bags are available at Outdoor Supply Stores, Coleman Factory Outlet Stores and online at
www.coleman.com.