I recently acquired an OR DryComp Summit bag. I originally intended this bag to be the compression sack for my cold weather sleeping bag. But the DryComp Summit turned out to be larger than I thought. It easily swallows my TNF Snowshoe bag, and will accommodate a bivy or tarp and a few articles of clothing, and still compress down to its minimum size.
Unlike a regular compression stuff sack, the DryComp Summit has two compression straps that will function as shoulder straps, and the other two compression straps can be unclipped and converted to a simple waist belt. So, rather than just being a stuff sack for my winter bag, it has the features and capacity to serve as a lightweight pack for a minimalist weekend trip.
Here's the bag empty:
The bag has two daisy chains, two tool loops, and two mesh pockets on the sides with a bungee cord closure. The bag is top-loading with a roll-top closure. The interior is one main compartment with no organizers, loops, or pockets.
Here is the bag compressed with a sleeping bag inside:
Here is the bag standing up:
The shoulder straps aren't too robust, but they are padded. I added a Camelbak SternumStrap to lend a little more comfort when carrying a load. the 3/4" waist belt certainly helps stabilize the load, but obviously do not offer any load bearing capabilities.
Here's the DryComp Summit next to the REI Jet Pack for comparison. Per REI, the Jet Pack has about a 1830 ci capacity:
And here's the DryComp Summit folded into one of it's outer pockets:
We went to a ginormous flea market yesterday. I took the DryComp Summit folded up in one of my thigh pockets, just in case we found some stuff to buy. We did find some stuff, and the bag was deployed. While it wasn't filled to capacity, the bag rode comfortably and was easy to use as far as putting things in and getting them out.
Pros:
Built well
Back pack and/or compression sack - multi-use
Large
Light weight
Waterproof (though not intended to be submerged for a long period of time)
Daisy chains offer attachment options
Mesh pockets allow items to be inserted when the bag is full.
Comfortable with a moderate load
Simple design
Bag is put together so that when loaded, it will carry against your back - not a basic cylinder shape
Cons:
No frame sheet/pad to lend shape to bag or back protection against pointy things when used as a backpack
May not be comfy toting heavy loads as a backpack
Pretty huge for a compression sack
I look forward to using this bag for different things. I guess I can see myself using it more as a simple rucksack than a compression stuff sack. Although there isn't a port on the bag to allow a hydration bladder to ride inside (it is, after all, a dry bag), I figure I can affix a Camelbak Unbottle to the daisy chains, if needed.
Link the the DryComp Summit bag at the OR website: http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/36600
Unlike a regular compression stuff sack, the DryComp Summit has two compression straps that will function as shoulder straps, and the other two compression straps can be unclipped and converted to a simple waist belt. So, rather than just being a stuff sack for my winter bag, it has the features and capacity to serve as a lightweight pack for a minimalist weekend trip.
Here's the bag empty:
The bag has two daisy chains, two tool loops, and two mesh pockets on the sides with a bungee cord closure. The bag is top-loading with a roll-top closure. The interior is one main compartment with no organizers, loops, or pockets.
Here is the bag compressed with a sleeping bag inside:
Here is the bag standing up:
The shoulder straps aren't too robust, but they are padded. I added a Camelbak SternumStrap to lend a little more comfort when carrying a load. the 3/4" waist belt certainly helps stabilize the load, but obviously do not offer any load bearing capabilities.
Here's the DryComp Summit next to the REI Jet Pack for comparison. Per REI, the Jet Pack has about a 1830 ci capacity:
And here's the DryComp Summit folded into one of it's outer pockets:
We went to a ginormous flea market yesterday. I took the DryComp Summit folded up in one of my thigh pockets, just in case we found some stuff to buy. We did find some stuff, and the bag was deployed. While it wasn't filled to capacity, the bag rode comfortably and was easy to use as far as putting things in and getting them out.
Pros:
Built well
Back pack and/or compression sack - multi-use
Large
Light weight
Waterproof (though not intended to be submerged for a long period of time)
Daisy chains offer attachment options
Mesh pockets allow items to be inserted when the bag is full.
Comfortable with a moderate load
Simple design
Bag is put together so that when loaded, it will carry against your back - not a basic cylinder shape
Cons:
No frame sheet/pad to lend shape to bag or back protection against pointy things when used as a backpack
May not be comfy toting heavy loads as a backpack
Pretty huge for a compression sack
I look forward to using this bag for different things. I guess I can see myself using it more as a simple rucksack than a compression stuff sack. Although there isn't a port on the bag to allow a hydration bladder to ride inside (it is, after all, a dry bag), I figure I can affix a Camelbak Unbottle to the daisy chains, if needed.
Link the the DryComp Summit bag at the OR website: http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/36600
