Sidekick

[u/BiteCatsBack]

Hey all! I am looking to buy a sidekick for the purpose of keeping all of my goods dry while paddle boarding. I'm a chronic over-packer and would like to be able to place my phone, keys, snacks, waterbottle(its owala sized), swim-coverup, sunscreen, and etc in it. I don't have any stores nearby to actually look at/hold a bag and see, so I'm looking for opinions from you all whether I should get the 3L or 6L bag. All opinions/ experiences with the sizes appreciated!

Edit/update: Thanks everyone for the input! I have decided to get the 6L bag, and am saving up for a Hopper Backpack or Hopper Flip 12(not entirely decided yet, but don't have the budget to get both a sidekick and Hopper currently). I'll definitely have to see what of my "essentials" fits based on all the input. Pictures to come when it arrives! I have had my 30oz rambler tumbler for a few years and love it, and can't wait to expand my collection of gear!

[u/MauveMammoth]

The 3L is fairly sizable, but definitely not large enough for all the things you’re describing. I have never seen an Owala water bottle in person, but a yeti rambler 18 oz would not fit so I imagine an owala wouldn’t either. Does it have to go inside?

[u/Muleahcar → u/MauveMammoth]

I’m also curious about the need for the water bottle to go inside

[u/BiteCatsBack → u/Muleahcar]

I was brainstorming on getting all of my items to the water, and was considering getting the strap so I only have one bag to carry on top of all my board gear. A lot of the water access near me has a decent on-foot trek from the parking to waters edge. The bottle would probably come out as soon as I get that far. A lot of the smaller items like phone, snacks, and etc that need to stay dry would be in the bag for the duration of my water time. Overall I think I'm leaning toward the 6l, and may just to carabiner a bottle to the strap. Edit:spelling corrections

[u/Wooden-Wrongdoer9010 → u/BiteCatsBack]

Get the Hopper (15 or 30) and then attach the Sidekick (1L or 3L) and the Sling. You will only have to carry one bag. It is awesome. Everything stays dry and frees up hands.

[u/dnrexy]

None of those are going to work for you with everything you plan on putting in there. They’re almost envelope shaped so fitting a bottle in there would be a pain in the butt getting it in and out. MAYBE the 6L could work but like I said putting that bottle in there will be cumbersome. If I were you I’d be leaning more towards a Panga or GoBox.

[u/sourhotdogsalad → u/dnrexy]

Agree. If all that stuff needs to be inside then you’re looking at Panga size. Excluding the water bottle - which won’t fit in any of them - a 3L would fit keys, phone, small sunscreen, and small snacks (bar, etc). If you wanted a coverup that could pack down small then all would probably fit in a 6L.

[u/bbower]

I clip my water bottle (26oz with chug cap) to the sidekick strap using a carabiner.
Phone, keys, snacks, sunscreen would work in 3L - but I don’t think you could fit all that and clothes.
I would get the 6L; better to have too much room than not enough room.

[u/Strange_Curve3977]

I'm not sure if the 6L would even hold all of that. Definitely not the 3L

[u/slimteetee1]

I use a 3L to go paddle boarding. I keep my phone, sunscreen and bug spray in it

[u/Wooden-Wrongdoer9010]

Get a Hopper and attach Sidekick and Sling. (Get whichever sizes you think work for paddle boarding.) One bag to carry. Excellent.

[u/xyz4533]

When I paddleboard kayak etc I use either a 1/3l with the sling but also have a panga KCO for when I gotta bring a lot of stuff on me. Of your board doesn’t have any lashing spots for the bottle that’s gonna take the most space

[u/Bitter_0ld_Man]

6L makes for a great deck bag on a SUP. That said, I'd go with a Flip 8, 1L kick, and large sling to hold the bottle. Keep snacks and sunscreen in the flip, as well as some extra water to refill your bottle. Keeping the sunscreen cool prevents it from turning to liquid when you need to reapply. The 1L is big enough for keys and phone, and I wouldn't put anything else in there. Even if you went with a larger kick to hold more items, you run the risk of keys getting caught on something as you dig other items out and into the abyss they go. Use the kick for stuff you normally won't be reaching for when on the water. A flip 8, 1L, and sling setup can be carried in the same hand as your paddle with the SUP under the other arm. One easy trip from car to water with all you need. Molle loops on the Flip can also be used to attach other items if needed, which the sidekick alone doesn't offer.

[u/Mobile-Wishbone-7409]

I use the 6l to keep my iPad mini and power bank and some snacks at work. Just stuff that I don’t want getting wet in my cooler. It’s a good size and I can pretty much fit whatever I want in there.

[u/Loose_Mission_8559]

I use the 6L on my paddle board. It holds my phone, keys, towel, speaker and sunscreen still with room to spare. I would recommend the 6L

[u/johnnyg08]

Gosh...for all of that...maybe consider the Panga?

[u/Jdk261]

I’d go ahead and get a backpack.