A discussion on dry bags; Kayak EDC; some photos

I originally wrote this article as a script for a voiceover video where I posited that the Watershed Largo Tote is basically a just better version of the Ocoee. I then decided against the video, and was just going to copy paste the script into blog form but it turns out that a video script does not translate well into this format.

So really this is just a discussion of what I carry with me on the river and how I do it. Since I started photo boating a few months back, I have tried many different setups for carrying gear - Watersheds, Pelicans, etc. This is the setup that I'm rocking right now, but that could very well change in the future as scenarios evolve and preferences shift. We will start with the baseline everyday carry (EDC) setup for kayaking.

Baseline kayak EDC: wood saw, ditty bag, GoPro batteries, snacks, repair/first aid, desiccant packets, camera leash. Not pictured here is my iPhone 14. I used to run this in my PFD without a waterproof case, but stopped when I could hear sloshing inside the phone.

A closer look: GoPro batteries, ditty bag, repair/first aid.

An even closer look at the repair/first aid bag. Starting from the top right and working
(somewhat) clockwise: TP, bandage, extra webbing, emergency space blanket bivy, fire starter, zip ties, cord, SAM splint, sharpie, tools, nuts, drain plugs, duct tape, med kit, first aid book, and lighter.

A closer look at the ditty bag. From clockwise on the right, headlamp, cord, AirTag, lighter, bug spray, sunscreen, wallet, small knife. 

Depending on the run and the day, I will either store my dry bag in the stern of my kayak, or in my lap. I will only lap the bag if it's a run I'm comfortable with and have accepted the increased entrapment risks of doing just so. I will speak on safety considerations later.

Ocoee and Largo side by side. Note the slightly narrower profile of the Largo. This makes it sit nice between your legs in your boat. 

The Ocoee is a tried and true dry bag, but as mentioned earlier, I think the Largo is actually just a better version of the Ocoee. For one, the footprint is both easier to fit between your legs and also more versatile as demonstrated by the above photo; if you don't need the extra space, just throw in an extra roll on the closure and cinch it down. 

Both the Ocoee (left) and Largo Tote (right) packed with the baseline EDC setup. As you can tell they're very similar in size.

Alright, now onto the photoboating setup - see below.

Packed A6700 with Tamron 17-70 and a few other items. The blue foam is just a camping pad from Walmart ($15), stitched together on one side, and taped on the other. Currently testing to see which assembly method is superior. I also usually run a lens hood and no lens cap on the camera for protection and ease of deployment. Credit to Darin McQuoid for this idea. 

Items including lens cloth, lens pen, desiccant packets, lens cap, and microfiber rag. I will also sometimes carry a polarizing filter for those sunny days. The rag is nice to dry your hands before operating your camera, and adds a bit of extra padding.

The opening of the Largo also helps when accessing my camera. It's longer, which just makes things a bit easier. Also of note is the inclusion of a single strap across the top of the bag (as opposed to the Ocoee's 2 straps). I personally find 2 straps overkill and honestly might just cut them off my Ocoee. 

Largo opening - a lot easier to access quickly. 

Photoboating setup all packed and ready to go. My baseline EDC items lie beneath the camera padding.

I will say that with all these positives, there is one drawback - the carrying straps. The manufacturer's intention was for a tote style carry over the shoulder. However, I find that in a whitewater environment this carry method isn't really that practical or secure. So most of the time I find myself using a simple crossbody strap that I had leftover from another bag. This means my hands are free to shoot photos or protect my face when I slip while portaging. 

So after a lot of consideration and deliberation, I cut the carrying straps off. If I tried to carry the Largo like the Ocoee, it would just drag on the ground. They were just a nuisance for my use case. 

Goodbye, straps. I hope I don't regret this later.

Let’s stop for a second and talk safety. While having and using a lap bag is certainly convenient, is it worth the safety tradeoff?

For one, a lap bag presents a non-trivial entrapment/entanglement concern. I have seen some boaters choose to tether the bag to the pillar of the boat, while others keep it free floating underneath the skirt. 

While tethering the bag means it stays with your boat when you swim, it also presents an entanglement hazard. Clip the pillar with caution. Anecdotally, I have swam with my Ocoee clipped to my pillar and escaped unscathed, but it was probably chance that allowed me safe passage. I no longer clip my dry bag but instead risk losing it over getting tangled. 

So the question remains: is it worth it to have convenient access to the gear you need often in your lap? In my case, the answer is that it depends. Am I comfortable with the run? Do I feel that I can remove my dry bag before wet exiting if I need to? How often do I need to get into the bag? Will it even fit in my stern? 

In the end, it's a personal choice that needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis. Please do so with care.

Special thanks to Rick for providing the lights and light boxes. Makes this amateur blog so much more professional.

Here are some bonus photos from the weekend. Not much narrative to share here, just boating photos.

Jagger boofing the final left side drop of Bogus Thunder, Chamberlain Falls, North Fork American. 

...and right into a spectacular
tail stand.

Steve pulling off the levitator move on same as above. 

Justin preparing to boof into Achilles Heel.

We ran into a mega-group of friends out there. Stephan boofing the hole on Achilles.

Friends on a raft!

Until next time, thanks for listening.