Chums Downriver Rolltop Bag Review
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Paddleboarding with Chums Downriver Rolltop Bag
Electronics and water sports rarely play well together. That is unless there is way of keeping the electronics safe and dry. Chums is a company that specializes in keeping expensive sunglasses safe during water sports since 1983. Recently, Chums has introduced to the Downriver Rolltop Bag that allows water sports enthusiasts to keep their electronics safe when rafting, fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The Chums Downriver Rolltop Bag combines a dry bag with sling or waist pack so that anyone playing in the water can have easy access to their electronics. Over the past month I have had the chance to field test the Chums Rolltop Bag while paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
Fishing with Chums Downriver Rolltop Bag
Initial Thoughts
The Chums Downriver Rolltop Bag combines a traditional dry bag with a sling pack. The dimensions of the drybag are 7.5″ x 10″ x 2.25″ with welded construction seams. The dry bag can be closed by folding the the top of the bag three times over and connecting the plastic snaps. An a additional water resistant front storage pocket is incorporated onto the front of the dry bag. The front pocket uses a water resistant YKK zipper to close. This pocket is not fully waterproof and it also contains drain holes to allow it to dry after use.
Chums Downriver Rolltop Bag front view
Chums Downriver Rolltop Bag zipper
Unrolled
Dry pocket
The straps that connect to the Rolltop Bag allow for the bag to either be worn as a sling pack or as a waist pack. The straps connect with a large plastic snap that is easily adjustable with a single hand. Additionally the sling straps can be removed to make the pack a traditional dry bag.
Straps and clip
Chums Downriver Rolltop Bag Performance
During water sports activities it is critical that electronics such as car key fobs, cameras, and phones stay dry. Traditional dry storage areas are often not easily accessible making access to the electronics near impossible. What the Rolltop Bag does well is keeping electronics safe and accessible. It is easy for me to pull out my camera to take pictures and place it back safely. With easy access to my electronics, I end up taking more pictures when I am out on the water.
It does a great job keeping the contents in the roll-top portion dry even when submerged. I was able to test this out while fishing in deep water. Once back on the shore I checked the contents of the pack and everything was bone dry.
Submerged
Electronics inspection
The front water resistant pocket is perfect for housing a waterproof camera, sunscreen, bug repellent and other items that can get damp. I found that contents in this pocket never got overly wet but there was definite moisture present. The zippered access of the is pocket allows for very easy access to items you might need in a hurry.
The straps of the Downriver Rolltop Bag are easily adjustable. It did not take much time or effort to have the straps set and ready to go. These straps allow it to convert from a sling pack to a waist pack with little effort. The straps are very basic nylon with no really padding and are not overly comfortable. Although with the simple design they do dry out quickly once wet.
Fit
Specs
- Waterproof main pocket with roll top closure
- Waterproof RF welded seams
- YKK water resistant zipper
- Water resistant exterior front pocket with drain holes for quick drying
- Can be worn as shoulder bag or waist pack
- Dimensions: 7.5″ x 10″ x 2.25″
Final Thoughts of the Chums Downriver Rolltop Bag
The Chums Downriver Rolltop Bag is perfect for all water sports enthusiasts. It allows for easy access to electronics so that any water adventure can be well documented. The combination of accessibility and dry storage is what makes this pack standout. If you spend a significant amount of time on the water the Downriver Rolltop Bag should be on your list of dry bags. For more info on this and other Chums products, visit www.chums.com or www.amazon.com/chums.
