Tag: submersible backpack

Posted on by Breakwater Supply Erickson Packraft How to Get Started Packrafting on Calm and Flatwater

Packrafting is Your New Favorite Water Sport – Here’s What You Need to Get Started with Flatwater Packrafting

Breakwater Supply Erickson Packraft How to Get Started Packrafting on Calm and Flatwater

Simply put, packrafting is as cool as it gets. Don’t let the term pack-“rafting” fool you – this is more pack-“yaking,” as a packraft can get you anywhere that a kayak does, but without the bulk of carrying around a solid piece of molded plastic. Read on and find out how to enjoy the same feeling on the water that you get on the trail.

Why Packrafting Makes Sense for Hikers and Kayakers

If you already love hiking, trail running, or kayaking, getting into a packraft is a no-brainer. With a packraft, you can get to remote lakes/ponds, rivers, and wilderness areas that feel unreachable. Of course, not everything is remote – you can have fun launching at a local pond or river.

Without the bulk of a kayak or paddleboard, ultralight packrafts weigh less than 6lbs and pack down to around 20 liters, meaning you can carry them in a backpack or on your bike. By comparison, even a fairly light inflatable SUP weighs around 20lbs and needs a bag with 60-70 liters of carry space, and that’s why it’s much easier to carry a packraft on foot.

Packrafts are easy to inflate, simple to paddle, and just plain fun. But one quick thing: whitewater packrafting and flatwater (calm-water) packrafting are very different. Whitewater demands a typical “raft” setup with specialized, technical gear and skill, whereas flatwater is beginner-friendly and it’s like being on a kayak on open water.

In this article, we’ll focus on what you need for calm, flatwater adventures, along with a few choices to purchase gear to get started. And if you love to purchase from Amazon, we added links for buying.

Flatwater Packrafting Gear Guide

1. Packrafts

Choose an ultralight packraft. Keeping the weight under 6lbs while packed down to 15 liters lets you carry a paddle, PFD, and rechargeable pump at 10lbs total, which is safe for carrying on foot. Brands like Alpacka Raft offer models like the Caribou, which weigh in just under 6lbs. You also should opt for a skeg/rudder, a high (thick) inflatable seat, and back support. Since packrafts have large tubes on the side, it’s important to sit above them. That way you can reach the water with your paddle face on your downstroke.

Here are three ultralight packraft options:

  • Alpacka Raft Scout – just over 4lbs, ideal for lakes, canyons, and flat rivers. Made of 210D sides, 420D floor.
  • MRS Minnow – less than 4lbs, includes tracking fin. Made of 210D sides, 210D floor.
  • BEST PACKRAFT ON AMAZON: Catalyst Outdoors Packraft – a lightweight (5.3lbs), budget option. Made of 70D sides, 210D floor. Keep in mind that this packraft does not come with a fin, so make sure to purchase a fin installation kit and install one yourself.

Now’s also a good time to address this question: do I need a tracking fin for my packraft in flatwater? The answer is 100% yes, you need a tracking fin when packrafting on calm water. It will allow you to cover distance effectively. Otherwise, you end up wasting energy on each stroke by wobbling back and forth.

Think of your butt as a pivot point. That’s where your center of mass is when seated. With each paddle stroke, you transfer energy into the water and “push off” with the face of the paddle. With a heavier kayak that’s molded into a V-shape, the paddle stroke can’t push your kayak sideways, so it moves it forward. But a packraft is so light (and flat on the bottom) that this push-off causes the packraft to move sideways in the opposite direction, so the front of your packraft swings like a pendulum.

Having a tracking fin provides just enough resistance that you’re able to avoid the worst of this swinging, and transfer energy into helping your packraft move forward instead of side-to-side. Some packrafters will say that proper technique is enough to make the tracking fin unnecessary, but unless your paddle stroke can be completely vertical in the water, there will be some sideways push-off that correlates the physics behind needing a tracking fin.

Now that that’s settled, also keep in mind: packrafts don’t typically come with paddles, so read on for guidance choosing one.

2. Paddle

Aim for a carbon paddle that breaks down into 4 pieces. They can get expensive, but the weight savings is worth it if you plan on getting to your location on foot or by bike. Because packrafts tend to be wide, a longer, wider paddle (230cm) will allow you to have better control and comfort in calm water.

If you want to keep your budget low, try to find a 2-piece aluminum paddle in the 2lbs range to keep the weight down.

Some paddle picks:

3. Backpack

A lightweight, waterproof backpack is key, especially one that can carry all of your packraft gear, including paddles, pump, and PFD. Aim for a waterproof IP68 backpack, meaning it’s fully submersible and floats on water. This makes one less thing to worry about if your packraft flips or takes on water. While rolltop dry bags are ok, the best option is a backpack with airtight zippers for IP68, fully waterproof protection.

