Caving Bag Essentials: What to Look for Before Your Next Adventure

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Caving is a thrilling adventure sport that involves exploring underground caves and caverns. It requires specialized equipment, including helmets, headlamps, and ropes, to ensure safety during the activity. One essential piece of equipment that cavers need is a caving bag.

A caving bag is a specialized backpack designed to carry all the necessary equipment for caving. It is made of durable materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of underground caves, such as water, mud, and sharp rocks. The bag is usually lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry while crawling through narrow passages.

When purchasing a caving bag, it is essential to consider the size and capacity of the bag. Cavers need a bag that can hold all their equipment, including ropes, helmets, headlamps, and first aid kits. The bag should also have multiple compartments to keep the equipment organized and easily accessible.

We spent hours researching and testing different caving bags to identify the ones that are durable, lightweight, and have enough storage capacity to carry all the necessary equipment. In this article, we will share our findings and help you choose the best caving bag for your needs.

Best Caving Bags

When it comes to caving, having the right gear is essential. One of the most important pieces of equipment is a reliable caving bag. A good caving bag should be durable, waterproof, and spacious enough to hold all of your gear. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best caving bags available. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced caver, these bags will help you stay organized and prepared for your next adventure.

Petzl PORTAGE caving bag 35L/2150ci S43Y030

If you’re looking for a durable and spacious caving bag, the Petzl PORTAGE caving bag is a great option.

Pros

• The drawstring closure is easy to manipulate, even in difficult environments.
• The bag is made of PVC-free materials, making it an eco-friendly choice.
• The padded shoulder straps provide comfortable carriage, even on long hikes.

Cons

• The bag is not designed for hauling during climbing, as the off-center clipping point makes it difficult.
• The bag is relatively heavy, weighing in at 1.1 pounds.
• The bag only comes in one color option (yellow/black).

The Petzl PORTAGE caving bag is a great option for those looking for a durable and spacious bag. The drawstring closure is easy to manipulate, even in difficult environments, and the bag is made of PVC-free materials, making it an eco-friendly choice. The padded shoulder straps provide comfortable carriage, even on long hikes.

However, the bag is not designed for hauling during climbing, as the off-center clipping point makes it difficult. Additionally, the bag is relatively heavy, weighing in at 1.1 pounds, and only comes in one color option (yellow/black). Despite these drawbacks, the Petzl PORTAGE caving bag is a reliable and sturdy choice for your caving needs.

Toddmomy Floating Buoy Bag

If you are looking for a reliable and practical floating bag for your outdoor activities, the Toddmomy Floating Buoy Bag is a great option.

Pros

• Made of premium nylon material, durable for long-term use.
• Can hold a first aid kit, food, clothes, wallet, and other personal belongings.
• Lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use.

Cons

• May not be suitable for larger items or heavy loads.
• The zipper closure may not be completely waterproof.
• Only comes in one color option.

This floating bag is perfect for boating, kayaking, paddling, sailing, canoeing, surfing, and other outdoor activities. It can also be used as a safe place to float and rest during your swim. The natural buoyancy of the bag makes it a great flotation device in case of an emergency.

The Toddmomy Floating Buoy Bag is made of premium nylon material, ensuring durability and long-term use. It can hold your first aid kit, food, clothes, wallet, and other personal belongings, keeping them safe and dry around water. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use, without adding extra weight to your gear.

However, the bag may not be suitable for larger items or heavy loads, as it is designed to be compact and portable. The zipper closure may not be completely waterproof, so it’s important to take extra precautions when carrying valuable or perishable items.

Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and practical floating bag for your outdoor activities, the Toddmomy Floating Buoy Bag is a great option. Its durability, lightweight design, and ability to hold personal belongings make it a valuable addition to any water activity.

PETZL Transport Pack

If you’re looking for a durable and reliable caving bag, the PETZL Transport Pack is a great option.

