4 Years Later: How My NRS Bill’s Bag Holds Up After 40+ Camping Trips

After 40+ backcountry trips and four years of heavy use, how has the Bill’s Bag held up — and would I still recommend it? This waterproof dry bag has been my go-to for paddling trips and river adventures, keeping my gear dry through rainstorms and rugged portages.

Published Oct. 22nd, 2024

Long-Term Review: Bill’s Bag After 4 Years and 40+ Trips

After four years and more than 40 camping trips, how has the Bill’s Bag held up — and would I still recommend it? I originally picked up this bag to keep my gear dry on backcountry fishing trips. Since then, it’s been dragged over rocky portages, soaked in torrential downpours, and roughed up at tricky takeouts.

Today, I’m sharing my long-term experience with the Bill’s Bag — the good, the not-so-good, and what’s easily repairable.

By the way, I’m Ben from Paddleheads. If you’re into adventure fishing, you’re in the right place.

Let’s kick things off with the basics:

  • Design: Roll-top closure for a secure seal.
  • Material: Made from TopTarp PVC, about 21g weight.
  • Hardware: Aluminum buckles with nylon webbing for cinching; only the chest and sternum straps use plastic buckles.
  • Sizes: 65L (standard) and 110L (heavy-duty version with extra reinforcement).
  • Extras: Removable harness for travel and colour options available.

Transparency Note:

This bag was given to me for free by Zach from Frontenac Outfitters early in my YouTube journey. I wasn't comfortable recommending it without real-world testing — especially for something so critical to backcountry trips. Zach didn’t review or influence this video. As always, you're getting my honest, unfiltered experience.

Brand Background:

The Bill’s Bag was designed by Bill Parks in 1972 for river running — and NRS (Northwest River Supplies) remains 100% employee-owned today. It’s a company I feel confident supporting for the long haul.

Durability & Use:

This bag has kept my gear bone-dry in brutal conditions — sitting in wet canoes, during heavy rain, and through rough handling.

There’s a bit of a learning curve to sealing it properly:

  • Pack it full and level at the top.
  • Use smaller items (like jackets and first aid kits) to “Tetris” the final layer.
  • Velcro, then fold (not roll) tightly 3–4 times. Cinch it down hard.

Pro tip: I add flexible cutting boards against the back panel for extra comfort.

Common Issues:

Some users report leaks, but I suspect user error plays a big role. Also, the storm strip on mine tore after catching it during a drop — but it’s not essential for waterproofing. The PVC material scuffs easily, but dirt wipes off with no trouble.

Repairability:

Wear showed up after 31 days and 9 trips this season — just cosmetic. No leaks. NRS confirmed repairs are simple with Tear-Aid Type A or Tenacious Tape — clean, peel, and stick. Field repairs are easy, fitting the sustainability angle perfectly.

Material Notes:

The TopTarp material is a DHP-free PVC blend, better for health and longer-lasting than older PVCs. While PVC isn't ideal environmentally, the Bill’s Bag’s long lifespan and repairability make it a solid, sustainable choice.

A Few Downsides:

  • No hip belt on the 65L version (the 110L has one).
  • Removable harness means the straps can occasionally pop off when shifting the bag.

Final Thoughts:

After years of heavy use, I’m still a big fan of the Bill’s Bag. It's simple, durable, easy to maintain, and backed by a company that stands behind its gear.

If you want to see exactly how I pack this bag for a 3–4 day trip, check out the video linked above — or dive into one of my adventure fishing trips where it’s been put through its paces.

Click here to check out the Bill's Bag at Frontenac Outfitters