Breakwater Supply River Ute with Paddles for Canoe Camping Best Backpack for Packrafting
Breakwater Supply River Ute Waterproof Backpack with 2-Piece Aluminum Paddles

Best backpacks for packrafting:

  • Breakwater Supply River Ute 20L Backpack – designed specifically for attaching larger items like paddles, tripods, and rod tubes. The River Ute 20L is one of the best packrafting backpacks available, and features waterproof IP68 protection. It can fit an ultralight packraft inside.
  • Rhinowalk 20L Pannier Bag – if you’re bikepacking, look into a pannier bag. They’re rolltop, so they aren’t fully waterproof, but you can combine a pannier with a submersible backpack and have extra space for other items that don’t need submersible protection and keep it on the bike.
  • BEST PACKRAFT BACKPACK ON AMAZON: Breakwater Supply Fogland 25L Backpack – the Fogland line offers waterproof IP68 protection and is fully submersible, with different sizes and colors to choose from. The larger Fogland 25L waterproof backpack has plenty of storage space for a packraft, a 16″ laptop, and extra clothing.

4. PFD (Personal Flotation Device)

A reliable PFD is non-negotiable, and not just because it’s common sense. Depending on local laws, you’re most likely required to wear one, and of course, you want it to be lightweight and unrestrictive. Some solid packrafting PFDs are:

5. Inflation Pump

The best way to inflate your packraft is with a combination of a tiny rechargeable battery pump plus your own lungs. Using the one-way valve, the mini pump will quicky fill up your packraft, then you can give it about 5 hard pumps from your mouth. When you’re ready to pack everything back up, use the other side of the pump to deflate your packraft, which allows you to quickly fold and roll it back up so you can stash it in your backpack and get moving again.

Aim for a pump that offers at least 4.5kpa of force so that you can fill your packraft up quickly (within 2-3 minutes). Anything less than that and the pump may take 5+ minutes to inflate the side tubes. Note that most ultralight packrafts suggest inflating to 1.5PSI, which is fairly low, but still higher than your own lungs will be able to blow.

Here are three excellent mini-pump options:

Final Thoughts

Packrafting blends practicality with adventure, especially on flatwater. Now for the other part of the checklist: make sure you’ve got sun protection (sunscreen and a hat), a solid repair kit, and you may want to also grab a waterproof first aid kit.

The bottom line: for fishing, exploring, or simply drifting on the water, packrafting is worth the learning curve – and if you love the outdoors, you could find it being your new favorite water sport.

Posted on by Fogland Backpack Review Fishing on SI by Ken Baldwin

Sports Illustrated’s Ken Baldwin Reviews the Fogland Backpack for Fishing on SI

Fogland Backpack Review Fishing on SI by Ken Baldwin

Fishing on SI’s Gear Editor Ken Baldwin reviewed the Fogland Backpack during a guided fishing trip up to Alaska this past summer (2024). Specifically, Ken took the Marsh Green Fogland 25L, and it proved its worth. Read the review at: How I Learned a Waterproof Backpack Is Essential for Fly Fishing.

It travels easily, is made well, and does what it’s supposed to do: keep my gear dry and protected.Ken Baldwin, Fishing On SI

Read The Full Review

Posted on by Hydrowall TPU fully waterproof protection from Breakwater Supply

What’s the best IP waterproof rating?

Hydrowall TPU fully waterproof protection from Breakwater Supply

IP waterproof ratings convey how well a device or enclosure protects from the intrusion of solid objects (including dust and dirt particles) and liquids. The abbreviation IP represents “ingress protection.”

IP68, IPX6, IP67…

You’ve come across these codes when looking at backpacks, raingear, and your iPhone. The short answer is that these codes are a rating system representing just how waterproof and dust-proof something really is. Instead of saying something is “very waterproof” versus “kind of waterproof” versus “fully airtight,” these codes provide additional information in their last 2 characters.

The first two characters in a rating are always “IP” as these are IP codes, or Ingress Protection ratings. They classify the level of protection a device or enclosure provides against the intrusion of solid objects (rocks, dirt, dust, sand, or other particles) and liquids. They’re often used for electronic devices, appliances, lighting fixtures, and other equipment like backpacks, raingear, and footwear.

Follow closely here: the actual rated capability is the two characters after the letters “IP,” such as “IP68” or “IP54,” with each digit representing an aspect of protection. Read on for more detail.