Pros

• Welded construction for greater strength (PVC free) Cordlock closure easy to manipulate, designed for difficult environments
• Side and top handles for carrying by hand
• Upper loop for hauling and Inside loop for suspending pack in open position

Cons

• Drawstring closure can be difficult to use with one hand
• Limited color options
• No internal pockets for organization

The PETZL Transport Pack is made with welded construction for greater strength and durability, making it a reliable choice for caving enthusiasts. The cordlock closure is easy to manipulate and designed for difficult environments, while the side and top handles make it easy to carry by hand. The upper loop is perfect for hauling, and the inside loop allows you to suspend the pack in an open position for easy access to your gear.

One downside of the PETZL Transport Pack is the drawstring closure, which can be difficult to use with one hand. Additionally, the limited color options may not appeal to everyone, and there are no internal pockets for organization.

Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and reliable caving bag, the PETZL Transport Pack is a great choice.

Piscifun Waterproof Backpack

If you’re looking for a durable and reliable waterproof backpack, the Piscifun Waterproof Backpack is a great choice.

Pros

• The backpack is made of 500D PVC, which makes it durable and heavy-duty, perfect for outdoor activities.
• The fully welded seal construction ensures that the backpack is completely waterproof, and the waterproof phone case allows you to use your phone during water activities.
• The adjustable shoulder straps and outer mesh pocket make it a user-friendly design, providing comfort and convenience during use.

Cons

• The plastic clips on the backpack straps may not be as durable as other parts of the backpack.
• The backpack may not be suitable for larger items due to its 5L size.
• Some users may find the backpack to be a bit heavy when fully loaded with items.

The Piscifun Waterproof Backpack is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy water activities such as kayaking, boating, and surfing. The backpack is made of high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the elements and protect your belongings. The fully welded seal construction ensures that the backpack is completely waterproof, and the waterproof phone case allows you to use your phone during water activities.

The adjustable shoulder straps and outer mesh pocket make it a user-friendly design, providing comfort and convenience during use. The backpack also floats on water when rolled and buckled, making it visible and easy to retrieve during water activities.

Overall, the Piscifun Waterproof Backpack is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable and reliable waterproof backpack for their outdoor adventures.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

If you’re looking for a reliable, waterproof dry bag for your next adventure, the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The Earth Pak Dry Bag is incredibly durable and meant to last for years, providing reliable protection for even the most rugged users.
• The 10L and 20L dry bags come with a 24-42 Inch single shoulder strap, while the 30L, 40L, and 55L waterproof backpacks have backpack-style shoulder straps that come with a sternum strap for added stability. The 55L also comes equipped with a heavy-duty waist belt, which relieves added pressure and helps support your load.
• The IPX8 certified waterproof phone case is a great bonus feature that fits even the largest of phones, with a simple snap and lock access that has dual-sided clear windows that allow you to take pictures while still inside the case.

Cons

• The dry bag is relatively heavy, which can be a downside if you’re looking for something lightweight.
• The waterproof phone case may not fit all phone models, so it’s important to check the size before purchasing.
• The closure type is a buckle, which may not be as secure as other types of closures.

Overall, the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, reliable dry bag for their next adventure. Whether you’re kayaking, beaching, rafting, boating, hiking, camping, or fishing, this dry bag will keep your items dry and protected.

Earth Pak – Waterproof Dry Bag with Front Zippered Pocket

If you’re looking for a reliable and durable dry bag that can keep your belongings safe and dry, then Earth Pak’s Waterproof Dry Bag is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The bag is made from heavy-duty 500D PVC, which provides excellent protection against water, dust, and other elements.
• The thermowelded seams ensure that the bag is completely watertight, so you can be sure that your gear will stay dry even in the wettest conditions.
• The front zippered pocket is a great feature that allows you to easily access your smaller belongings without having to unroll the top main compartment.

Cons

• The sizing can be a bit confusing, so make sure to carefully consider your needs before choosing a size.
• The backpack-style shoulder straps on the 30L and 40L bags can be a bit uncomfortable if you’re carrying a lot of weight for long periods of time.
• The bag can be a bit bulky when fully packed, so it may not be the best choice if you’re trying to pack light.

