To keep the backcountry free of trash, “pack it in, pack it out” has long been the accepted practice. The dictum applies just as much to kayakers as to backpackers. Most kayakers have dry bags dedicated to keeping food supplies dry, but as packaging and food waste accumulates, it should be stowed just as securely to keep it from getting waterlogged and/or from attracting wildlife. Sea to Summit has developed a bag especially designed to manage trash.

The Trash Dry Sack uses commonly available plastic trash bags as liners. The top of the dry bag has an inner collar of relatively stiff plastic strips. They fold over the top of the plastic liner and hold it in place. The inner collar also assures a good seal when the dry bag is rolled and buckled closed. When you open the dry bag, the liner opens too, so it’s a one-step process to stow trash. The Trash Dry Sack is airtight, so it minimizes odor from any food waste that is put into it. It is not bear-proof, so it should be suspended out of reach along with the food supplies.