I’ve Went Through a Lot…
…of mesh laundry bags that last a month or two and fall apart. I think this is the one I have now and it’s lasted a couple years:
http://www.nrs.com/product/3080/mesh-bags
Might consider
a duck decoy bag. Usually they have straps so that they can be worn like a backpack while keeping your hands free. I think they usually have a mesh side and a waterproof side so that you can protect the floor you lay them down on and yet still have air flow for drying.
Might be hard to find in stores right now but if you did find one you might get a really good deal on it. These often go on sale pretty cheap in the fall.
Mark
Another Ikea Bagger and Big Toter
Do most paddlers think alike?
two words: mesh duffle
I got mine at campmor but someone else told me they found different sizes at Sierra Trading Post. Everyone I paddle with uses them. Sometimes they're on sale. I have two, to separate my gear into two classes, one that's strictly barebones stuff for paddling, in case I want to just grab one bag and go for a day paddle. Although I'm going to pick up on Celia's suggestion and get another small fabric drybag.
Mesh is nice because if you leave wet stuff in them you can just hang the whole bag up overnight, and it won't get stinky. Plus you can see what's in the bag without opening and rifling thru it. On trips I can cram everything into two mesh bags which makes it much easier to schlep stuff to and from the camp.
mesh bags
I was actually looking for a Snapdragon backband and stumbled across this small company, Lochsa, in Idaho who makes some really nice-looking mesh duffels designed specifically for paddling gear. Never heard of them before but I may order one of their smaller ones for hauling gear in the canoe. They make stretch fleece drysuit liners too. Know nothing about them other than what is shown here (hope it is OK to give them a plug.)
http://www.lochsaconnection.com/sportbagleaf.htm
I like to buy stuff from small domestic “artisan” makers when I can. I’ve had good luck with most such items, from kayaks and paddles to wetsuits and camping gear.
Rubbermaid
bins come in different colors
http://goo.gl/4V1IiC
measure auto storage size, size 2 or more for efficiently fitting into auto space.
I have one for pfd/wetsuit/booties/spray cover/gloves.
Can use a washtub for wetsuit/pfd. Place washables on cover.
These bins have one or two pillar reinforcements protruding from the long sides.
If kayak touring, one for each hatch/hold.
Under 180 lbs ? Bring a 1x6" then you may stand on the box.
Ikea bags for all!
Early last summer, a woman I was paddling with gave me an Ikea bag at the end of our trip. After that, I made a point to go to Ikea to pick up a dozen so I could pass along the goodness to anyone I might paddle with. I’m down to my last two—-until my next trip to Ikea.