I have one and like it. I bought the deck bag pictured below and find it a handy way to keep some items within hand's reach. Mainly here I'm talking about stuff like a map, a camera (in a dry box), a VHF radio, sunblock, water,snack, etc. It also has some straps that provide a handy spot for my bilge pump.



However, a kayaking friend with considerable experience tells me he likes very little on his deck in front of him.
And while reviewing this GORP checklist (a good gear checklist), I found this caveat:



I just would like some thoughts on deck bags. As I mentioned, I like the bag, but then I don't paddle in the ocean. I'm inland, so all my paddling is done on lakes/impoundments where waves and winds are not as pronounced.

Though I have not yet learned to roll this kayak, I would imagine that the bag will provide resistance (in the water and as far as weight placement) for that maneuver. For me, that possible hindrance seems like the primary downside. Anybody able to roll a kayak with a deck bag on it?

.

The main gripe I had about the two deck bags I have owned is that the zippers seemed destined to jam. A combination of corrosionon the traveler and salt crystals on the teeth. I suppose its my fault for not always rinsing with fresh water after every use. Still I wonder why so many sea kayaking accessories seem to use very small zippers. I think that larger zippers would be less prone to jamming.

I have rolled with a deck bag I didn't notice a lot of difference.

I find I like just a net for things like you describe. Have a look here for a pic. I know its a thread about a pump but there is a shot of the deck of my boat. I have changed it since then to a net bag further away and 2 bungee straps closer. Works well and low profile. http://www.seakayakforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=145

I have a Seal Line Baja and have been very happy with it. No problems with the zipper... Bill

I have a North Water deck bag, and, likewise, no problems. The bag has rather less volume than some others, which is fine by me, as I don't keep a lot of stuff in it; certainly not a lot of heavy or voluminous gear that would impede rolling or cause undue wind resistance.

I got a Voyageur deck bag (from that late lamented company) early on and have never used it.

Whether I day trip (the usual) or go on overnights, everything I really need to have with me is on me or in my PFD. My boats don't have day hatches either (again a personal preference and another topic). So a deck bag is superfluous - for me.

The front deck stays clear for a compass & further up the front deck is the home of my spare paddle on occasion (depending on locale and group dynamics).

I am also a member of the "Clean Deck Club". Typically, if it's an easy day paddle in familiar inland water,the only thing on my deck is a rolled up paddle float.

I appreciate my kayaks because they are low volume and want to take full advantage of the aerodynamics of low decks.No matter how sleek a deck bag, they would produce drag. Again, this is my priority and need not be anyone else's.

Everyone paddles in different conditions for different lengths of time, and has their own list of what they need to carry. Nothing is wrong or right but simply a matter of what works for you.

I use my deckbag all of the time...it reminds me of my wife and her purse...she won't leave home without it!
Although it has many uses on the water it is also nice for long expeditions since the bag is easily removed and has a strap for bushwacking or mere hiking. Nice to take all of your valuables and other things with you rather than leave them with the boat.
Very stylish too!

I put my waterproof camera in my Seattle Sports deck bag so I can get at it at a moment's notice. I store it tethered to my kayak with something like a paddle leash.

Also in there are: sunglasses, sunscreen, multi-tool, snacks. If I had more pockets on my PFD I guess some of that stuff would be in the pockets.

My wife keeps her waterproof binoculars in her SealLine deck bag (also tethered), plus snacks and other misc items.

My son keeps a 2L water bladder in his Seattle Sports deck bag...he claims it is quite handy.

As you can see, we love our deck bags! We always take them with us.

I frequently use a PakBoats deck bag; this bag has a roll-top closure so it is completely waterproof. It also can be used as an alread inflated paddlefloat, which is very handy. I keep my camera, sunglasses, first aid kit, etc. in the bag. I do not find that the deck bag affects the kayak's handling or balance or interferes with paddling.

Order the one below to stick in water, power bar and vhf radio. Trying to get the radio off me it is a PITA. Hopefully not to big, small, or ugly. Smaller one had no shot of radio going in it.

http://www.northwater.com/html/products/sea_kayak/SKsubdirectory/Peaked-Deckbag.html

ummm, Dog, it's much more savvy to keep the radio w. you. If the sh!t is brewing and you are in the water and/or separated from your boat, you can access Channel 16 and request assistance.

