Overboard Backpack

The Overboard Pro-Sport waterproof backpack is a solid solution for adventure travelers who often find themselves in poor or unexpected weather conditions. The backpack replaces the need to either waterproof individual contents inside, or to put a pack cover on the outside of the bag.

Overboard waterproof backpacks combine what I consider to be the best of roll-top dry bags often used by scuba divers and the straps/features one would expect on a regular day bag.

The 20-liter Pro-Sport Overboard backpack is a sturdy piece of travel gear for anyone who needs to protect a camera, laptop, or valuables from Mother Nature. The obvious use for these waterproof backpacks would be when boating, diving, snorkeling, or spending time on the beach; however, their style and function work just as well for hikers and people who spend time in the field.

More than once while traveling in Asia, I was caught in unexpected, monsoon-strength rain showers. Despite my best efforts at getting a pack cover out quickly to protect my laptop, SLR camera, and books inside my daybag, nearly everything became wet.

Even when rain is not an issue, I've had mud, damp foliage, and water puddles make a mess out of regular daybags.

When trekking in North Sumatra, I came across a savvy traveler who had just the solution for travelers who get out into the elements: an Overboard waterproof backpack.

Rather than worrying about waterproofing laptops, cameras, books, and other valuables individually, a waterproof backpack offers total protection to everything inside just by rolling down the canvas-like material and snapping the top closed.

While the Overboard Pro-Sport backpack wasn't necessarily designed for a laptop -- there is no special pocket or padding on the inside for computers -- protecting expensive electronics is a key selling point. When used with a tight-fitting neoprene case to provide padding for my laptop, I found the combination to work perfectly.

• An Overboard backpack would work well on any of these treks in Southeast Asia.

I found the 20-liter version of the Overboard Pro-Sport backpack a little unwieldy as a carry-on bag for the plane. The sheer length of the backpack when unrolled open made reaching inside to retrieve something small (i.e., an iPod) difficult. The 20-liter Pro-Sport bag is cavernous, and works marvelously in the field, in the water, and in the sand where it belongs. Urban daytrippers and business travelers would be better off choosing one of Overboard's other "urban solution" backpacks.

Waterproof Ratings

The Overboard backpacks are rated for their water-tightness based on a system created by ROC Gear, Inc. The Pro-Sport backpack is rated as a "Class 3" -- which means that it can float and handle quick submersion. Taking the bag below a depth of three feet may cause it to leak. A Class 3 rating should work for most practical applications; a higher water-tightness rating would add significant weight to an already beefy backpack.

Sizes

The Pro-Sport waterproof backpack comes in 20-liter and 30-liter versions. The 20-liter version fits a standard netbook and small SLR camera well. Unless necessary to carry additional gear, the 30-liter bag would add a lot of bulk just for daily use.

Straps

The Pro-Sport backpack is well-equipped with an excellent strap system. A full-sized waist strap with solid buckle along with the smaller sternum strap are far better than what you would find on a typical daybag.

The primary straps are adjustable and come with loops to support a hydration system or clip-on accessories.

As a bonus, the bag can be sealed in two different ways, mainly a matter of preference. Once the top is rolled down, either the top buckles can be snapped together like a traditional dry bag, or they can be snapped to side buckles to change the form factor. A bonus flap with Velcro on the top keeps things looking tidy.

Things I Like About the Overboard Waterproof Backpack

• Double stitching and very durable construction
• Peace of mind that electronics are protected from the elements
• Good padding on the back and shoulder straps
• Front straps support carabiners and snap-on upgrades
• Reinforced stitching and solid construction make the bag feel nearly indestructible.
• Sturdy top carry handle
• Internal zip pocket
• Full-sized waist strap
• Reflective strips on the outside are a nice detail
• Air-flow padding in the back to help with sweating

Things I Would Change

• Needs more inner pockets / dividers; easy to lose little objects inside
• Outer mesh pocket shows contents
• Empty weight is a little heavy because of the material
• A small pad added to the bottom would protect electronics better when placing the bag on concrete.

People in the US can get more information or purchase Overboard backpacks by visiting http://www.overboardusa.com/.

Readers in Europe and the UK should visit: http://www.over-board.co.uk/.

Disclosure: A review sample was provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.