How to stay dry and protect your gear while stand up paddling

Convenience is the new loyalty, claim digital media gurus describing the next generation of consumers in their relentless pursuit of asset-light lifestyle and unparalleled experiences. Convenience mixed with versatility could easily describe user needs and expectations when it comes to choosing their SUP and watersport gear to keep them dry and warm on and off water. Red Paddle Co have designed a range of products with multiple possibilities to keep paddlers dry and safe on their next adventure. TotalSUP had a look at some of the products from Red Paddle Co and Red Original clothing range designed specifically with stand up paddleboarding in mind.

Versatile, robust and waterproof: Keeping your SUP gear safe and dry with Red Paddle Co bags

Between dry bags, deck bags and waterproof pouches, it seems there are many items available that all set out to achieve the same goal; namely, keeping your valuables dry. Each of the three items mentioned above are super handy and fully functional, but why choose one over the other?

Red Paddle Co have created three different storage options each with their own special flairs and characteristics to suit a wide range of needs. Some adventurers opt to travel light and only feel the need for something small, like the waterproof pouch, to keep their phone dry and a snack nearby. Others prefer to prepare for any eventuality and rely on all three to store a range of equipment for different adventures.

Roll Top Dry Bags

Roll Top Dry Bags are an old favourite. Tough, lightweight and available in many sizes, almost anyone who enjoys activities on or under the water will have used one at some point. Red Original Roll Top Dry Bags come in three sizes, 10litre, 30litre, and a 60litres, with each offering different benefits for different uses. They keep the contents dry through the use of a simple roll (or perhaps two or three depending on how full it is) and secured with a firm clip. This traps air inside the bag and leaves no room for water to creep in.

Roll Top Dry Bags have become popular due to their simplicity – less is certainly more when it comes to the design of these bags. As well as size, the durability of the fabric and the clips used to secure the bags are two important features that differentiate one roll top dry bag from another.

Waterproof Pouch and Deck Bag

The small waterproof pouch is fashioned from Red Original’s Armour Tech Fabric and has a semi-hard exterior that is perfect for protecting small valuables or essentials; such as car keys, mobile phone or even passports. To keep it sealed and safe against sand, dirt and water, Red Paddle Co use a YKK Aquaseal Zip that ensures nothing can get in or out, effectively keeping valuables safe and dry.

One way in which the Waterproof Pouch really stands out is in how it can be quickly and securely attached to other products. The velcro system allows a strong yet quick attachment system that connects the pouch on to other bags, such as the Deck Bag, and Waterproof Cooler bag. This level of functionality and customisation is suitable for any watersports enthusiast looking for a small 100% waterproof container for their valuables.

The Red Original Deck Bag fits on to paddle boards and kayaks and is again made from Armour Tech fabric and sealed off with an Aquaseal YKK Zip. The zip speeds up quick and easy access into the waterproof pouch and deck bag. The Deck Bag, in particular, is designed to allow users access to its contents whilst it’s still attached to paddleboards and kayaks.

Selecting the Right Size Dry Bag for your SUP adventure

Starting from the bottom up with the little nipper, the 10-litre option is a great lunch bag. Small and compact, it’s the perfect size for first aid kits, a few items of clothes, and perhaps a small snack. Capable of being clipped onto paddle boards, or the back of a kayak or boat, it adds extra safety and allows to keep essentials in.

The 30-litre option is suitable for day tripping, storing a warm jacket, some food and equipment for the day. Where the 10-litre option might not always cut it then the 30-litre bag will fit the bill. This is because one of the most convenient features about the Roll Top Dry Bags is they can be rolled down to a size. It can be a 10-litre bag, a 30-litre bag, or anything in between. What’s more, the quick and easy clips and carry straps allow to throw it over the shoulder.

The 60-litre is the 4×4 of dry bags. They are large enough to carry plenty of gear yet the reinforced carry straps ensure users can sling them over the shoulder and comfortably carry it with ease.

SUP, surfing, kayaking? Red Original Pro Change Jacket got your covered

From paddleboarding, surfing and camping to cycling and kayaking, it’s rare to find items that crossover from sport to sport. The Red Original development team has come up with the Pro Change Jacket, a changing jacket versatile enough for all weathers, environments, sports and activities on land and at sea including:

Paddelboarding: The Pro Change Jacket’s grassroots comes from paddle boarding and its features excel for this activity. Whether paddlers are waiting for the wind to drop, for a break in the clouds for some sunshine, or just fancy warming up after a slightly wetter day out, the waterproof change jackets cater through the element.

Surfing: Predicting the elements can be half the battle for a day’s surfing. While hanging out in between sets, the large hood, deep pockets and fleece guard ensure users can sit back, relax, and wait for the perfect break in the weather to hit the next session.

Wake Surfing: The Pro Change Jacket is designed to be quickly thrown on and keep riders warm and dry in between rides, carrying a jacket of this size is no problem as it packs down into a 10-litre roll top dry bag. While compact when it needs to be, the large sizing of the jacket when opened out allows it to be worn in many ways. It can be slung over like a snug, zipped up to the hilt when chilly, or simply worn over the shoulders if the gear is bulky or riders for a quick transition from boat to board.

Kayaking: Kayaking is one sport that requires a lot of kit; buoyancy aids, drysuits, footwear, helmets and more. There’s a lot of kit to get on and off as you’re getting ready, which is where the large sleeves, stretch panels and added length come in handy.

To find out more about the Red Paddle Co 2020 SUP range, visit www.redpaddleco.com