A Soggy Skeptic – Can a Waterproof Pack Really Be Waterproof?
The darkening skies churn and grumble their rainy disposition overhead. A glorious day of rock climbing begins to take on a gray and grim outlook with the prospect of an hour hike back to our parked vehicle. Feeling smug and prepared, I don my rain jacket and take reassurance that my water resistant pack will keep all my gear and extra clothes protected. Then as if the rain gods have been let loose in the weather playground, the waterfall from the surly clouds begins. Surely all will be fine with my almost waterproof pack?
Arriving at the parking lot, the cold water sloshing inside my shoes distracts me from the fact that my entire body is soaked to the skin. Shivering I pull off my pack, dreaming of the dry clothes inside for the drive back home. Opening my supposed rainproof back pack, it is as if a garden hose has been left running, saturating every item within. Examining dripping socks, and a saturated fleece jacket, my tears are masked by the relentless rain.
Since that day, years ago, the word ‘waterproof’ brings on a loud, cynical eye roll from me. I have become a jaded skeptic that waterproof backpacks can truly be waterproof. And don’t talk to me about a waterproof backpack cover that I should wrangle out of my pack as the rain pours down. My lack of coordination turns the effort into a losing wrestling match with the wind and rain as victors. The madly flapping backpack cover goes everywhere but on the backpack. I do a grand impression of Mary Poppins.
When our long time adventure loving friend Jay told us his company jaylife 13 designed the ultimate waterproof backpack, I did my best to restrain my eyeballs from giving my doubts away. Jay has been working and playing in wild places most of his life from ice and rock climbing to being an owner in the outdoor retail industry to backcountry skiing and snowboarding. But really? A rainproof backpack?
Is the waterproof pack actually waterproof?
Call me opinionated, or stubborn or out to prove a point. After listening to Jay tell us about the lightweight, heavy duty material the pack is made of (and environmentally friendly he adds) he goes on to tell us it will be great for all adventure sports. Paddle boarding to kayaking, hiking to world travel.
Frankly I’ve stopped listening because I am determined to show this pack, that is supposedly waterproof, is not a dry bag at all.
Is it a fair test?
It could be said that taking a garden hose to a backpack is an over the top testing method. Call me thorough. I leave the bag out in the pouring rain for hours on multiple occasions. Dave takes the pack on his volunteer trail building days and spends much of his time in the rain.
We hike up mountains in mist and then rain and more mist. We leave the pack lying in creeks. The zippers to several pockets on the outside of the pack are rated as water resistant but as hard as I try, they keep the water out.
I am defeated. I can not get the pack to leak.
Questions Answered by Jay at jaylife 13 About the Sensu Waterproof Bag
What makes this pack stand out above others marketed as waterproof bags? Well besides the fact that it actually keeps the water out.
Jay – I think the easiest and simplest answer is its versatility. It’s relatively easy to make a waterproof pack but to make one that takes you from mountain to ocean, on a plane or bike and carries all of your electronics (it has a built in padded computer pocket) is pretty unique. Plus I think it looks pretty sexy too!
What are the dimensions of the bag?
Jay – 22 inches tall when folded, 30 inches when extended. 7 inches deep. 12 inches wide. 40 litre volume.
Does the waterproof backpack meet carry on requirements for flying?
Jay – We took great care to make sure that the pack met legal carry on size for most airlines. Plus there is the added advantage of squeezing all the air out making it more compressible.
How much total weight can the pack carry?
Jay – We have maxed it out at 65 pounds but recommend keeping total packed weight to 55 pounds. I personally carry around 45 pounds with climbing hardware and rope, going heavier than that is just uncomfortable. My wife usually carries less than 25 pounds for day trips.
Is the waterproof bag good for cycling?
Jay – I use this for biking all the time. It is great. My wife commutes to work every weekday with the Sensu pack and loves it for comfort and that it keeps her work clothes dry.
The padded hip belt sits higher than other packs I’ve seen. Why is that?
Jay – We designed the waist belt to fit higher than a standard hip belt to give it a more secure fit to your back. The wide, thin pad distributes the weight over a larger surface area thus keeping a lower profile and less bulk. It also allows for far more mobility when being active. Unlike regular hip belts that tend to get in the way and never fit properly on the hip, our design allows for more sitting and bending. it also fits awesome above a climbing harness or while in the city, in a canoe, riding a bike or fishing with a PFD (personal flotation device). We tried to incorporate as many sports as possible without compromising performance or style.
The darkening skies churn and grumble their rainy disposition overhead. A glorious day of rock climbing begins to take on a gray and grim outlook with the prospect of an hour hike back to our parked vehicle. Feeling smug and prepared, I don my rain jacket and take reassurance that my water resistant pack will keep all…
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