Hasta La Ideas

An unexpected twist on our recent kayaking trip gives a chance to really test some gear

Being prepared for any situation is a key element to ensure safety in the outdoors. In the case of our recent sea kayaking trip in Hawaii we had the unexpected chance to put our life jackets and dry bags through some thorough testing. While kayaking Kauai’s Napali Coast we were toppled by some big waves. Though we were able to upright the kayak, enough water had gotten in to the hull that we became swamped and had to float alongside the craft for an hour or so before being picked up by a passing tour boat.

Both the Kokatat Ronin Pro and OutFIT Tour Lifejackets had a comfortable, secure fit enabled by a variety of adjustment straps. The OutFIT Tour had ample pocket space for snacks, a knife and waterproof camera whereas the Ronin Pro was more streamlined to keep a lower profile. Needless to say, while floating out to sea we were really happy that these PFDs did their job keeping us above water.

Wetness is inevitable while sea kayaking so we carefully packed our food, shelter, clothes and supplies in dry bags specially made for keeping water out in even the most extreme situations. Here are four we used and were pretty impressed with.

Outdoor Research Double Dry Window Dry Sack

A standard dry bag is a top-loading duffle with a roll top that ensures a water-tight seal. OR improved on this design firstly by adding a partial window to help locate items without having to open the bag up—helpful when you have several of the same style. By adding a second, internal roll top, the Double Dry lives up to its name—in our case keeping all of our food dry even though the bag was strapped down inside the hull of our kayak.

Aquapac Wet + Dry Backpack

Adding shoulder straps to a dry bag makes it useful for day hikes at your destination or as a rainy day backpack. Aquapac also added an internal compartment to keep wet things separated from dry things as well as a small, clear stash pocket with its own roll top for extra precaution—helpful for stashing a camera or phone.

Seal Line eCase

While it’s nice to unplug when on an outdoor vacation, having a phone on hand is useful in case of emergency. Throughout our adventure my iPhone was in this case and it stayed perfectly dry all the way through.

Innate Mentor Organizer Sacs

Organizing supplies in to smaller bags is good for keeping things handy so why not use dry bags for that as well. These Innate bags feature a one-way valve that lets you easily squeeze out extra air to make the bag occupy the least space possible.

While our kayaking adventure ended several days early, we quickly recovered with the counter-balance of luxury at the St. Regis Princeville.

The two-sided alternative to bulky messenger bags

Conscious of the need for a midsize alternative to the often oversized and always cumbersome messenger bag, the creative minds at SSCY have come up with the Bandolier, a dual-compartment bag that allows quick and easy access to all pockets and pouches without slowing you down. The sling-style design fits over the shoulder like most messenger bags do, but a swift tug pulls the back to front or vice versa.

Another example of the bag’s intelligent design, a diagonal pleat expands to jam more in the bag that you may think. To keep the load balanced, straps cinch tight to the body, making it ideal for biking, skating, or really any activity with lots of momentum change. The simple feature keeps the Bandolier’s weight from shifting unexpectedly and throwing the wearer off balance—a common issue with heavy backpacks and messenger bags.

Constructed using tough 600 x 300 denier nylon backed with vinyl for water resistance, the Bandolier bag offers ample room and protection for everyday necessities. Combined with anatomical design, it’s perfect for light days on the road when you just can’t leave your phone, camera, notebook or iPad at home.

Proudly made in Brooklyn like all SSCY products, the Bandolier is now available through a few local NYC retailers and online at SSCY. Make sure to keep an eye on head designer S.C. Yuan and his design team. Word is they’re already working on a second innovative bag to address further needs of the cycling community .

Multipurpose accessories for the day-tripper

Born out of Genova, Italy’s school for industrial design, designer Arianna Vivenzio founded Ochobags
in 2006. Centered on a modular and customizable bag, Vivenzo describes her mission as “obviously to combine function and aesthetics.”

Staring with the idea of a “useful yet fashionable object,
made of functional and mobile compartments that can contain and separate
each one of the objects a woman carries,” she gradually refined the concept to come up with a simple system. Consisting of six modular pockets in a range of fabrics, the pieces combine into personalized purses for the ultimate in adaptability.

The resulting all-purpose bags can even “be
worn by girls and women of all ages, because of its simplicity and
variety of materials. Besides, the customer base now include boys and
men who use it for running or biking,” Vivenzo explains.

Her inventiveness also includes taking inspiration from Antonio Marras Kenzo by mixing in alternative fabrics and materials such as foam mats, old
kimonos, fringed inner tubes, classic Prince of Wales wool, plastic
lace and cotton. Channeling a modern Japanese attitude, colors and materials create unexpected blends of contrasting assonance. With a new line of shoes drawing on the same principles, Ocho hints at a a new way of urban dressing.

Bags start at €50 from Ochobags.