At first, the variety and number of Aloksak bags that was
provided to test was a little overwhelming. Slowly but surely
each size fell into its own niche use. There hasn't been any
material failure. All contents have been kept dry and protected
from the elements.
The smallest size (4.5 by 7 inch/11 by 18 centimeter) bag was the
first to be put into use. This season's hunting licenses and
permits fit perfectly. It was kept in a pants pocket. The Aloksak
bag material folds easily and I was even able to store it inside
the license tag holder that pins to the back of a jacket or
vest. The license could now be both visible and
waterproof.
The 6.5 by 6 inch/17 by 15 centimeter bag was used to keep hard
tack candy and throat drops organized and handy in a chest
pocket. I just recently used this bag to hold some Betadine
soaked gauze pads used for canine first aid. The bags have done a
good job keeping the elements out, so I wanted to see how well
they keep stuff in!
The 12 by 12.5 inch/30 by 32 centimeter bag was used for maps and
clothing items. It worked great for the clothing items but it
wasn't my first choice for maps. Even though this size could
still be folded, it had a bulky feel when stuffed into a jacket
or cargo pant pocket. The manufacturer does make a clear
"carrier" called a Map Case or Navigator Splash Caddy
which allows the bag to be clipped or carried with a strap. I
just may have to look into on of those for the long term test
period.
The 6 by 9 inch/15 by 23 centimeter bag has been by far the most
useful size for me. The first item used was my hand held GPS
receiver. The Aloksak bag kept the GPS protected but still
allowed the screen to be easily read and all the buttons to be
operated. Once again the pliable material permitted the GPS to be
stored in it's original (not weather proof) belt case. This
bag was also used to store camera, flashlights and a headlamp.
This 6 by 9 inch/15 by 23 centimeter size became my preferred
method holding a map. This option was "less filling" as
far as pocket volume needed goes, but it did have a few down
sides. More of the map had to folded, which was a minor issue. But
this brought out my only "thing I don't like" item.
The excess printed information on the bag just clutters and
interferes with map reading when I needed to use both sides of
the enclosed folded map. There were also times when I would have
liked to be able to clip or hang it from a shoulder strap.
Unfortunately, I didn't see a clear Splash Caddy for this
size bag. During the long term test period, I am going to keep my
eye out for a grommet small enough fit above the zip closure but
still big enough for a lanyard as a possible
solution.
About midway through the field test period I received an
Aloksak (16.5 by 24.5 inch/42 by 62 centimeter) bag. This was put
to quick use for keeping clothing items but I'm sure I will
find other uses during the long term test
period.
The Aloksak bags have so far performed to my expectations with my
only "do not like" item being the printed information
clutter. Long term testing will continue for durability, and I am
curious as to how the clarity of the bags will change over
time.
TEAM
JackQuest
http://www.jackquest.com
