Sea to Summit Big River Review

We tested the 35L Sea to Summit Big River, a traditional roll-top dry bag. It is made out of 420D TPU laminated nylon with double-stitched, fully taped and sealed seams. It features four tie-down points, two D-rings next to the buckle, and a white interior to make finding specific contents easier.

Performance Comparison

We're impressed with the waterproofness and fairly durable design of this affordable bag.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Waterproofness

This model performs well in this metric. Against splashes and even being sprayed by a hose, it holds up solidly. While a small amount of water seeped inside during submersion, the manufacturer does point out this product is not designed for full submersion. Even so, only a small corner of the towel we placed inside for testing was wet after being submerged, and just a coaster-sized portion was wet after being dragged.

This product is one of very few models that's well-suited for general day-use, scores this high in waterproofness, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. While several other high-end models we tested offer absolute protection from even the smallest droplets of water, they often cost more than four times as much. Many of them are also designed for much more intense activities, like several weeks navigating a river. The Big River can take you there too, but it is also a great choice for a single afternoon paddleboarding.

Easy directions and a simple to use design make the Big River a breeze and a joy to use.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Ease of Use

Although this bag is taller than it is wide, it's shallow enough for you to reach the bottom of the bag and still keep your eyes on the contents. The flat oval base also helps to keep the bag upright and in one place while you are packing or unpacking it. It's a simple, easy-to-use roll-top bag that's hard to mess up. Four lash loops help you secure it to whatever craft you prefer.

The Big River provides no special carrying system. You can sling your arm through the loop made by the roll-top to get it to your boat, but it sports no additional features for long-distance carrying. One of the things we like most about this model is the white interior, which lightens things up inside, making it easier to locate what you're looking for without needing to up-end the entire thing. This is particularly helpful the larger size you get, as it otherwise has no additional pockets or organizational features.

Not the most elegant to carry, but not the worst.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Features

Quality features earn this model a pretty high score in this metric. Two welded TPU lash patches adorn each side and provide two secure points for attaching the bag to your craft. Two plastic D-rings are also located along the roll-top, which can be clipped together by a carabiner to attach or even hang the Big River anywhere you want.

With one reinforced lip at the mouth of the opening and the other featuring a rubbery texture, it's easy to get a pretty good seal by rolling this sack in the appropriate direction. Though it doesn't have some of the extra pockets, backpack straps, or bonus protection sleeves of some other models we tested, the Big River is a no-nonsense dry bag that is incredibly easy to use and works consistently. It also comes in a myriad of sizes, helping you to find the perfect fit for whatever you need.

Four reinforced lash points are there when you need them and out of the way when you don't.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Durability

The Big River is made of 420D thermoplastic urethane-coated nylon, which makes it resistant to scratches and tearing and lightweight. Though the seams aren't welded like some of the heftier models we tested, they are taped, adding additional water protection and durability. When dry and empty, this model only weighs a few ounces (depending on exactly what size you get). Lighter models may be a fraction of the weight, but they need the protection of an outer pack to prevent holes from forming with regular use. The Big River is a great compromise of decently durable fabric that doesn't require an outer layer to function properly while still maintaining overall supple, lightweight functionality.

One feature that we love is the plastic buckles of the Big River. They're reinforced with stainless steel pins, helping them to feel solid and secure. The plastic itself also feels strong and not as flimsy as many other lightweight models, which sacrifice durability to shed ounces. The lash patches on each side are made of a welded TPU fabric, another aspect that offers significantly more durability than many of the less expensive models.

Metal pins holding the clip together add to the durability of this ripstop model.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Value

Depending on what size you get, this model varies slightly in price but is one of the less expensive options we tested. And yet, it still boasts exceptional quality and functionality. Its high scores combined with its low price make it an easy choice for our Best Buy award.

A great size for day adventuring and a price low enough to be worth it.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Conclusion