I have owned and used the Northwater Peaked Deck Bag for 18 months or so and been very pleased with it (see my review). I was therefore more than happy to get access to the Northwater Expedition Deck Bag for review.

The ‘Expedition’ is the largest deck bag Northwater produce. It has a large zippered opening giving access to the main compartment which holds the bulk of your kit, but is further expandable via side clips, top bungees and optional ‘expansion’ compartments available from Northwater. The shaped is kept true via a removable polyethylene liner. (I have posted a video showing the main features).

Fastening the Northwater Expedition Deck Bag

The Expedition Deck Bag secures to the deck using a different system to the Peaked Deck bag. The bottom of the deck back has a vinyl base & flap covered in velcro. Sliding the flap under the deck lines allows you to then drop the bag down on the velcro securing it in place. This is a lot less fiddly than systems relying purely on straps/buckles and makes removing the deck bag a synch.

In rougher conditions, I did notice some more movement with this deck bag – I imagine this is due to the larger ‘weight’ carried along with the increased surface area. However, the six side clips can be used to secure the bag even more securely and this did cut down the movement.

Expedition Deck Bag In Use

My intial impression of the bag was that it was too large for normal day paddle use as it seemed huge when held however, once in place it is not overbearing and the increased storage has been very welcome. Although designed for expeditions where more equipment is carried, I have been very happy using the Expedition Deck bag for short, day trips.

The Northwater Expedition is not a dry or waterproof bag, so equipment stowed in it needs to be in waterproof containers/roll bags however in calm weather, even with the occasional wave washing over the deck the combination of the vinyl base and position high up on the deck means very little water seeps into the bag.

Large Storage Potential

I tend to stow a flask or water bottle, VHF, gloves and hat and snacks along with a camera in a roll bag which means there is plenty of spare space and it is easy to access equipment. The two sided zip and domed shape of the opening aids easy access and the mesh pocket on the front flap is ideal for a granola bar or similar.

On a longer paddle, I have successfully used a smaller dry bag within the Deck Bag and it is easy to unclip, unroll and access equipment.

The side clips allow you to attach kit to the outside of the Deck bag and I have taken to attaching my Northwater Bilgemaster pump here for easy access. The addition of bungees on the top of the Deck bag allows a laminated chart or other, slimmer items to be attached. I often use this to tuck a hat or gloves or even my paddle float whilst on the move.

Northwater Expedition Deck Bag

Overall I really rate this bit of kit. It is a step up from the smaller deck bags such as the Peaked Deck bag, ad the extra storage is very welcome without dwarfing the deck of my Sea kayak. The build quality is very good and it feels like a robustly made bag. I would have no qualms about throwing this around over a sustained period of time and despite my ‘heavy handed’ testing I have not damaged the bag in any way.

Whilst some people may prefer a true ‘dry bag’ style deck bag, for me the lower cost of the Northwater Expedition Deck Bag makes it a more affordable and sensible option, particularly if, like me, you seem to have accumulated a number of small dry bags over time!

Cost is around £75-£80 which is not cheap but if you have the need for a deck bag worth every penny.

The Northwater Expedition Deck Bag can be ordered from Bournemouth Canoes or check your local paddle store.

From the Northwater Website:

Our largest deck bag. Easily installs using existing deck lines. Webbing and buckles let you attach gear to the sides. Large zippered opening and small mesh pocket in front. It is easy to remove, has loads of cargo space and is contoured to follow the profile of your boat. The unique ‘Non-Slip’ attachment system uses a 14oz vinyl base sewn at the rear of the bag and held with hook and loop. A polyethylene liner shapes it for easy access through the front zippered entry.

Full review of Northwater Expedition Deck Bag coming soon.

NB: This is my first video post, so I’m interested in any feedback you may have.

The Northwater Peaked Deck Bag provides deck based storage for your sea kayak in the absence of the increasingly popular ’4th hatch’ that is appearing on sea kayaks such as the P&H Scorpio/Cetus and Rockpool Menai 18.

