The Old Rolltop Drybag Trick

There is a trick to quickly closing roll-top drybags so that the bag doesn't over- expand with air and so the roll is smooth and flat to prevent leaks.

Place your gear in the bag, leaving at least 8 ins/20cm empty at the top.

Stand or kneel over the upright bag and take hold of a corner of the top with each hand (Step 1). Now push downwards, spreading the upper empty part of the bag down flat along one side of the bag. Use a knee to push down harder and compress the contents if possible.

Step 1

Quickly lift up the flattened upper part of the bag
(Step 2). You'll see that it is now held closed and flat by a partial vacuum within, all the way down to the contents. It'll stay flat at least long enough for you to smooth out any wrinkles then roll the top down in the usual way.

Step 2

If it doesn't stay flat, that means there are leaks because of too many wrinkles or interference from the contents, so push the contents down and try again.

Once you've mastered this simple trick, you'll save time, your drybags will be smaller, and your gear will stay drier.

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