Two Harbors, MN – Shedding even an ounce here and an ounce there adds up to a remarkable difference in pack weight. While some overnight backcountry travelers will even cut handles off of toothbrushes to save weight, there are easier ways, such as the new Überlight CTF3 Drysacks from Granite Gear.
Barely tipping the scales at a ridiculous 15-21 grams (0.53-0.74 ounces), these new drysacks weigh barely more than carrying air. They’re constructed of a wafer-thin composite that’s used for sails aboard World Cup yachts, which is three times stronger than sil nylon. They’re also waterproof thanks to welded seams and a rolltop closure that will keep your down sleeping bag dry on backcountry ski outings.
 
You can’t get any lighter than Granite Gear’s new Überlight CTF3 Drysacks. |
We first saw these new drysacks at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show held earlier this month in Salt Lake City, and have since tested them in the field and found them to be virtually indestructible. We’re told that one of Granite Gear’s sponsored athletes managed to tear one on a polar expedition, but if you’re out backcountry camping and skiing at -50ºF you’re more hardcore than we are! They’re semi-transparent, so it’s a snap to see which drybags are holding certain gear.
Granite Gear’s Überlight CTF3 Drysacks range in size from seven to 18 liters (425-1100 cu. in.) to fit many applications to organize your pack, and retail for $38.95, for the latest lightweight gear doesn’t come cheaply.
For those on a tighter budget Granite Gear makes a similar design constructed of eVent and sil nylon. The eVent base allows air to escape through the base while rolling down the closure while still maintaining the waterproof characteristics of the drysack enhanced by sealed seams. Sizes range from seven to 25 liters, weighing 33 to 56 grams (1.2 to 2.0 ounces) and cost a much more manageable $17.95 each.
Need to really shrink that down sleeping bag? Granite Gear’s eVent/sil nylon drysacks also come in compression sack designs (10-25 liters weighing 78-107 grams) that cost $26.95. Granite Gear intelligently reduced their weight by employing parachute cord to replace their heavier nylon webbing for their compression straps. They maintain the same watertight design as their non-compression counterparts.