Waterproof rucksack

[Jim Murray]

I seen one of the Overboard bags recently and was quite impressed:-

Waterproof Backpacks - Waterproof Rucksacks - Waterproof Bag | OverBoard

The only things I don't like are the colours (bright ones or black only) and there doesn't appear to be any side pockets in them.

Looking for something around 30 litres which is waterproof and can survive the bottom bit getting an occasional soaking whilst wading. I like the look of this one but not convinced it's fully waterproof:-

Pro Force Army Waterproof Rucksack Bag New Forces 33L Olive Green: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VkNfwzQjL.@@AMEPARAM@@41VkNfwzQjL

Anything else out there worth considering?

 

[naxian62]

Take a look at Drennans Super Specimen bags. I think mine is a 25 litre job, but it just seems to swallow up everything and leave room for a bit more. And it's got a rubberised base section which comes up about 7-8cm. Quite comfortable also. I regularly cycle 10km with it weighing about 8-9kg. One of my best bits of kit

 

[Jim Murray]

Take a look at Drennans Super Specimen bags. I think mine is a 25 litre job, but it just seems to swallow up everything and leave room for a bit more. And it's got a rubberised base section which comes up about 7-8cm. Quite comfortable also. I regularly cycle 10km with it weighing about 8-9kg. One of my best bits of kit

It looks good, as does the Gardner one. Is it really waterproof though? The Overboard ones really do look fully waterproof, I reckon you could leave them in the river all day and your stuff would still be dry inside.

 

[The Sogster]

The Drennan super specialist is a good rucksack, I have had mine about 10 years.
Well used and abused but still going strong.
It's not 100% waterproof material but I fabsealed mine. The pockets are well designed so that the flaps stop the ingress of rain and no zips to fail.

 

[robtherake]

I've seen several rucksacks over the years that have a waterproof cover - usually hidden away in a zippered compartment: the Nash Pursuit Speedload 90 is one example (and has a waterproof base) but is probably a tad larger than you need. I'm pretty sure they did a smaller bag in a similar style - might be worth looking on Ebay?

 

[slaphead]

You may wish to check out the Mountain Warehouse range too.

 

[tigger]

I'm curious why you'd want to wade in so deep whilst wearing a rucksack ?

The korum ones have a rubber base and a cover in the top pocket that is elasticated and holds on quite firmly. Not sure how waterproof the actual material of the rucksack is though so if you dipped one in above the rubber base it may well leake. Korum do make a couple of smaller daysacks that sit high on your back so would most likely be well clear of the water unless your going under ! LOL.

I do have an army rucksack that has small rocket pouches that attatch via zips and clips to either side if you require more room. The rocket pouches go on a seperate yoke if you just want about 30 litres of space. These are all lined with a sort of rubber/plastic and I would imagine they would stand a dipping in the river without leaking.

 

[sam vimes]

I'd be quite surprised if you could get a genuinely waterproof rucksack of any type. I've used various MoD issue rucksacks, and a few aftermarket military rucksacks, when living in ditches playing soldiers (whether I liked it or not), not one of them was totally waterproof.

The only way to ensure that the contents of a rucksack stay bone dry when immersed in water is to use some kind of liner. Heavy duty bin bags are the budget option, but you can buy glorified, branded bin liners should you wish to. Spend a few more quid and you can get something a little more specific from the rucksack brands.

Do a search on Amazon for rucksack liners.

 

[Harvey]

I have to agree with Sam Vimes. A liner is your best option. Possibly combined with a waterproof rucksack cover. And what will appear waterproof on the first outing will possibly not be waterproof on your sixteenth outing. So go for a liner.

But you could also look at something like this:

WP403 - Givi Waterproof Backpack 35L (TW03): Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/311jXnmNAoL.@@AMEPARAM@@311jXnmNAoL

Made for motorcyklists. And quite expensive. Wether you find it suitable for your purpose, is a whole other question. There will be no pockets for your flask or your headlamp, for example. You will have to keep everything in a single room.

 

[tigger]

Since we have cloth/gortex breathable waders and neoprene that are totally waterproof, some even having zipped pockets that are waterproof you'd think there would be a manufacturer with enough brains to make a rucksack out of the same materials, maybe a few extra bits added where they get the most wear and tear.

 

[Jim Murray]

Since we have cloth/gortex breathable waders and neoprene that are totally waterproof, some even having zipped pockets that are waterproof you'd think there would be a manufacturer with enough brains to make a rucksack out of the same materials, maybe a few extra bits added where they get the most wear and tear.

This is my view Tigger - I remember in Bill Bryson's "Walk in the woods" book, he expresses amazement at paying hundreds of dollars for a rucksack and then having to pay extra for the waterproof cover. I mean, it does rain occasionally.

However, I've been assured the Overboard ones are truly waterproof - would just like one with a bit more functionality, external pockets etc and maybe green or camo in colour.

By the way it's mostly for mullet fishing, which can involve wading all day in lagoons and estuaries through all depths, rucksack on the back all the time.

 

[Jim Murray]

Had to look this up, still raises a chuckle:-

He surveyed a wall of products and touched a finger to his nose. "You'll need a raincover too, of course." I blinked. "A raincover? Why?"
"To keep out the rain."
"The backpack's not rainproof?"
He grimaced as if making an exceptionally delicate distinction. "Well, not a hundred
percent. . . ."
This was extraordinary to me. "Really? Did it not occur to the manufacturer that people
might want to take their packs outdoors from time to time? Perhaps even go camping
with them. How much is this pack anyway?"
"Two hundred and fifty dollars."
"Two hundred and fifty dollars! Are you shi------," I paused and put on a new voice.
"Are you saying, Dave, that I pay $250 for a pack and it doesn't have straps and it isn't
waterproof?"
He nodded.
"Does it have a bottom in it?"