Overall, if you need a reliable and durable dry bag that can keep your belongings safe and dry, then Earth Pak’s Waterproof Dry Bag is definitely worth considering. With its heavy-duty construction, watertight seams, and convenient front pocket, this bag is a great choice for a wide range of outdoor activities, from kayaking and rafting to hiking and camping.

Zero Grid Waterproof Dry Bag

If you’re in the market for a reliable dry bag, the Zero Grid Waterproof Dry Bag is a solid choice.

Pros

• The high-pressure welded seams provide ultimate waterproof protection, ensuring your items stay dry and protected.
• The bag is easy to use and clean, making it a convenient option for any outdoor activity.
• The adjustable shoulder and chest straps make for comfortable carrying, even on longer trips.

Cons

• The bag may not be as durable as some other dry bags on the market.
• The buckle can be difficult to snap closed, especially when the bag is full.
• The bag may not be completely airtight, which could be an issue if you need to keep items completely dry.

This dry bag is designed to keep your gear dry and protected, even in extreme conditions. The high-pressure welded seams and quality 500D PVC material make it a reliable option for any adventure. Plus, the bag is easy to use and clean, with a simple roll-and-snap closure.

One potential downside of this bag is that it may not be as durable as some other dry bags on the market. However, if you’re looking for a lightweight and convenient option for shorter trips, this bag is a great choice. The adjustable shoulder and chest straps also make it comfortable to carry, even for extended periods of time.

Overall, the Zero Grid Waterproof Dry Bag is a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable dry bag for their outdoor adventures.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing a caving bag, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things you should keep in mind to help you choose the best product for your needs:

Capacity

The first thing you should consider when choosing a caving bag is its capacity. Think about how much gear you need to bring with you on your caving trips and choose a bag that can accommodate all of it. Keep in mind that you may need to bring extra gear on longer trips, so it’s a good idea to choose a bag with a slightly larger capacity than you think you’ll need.

Material

The material of the bag is another important factor to consider. You want a bag that is durable and can withstand the rugged terrain of caving. Look for bags made from high-quality materials like nylon or polyester, which are both lightweight and durable.

Design

The design of the bag is also important. Look for a bag with multiple compartments and pockets to help you organize your gear. You may also want to choose a bag with adjustable straps so you can customize the fit to your body.

Waterproofing

Caving involves a lot of water, so it’s important to choose a bag that is waterproof or at least water-resistant. Look for bags with waterproof zippers and seams to keep your gear dry.

Comfort

Finally, consider the comfort of the bag. Look for bags with padded straps and back panels to help distribute the weight of the bag evenly across your body. You may also want to choose a bag with a waist belt to help support the weight of the bag and reduce strain on your back.

By considering these factors, you can choose a caving bag that is durable, functional, and comfortable to use on all of your caving adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential features of a caving backpack?

Caving backpacks should have a sturdy construction, padded shoulder straps, and a waist belt for support. They should also be waterproof or water-resistant, have multiple compartments for organization, and be able to carry all the necessary caving gear.

How do caving backpacks differ from regular backpacks?

Caving backpacks are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of caving, such as water, mud, and rough terrain. They are also designed to carry specialized caving gear, such as helmets, ropes, and harnesses.

What are the best materials for caving backpacks?

Caving backpacks should be made of durable and waterproof materials, such as nylon or polyester. Some caving backpacks may also have a PVC coating for added protection against water and abrasion.

What is the ideal size for a caving backpack?

The ideal size for a caving backpack depends on the length of the trip and the amount of gear you need to carry. A 30-40 liter backpack is typically sufficient for day trips, while a 50-60 liter backpack may be necessary for multi-day trips.

What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a caving backpack?

The most important factors to consider when choosing a caving backpack are durability, waterproofness, comfort, and size. It’s also important to consider the type of caving you will be doing and the gear you will need to carry.

What are some recommended brands for caving backpacks?

Some recommended brands for caving backpacks include Petzl, Black Diamond, Mammut, and Osprey. It’s important to choose a reputable brand that specializes in outdoor gear and has a history of producing high-quality products.