Writing as a Divemaster, marine ecologist, and full-time PhD student who spends months of the year collecting data in the field. While I've yet to drag this backpack through its paces out on a fieldwork season, I've been pleasantly surprised with how robust it has been as an EDC backpack in adverse winter conditions. It's burly and rugged, and has a functionally minimalist design with plenty of external lash points and additional features. I picked this bag over alternatives such as the Patagonia Guidewater line or the Fishpond Thunderhead primarily because of its built-in laptop sleeve and double airtight pockets (one main compartment and one outside compartment). I don't regret this decision at all, and am pleasantly and plentifully surprised at how well-made and thought-out this product is. My only gripe so far is how small the external water bottle sleeves are—none of my water bottles fit in them, but it's also hard to whine about a feature that none of the other submersible packs on the market even have to begin with, so I digress. The hingeless carabiners are also sleek and functional and don't feel disposable. In short, this bag seems perfect for my demanding use cases, and my only suggestions are 1) bigger/more expandable water bottle sleeves, and 2) a clearer picture of Breakwater Supply's commitment to conservation and sustainability and how their products and materials reflect this focus. Thank you for this backpack Godsend!

After having really bad experiences with supposedly waterproof dry bags and backpacks, I decided I need to do more research and be prepared to spend a little extra in order to get quality gear. When it comes to sensitive items that just can't get wet such as electronics, towels or layers of clothes designed to keep me warm, I don't want to take any chances. I found the gear I was looking for from Breakwater Supply. The River UTE backpack is exactly what I needed and more. It is completely waterproof and submersible. The lashing points are extremely handy for attaching the backpack onto my paddle board or kayak and they are also useful for attaching webbing that allows me to store wet gear such as water shoes or a wet towel on the outside as pictured. The pockets on the sides fit my tall smart water bottles perfectly and the velcro straps on the top sides fit around the cap of the bottle as if that's exactly what they were designed to do. There is a smaller waterproof zippered pocket for my wallet and keys. There is a much more heavy duty waterproof zipper for the main compartment. It stores my Nesso beach tent with the back lash straps holding the poles as pictured. With all that there's still loads of room inside the 20 l Main compartment for a towel, food and also an air inflator if I choose. My buddy likes to use the same backpack to store a miniature fishing pole and fishing gear. There are three additional compartments inside the main compartment of the backpack, but I may not need those until I want to hike with it in areas where I have to walk through water. From hiking and urban exploration to kayaking and paddle boarding, I am a big fan of functional multi-purpose gear and this backpack delivers in aces!

These are really handy little clips. I used them to clip negative onto my paddle board for storage.

Similar in convenience and utility to a typical beach tote bag but with full waterproofing and sealing -- very useful!

It’s a good thing to have and it’s waterproof. I’ve already been using it. 5-Star Excellent! Especially during this bad weather.

A great bag. I constantly feel safe when I’m on vacation. The bag is tough and beautiful. An added advantage that nobody mentions except for being waterproof, is that I don’t have to take care all the time when I’m abroad for pickpockets because the bag is rigid. People don’t even think about it. BUY THIS BAG

This was my impulse buy of the year probably. I ride standup jet skis, and hate having to go back through the no wake zone just because I’m gassed and need water. Crashed tested and approved this thing freaking rocks

This is a very high quality shirt. I would say it subtly beautiful.

Great waterproof backpack. It fits everything I need. Protects my stuff from rain. It's awesome.

This dry bag keeps my first aide kit dry! THis has great visibility for night time and compact for stoarage.

I brought this waterproof tote on my Paint & Paddle adventures and to the beach — and let me tell you, it downpoured on one of those days… and this bag was a total hero!!! The waterproofing? Exceptional. My supplies stayed bone dry, and I didn’t have to stress for a second! I’m obsessed with the zippers — they’re sleek, smooth, and make it so easy to grab what I need in the moment. Plus, it’s super lightweight — I can just toss it over my shoulder and head out! This tote is officially my go-to adventure bag!! I highly recommend it — I’m a big, big fan!!!

Works exactly as it should. I use this as my boat bag when I dive and it is continuously punished and still holding up. Highly recommend. Very well built.