This backpack is great! I bought it because I bicycle to and from work, and biking in the rain often causes the contents of my backpack to get wet. Moreover, biking to and from work (10 miles total) creates a lot of sweat in the summer months, which soaks into conventional backpacks and causes them to stink. Though the shoulder and back pads on this backpack are slightly absorbent; this backpack will be a lot easier to keep clean and non-stinky than a conventional bag. Moreover, it will be useful on any rainy hikes or canoe/kayak trips I decide to go on. And it will keep my stuff dry. Truly a worthy bag to have and use.
The material of this bag is a very sturdy rubbery material, even more sturdy than most high quality dry bags I have encountered in my years of (both recreational and even some professional) kayaking, canoeing, and diving. As a person who travels at night a lot, I was worried about overall visibility. The bag, however, has two large reflective strips on the back, and two smaller ones on the front, which all make you easy for cars to see at night--(and easier to fish out of a lake/river at night)--whenever those things happen.
This backpack has a monstrously extendable capacity. Because it is a dry bag, the top folds down easily to remove the bulkiness of the excess capacity when it's not in use. I was a little turned off by the outer pocket being see-through at first, for privacy reasons, but it has definitely grown on me and now I enjoy being able to see exactly what I remembered or forgot to bring in my backpack when I go to work in the morning (the transparency makes quick 'stuff' checks easy). It also has a nice adjustable elastic straps on the back which would be great for hiking, and a sturdy pocket for small items in the interior. All the straps (including the two buckles for the chest) are sturdy and well made.
Finally, this backpack looks very much like a 'conventional' backpack when rolled up and closed. Don't worry about getting any strange looks at meetings (or being 'teased' if you're a teenager) when walking around with this backpack. I got the black version and people generally haven't noticed the difference unless I've pointed it out to them.
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After a few months of daily use, my only criticism on the handiwork is that the stitching that secures the zipper on the outside pocket to the bag is too thin and wears out quickly. This has caused the zippered pocket to pull away from the bag and hang open a little. I would put some strong glue and maybe some silicone across that seam when you receive the bag to keep it attached if you plan to use it heavily long-term. Everything else on the bag has held up very well.
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After a few years of daily use, I have to say that the fabric on the bottom of the bag could really be more durable--a few holes have worn through the material over time at the bottom, meaning I can't store any small items in the main compartment any more without worrying about them falling out. The company which makes these bags should really fix this. I tried taping the holes up with duck tape but it would not stick.
Nevertheless, I still stand by a five star review because I'm very hard on stuff and I've used this bag roughly 5 days a week for a few years now. As a basic starter dry backpack that will work for the average commuter's needs at a reasonable price, this backpack really does deserve 5 stars and stands head and shoulders above others I've seen. The next level up would be more expensive and bulkier mid-range backpacks which honestly stick out too much to take to any sort of business meeting (business people seem to care about appearances and such). The level beyond that would professional courier bags with lifetime warranties, which, at literally ten times the price, are outside my price range. Thus, I'm probably going to buy a second one of these and donate the old one to someone who has the time and skill to do a bit of patchwork.
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I bought a second one and am using it daily. Very happy. I took it to the nearby quarry the other day to test out it's waterproof-ness and it floated just fine all day next to me in my inner tube. (Oh yeah, they float by the way). They seem to have fixed the zipper problem by reinforcing the seam there a bit, but the bottom of the bag is still made out of material that is thinner than I would like. Still it feels even more durable than the last one. I look forward to several more years of heavy use.
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The best oilfield offshore backpack you will ever own!
The best oilfield offshore backpack you will ever own! Throw it in the back if the truck or deck of the work boat with no fear if your stuff getting wet. Can hold much more (but less water resistant) if you roll it up less. If Overboard keeps making bags this good or better I will be a customer for life and actively promote their products to everyone in work with. I do wish the water bottle pocket was big enough for a 32oz Nalgene water bottle but it isnt. The front pocket is very handy for stuff you need to get to on a regular basis. The inside pocket is nice for papers , check book, wallet, other flat items. The inside of the pack is mostly wide open space! I keep a hard side computer case, pouch will all my junk and some towels in it for padding and we'll don't forget to bring a towel!!! Ps. I also own their 20L backpack and 130L duffel. Awesome!!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2015
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ramon jimenez garcia
nefasto
Reviewed in Spain on September 17, 2022Size: 20-LiterColor: YellowVerified Purchase
Ed.F
Great value. I commute by bicycle 15 miles each ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 2, 2017