Waterproof Backpack Suggestions

Infi-del

Infi-del

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Apr 6, 2009
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Anyone got any good suggestions for a waterproof backpack? I've read some good things about the Aquapac 35L Pack. But I would like something with a more compartmentalized interior if at all possible. Took my little girl to Warped Tour Thursday and we got soaked a few times. I had my Maxpedition Vulture II and it did really well. Especially the rubberized bottom when having to set it down. It takes a while to soak through and dries very quickly. However, I had to protect it from the rain as much as possible to keep my internal items dry. I want something I can let sit in the rain all day and it won't effect my internals.

Thanks for any suggestions.
 
Use a pack cover or a garbage bag. Otherwise, there are dry bags that function like a backpack. OR and Patagonia come to mind. There is also the Swede Army pack that is rubberized.
 
I use a waterproof pack cover for rain, and if feeling paranoid use one or more dry bags inside the pack. Sometimes snap-lock plastic bags.
 
Don't like pack covers. The straps still wick water into the pack, and they never fit right once the pack is loaded. Plus I don't want to fool with having to take them on and off. I want something that could sit in a stream all day and not get wet inside.

I really am leaning towards the aquapac but I was curious if there was something better.
 
SealLine or Ortlieb. Look at bicyclists or messenger backpacks, many are made just like you want. Also look for packs with a double-layer or a differentially cut bottom to prevent soak-through.

Hiking backpacks are rarely waterproof, they like to add on the pack cover for an added feature rather than just build it correctly.
 
+1 for ortlieb. I've been using one of their packs for years - on dirt bike, mtb and atv. They simply work.
 
Thanks everyone. Got some reading to do now. I LOVE the idea of a pack being a float too. Although being on your back if you fell in water and cracked your head on a rock the pack would just hold your face underwater LOL.
 
The idea, per military instruction, is to take off the pack and hold onto it, push it in front of you for a float for deep water crossings. I second the suggestion of Sealline gear if weight is not a prime concern. Their vinyl coated nylon with sealed seams is pretty bombproof but heavy. I've used their drybags in my canoe for some time now and not yet had one leak, tear or otherwise fail. Prices are quite reasonable as well.
 
The Sealline (and NRS) is. But as I said, may be too heavy and specialized for you. None are multi-compartmented.
[video=youtube;A_MfFvIw2MQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_MfFvIw2MQ[/video]

I've submerged my 30L Baja bags loaded with no leakage. Rain wouldn't be a challenge for them.
 
Simms and Orvis both offer waterproof backpacks. I have an Orvis that has been around a few years and is still going strong. I've never had a Simms pack but know their other products are quality.
 
Codger_64 said:
The Sealline (and NRS) is. But as I said, may be too heavy and specialized for you. None are multi-compartmented.

I've submerged my 30L Baja bags loaded with no leakage. Rain wouldn't be a challenge for them.
Click to expand...

I really like the bathtub bottom on their 115L. I just wished they were smaller. I'm seriously considering one of their smaller packs and just doing my own compartmentalizing with other smaller pouches.
 
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