Gear Review: Wilderness Technology 35 Liter PVC Backpack
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: Lakes, rivers, ocean, forest
Duration of Test: 3 months
Product Name: 35 Liter PVC Backpack
Product Brand: Wilderness Technology
Best Use: Wet conditions, biking, hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking
Size: 35 Liter
The Full Review:
After going on a number of hikes in the rain and returning to find my backup clothes and extra gear all wet I decided it was time for one of two things; either stop hiking in the rain (yeah, right let me just stop that...I'll check my calendar...looks like I'm all booked up until May) or I needed to remedy the situation. The latter was obviously the option to explore. So, I started looking at drypacks (backpacks that stay dry on the inside) that Next Adventure offered. After checking out all available options I decided given my budget, this was the best option for me. Sure, Next Adventure offers plenty of varieties of drypacks that climb the quality ladder but given the price and the quality of this one it was hard to beat.
This drypack is 35 liters and offers plenty of storage space. I use it while biking, hiking, paddle boarding and in any other arena where keeping my belongings dry is important. It is as comfortable as any backpack and has quickly replaced my current Osprey daypack (although begrudgingly because I love my daypack). It comes down to peace of mind. For years I packed my daypack with gear that didn't really matter if it got wet, knowing that eventually, it would become damp. Not the case with this pack. Throw your most important belongings in here and they will be safe and dry when you reach for them. That's worth the investment. No longer am I worried about the rain while I'm hiking or splashing waves while I'm paddle boarding. Prior to purchasing this pack, I would strap my Osprey to the front of my board and just deal with whatever was wet when I reached for it. What a breeze it is paddling around now knowing everything is staying dry.
The Good
Extremely waterproof! I've taken it hiking in the pouring rain, paddling in choppy conditions where the splash effect is serious, paddling in the rain, biking in the rain, etc. Nothing gets wet! It really is the ultimate drypack. Great price, great quality.
It's comfortable. This pack has multiple adjustments and I can carry on without a hiccup whether it is filled with a pair of gloves or a weekends worth of equipment.
Durability: Need a pack your not afraid to throw off your shoulder into the rocks? This pack can get soaked in the worst of downpours, tossed against most rugged rocks, hell, it can get neglected in the corner of your closet (although you won't be doing that). Bring it wherever you need, it'll be there with you.
The Bad:
This category is limited. I've noticed, however, over just a month of use that the seams are shedding some fibers. Nothing to worry about yet (3 months deep), but there is some tangible deterioration. That being said, I believe it to be minimalistic to the integrity of the pack. The seams have been showing signs of wear for two months without exponential deterioration or leaking. Everything in the pack still stays as dry as the sun and I am far from worried about it.
Logistically, keep in mind that this is a top loading pack. With that comes the same flaws as any top loading pack, those items that you pack in first will be the least accessible come time of retrieval. You will need to pack logically, keeping those items that you may need first near the top. Not necessarily a flaw, but something to consider while purchasing. Again, given the price point, big deal.
The Bottom Line:
This is the best price point pack to keep your gear dry. As comfortable on your back as it is on your paddleboard. Comfortable, easy, reliable and dry.
The Full Review:
After going on a number of hikes in the rain and returning to find my backup clothes and extra gear all wet I decided it was time for one of two things; either stop hiking in the rain (yeah, right let me just stop that...I'll check my calendar...looks like I'm all booked up until May) or I needed to remedy the situation. The latter was obviously the option to explore. So, I started looking at drypacks (backpacks that stay dry on the inside) that Next Adventure offered. After checking out all available options I decided given my budget, this was the best option for me. Sure, Next Adventure offers plenty of varieties of drypacks that climb the quality ladder but given the price and the quality of this one it was hard to beat.
This drypack is 35 liters and offers plenty of storage space. I use it while biking, hiking, paddle boarding and in any other arena where keeping my belongings dry is important. It is as comfortable as any backpack and has quickly replaced my current Osprey daypack (although begrudgingly because I love my daypack). It comes down to peace of mind. For years I packed my daypack with gear that didn't really matter if it got wet, knowing that eventually, it would become damp. Not the case with this pack. Throw your most important belongings in here and they will be safe and dry when you reach for them. That's worth the investment. No longer am I worried about the rain while I'm hiking or splashing waves while I'm paddle boarding. Prior to purchasing this pack, I would strap my Osprey to the front of my board and just deal with whatever was wet when I reached for it. What a breeze it is paddling around now knowing everything is staying dry.
The Good
Extremely waterproof! I've taken it hiking in the pouring rain, paddling in choppy conditions where the splash effect is serious, paddling in the rain, biking in the rain, etc. Nothing gets wet! It really is the ultimate drypack. Great price, great quality.
It's comfortable. This pack has multiple adjustments and I can carry on without a hiccup whether it is filled with a pair of gloves or a weekends worth of equipment.
Durability: Need a pack your not afraid to throw off your shoulder into the rocks? This pack can get soaked in the worst of downpours, tossed against most rugged rocks, hell, it can get neglected in the corner of your closet (although you won't be doing that). Bring it wherever you need, it'll be there with you.
The Bad:
This category is limited. I've noticed, however, over just a month of use that the seams are shedding some fibers. Nothing to worry about yet (3 months deep), but there is some tangible deterioration. That being said, I believe it to be minimalistic to the integrity of the pack. The seams have been showing signs of wear for two months without exponential deterioration or leaking. Everything in the pack still stays as dry as the sun and I am far from worried about it.
Logistically, keep in mind that this is a top loading pack. With that comes the same flaws as any top loading pack, those items that you pack in first will be the least accessible come time of retrieval. You will need to pack logically, keeping those items that you may need first near the top. Not necessarily a flaw, but something to consider while purchasing. Again, given the price point, big deal.
The Bottom Line:
This is the best price point pack to keep your gear dry. As comfortable on your back as it is on your paddleboard. Comfortable, easy, reliable and dry.