First Look at the Rockgeist Armadillo and Argonaut

Asheville, NC-based Rockgeist just introduced three new products into their catalog and sent them over for a first look ahead of today’s launch. The fresh batch of products includes a brand new Dyneema drybag, a tiny bolt-on stake bag, and a unique new drybag protector for those using a rack and dry bag combo. I was able to get out a rainy trail ride to get a closer look at all three. Find my thoughts on the new Armadillo Dry Bag Protector, Argonaut Dyneema Dry Bag, and Bolt On Stake Bag below.

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Rockgeist Armadillo Dry Bag Protector

The new Rockgeist Armadillo Dry Bag Protector is a useful little accessory for those running a rack and drybag setup, or for anyone who wants to add some extra protection to their favourite lightweight drybag. The Armadillo Dry Bag Protector is made from Hypalon rubber and offers enough flexibility to wrap around any drybag, protecting it from the contact points between it and the rack or frame. Dirt and gunk from the trail can cause a lot of abrasions, and Rockgeist is so confident in the Armadillo Dry Bag Protector that if you manage to wear a hole in it, they’ll replace it for free.

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Although some more intricate designs were tested, the simplicity of the final design won out. The drybag is inserted under the two elastic cords, which act as additional storage for things such as sandals or tent poles, and then the entire setup is mounted in place with your favourite Voile straps. The elastic is sized to wrap dry bags around 8-15 litres in size, but Rockgeist can make longer versions upon request.

I think the Dry Bag Protector is best suited for rack setups that see a lot of tire spray. I’ve personally gone through several different dry bags that have been strapped to my rear rack, all of which developed small holes from abrasion. After a short ride through my local trail system, the bottom of the Dry Bag Protector had a healthy splattering of trail gunk, but the dry bag itself stayed relatively nice and clean.

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The elastic cord is a nice touch, which allows the Voile straps to stay in place during the day, but provides some additional, quick-access storage. I could see this being useful for storing sandals during routes with back-to-back river crossings or when you simply need to dry some clothing out during the day. It’s worth noting that there are cord locks on both cords to provide adjustment, and when paired with the ~6.5″ diameter Argonaut Dyneema Dry Bag, it fits nice and tight, so you won’t lose anything you lash down.

• Compatibility: 8-15 liter Dry Bags
• Material: Hypalon Rubber / Elastic Cord
• Size: 14″ x 7″
• Weight: 88 grams (3.1oz)
• Place of Manufacture: North Carolina, USA
• Price: $30 – $48 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: Rockgeist.com

Rockgeist Argonaut Dyneema Dry Bag

The Argonaut Dyneema Dry Bag is a double-ended Dyneema Hybrid drybag that is designed to work well as part of a handlebar setup or on a rear rack. A double-ended drybag is great for storing a tent or sleeping bag in one end, and a down jacket or rain jacket at the other for access during the day—a worthwhile upgrade from a standard roll-top drybag. Rockgeist cleverly used coyote-coloured webbing at one end of the bag and black at the other so you can easily identify what is packed where.

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The shape and size of the dry bag is what Rockgeist calls a “slim fit” (diameter is close to 6.5”/16.5 cm un-cinched), allowing it to tuck more easily under brake cables when strapped to your handlebars, but still long enough to provide up to 15 liters of storage. With both ends rolled down three times, it measures about 18.5″ wide, but of course could be rolled down more or less depending on your load. The Rockgeist Argonaut Dyneema Dry Bag has a single centre seam, which is double-taped for waterproofness and is available in black (as pictured), grey, or white.

• Capacity: 8 – 15L
• Material: Dyneema Hybrid
• Size: 18.5″ x 6.5″ (when rolled three times on both ends)
• Weight: 88 grams (3.1oz)
• Place of Manufacture: North Carolina, USA
• Price: $80 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: Rockgeist.com

Rockgeist Bolt-On Stake Bag

What might be the cutest bikepacking bag ever, the Rockgeist Bolt-On Stake Bag is a tiny zippered, bolt-on bag for storing tent stakes or perhaps some back-up baby cucumbers. It’s made from Black X-Pac, has three grommeted holes on the backside for mounting onto a three-pack mount on your frame, fork, or rack, and a waterproof zipper to keep the gunk out and your stakes fresh.

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There’s not much to say about this pea shoot-sized little bag. It bolts on securely and stays put, and at 9″ tall, it should be big enough for most tent stakes out there. Depending on how many stakes you need, there is room for them to rattle around in there, so it could be a good place to stash a tiny hand pump, tire lever, or even a small repair kit for those travelling without stakes.

• Size: 9″ x 2″
• Material: Smartrepel X-Pac
• Weight: 45 grams (with hardware)
• Place of Manufacture: North Carolina, USA
• Price: $35 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: Rockgeist.com

All three of Rockgeist’s new products are available now from Rockgeist.com.