Strapping onto your decklines, it’s contoured/tapered shape sits snugly in front of the cockpit and provides a large single compartment, accessible via a double zip. The outside of the deck bag has 2 mesh pockets fastened by velcro and a criss crossed bungy strap system over the peak of the bag.

The Northwater Peaked Deck Bag is the smaller of the Northwater range and is ideal for holding various items that may be required during a paddle such as VHF radios, GPS, drinks bottles, food and map/chart equipment. It is also large enough to hold a small to mid sized camera. However, the Peaked Deck Bag is not waterproof so waterproof protection for electronic items is required in the form of small dry bags or Aquapac cases.

The Peaked Deck Bag attaches via four straps to your existing deck lines using simple pull through buckles. Once the deck bag is centred on the boat and these are pulled tight I have found it to be very solid and does not work loose or move about to any noticeable degree.

Initially I had a concern that it may impeded a lower paddling style but careful placement does avoid this. I sit the back squarely between the edge of my cockpit and my front hatch, strapping it over the top of my spare paddle blades (adding extra security for these).

The main compartment is easily accessible via the zippered entry. The model I have used uses a single zip however the newer ‘upgraded’ version available has seen this replace by a double zip to provide easier access. This is a welcome update and I can see this enhancing ease of use on the water.

I have used the compartment primarily for a small point and shoot camera which lives in a very small dry bag along with a GPS housed in an Aquapac case, A5 laminated map sheets and chocolate/grenola bars. This leaves plenty of space free, however, I feel too much kit within the bag would cause issue retrieving items at the back of the bag when on the water.

The Northwater Peaked Deck Bag uses a polyethylene sheet to form the curved peak on the top side. This slide into the top of the bag maintaining the domed shape but allowing flexibility in the bag. The sheet is not attached in the model I own so could be removed if preferred to allow a flatter profile. I have found I need to be slightly more careful storing the bag as it is possible to squash and deform the sheet in a heavily laden kit bag.

The small mesh pockets run the length of the bag and fasten with velcro. They include reflective strips sewn along the length for evening/nighttime visibility. They are suitably sized for snack or other smaller items.

Criss crossing the top of the bag are bungies with a simple drawcord tightening system. These are ideal for holding flatter items. For example, I have often tucked a thin windproof cag under these on summer paddles for easy access if the wind picks up or a light shower approaches. It would also be possible to fold and tuck charts, maps under these for very swift access.

The quality of the manufacturing is very good and all the sewn aspects seem well made and durable.

Overall I feel the Northwater Peaked Deck Bag is a very useful accessory. It has provided me with easy access to a number of items during paddles and allows me to keep the ‘bulk’ of my buoyancy aid down as I no longer cram the pockets full. As long as it is carefully placed, it does not impede a ‘lower’ paddling style and with it’s relatively low profile hugs the deck well. It does not provide huge storage (for this Northwater have other offerings we hope to review soon) but it provides a perfect solution for any day/weekend paddler or expedition set up where smaller items are needed on deck.

From the Manufacturers

To make stored items easier to get in and out, we went from a single slot opening to wide mouth, double pull zipper opening to make this popular deck bag even better. Contoured to fit the shape of your deck. Lots of room to keep those top-side essentials organized and tidy. This 420 denier nylon deck bag uses a polyethylene liner to keep the bag’s shape.

This tapered design renders less wind and wave resistance. Criss-crossed bungy straps on top, two side mesh pockets, and a zippered main compartment allow you quick and easy access.

• Made of rugged 420-denier nylon with a shape-saving polyethylene liner.
• Dimensions are 30.5 x 30.5cm (12 x 12in.) at the base, while the front tapers to 17.8 x 7.6cm (7 x 3in.) to minimize wind and wave resistance.
• Criss-crossed top bungee straps.
• Two mesh side pockets.
• Zippered main compartment.

Website: www.northwater.com

The Peaked Deck Bag is available instore or mail order from Bournemouth Canoes