Harmony 60 Liter Waterproof Barrel (Blue)

Tough, roomy, secure, waterproof. I combined this with the Woods 60L Barrel Harness Pack and I must say this is the coolest way to camp ever. It fits nicely in my Advanced Elements inflatable 2-person Kayak (blue D-series), holds a lot of gear/food, and keeps the water and pests out.I work with barrels as part of my job, so the locking lid ring is not difficult for me. If you have never used one before, start with the farthest part of the barrel away from you, get the lid secured in back, then slide yours hands forward along the ring. This should guide the ring evenly on both sides at the same time. Then use the hand that is closest to the locking lever to snap it shut, and make sure to KEEP the retain key so it doesn't pop back open.Yes, it is a bit heavier than a soft backpack.... but I'm tired of having mice climb across my bear hang rope and chew up my stuff... or having soaked clothes/sleeping bag etc. I do not use this for cross-country backpacking, only for canoe/kayak trips with less than 3 mile portages. I would use the 30L if I was going to cross-country trek.Feel free to ask me any questions about this, I know I had tons before I bought it...Thanks, from Chicago

I bought this and an accompanying granite gear harness from REI :[...]A week in the BWCA is as good of a test as any! This was so convenient - I left the barrel out and did not use any bear bag and had no problems with the barrel full of food. The seal is pretty air/water tight so animals are not attracted to it. Even if they are, I think they would struggle with the mechanism. The black lid did absorb a lot of heat, which could be a problem if you are using it someplace very hot. I'm planning to buy another barrel for our next BWCA trip. This is a great solution for camping anywhere with animal problems or if you need a waterproof solution.

The perfect group canoe trip pack. If there’s more than just me on a canoe trip into the wilderness, this will be my go-to pack. It’s quite comfortable to portage, even when loaded very heavily. Keeping out the water and the bears is enough to make me happy. Consider me a thoroughly satisfied customer.

the lever latch draws the lid band tight very easily. However the key that slips into the lever to lock it is just a tee shaped piece of flat aluminum. It does have a hole that I keeper rope could be attached but I expect a bear would just pull the rope dislodging the key and of course be able to open lid. My fear is loosing this small piece of aluminum and have nothing to replace it with. Will need to make some spares (NO EXTRAS CAME WITH IT) and possibly tape inside the barrel for replacements when one is lost or broken.This is being used by high school age Scouts, so yes I plan on it getting put down and lost someplace.

Is EVERYTHING made like crap these days? COME ONE!This is what $80 gets you?If I would have known better, I'd have gotten army surplus.Fool me once. I won't be buying anything from this place ever again.I see the price was just reduced.Still not worth it.When you disregard this REAL review and buy this,take a look at the handle, but be prepared to get mad.When this item drops to 3 dollars with free shipping, I'llgive it 2 stars.I will add a video review of this 'product' shortly.

Get a harness if you're going to be doing any portaging. Not 100% watertight.

I gave this dry barrel as a Christmas gift and chose this rating because it met the expectations of the person to whom it was given.I was, however, disappointed that it was dusty & dirty upon its arrival. I guess that's from sitting in a warehouse but seems like someone could have wiped it down before it was shipped. It arrived exactly on time with the free shipping! I love that perk of ordering from Amazon.com. I would recommend it to anyone looking for canoeing/camping gear!

These barrels are as advertised. This is the second one I have purchased. Annually I got on a Canoe Expedition. They are waterproof and bear proof. I only one concern. They have cheapened the handles on the barrel. I fear that the plastic will break very easily.