Fantastic bag that will fulfill a multitude of uses. I've already used it, and I'll get to that in a minute, but here's what it is in a nutshell: very solidly built dry bag that you can wear as backpack if you want. A dry bag is a waterproof bag, and as such it should float in the water (when properly sealed and secured). This does that superbly. Having said that, it isn't the most comfortable backpack around--there are others that are more comfortable, and some of them are also made by Aqua-Quest. But this is the smallest legitimate dry bag in backpack form that I have found and it rocks!I wanted to do the following this summer of 2012 in MN: Run 5+ miles to a lake, swim across it, and then run back (and other permutations of this idea, like wilderness running and adventure racing). Thus, I was looking for smaller sized bag. I was specifically looking for a bag that I could put onto my back nearly empty, and then put my shoes and electronics (phone, headphones, etc) into and have a dry pair of socks already in there so that when I swam across and came out on the other side I could put on dry socks and not drenched running shoes again. On top of that, I wanted something that would also serve as a floatation device for added safety.
N.B. I can in no way endorse you doing this same activity nor trusting anything to keep you afloat in an emergency that isn't a Type III or better PFD, so be aware. There, I said it, let's continue the awesomeness.
I have "tested" it by putting my Droid RAZR, sunscreen, wallet, car keys, dry t-shirt, flashlight, Magellan eXplorist 400, and dry Sea to Summit Tek Towel (the large size) into the bag and sealing it. Then, I went a 6 mile canoe trip, dropping it into the water several times and it stayed secure and dry inside, and floated. Then, when finshed, I took off my life jacket and took the dry bag and swam to the middle of a mid-sized lake and it served admirably as a Type IV (Throwable Device) PFD while I swam and treaded water for the next 40 mins. I held onto the bag with the side carry handle, wore it like a backpack both on my back and front while in the water, but found it most comfortable just hugging it tighly and floating on it (I weigh 160 lbs.), like you might to a boat seat cushion or thrown life preserver ring. I was very comfortable also resting my head on it and performing the side stroke. Then I swam back into the shore and got out and took off my drenched technical t-shirt and took the cotton one out of the dry bag and put it on and then took out the towel and used it to dry off. All of my electronics were perfectly fine.
Note: it isn't the easiest thing for quick access to your gear--but that's how it is able to maintain a waterproof seal. The smaller size makes accessing the bottom of the bag easier than on a larger model, especially when filled, I would imagine.
Note: when you open a bag that has been floating vigorously in water for 40 mins, you may have some water drops find their way inside even when you are careful. Also, don't plan on trying to open it if you are in the water with it--hands off! You'll compromise its seal and might even fill it with water! You must only ever access what's within it from inside your boat or on land.
Definitely fit the bill for what I was looking for exactly! You aren't looking for a Dry Bag/Backpack that is totally waterproof you say, but instead want a larger, more comfortable water-resistant backpack? Then, you may want to look elsewhere. But, this thing is solidly built and might be the best purchase of my summer. We'll see how it stands up to both intense UV and also getting trashed by wilderness running later this year. I also plan to take it snowshoeing over the winter since it will obviously keep everything completely dry.
Why I bought this? I was specifically looking for something small and light but large enough for my shoes and and electronics and totally waterproof and able to handle my adventure racing scenario outlined above. 10 Liters was/is the perfect size for what I wanted. Anything bigger and it would only weigh more and be more unwieldy. This is a perfect Waterproof Dry Bag, that also has good carrying options with the dedicated side carrying handle, the "handle" created by the closure, with those sweet lash point-able D rings (seriously awesome for making this bag even more versatile). You can even wear this thing over your life jacket while you portage your canoe! I would've liked some option to attach the shoulder straps to each other across your chest, but it isn't something I cannot do simply with a 6-inch piece of velcro.
Check back for my updates later this year. Thanks!--JW
P.S. I even love the green color of the 10L model!
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Everybody who roughs it should have one of these because someday it will get rougher and wetter. Anyhow, it will not only keep water OUT, it will keep water IN. Suppose you wanted to carry a couple of gallons or 8 liters or so back to the campsite without dislocating an arm lugging a bucket? This will do it but dealing with a rubbery water taste is another problem.
Maybe you could fill this with water and put it in the sun. It would heat the water quickly (an hour or two) and maybe you could figure out a way to use a siphon tube and a spray head to take a shower with that warm water.
Just a few things that come to mind over and above the usual uses. Think up your own for this tough, versatile waterproof backpack.
Buy Aqua-Quest 'Mariner' Waterproof Backpack Dry Bag Day Pack - 10 L - Green Model Now
It took a while to get here, but well worth the wait. The bag is exactly what I wanted to carry my rain gear while bicycling in the rainy NW. The 10L size is perfect! It easily fits all of my rain gear...jacket, pants, shorts, gloves...and it still has room for some other stuff. The bag is very well made and, since it doesn't ride high on your back, there is no neck interference while on the bike. I'll also use the bag for day hiking and kayaking. Great product. Highly recommended.This pack was indeed proven to be waterproof after being used for a week on a whitewater raft trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Our craft was drenched daily and my pack was one of the few that kept everything dry inside. The 10L Model was the perfect size for a daypack.Want Aqua-Quest 'Mariner' Waterproof Backpack Dry Bag Day Pack - 10 L - Green Model Discount?
I recently returned from 4 rainy days of fishing at Oak Lake, Ontario, Canada. The soft backpack I used to carry non-tackle items between the cabin and the boat got wet each day and in the evening I had to dry out those items around the wood stove. So I purchased the Mariner 10L Waterproof Backpack Drybag. It is just the right size for carrying rain gear, snacks, head net, map, etc. The backpack straps will be a big help when portaging up to Bass Lake for catching smallies. The handle on the side of the bag will be just what is needed when carrying it between the cabin and the boat. The waterproof construction is similar to other, larger dry bags I own so I expect it to perform similar to those products in keeping my stuff dry. Another comment with respect to size is that it fits perfectly in the soft luggage bag I use for checked luggage. I will be putting this drybag to the test later this summer back at Oak Lake.It would be nice if the drybag had one external dry compartment for a few small items, e.g., sunblock, map, etc.
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