Saturday, August 2, 2014

Aqua-Quest 'The Stylin' Waterproof Backpack Dry Bag - 30 L / 1800 cu. in. Charcoal Model

Aqua-Quest 'The Stylin' Waterproof Backpack Dry Bag - 30 L / 1800 cu. in. Charcoal ModelI had been using this pack for less than a week, and the stitching attaching the shoulder straps to the pack was coming apart on one side! I commute by bike and use my pack every day, so I needed it repaired ASAP; I hadn't put any real weight in the bag yet, so it wasn't a problem of wear or strain, simply poor manufacturing, unfortunately.

But! I contacted customer service about it, and they were amazing! They took care of the problem promptly and considerately (and generously, offering me a rain jacket for my trouble!).

Now that I've been using it for a few weeks, I really enjoy the design and ease of the pack. The reflective striping is great for biking, and the smaller outside pocket is perfect for my lock/cables.

So I live on a sailboat & I got this as a daily carry bag for a jacket, lunch, laptop which I could comfortably put in the dinghy and know my laptop wouldn't get soaked by sea spray or any standing wateryes it does that. Plus I like the zippered top pocket and vented back-pocket (both are rare on roll-top bags).

However, the backpack straps are pitiful. Both have broken on mine, and I've repaired them by sewing with heavy gauge thread, stapling, and shrink-wrap to sealthat works better than new, but I think I'm going to return it.

UPDATE: after I placed this review criticizing the straps, a representative of the company contacted me in the most friendly and helpful way, explained that he was aware of some manufacturing problems related to the straps that were being resolved, and asked how he could help resolve the problem. Despite being out of normal warranty, they provided me with a refund within a few hours without needing to retrieve and ship the bag!

Honestly, anyone developing products will hit bumpsgood products are those that are iteratively developed as flaws become apparent. Despite the problems I had with the straps, I'm confident that these are good bags, and customers should buy with confidence that they are not only getting a good product, but that it is backed up and supported by real people & not some anonymous entity. Ask yourself when was the last time a company called you and cheerfully asked how they could resolve a problem you had with your purchaseand then did it?!

Buy Aqua-Quest 'The Stylin' Waterproof Backpack Dry Bag - 30 L / 1800 cu. in. Charcoal Model Now

I bought this bag on amazon about a month ago and so far it has been awesome. I spent a lot of time searching for a dry bag backpack that I could use on my bike ride to and from work everyday. I live in miami and rain can be a problem. I chose the 30L model as opposed to the 25L Biker model cause I want the extra 5 liters for when i use this for hiking and stuff. I have been rained on once pretty hard and it was bone dry on the inside, but the front zip pocket had some drops inside, but that could have been from when i opened it to look inside. The bag dried overnight. Also, my lunch box opened up and leaked salad dressing and tomato juice all over inside. I hosed the inside of the bag down, filled it half way with water and it held the water without any leaking.

The "slight" down side is when compared to other backpacks I have had, the straps feel a little less structurally sound. I have had the bag filled to the brim with clothes, computer, shoes etc and it was fine as I carried in on a 3hr plane ride, and walked for an hour around airports. But, I would be cautious filling this with super heavy items for long periods of time.

Overall, the bag is great for biking to work, 6 miles, with my laptop, rolled up pair of jeans, flip flops, towel, polo t-shirt, and shower bag. With these items, it is close to being at max capacity. I use it everyday. Plus, it is actually comfortable and fits well like a regular form fitting bagpack.

Hope this helps.

Read Best Reviews of Aqua-Quest 'The Stylin' Waterproof Backpack Dry Bag - 30 L / 1800 cu. in. Charcoal Model Here

Bought this bag for something different. 5 days shouldn't require a frame bag (for me), and waterproof means everything. Very light too. I filled it to maybe 40Kg, barely able to shut the top snap. Buy a padlock or something to keep that together, you want to use it as a handle, but the snap wont hold. No-frame isn't for everyone, but for me it was fine for the first two days, then some of the stitching came out near the bottom strap, making it carry at an angle.

The side straps were strong enough for my tent and water, but I WISHED it had meshing pockets at the side bottom, to hold the water bottle. 5 Days with 40Kg two bus trips, 3 lakes, 5 coast beaches, caves, and the only time the waterproofing got tested was riding in the bus cargo hold in massive downpour. The bag was dripping brown water, all the contents including in the overstuffed top pouch, were bone dry.

It might have 3 more adventures left in it, with some dental-floss stitching. Anytime but summer you need more than 30Litre pack. I couldn't figure how to strap a bulky-but-light sleeping bag to it. This is made more for jet-skiing to some island.

Is it worth 70$ ? Heck yes. I am very happy with it's performance for the money spent.

For surfers, parking and hiking 1KM or more, this is your gear bag.

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This pack is very sturdy, but kinda big. However, the size ended up being a plus since I cycle to work and can fit all of my clothes and accessories inside. The sternum and waist straps are a plus!

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