Aquapac Wet And Dry Backpack

Summary

The general idea behind this backpack is great, but it cannot hold up in sandstone canyons.

The overall feel of the backpack is great. I really like the idea behind it, but It could be improved with a more abrasion resistant material. I had the opportunity to try this pack out in Pine Creek Canyon in Zion National Park and Zion Narrows. It worked good for a day hike and some floating in the Narrows. The bag was given to me to test out for the shop I manage, by the shop owner. We rent these bags for day hikes In Zion Narrows and they work good for that purpose

Gear Specs

This is a 25 litre backpack made from  210D PU-Coated Fabric, it has taped inner seams to assist with leakage. The bag is very lightweight at only 20.5oz / 580g, it has two outer mesh pockets that will hold a 32 ounce water bottle. There is a waist and sternum straps which helps hold the bag firmly to your body. The interior contains a drybag pouch for cameras, wallets ect.. There is a Velcro pocket against your back on the outside which can hold a water bladder.

The Goods

This is a very comfortable pack that has great back support and I really like the idea of being able to have a water bladder on the outside of a dry bag. That was one of the main reasons I had an interest in this pack. The other reason I liked it was the interior dry bag. If you puncture the backpack itself the inner dry bag will keep your camera safe.

The Bad

I read other reviews saying these bags are great for canyons and they may be, but they are not good for canyoneering. The sandstone ate through a few places on the bottom of the bag. A stick in a log jam also punctured the bag pretty easily. This happened on the bags first trip through a mile long canyoneering route.  You can see in the picture below a few minor abrasions and the area I had to Aquaseal.

Another minor issues is the depth of the water bottle pockets. They are super deep so your bottle won't fall out, but it is hard to reach your water while wearing the bag.

Conclusion

This bag would be great on river trips, hiking in the rain/snow or light play in the river. Do not use it for a canyoneering bag. I have aqua -sealed the puncture and abrasions in mine and re-taped a seam. I will probably just use this bag for rainy day hike and bike trips.

The backpack has really comfortable shoulder support; the inside is compartmentalized, and the size is just right to put in your kayak. I have an advanced elements inflatable, so i really needed something waterproof just to put my lunch, phone and camera into (although much more stuff would have fit).

Next time though I'll pack in a small dry towel because even though the contents of the bag were perfectly dry, my hands were soaking wet when I opened it and dripped all over my dry stuff. I took it paddling till now, but I can't wait to take it on a skiing trip or to use with my windsurfer, it seems perfect for those activities.

Overall: great product - comfortable, easy to open and close, and everything is just right (there's a clip where you want there to be a clip, and there's a pouch where you want there to be a pouch..)

This is something that anybody involved in water activities can use. As a kayak fisherman, this has proven to be a "go-to" item that is with me on every trip.

The bag comes with a "dry bag" inside the backpack, to separate dry from wet gear - essential when trying to stay warm and dry. This bag has proven to keep things dry in everything from a drizzle to buckets of rain. This item is comfortable to wear, and stays put with the cinching system.

I use this to carry everything from a lunch, to spare clothes, to fishing gear. A well thought out excellent product!