I know the opinions on deck bags vary from "puke colored useless pieces of _______" to a valuable accessory. What are the opinions here and which of all of those out there are the most useful, safe, durable, etc......

Kayakbirder, check other thread. I think you'll find that people who use their kayaks to explore, do longish trips and/or to observe/photograph wildlife (Explorers) will often be using deck bags. People who surf a lot, play around in rough water, or are into honing rolling/bracing skills (Players) usually have bare boats, as do workout, bodybuilding or racing folks (Racers).

Kayakbirder, We use deck bags for most overnight trips as a handy place for binoculars, camera, water bottle, snacks, sun screen etc. The bags we use have mesh pockets on the outside that we use for the water bottles.

While the deck bag has a "waterproof" zipper we always assume it will leak in a capsize, or if we capsize it could be at a time the zipper is not closed tight. We protect any non waterproof item with its own protection. Look at the way a bag connects to your boat and make sure it is compatible with your deck rigging and that the profile is not too high for your style of paddling.

Mikekayak

KB

We use a "Northwater Peaked" deck bag for all the above equipment and we dont find large effect from wind (14' WS tsunami) If you paddle sideways to winds for 80% of your trip I agree with the bare deck thought; however if you dont these low profile deck bags are great. Heres a link.
http://www.northwater.com/html/products/sea_kayak/SKsubdirectory/Peaked-Deckbag.html

"I think you'll find that people who use their kayaks to explore, do longish trips and/or to observe/photograph wildlife (Explorers) will often be using deck bags. "

Absolutely true for us...mine holds our camera in a waterproof lexan case, my wife's holds her binoculars. Since the deck bags are there we also stuff in gloves, snacks and other miscellaneous items. We assume the deck back will leak (the zippers wear out eventually).

Note that the lexan camera case works great, can take pictures whenever desired without fear of damaging the camera. Expensive, but prior to purchasing the case I rarely took pictures, now I bring back a bunch from every trip.

Zipper broke on my Northwater and they would not respond at all. Made in China and is now splitting at the front seam. This is similar but made in USA. I will try this one next Seals Contoured Deck Bag.

My suggestion is to call them and talk to Morgan, lindsay or larry, They are one of the few companies that take their warranty seriously. If it says made in China, then it could not be an authentic Northwater product.