All Photos Courtesy of the Author
At some point all of us discover stuff sacks and it feels like unlocking a backpacking secret, a key to more efficient packing no matter what our endeavor.
There are so many benefits to these lightweight, versatile, inexpensive bags: you can organize your pack, smash loose stuff to make more room, separate clean from dirty, and importantly control spills. Well, Gobi Gear just took it a step further and added several features to two new products that take the stuff sack to a new level.
Several important features are shared in the variety of stuff sacks available at your local camping store. Most of these bags are made with water resistant fabric for the reason I stated above, spills, and also to improve waterproofing your gear inside your pack. And, the material is often lightweight to avoid bulk, and slick so that you can easily yank it out without catching on anything else. Further, the stuff sack falls into two categories: compressible and loose. Loose sacks are just bags with a closure on top that can be a drawstring, velcro, or roll top. Compressible sacks, on the other hand, have three or more straps on the sides that pull the top and bottom of the bag together. I remember the first time I jammed my sleeping bag into a compressible stuff sack, and have never gone back.
Stuff sacks being such a simple tool, I’ve pondered the ways they could be improved as I hiked endless miles in deep thought. Gobi Gear pretty much nailed my best ideas. For one, when I paw for anything inside my stuff sacks, I inevitably mix everything up and tangle anything with strings or cords. I don’t want to use smaller stuff sacks because that often negates the reason for having one large one, but the ability to keep things from getting mixed up is important. On the other hand, I love the ability to pick up a single stuff sack for a simple trip like going to the beach where I don’t want my wallet in my pockets and I’ve got sunscreen and clean dry clothes as well. At the same time I want quick access to multiple items.
SegSac has become an answer for both security and organization. The two new bags offered by Gobi Gear both offer segmented compartments, and the larger compressible version offers a handy zippered pocket on the top flap. The bags are made with 30D ultralight ripstop nylon, making them durable and lightweight. Both have a drawstring closure on top with a push button stop and include a grab-handle on the bottom of the bag to easily grasp when pulling out or emptying the bag.
The SegSac comes in a variety of colors in three sizes; 15L, 20L, and 30L and retail from $19.99 to $44.99.
My experience with the two samples I was provided has been excellent and they have been a welcome addition to my standard packing strategy. It’s great to be able to keep loose small items organized and to have a way to separate dirty and clean items like cookware, socks, underwear, or wet gloves in the winter. I recommend trying it out, especially if you are very particular about organizing your pack like I am.