The First Digit: Solid Objects

1. First Digit (Protection against Solid Objects): The first digit ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates the degree of protection against solid objects and foreign particles. Here’s what each number signifies:

  • 0: No protection (i.e., not protected against any solid objects).
  • 1: Protection against objects > 50mm in size (e.g., a hand).
  • 2: Protection against objects > 12.5mm (e.g., fingers).
  • 3: Protection against objects > 2.5mm (e.g., tools and wires).
  • 4: Protection against objects > 1mm (e.g., small wires).
  • 5: Dust-protected (limited ingress of dust, but not completely).
  • 6: Dust-tight (completely protected against dust and particles).

The Second Digit: Liquids

2. Second Digit (Protection against Liquids): The second digit ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates the level of protection against liquids. Here’s what each number signifies:

  • 0: No protection (i.e., not protected against any liquids).
  • 1: Protection against vertically falling water drops (dripping water).
  • 2: Protection against water droplets at a 15-degree angle (e.g., light rain).
  • 3: Protection against water sprays at a 60-degree angle (e.g., heavy rain).
  • 4: Protection against water splashes from all directions (e.g., splashes from a faucet).
  • 5: Protection against low-pressure jets of water (e.g., hose spray).
  • 6: Protection against high-pressure jets of water (e.g., powerful water jets).
  • 7: Protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for a limited time (usually specified by the manufacturer).
  • 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter (the depth and duration are specified by the manufacturer).
  • 9K: Protection against high-temperature, high-pressure water jets (not commonly used).
Hydrowall TPU fully waterproof protection from Breakwater Supply
Fully Waterproof Hydrowall TPU protects the exterior of the IP68 Fogland Backpack

The Wildcard: Letter X

The wildcard to this rating system is the letter “X,” which does not mean 0. X signifies that the device is not specifically tested or rated for the corresponding protection. This is common for headphones ratings, which will usually list as IPX5 or IPX6. This means the manufacturer has tested for water/sweat protection, but not for protection from dirt or other particles.

In general, the higher the numerical values in the IP rating, the greater the protection offered. Your average winter coat with stitched seams is likely in the realm of IP42, or IPX2. Sure, nothing large will get through the seams, but dust or dirt will make its way through. And a light mist of rain won’t bother you, but a heavier rain will soak through.

So what’s the best?

The best rating you’ll find on a consumer product is IP68. An IP68-rated device is airtight and can be submerged in water for an extended period, making it highly waterproof and dustproof. The difference between IP67 (which is also airtight and extremely waterproof) and IP68 is that IP67 covers tested submersion down to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. When a device or enclosure provides protection that exceeds the IP67 measures, the device is classified as IP68.

Breakwater Supply Submersible Fogland Waterproof Backpack for the ocean
An airtight, submersible IP68 waterproof backpack: the Fogland 25L floats because air is sealed inside.

Should I always choose IP68?

Water is a shapeshifter. If you’re spending significant time on or around water (like taking a quick swim), or even in a humid environment, humid air will find its way into a non-airtight enclosure, and when temperatures drop, the humid air will condense into water droplets. Because of this, we recommend airtight IP68 equipment if you need to keep important gear dry, such as laptops and other electronics.

The exception to this rule is clothing. Your body needs to breathe, and your clothing needs proper venting to prevent that clammy feeling. That’s why wearing a rubbery raincoat isn’t ideal for extended time.

Our Pick for IP68 Protection is the Fogland Backpack

IP68 FOGLAND BACKPACK
Breakwater Supply Fogland 25L Stealth Black Waterproof Backpack under waterfallBuy Now

Fogland 25L IP68 Backpack

5

We’ve doused this thing in rainstorms, with high-pressure hoses, in rivers and underneath waterfalls (pictured), and sunk it 5 feet deep in the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean for an entire day.

Everything was still bone dry.

Highlights
  • IP68 waterproof protection for both pockets (main compartment and smaller front pocket)
  • Laptop sleeve fits 16″+ range (25L) and 13″-14″ range (15L and 20L)
  • Reflective elements for safety
  • Lash tabs, front buckle, and top handle (25L)
  • S-Curved straps and padding back panel for all-day comfort
  • Multiple colors (view here)
Posted on by — 2 CommentsBest Waterproof Backpack for Duck Hunting, Breakwater Supply Fogland Waterproof Backpack with Decoys

A Duck Hunting Waterproof Backpack? Look here.

Best Waterproof Backpack for Duck Hunting, Breakwater Supply Fogland Waterproof Backpack with Decoys

Shifting seasons requires a swap of gear, especially if you’re a sportsman.

You’re a rare breed with a special connection to nature.

Whether you’re a waterfowler, an upland bird hunter, or a turkey hunter, you’re a rare breed with a special connection to nature. The passion required to get up before the sun on those cold, dark mornings is special, as is the gear required to keep your stuff safe from the elements.

Inspired by this pastime, we introduce our Fogland 25L in a Marsh Green colorway. It’s exactly the same as our existing Fogland line, but designed to blend in with nature. It’s built of our 420D Hydrowall TPU and all capability remains the same: completely submersible and 100% waterproof, and the two lash tabs and lash straps can be used to secure your rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader.

