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Granite Gear Immersion Waterproof

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Granite Gear Immersion Waterproof dry pack

The Immersion is a welded waterproof portage pack; waterproof pack that offers the comfort of a back pack which is ideal for rocky areas such as the BWCA.

Pros

  • Easy to load
  • Large capacity
  • Actually waterproof
  • Fits nicely in a canoe

Cons

  • Price (although comparable)
  • Will "scratch" or "mark up" easily

This is the ideal pack for the BWCA. Welded vinyl packs just don't have a reputation of holding up to use in the rugged, rocky BWCA. It is actually waterproof (while portaging I slipped and in went the pack) and not hyped "waterproof" or "water resistant." Thank goodness the manufacturer was correct or I would have had one wet sleeping bag which also means no more plastic and dry bags fitted inside a Duluth pack!

At first, I was a little hesitant about purchasing this item because it's expensive, but it did what it was suppose to do—it kept everything dry. There is an easy access pocket in the front to access things you might want while portaging (i.e. snacks, water bottle, rain gear or first aid). I was surprised on how much it feels like an internal framed back pack. The hip/waist belts actually work like hip/waist belts; unlike most "wet bags" with straps that have a bulky feel to them while portaging. This one doesn't have that feel.

My friends keep telling me you can save money by just using an old Duluth pack and put plastic bags inside, or you can use other waterproof bags, use kayak style bags, etc.

But the truth is, this is a Duluth style pack (meaning canoe style) that is 100% waterproof from the get go. No more fitting plastic bags inside and double wrapping, no more using kayak bags that portage like crap (or need to be put into a Duluth pack so you can carry your canoe also). This pack has it all already.

Frankly I am surprised more manufactures have not replicated this bag. The reason it costs so much is there appears to be nobody else in its class. They have a total monopoly on the perfect bag for this market.  I think I will look into more Granite Gear in the future.  I just have to wait to pay this one off first.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $330+tax

Wow. For early spring, late fall multi-days canoe trips in Ontario. Superb carrier, great waistbelt, expandable chestbelt. Very comfortable on the back, even fully loaded. 

A great portage pack.  Great in the rain...as advertised. I'm not much for bells and whistles so there are very few outside pockets or fancy gizmos... add some carabiners to the outside if you need to.

Just finished a grueling trip in Algonquin with several 2k portages. The Immersion was a beast. The design was by someone who knew what it's like in a canoe, in the pouring rain with long portages ahead.

Price Paid: $299.99

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Specs

Price MSRP: $329.95
Historic Range: $149.83-$329.95
Reviewers Paid: $299.99-$330.00
Weight 1.9 kg / 4 lb 3 oz
Capacity 80 L / 5250 cu in
Product Details from Granite Gear »

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