I have never gone on a trip where the trip leader (or co-leader) is not wearing their VHF.

I agree w. the post above that anything in the boat that you want to access readily s/be lashed or tethered. I don't agree with keeping it anywhere near the feet for reasons of possible entanglement. Also if it gets near a foot the paddler could possibly miss or slip off the peg and wind up going over.

People really like their deck bags. In my case I haven't found the need for one, and favor a clear deck. The more you have up there, the less aerodynamic, the more wind resistance.
My seakayaks are low volume, and I want to optimize their abilities in wind.

I carry my essentials (incl. sometimes a small waterproof camera and my VHF) on my person without a bulging PFD.

I do have one - a Seal Line deck bag (another great brand) I just never find I really need it. Fortunately it only cost me $10 at a gear swap. I use it to store small accessories in my vehicle LOL

When I go out the inlet in my Whaler to beat it in the big waves I have it tethered to me so if I get spit out. I have not seen a good place on my vest where it is not a PITA with the rubber antenna poking my face. Any suggestions? I know it is better on me than the kayak.

I do not wish to be argumentative, but we must recall that people have been sea kayaking for decades previous to widespread availablity of VHF handhelds. I have one, and carry it. But it is important to so arrange our paddling that we minimize to a very low probablity our need to call upon outside rescue. It does not do the sea kayaking community any good to need our chestnuts pulled out of the water because of people paddling beyond the limits of seamanship and prudence. To the extent that some paddlers may rely upon the VHF as some sort of safety "padding" for dubious adventures, it's not an unmixed blessing. Paddle like you don't have a VHF, but carry one anyway.

I exclude from this the use of the VHF for intragroup and kayak-to-ship communication--there, the VHF is a fine instrument.

I agree that gear is no substitute for skills and good judgement. No argument there.

I see enough people w. tow belts they wear backwards and upside down, then deploy incorrectly, and relying on GPS because they don't know how take bearings from a compass. Yet they are supremely confident they are prepared cuz they have acquired these things.

IMO people carry a lot of extraneous stuff w. them. PFD pockets bulge and their agility in doing rescues is hampered. Some boats are hung like freakin' clotheslines, and stuff gets lost more easily.

My point is that the newer technologies make VHFs small and very easily stowed on one's person. There are models readily available for under $100 if one does not have to have the latest w. all bells & whistles.

Keeping a VHF in a hatch, for example, is like keeping a condom in a refrigerator - you have one, but are not very likely to get much use out of it!

There is an old saying "if it isn't on you, it isn't with you."

was good for me to have last week when a family ran their boat up on a sandbar I could call Sea Tow and tell them where he was. The guy said "how do I tell them where I am?"

If someone gets a heart attack you don't want to call Ghost Busters or even the police with a cell phone.

It is right to paddle like it is not there and not build a phony confidence.

Cell coverage can be spotty along some shorelines and non-existent if far enough off shore.

Using a VHF gives paddlers access to Channel 16, which is monitored 24/7 by the USCG and commercial vessels. Channels 67 and 68, for example can be used for nonemergency communication betw. vessels, even two groups of kayakers. I have seen trip leaders on Lake Superior confer via their radios. They agree beforehand which nonemergency channel to use.

Equipment is no substitute for skills and judgement. But if you need to communicate status and position, a VHF is overwhelmingly better than a cell phone. Plus a VHF w. a waterproof spec of JIS 7 or 8 will work when submerged, a cell phone? not likely.

Here is a link to a quick overview of JIS ratings:

http://www.suite101.com/content/submersible-vhf-radio-understanding-waterproof-ratings-a236128

Still can't figure out where to keep the radio on my person without it being in the way.. No real place on my back to clip it on my Solquist. I think Kokatat has a new jacket coming out I will look at and see if there is any where good for the radio.

Just bought the newer model Standard Horizon today as I thought the one I had was messed up. Turns out is was locked on 16. Now I have two one for the boat and one for the kayak. I could have one for each kayak if the GF is with me or take both if I am going long next year. New one has nav in it also. They have decent basic radios for 85 and they all have 3 year warranty. I could also call the GF when coming near the house for dinner update.