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(product review) – Aquapac -35L Lightweight Waterproof Backpack

21st October 2020

35L Lightweight Waterproof Backpack


Aquapac – 28L Heavyweight Waterproof Backpack

CONSTRUCTION

PU-coated nylon and polyester

100% PVC-Free – stays supple and crack-free even when it’s really cold

Colour: black with safety orange lashtab surround

100% Waterproof: IPX6 rating, fully taped seams


FEATURES

Full-size waterproof internal pocket

Internal yellow liner bag to separate wet/dry gear

Internal Clear key pocket

External mesh-pockets

Proven roll-seal closure – providing excellent sealing against the elements

Removable back support/seat – which can create storage for water bladder

Integral exterior light-lash

Breathable mesh straps – quick-drying

Reflective logo print

Sternum strap

Removable Waist strap


Whether you’re commuting across town, cycling through Europe or sea-kayaking to the approach of a climb, the 35 Litre Lightweight Wateroof Backpack from Aquapac is a fully-featured waterproof daypack that will protect your gear from all the elements have to throw at you. Designed for practicality and comfort this dry bag is a brilliant option for travel, climbing, biking and other activities where weight is a high priority.



To put the 35L Lightweight Backpack to the test, along with some other superb kit pieces from Aquapac (discussed in my other reviews), I headed down the south coast of the U.K to Porthkerris, to spend a week scuba diving with Droylsden Sub Aqua Club photographing some of the stunning dive sites available along the notorious Manacles, a treacherous set of half-submerged rocks found off The Lizard peninsula in Cornwall, a site which has become a popular spot for diving due to the many shipwrecks and diverse marine wildlife abundant in the area.

Overall I found the backpack to be a vital edition to my kit, using it primarily to store my dry, warm clothing amongst other items on the boat whilst out diving for the day. The construction of the pack is super basic, with the main ‘outer’ bag sealing by using a simple roll-seal closure found on most dry bags. The interior however also hosts two internal dry bags which can be easily zipped out and removed; The large yellow dry bag allows the wearer to separate the pack into wet and dry sections, and the other much smaller compartment which has been manufactured from a see-thru TPU plastic is perfect for storing valuable items, so theres no need to rummage through the bottom of the bag for your mobile phone. The outer storage of the bag is also great for additional storage, with oversized mesh side pockets used to store bulky quick grab items such as a large water bottle or map.



Compared with other similarly durable waterproof rucksacks this pack boasts a super low weight of 841g which feels like nothing thrown over your shoulder, even fully loaded I found the pack feels super light and comfortable. Although lightweight, this pack hosts a range of practical features normally found on more technical hiking rucksacks. The fully adjustable harness and shoulder straps have been simplified to reduce weight whilst still ensuring minimal padding and breathability for comfort; they feature a basic sliding height-adjustable sternum strap with several lash points around the chest straps which can be used in conjunction with small carabiners to store items. The pack also features a removable lightweight waist strap and a removable back panel which doubles up as a portable sitting mat. Another handy feature of this design is that the back panel slot can also be used to store a water bladder if out hiking for the day – Simply drop the bladder into the slot and attach it to the grab handle, the hose can then lead over the shoulder and fix using the lashing on the shoulder straps.

The Lightweight Backpack (also available in a 25L size) is tried and tested 100% waterproof, rated by Aquapac as ‘Stormproof’ which equates to an IPX6 level of waterproofing (testing has been conducted against powerful water jets projected at all angles through a 12.5mm nozzle), which although it means the pack isn’t quite submersible, it is more than enough for any water-based activities such as canoeing/SUP and can withstand pretty much anything that the English weather can throw at you. Durning the use of this product I had no issues at all regarding the packs waterproofing capabilities – Even whilst bouncing around on the waves in a partially flooded boat under a heavy downpour the pack proved itself trustworthy!


TECH SPECIFICATIONS

Capacity: 2135 cubic inches / 35 litres

Height: 22in /56cm (this is the maximum when sealed)

Width: 12.5in / 32cm

Depth: 9.8in / 25cm

Weight: 841g

Materials: PU-coated nylon and polyester

Colour: black with safety orange lashtab surround

Country of origin: designed in the UK, made in China.


I suppose to summarise Aquapac’s 35L Lightweight Backpack, I would have to say that I’ve fell in love with it! The only negatives I would have to say about this pack, is that in comparison with a general hiking backpack it isn’t as well padded and vented which can really make the difference during extended periods carrying lots of weight. However for a number of reasons I have now swapped out my regular daypack for this one. From the actual volume of the bag (which is a really convenient size for me), to the weight vs comfortability rating, to the overall practicality of the pack which includes an array of useful features, combined these elements make it an extremely useful piece of kit in my line of work, allowing me to safely store everything I need for the day without having to worry about the conditions outside.

I would highly recommend this product for anyone in search of a spacious yet versatile weatherproof dry sack – whether you plan to use the bag for your commute to work, comfortably storing a laptop, coat and lunch inside, or whether your needs are more suited to a weight-conscious climbing expedition, you can trust that the 35L Lightweight Backpack will have you covered on all bases ensuring whatever you store stays dry no matter the weather.



– I’d like to say a huge thank you to Aquapac https://aquapac.net for personally supporting me in my work with the use of their products during these assignments. Their assistance and equipment provided for these trips contributed to ensuring my safety and overall well-being.

*Available now at 20% off with discount code: DAVE2020 – Simply hit the link: https://aquapac.net/shop/waterproof-backpack/35l-lightweight-waterproof-backpack-the-wet-dry-range/#

If you would like to hear more about these trips and view images captured during them please check out my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/davewsphotography/ for recent content, or get in touch with me using the ‘Contact’ page on the top menu.

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Nepal in Black & White - Tales of Langtang - Fine print collection
These photographs tell the tale behind the scenes of the expedition, they share the essence of the unique people who call these mountains their home, they depict the purity and hardships of life at altitude and highlight the true spirit of the Himalayas through my own eyes.
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    3 Comments

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    • davewsmith 13th November 2020
      Reply

      That’s lovely to hear Katina, I’m glad you was able to take something positive from my review! Thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment 🙂

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