Please select your home edition
Edition
Upffront 2020 Foredeck Club LEADERBOARD

Stacking Bags from Outils Oceans are the number one below deck stowage solution for offshore racers

by Calanach Finlayson 3 Jun 09:00 BST
Stacking Bags from Outils Oceans © upffront.com

In this article we take a brief look at why French manufacturer Outils Oceans are the number one below deck stowage solution for offshore race yachts. How many can you count in the above image taken on board 11th Hour Racing during The Ocean Race?

For us it comes down to these two words. From fenders to winch handle pockets to tool bags, Outils Oceans have made a name for themselves by producing innovative, hard-waring and simple products. The stacking bags are no exception.

The base and sides are formed by a single piece of stiff plastic bent upwards to meet the lid. This is what gives the bag its structure and shape. A heavy-duty tarpaulin forms the ends and lid which has a full width opening with robust plastic zippers that aren't subject to corrosion, followed by a Velcro strip. The carry handles are simple pieces of cord which are designed just for moving the bags around inside the boat rather than lugging across long distances.

A nice little detail is the clear plastic document pocket on the end of the bag for itemising the contents.

The stack bag is available in two standard sizes:
Matos60 (47L) - L60 x H28 x W28 cm
Matos70 (72L) - L70 x H32 x W32 cm

In addition, an internal division pocket can be added to further compartmentalise the space.

With its cuboid form, the stacking bag is something halfway between a box and a bag. A flat base and square corners allows for efficient internal packing while the stiff sides provide some protection to the contents from being crushed. Unlike a box, the stack bags can be folded flat when not in use and aren't at risk of cracking when thrown around.

The square form and rigid structure means the stack bags can be stowed tightly side by side or on top of one another without wasting space. This partly explains their popularity in offshore classes such as Figaro, IMOCA and Class 40 where moveable weight can be shifted from side to side on every tack. For this laboursome task, you want to pack everything into as few manageable sized units as possible.

For other racing classes where stacking is not permitted, the stack bags still offer great utility for stowing domestic items, spares, or even an anchor. The same applies to blue water cruisers needing additional storage space for longer voyages.

In summary:

  • A durable, stackable storage bag
  • The hard plastic sides allow for stacking without crushing the contents
  • These are the go-to for the French offshore race fleets
  • Also a superb option for handicap racers and cruisers who aren't stacking

Stacking Bags From Outils Oceans

Related Articles

What's new in Velocitek's Prism 2 compass?
Latest model integrates user feedback and technological advancements Sailing demands precision and accuracy, and a reliable electronic compass is indispensable for this purpose. Velocitek, a prominent name in sailing hardware, continues to lead in innovation with this year's release of the Prism 2. Posted on 14 Sep
New Ewincher SE model
Affordable and powerful electric winch handle Ewincher has recently introduced their new electric winch handle - Ewincher SE, which stands for Special Edition. At a first glance it's difficult to find the difference from Ewincher 2, but somehow the price is considerably lower. Posted on 7 Sep
Defending your boat
Why fenders should not be overlooked In Spanish, a boat's fender is normally called 'una defensa', which may be a more appropriate name. 'A Defender' Posted on 24 Aug
Fendress Fender Covers
Extend the life of your fenders, and add style too Fender covers are designed to protect the hull of the boat while it is docked. Often forgotten, fender covers save your boat from scratching and extend fenders lives that are constantly exposed to a high volumes of UV and friction. Posted on 11 Aug
A Quick Guide to NMEA
Compatibility communication protocols and standards for marine electronics Anyone who has so much as dabbled in marine electronics will have come across the term NMEA, often colloquially expressed as "Nema". Posted on 14 Jul
Why I want a Spinnaker Snuffer
One of the items on Dave Proctor's wish list at upffront.com Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Dave Proctor. I am a freelance journalist and the proud owner of a classic 27 ft yacht. I have been invited to write a series of articles on my wish list of the things that I would like to buy for my boat. Posted on 8 Jul
Spinlock PXR Cam Cleat
Easy release of high performance control lines - a review by upffront.com Spinlock Ltd is a British company, based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where for the past 40 years they have been designing and manufacturing their market-leading range of rope control devices. Posted on 1 Jul
Calypso Portable Wind Instruments
New to Upffront.com so the full research has to be done... In the world of sailing, Calypso Instruments offers the possibility to have a low cost, low impact wind meter for small sports boats and day sailors where a full-blown marine electronics package isn't practical. Posted on 23 Jun
Backstay purchase systems for small keelboats
Benefits of different options broken down by upffront.com We have previously reported on the benefits of composite backstays: to reduce weight aloft and increase performance. An effective control system to finely tune backstay load is equally important, particularly for a race yacht. Posted on 16 Jun
Introducing Ronstan Orbit Winches
QuickTrim feature allows line to be eased without removing handle or line Ronstan have just launched an all new range of Aluminium Self-tailing Orbit Winches in three sizes plus an innovative new QuickTrim feature which allows the line to be eased without removing the handle or the line from the self-tailer. Posted on 7 Jun