REVIEW: Watershed Yukon

Many people have a pack liner in their backpack to protect their equipment from moisture. These are often made of silnylon or similar material for weight reasons and provide sufficient protection against rain in combination with the backpack, and everything should stay dry even during a river crossing. SEALs or other maritime units face a completely different problem: they come out of the water and need to ensure that the equipment stays 100% dry, and this is where the so-called Drybags come into play. The company Watershed specializes in these products, and we took a closer look at the Watershed Yukon and Animas.

Watershed is an experienced player in the production and development of DryBags. Experimentation and testing began in the 1980s, mainly to meet the needs of water sports. Naturally, a military line also quickly developed, shining with a variety of different bags, backpacks, and rifle sleeves. If you want to take a closer look at these products, check out the manufacturer's website. These products are more expensive than those from the Recreational Line and are harder to come by.

From the Recreational Line - the leisure line - there are some very interesting and comparatively inexpensive products that are also readily available in Germany. And the best part for us: they also come in discreet Coyote Brown.

The review starts with the Yukon Dry Bag. The Yukon is a classic duffel bag/tote with a substantial 70L volume, enough to fit a 45/50 liter backpack inside, as seen in the image here - the Mystery Ranch Overload (without frame).

The Yukon is sealed along its entire length with a rubber strip that interlocks triple-fold at the top, leaving no way for water or air to get in. The bag is then folded and secured at the ends with a Fastex closure. In the middle, there is also a snap button for additional security.

For carrying the bag, there are two large straps that have been sewn as a complete unit and then glued to the bag, providing no weak points for water leakage and holding securely. Below the straps, and at the outer ends, there are also large eyelets to secure the bag on a boat, for example.

For those who need a smaller or larger duffel bag - also available at Globetrotter:
Watershed Ocoee (18 liters)

Watershed Chattooga (30 liters)

Watershed Colorado (105 liters)

The Yukon is made of 420D nylon and weighs 980 grams at 73cm x 38cm x 31cm. The Yukon is available at Globetrotter in Coyote Brown and costs a fair 139.95€

Part 2 of the review featuring the Watershed Animas will be coming next Saturday.