DeMar Designs Cortez

DeMar Designs' Cortez - a waterproof backpack - will change what you can expect from a backpack. Simply put, it can do more, and go more places, than other backpacks or dry bags.

It has a waterproof zipper, which makes gear (in my case, usually photography equipment) easy to get to, but also keeps it dry as a bone, even if your canoe flips over (Don't ask...). So it's got the function of a dry bag, but the comfort for carrying and hiking of the best day packs - it's up for some real hiking action. In fact, if you travel light it'd be good for an overnighter.

In addition to the dry space, you can put wet gear between the inner pouch and the outer mesh so that it can dry while you hike. And the outer shell of the backpack does a great job of wicking moisture away from hot spots, and also of drying quickly after it gets dropped in the water or rained on.

It's a brand new company - I found mine in a dive store, but they also sell directly from the online website, www.demardesigns.com

If you're into hiking, watersports or photography, check it out. I'm having a great time with mine!

Jen