As an homage to anyone looking for the best waterproof backpack for duck hunting, shop our Marsh Green Fogland 25L by clicking here.

Posted on by Breakwater Supply Fogland Waterproof Backpack in front of kayak

Best Waterproof Backpack of 2023: Breakwater Supply Fogland Backpack

Breakwater Supply Fogland Waterproof Backpack in front of kayak

You want a backpack with complete protection for your laptop, camera equipment, smartphone, as well as items for school, travel, and work. And you want to be able to use it for just about everything, including weekends of adventure: kayaking, fishing, hiking, surfing, boating.

As for your non-weekend adventures, are you a commuter who rides a bike to work or school? Do you spend time dashing back and forth to the gym no matter the weather?

And on to the bigger (pun intended) question: what size backpack is comfortable for your everyday use?

In this guide, we’re going to look at options that are fully IP68 waterproof, which means they’ll not only protect against splashes and rain, but they’re also completely submersible. Keep in mind that unless you look for a submersible backpack, anything that advertises itself to be “waterproof” is generally only water-resistant. But a submersible backpack is truly 100% waterproof, and can be put underwater for an extended period of time without letting any moisture inside.

Zippers are Crucial to True Waterproof Protection

Almost all backpacks that feature a roll-top design are not 100% waterproof, even though they may be advertised as such. Roll-top backpacks will protect against splashes, but will not prevent leaks when exposed to heavy rain or submerged in water.

Airtight zippers are what you really want. They’ll protect against complete submersion and intense weather. They’re also much easier to use and less cumbersome versus roll-top backpacks. The drawback to airtight zippers is often their price, because incorporating an airtight zipper means you’re adding a very expensive component to the backpack. However, airtight zippers are worth the added expense for the peace of mind they offer while providing completely waterproof protection.

Materials and Seams

In addition to zippers, the material has to be fully waterproof, and the seams where the panels meet have to be sonically welded to avoid the pinholes that form when stitching.

As far as materials, TPU-coated fabric is what you want: it’s non-toxic, doesn’t break down, and is extremely durable. However, TPU is just the coating. The actual fabric that’s being coated can range from extremely thin to very thick, and this is usually reflected in the price. Thicker TPU-coated fabric will hold its shape and is effectively molded-in-place, leading to a very unique product.

Top Options

Take a look at the comparison table below:

Material (Higher = Thicker)420D TPU~1200D TPU840D TPU900D TPU~210T TPU~210T TPU
Size25L28L28L28L20L25L
Weight2.0 lbs3.9 lbs3 lbs3.1 lbs1.7 lbs2.3 lbs
Airtight ZippersDrysuit-Grade (Large-Tooth)Drysuit-Grade (Large-Tooth)Drysuit-Grade (Large-Tooth)TRU-ZipSmall-Tooth (with Zipper Grease)Small-Tooth (with Zipper Grease)
Number of Airtight Pockets2 (Main and Front)1 (Main Compartment Only)1 (Main Compartment Only)1 (Main Compartment Only)1 (Main Compartment Only)1 (Main Compartment Only)
PaddingFast-Drying, Non-Abrasive Neoprene and EVAFast-Drying, Non-Abrasive Neoprene and EVAFast-Drying, Non-Abrasive FoamFast-Drying, Non-Abrasive Neoprene and EVAAbrasive, Slow-Drying Open MeshAbrasive, Slow-Drying Open Mesh
Inflation ValveYesYes
Waist PocketsYesYes
Side Pockets2 (Mesh)2 (Mesh and Zip)1 (Mesh)2 (Both Mesh)
Comparison Table of Waterproof Backpacks. Note: “~” refers to an estimated fabric weight, since the exact weight is unpublished.

Weight and Round-Up

As far as weight, Yeti’s Panga comes in at 3.9 lbs, Filson’s Dry Backpack weighs 3 lbs, and Fishpond’s Thunderhead is 3.1 lbs. The Breakwater Supply Fogland Submersible Backpack weighs 2.0 lbs.

All told, the Breakwater Supply Fogland Backpack is an extremely lightweight, versatile bag that protects all your gear and electronics with fast-drying, non-abrasive padding, an extra smaller front pocket, and a buckle strap for bulky items. It’s got reflective features for safety and uses premium airtight zippers as well. Price-wise, the Fogland Backpack is almost 50% less than the Yeti Panga ($300) and Filson Dry Backpack ($365).

Given all of these factors, it’s why the Breakwater Supply Fogland Backpack is the best waterproof backpack out there, and offers an amazing value at its price.

You can find the Fogland Backpack on our website or click here to purchase from Amazon.