Reviews > Stuff Sacks > Dry Bags > Watchful Eye Designs - Aloksak > Jack Corrigan > Long Term Report

Product Name:

Aloksak (element proof storage bag)

Personal Biographical Information:

Name: John (Jack) Corrigan

Age: 40 years old

Gender: Male

Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 meters)

Weight: 175 pounds (79 kilograms)

Torso: 20 inches (51 centimeters)

Email: jack@jackquest.com

Region: Fredericksburg, Virginia (Spotsylvania County)

Report Date: 26MAY2004

Background:

I have always been one to do the outdoor thing as compared to the organized sport thing. It started as a youngster in the Boy Scouts and continues today as an adult. The majority of my experience has been in Pennsylvania but I have hiked, camped or paddled in New York, California and even Alaska. I am also currently a volunteer search and rescue canine handler. Although search and rescue doesn't always result in an overnight or multi-day trip, I am required to be prepared, equipped and trained for it. Training a search dog results in many hours of trekking through the outdoors.

My "style" is best described as recreational camping, mid-weight backpacking (2-3 day treks), day hiking, flat water paddling, hunting and canine search and rescue activities. My last extended (more than 1 week) outing was the summer of 2001, as a volunteer for the Armed Forces Eco-Challenge in interior Alaska. I also include two of my four dogs in most of my outdoor activities.

Product Information:

Manufactured By: Watchful Eye Designs, LLC

Manufactured Date: 2003

Manufacturer URL: http://www.WatchfulEyeDesigns.com

Listed Weight: Not Listed

Delivered Weight:
4.5 by 7 bag- 0.2 ounces (6 grams)
6.5 by 6 bag- 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)
6 by 9 bag- 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)
12 by 12.5 bag- 1 ounce (28 grams)

Note: Weighed on a digital 0-25 pound postal scale.

Additional Product Information:

Color: Clear with black lettering

Location:

Field testing locations were in the Mid-Atlantic region, primarily in Virginia and included local rural SAR training areas (Phelps Wildlife Management Area (18S 261212mE 4261139mN), Prince William Forest Park (18S 321912mE 4223034mN) and Shenandoah National Park/Big Meadows Area (17S 724067mE 4265333mN).

Description of Location:

The terrain of the testing locations was varied, and ranged from flat low grass and lightly forested regions to mountain "elevations" of 150 to 3500 feet (46 to 1100 meters). Trail systems ranged from established foot paths to undeveloped logging roads and even the occasional bushwhack.

Weather Conditions:

This long term test period was conducted from January into May.

Conditions were varied and included both fair (clear and sunny) and foul (overcast and dry to cloudy with rain) weather. The "warmest" temperature was 90°F (32°C) while the "coldest" was 25°F (-4°C).

Product Experience:

The Aloksak bags have continued to perform as expected. All but one of the Aloksak bags is still in use. I experienced a material failure with one of the 6 by 9 inch/15 by 23 centimeter bags during the long term test period.

The 6 by 9 inch/15 by 23 centimeter bag that failed was used to protect my hand-held gps. The gps was stowed in the Aloksak bag and the bag was carried in a zippered belt pouch. I believe the failure was from zipper and bag contact caused by the repeated taking out/putting in of the bag from the pouch.

The 6.5 by 6 inch/17 by 15 centimeter bag that I used to hold some Betadine soaked gauze pads (used for canine first aid) is still holding the enclosed liquid with not a sign of any leakage. The bags have done a good job keeping the elements out, and they keep stuff in too!

For land navigation, I couldn't quite make up my mind between the 12 by 12.5 inch/30 by 32 centimeter bag or the 6 by 9 inch/15 by 23 centimeter bag, so now I just take both with me. The print on the bags can be removed with denatured alcohol to allow clear map viewing. This suggestion came directly from the manufacturer based on their feedback from my field report comments. Maps always remained dry even in moderate to heavy rain.

For the long term test period I placed an ink jet printed map in an Aloksak bag and a zip closure freezer bag. These bags spent the entire test period on the dash of my truck. Luckily the extra warm spring allowed in-cab temperature (measured with a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer) to reach around 125°F (52°C). I could not detect any breakdown or changes in the bags or the zip closures. The maps were only slightly faded.

The Aloksak bags performed to my expectations. They keep the elements out and hold a variety of items both liquid and solid! The bags did show some wear/scratches but remained clear for reading maps or operating electronic gadgets. Some care must be take when there is the potential for repeated contact with a rough surface, as this was the only failure I experienced. The Aloksak bags will continue to hold whatever gear items that need protection from the elements in my packs.

TEAM JackQuest
http://www.jackquest.com

Reviews > Stuff Sacks > Dry Bags > Watchful Eye Designs - Aloksak > Jack Corrigan > Long Term Report