Your companion for the unpredictable outdoors.
With fully submersible, IP68 waterproof protection on the main compartment and smaller front pocket, you can wade through rivers, navigate brush and swamps, and battle unpredictable weather – while your gear and electronics remain safe and dry.
Made from our advanced Hydrowall™ material.
Our advanced Hydrowall™ 420D Nylon TPU and CORDURA Hydrowall™ 500D Ripstop Nylon TPU textiles are everything an outdoor material should be: lightweight, 100% waterproof, easy to clean, and virtually indestructible – completely tear-proof while resisting abrasions and stains.
All-Day Comfort
- S-curved ergonomic shoulder straps
- Adjustable, removable and reflective chest strap with emergency whistle
- Molded EVA back panel with airflow channels
- Fast-drying, non-chafing padding on shoulders, back, and hip belt
- Lightweight: 2.3lbs (1kg) with padded hip belt – and only 2.0lbs (.9kg) for the CORDURA version!
Permanently welded seams.
The River Ute Backpack exclusively uses welded seams, with zero stitching – instead, the edges of each panel are fused together using an advanced construction process called radio-frequency welding. These seams are permanent, with zero gaps, to ensure water, snow, sand, and dirt stay out.
Compact waterproof utility – the best of all worlds!
With exterior gear hookups, a 14″ laptop sleeve, mesh water bottle pockets, and a padded, removable hip belt, you’ll go seamlessly from your modern life to the rugged outdoors – and back again. Roomy, yet with a compact form factor, the River Ute is perfect for the trail, the bike, the duck blind, the packraft, and the kayak.
Order now with free US shipping or flat-rate International shipping – plus expedited options for an even faster delivery!
Can this backpack be fully submerged underwater?
Yes, the River Ute is fully waterproof to the IP68 standard. Once the zippers are sealed shut, the River Ute can be submerged underwater for extended time (30+ minutes) while keeping all contents in the front pocket and large main compartment completely dry.
Will it float?
Yes, the River Ute floats on the surface of the water and stays buoyant with over 30 lbs (14kg) of weight inside. Note: as a disclaimer, we recommend maxxing out your backpack at 10% of your bodyweight to prevent injury.
What’s the difference between the CORDURA and non-CORDURA versions?
The River Ute CORDURA versions are roughly 10% lighter in weight and retain the fabric look and feel on the exterior, while the non-CORDURA versions have a rubberized feel. All Breakwater Supply CORDURA backpacks are made from genuine CORDURA 500D Ripstop Nylon that has been coated on both sides with a permanent layer of TPU. Just like the non-CORDURA versions, they are IP68 waterproof and fully submersible.
What’s the difference between the River Ute 20L and Fogland 20L Backpack?
Simply put, the River Ute is made for additional utility and attaching/carrying extra gear. The River Ute includes four (4) lash tabs on the exterior, a heavy-duty top handle with carabiner attachments, and a padded, removable hip belt. The interior configuration, dimensions, and IP68 waterproof protection are the same for both backpacks.
Do I have to worry about rust?
No. We intentionally use 100% non-corrosive materials and components – from UTX Duraflex buckles to polymer and stainless zippers and pullers.
How big is the laptop sleeve?
The River Ute has a 10″ W x 13″ H (25cm X 33cm) laptop sleeve that will hold a standard-sized 14″ laptop, and has a “false bottom” so the sleeve stops at .8″ (2cm) from the bottom of the backpack. This helps protect your device from impact with the ground.
Are the small Velcro straps included?
Yes, all straps pictured are included. There is a total of five (5): a Velcro lash strap on each side, two cam straps on the front, and one Velcro lash strap on the hip belt. We show the backpack with and without straps in photos since they are easily removable.
I lost my lash straps. Can I buy extra?
Where can I use it?
The River Ute is specifically tailored towards anglers, hunters, hikers, photographers, boaters, and those who need quick access to exterior storage. Its compact size and light weight make it excellent as a backcountry backpack for canoe camping, packrafting, and kayaking expeditions as well. For areas that are vulnerable to storms, flooding, and intense weather events, it can be used as an emergency backpack (“Go Bag”) for storing important items as it floats and is completely waterproof.
Guest –
This is a fantastic bag. Good sized. Keeps everything dry. Compares to the YETI but much cheaper and the smaller size more for daily use.
S*******n (verified owner) –
C*********r (verified owner) –
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!
Guest (verified owner) –
This bag is comfortable, ease to use, cool, and kept my gear dry and safe!! The green color is beautiful!!!
W****y (verified owner) –
All the way from Holland I am writing my excitement for this bag. I cannot wait to test it in BALI this January. And I mean, really test it. I’ve got water canyoning, mid quad rides and more planned. I am raving on the fact it’s total waterproof and so far all the material seems of great quality.
I wanted a bag that could last through everything on my day hikes. So I have cubes for my drone, lumix camera and action cam that devide the internal space. Then there’s enough space left for a quick dry towel and everything. I’m a fan!