Useful information about bags and storage

Which bags and storage solutions are suitable for professional work at height?

Professional bags and storage solutions protect ropes, fall arrest harnesses, rescue devices, carabiners, tools and other equipment during transport, storage and use. They ensure that safety-relevant components can be stored in an organised manner, found quickly and transported separately from dirty or damaged equipment.

The SKYLOTEC range includes compact equipment pouches, rope bags, waterproof Drybags, Duffle Bags, holsters, lifting bags and rigid transport boxes. The products are suitable for rope access, rescue, work on masts and towers, tree care, scaffolding, mobile platforms, confined spaces, and tactical and maritime applications, among others.

Why is the correct storage of PPE and rope equipment important?

Personal protective equipment and rope equipment can be damaged by moisture, dirt, UV radiation, chemicals, sharp edges or improper transport. A suitable bag protects the equipment from external influences and reduces the risk of textile components being crushed, soiled or contaminated with unsuitable substances.

At the same time, organised storage makes visual inspections and completeness checks easier. When ropes, carabiners, fall arrest harnesses and rescue devices are assigned to fixed bags or compartments, missing or damaged components can be identified more quickly before use. Bags do not, however, replace dry, clean storage in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

What advantages do rope bags offer over transporting ropes loose?

A rope bag protects the rope from dirt, moisture and mechanical stress and prevents it from becoming tangled uncontrollably during transport. At the place of use, the rope can be fed out of the bag in an organised manner and stored again after use.

The classic ROPE BAG is suitable for the straightforward transport and storage of climbing and working ropes. Compact EQUIPMENT BAGS are designed for shorter rope lengths and additional equipment. The correct size depends on the rope diameter, rope length and additional material.

When are waterproof Drybags the right choice?

Waterproof Drybags are suitable for operations in which ropes and equipment are exposed to rain, spray, dirt or damp environments. Typical applications include technical rescue, maritime operations, rope access, work in shafts and outdoor work in changing weather conditions.

The SKYLOTEC DRYBAGS combine waterproof materials with backpack straps and, depending on the version, provide space for long ropes. The DRYBAG ECO is available where lower transport requirements apply. Waterproof bags should also be opened and dried completely after use in wet conditions so that trapped moisture does not remain in contact with the equipment over the long term.

What distinguishes the DRYBAG LIFT from a normal rope bag?

A normal rope bag is primarily intended for carrying and storing ropes and equipment manually. It must not automatically be lifted using a rope, rope winch or crane. The bag, attachment points and seams must be expressly designed and approved for this purpose.

The DRYBAG LIFT is a waterproof transport bag with carrying loops, a volume of 90 litres and a maximum load capacity of 30 kilograms. It is therefore suitable for the controlled movement of equipment within the scope of its approval. The permitted load capacity must not be exceeded even if the available volume would allow a heavier load.

What advantages do Duffle Bags offer for ropes and extensive equipment?

Duffle Bags combine a large main compartment with comfortable carrying options and are suitable for extensive personal equipment, long ropes or complete work kits. The wide opening makes it easy to pack and unpack fall arrest harnesses, helmets, lanyards and rope devices quickly.

The Duffle M offers a volume of 60 litres, a reinforced base and space for up to 180 metres of rope with a diameter of 11 millimetres. The Duffle L has a volume of 90 litres and can hold up to 230 metres of 11-millimetre rope. Water-repellent tarpaulin, shoulder straps and internal and external pockets facilitate professional use.

When are rigid transport boxes better than textile bags?

Textile bags are lightweight, flexible and can be stored more compactly when not in use. Rigid transport boxes, by contrast, provide greater protection against pressure, impacts and deformation. They are particularly suitable for sensitive devices, extensive rescue equipment or organised storage in vehicles, workshops and equipment stores.

The SKYLOTEC ALTRANS transport boxes are available in various sizes from 47 to 140 litres. Smaller versions are suitable for compact devices and accessories, while larger versions can hold complete rope or rescue systems. The external dimensions, weight, transport route and available storage space must be taken into account when making a selection.

How do you choose the correct volume for a rope or equipment bag?

The required volume depends on the rope length, rope diameter, number of devices and additional equipment. At the same length, an 11-millimetre rope requires considerably more space than a thin accessory cord. End connections, carabiners and protective sleeves also increase the required packing volume.

The current SKYLOTEC category includes bags and boxes with volumes ranging from approximately 8.6 to 140 litres. Compact pouches are sufficient for short ropes or small personal equipment. Larger Drybags, Duffle Bags or ALTRANS boxes are required for long working ropes, rescue equipment or complete team systems. The manufacturer’s specification for maximum rope length provides better guidance than the volume alone.

