Deck Storage Systems - Keep it Handy, Keep it Dry
By Mike Toma-QWS Kayak Instructor

PFD, paddle, bilge pump, water bottle, map, camera, binoculars, energy bar, paddle float, hat, kayaking check list is complete. Now, where do I store my gear safely in a location accessible from my cockpit? Answer, Watershed's Aleutian Deck Bag.

Watershed's Aleutian Deck Bag has been called the Swiss Army knife of deck bags. The Aleutian's capacity is a generous 810 cubic inches and measures 14"W x 21"L. Standard equipment includes bilge pump holder, water bottle holder, map holder, stiffener panel, reflective trim and bungee cords, all for a MSRP of $115.00. There are many color choices, black, blue, red, yellow and khaki to satisfy even the most discriminating kayaker.

Watershed is recognized in the industry for producing high quality waterproof dry bags that cover a variety of uses. The Aleutian Deck Bag is no different then its Watershed sister bags and follows the same tough waterproof origins. What makes the Aleutian unique is it utilizes a polyurethane-coated nylon fabric and has seams that are radio-frequency welded rather than glued. Using polyurethane-coated nylon instead of the more common PVC provides a more slippery, flexible and highly durable finish. Therefore, you are less likely to puncture the Aleutian because sharp objects tend to slide-off the bag rather than catching and digging. The map holder is also made from a clear UV-resistant urethane. Environmentally speaking, urethane based materials are more earth friendly to produce than their PVC counterparts.

The most common place for water to leak in deck bags is in the closure area. The Aleutian has solved this problem by designing a unique closure system that resembles a common zip-lock bag. I paddled a full season with my Aleutian and did not experience a single leak, even after practicing paddle float rescues and rolls. It is extremely important that the closure system is completely zipped closed or leaking is inevitable. One difficulty (although minor and worth it) with the closure system is opening the bag while seated in your kayak. The Aleutian has two tabs, one located on top of the opening and one tab located on the bottom of the opening. You cannot open the bag simply by pulling the two tabs apart; this can result in possibly damaging the bag if you are not careful. To open, one tab needs to be pulled to the left and the other to the right creating a twisting effect. It is wise to practice the opening procedure on dry land prior to your first expedition with the Aleutian. Watershed was thoughtful and included thorough instructions for properly opening and sealing the Aleutian.

If you purchase the Aleutian, I recommend for you to dry fit the bag on your deck prior to using it, due to its generous size. Dry fitting will ensure that if you are not satisfied with fit, returning the bag should not be an issue. The most common way to attach the Aleutian is simply snapping the plastic adjustable strap hooks to your kayak perimeter deck lines. I found the Aleutian fit my 23.5" wide Hurricane Tampico very well, with or without the stiffener panel, but discovered the fit on my 22" wide Impex Montauk a bit loose requiring the straps to be pulled tighter. The tighter the straps are pulled, the more difficult it becomes to store gear in the bag due to its relatively flat profile. The addition of the stiffener helps to maintain an arch profile and should be used to get the desired fit on narrower boats.

I subscribe to the "less is more" philosophy and often prefer to have nothing attached to my front deck, other than a spare paddle. However, if you require a deck bag for your expedition, the Aleutian will provide ample storage for those items that you wish to store conveniently on your deck. I researched thoroughly before purchasing a deck bag and decided that though slightly higher priced than most, the Aleutian incorporates ALL the "bells and whistles". If simplicity is your requirement, Watershed also offers the Nuuk. The Nuuk is smaller and does not provide the nifty bilge pump/water bottle attachments or a map holder. However, it is constructed with the same materials and closing system at a MSRP of $65.00. For additional information please visit drybags.com