Why must volume and maximum load capacity be considered separately?

The volume only describes how much space a bag provides. The maximum load capacity, by contrast, indicates the weight that carrying handles, seams, attachment points and the material can safely support. A large bag can therefore be fully packed even though the permitted load capacity has already been exceeded.

The actual total weight must be checked, particularly in the case of metal devices, carabiners, pulleys or heavy rescue systems. If the bag is to be lifted, it must also be clarified whether it is approved for this purpose. Travel bags, rope bags and transport bags must not be used as lifting equipment without express approval.

Which bags are suitable for the controlled lifting of tools and materials?

Special lifting bags with suitable attachment points and a defined maximum load are required for lifting tools and materials. A conventional backpack or rope bag is not sufficient for this application.

The LIFTBAG has a crane eye, a stable internal layout and, depending on the version, is designed for up to 15 kilograms or 25 litres. The DRYBAG LIFT offers a higher load capacity and additional protection against moisture. Before every lift, the bag, attachment point and contents must be checked and loose tools secured against falling out.

What advantages do compact pouches and holsters offer?

Compact pouches and holsters keep frequently required devices immediately available on the body or harness. This means the user does not have to open a large main bag each time access is required. These solutions are suitable for radios, small tools, documents, personal equipment or special rescue devices.

The ADMIN POUCH offers elastic internal compartments and MOLLE straps for attachment to an equipment vest or belt. The RADIO POUCH protects handheld radios and allows them to be operated while worn on the body. The HOLSTER MILAN 2.0 POWER is specifically designed for the safe storage of and rapid access to the rescue device.

When is a leg bag such as the MISSION BAG useful?

A leg bag is suitable for applications in which the rope and descender need to be carried directly by the user and deployed quickly. It keeps the equipment close to the body without placing an additional load on the back or main harness with a large bag.

The MISSION BAG can be attached to the leg or waist belt and provides space for up to 40 metres of rope and a descender. It can be unclipped quickly and is particularly suitable for tactical access, compact evacuation solutions and operational situations requiring immediate access.

Which storage solution is suitable for fall arrest harnesses and short ropes?

Fall arrest harnesses and short ropes often do not require a high-volume transport bag. A simple storage bag protects against dirt and prevents webbing or rope ends from coming into uncontrolled contact with other equipment.

The COLBAG is designed as a simple storage bag for harnesses and ropes. Smaller EQUIPMENT BAGS are available for short working ropes and additional components. Before storage, textile products must be dry, clean and free from chemicals.

How can bags and equipment be organised clearly?

A clear system makes equipment use and inspection easier. Bags can, for example, be assembled and labelled according to application, team, place of use or rescue scenario. Frequently required components should be easily accessible, while heavy objects should be stored as low down and close to the body as possible.

Internal compartments, mesh pockets, dividers and stable base plates prevent small parts from lying loose in the bag. Products such as PLIBAG support the organised storage of tools and materials. A packing list should also be included with complete rescue kits so that completeness can be checked quickly.

How should wet or dirty ropes be stored in bags?

Wet or heavily soiled ropes should not be stored permanently in closed bags. Moisture can encourage odours, mould growth and long-term damage to textile materials. Dirt particles can also act like abrasives on the rope sheath when the rope moves.

After use, ropes should be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, laid out loosely and allowed to dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated place. Only then may they be packed again in a Drybag, Duffle Bag or rope bag. The bag itself must also be dry and clean before it is used again.

How are bags and transport boxes inspected and maintained?

Before every use, carrying handles, shoulder straps, zips, buckles, seams and possible attachment points should be checked for damage. On lifting bags, crane eyes and load-bearing seams must be inspected particularly carefully. Damaged lifting bags must no longer be used for transporting loads.

Transport boxes must be checked for cracks, deformation, defective closures and sharp edges. Bags should be cleaned in accordance with the care instructions and must not be treated with aggressive chemicals. Repairs to load-bearing components may only be carried out if expressly provided for by the manufacturer.

How do you choose the right bag or storage solution?

The selection begins with the equipment to be transported or stored. Compact bags are sufficient for individual fall arrest harnesses and short ropes. For long working ropes, the ROPE BAG, DRYBAG or DRYBAG ECO are suitable. Extensive personal equipment can be transported in Duffle Bags, while ALTRANS boxes provide particularly effective protection for sensitive devices.

If the bag is to be lifted in a controlled manner, only approved models such as the LIFTBAG or DRYBAG LIFT may be used. The volume, maximum rope length, load capacity, protection against moisture, carrying system and available storage space must also be taken into account. SKYLOTEC bags and storage solutions therefore enable professional equipment to be organised in a targeted, safe and application-specific manner.