The Breakwater Supply Fogland is a very thought-through backpack with a lot of helpful features for fly fishermen.
Leonard Schoenberger (Author), The Wading List
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).
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.
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
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
And when it comes to waterproof backpacks, it doesn’t get any better than the Fogland backpack from Breakwater Supply.Alice Jones Webb (Author), Pew Pew Tactical
In testing the Breakwater Supply Fogland Waterproof Backpack, we’ve found a durable, versatile, and very, very waterproof backpack.Chris Williams (Author), Live for the Outdoors
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.
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 TPU
840D TPU
900D TPU
~210T TPU
~210T TPU
Size
25L
28L
28L
28L
20L
25L
Weight
2.0 lbs
3.9 lbs
3 lbs
3.1 lbs
1.7 lbs
2.3 lbs
Airtight Zippers
Drysuit-Grade (Large-Tooth)
Drysuit-Grade (Large-Tooth)
Drysuit-Grade (Large-Tooth)
TRU-Zip
Small-Tooth (with Zipper Grease)
Small-Tooth (with Zipper Grease)
Number of Airtight Pockets
2 (Main and Front)
1 (Main Compartment Only)
1 (Main Compartment Only)
1 (Main Compartment Only)
1 (Main Compartment Only)
1 (Main Compartment Only)
Padding
Fast-Drying, Non-Abrasive Neoprene and EVA
Fast-Drying, Non-Abrasive Neoprene and EVA
Fast-Drying, Non-Abrasive Foam
Fast-Drying, Non-Abrasive Neoprene and EVA
Abrasive, Slow-Drying Open Mesh
Abrasive, Slow-Drying Open Mesh
Inflation Valve
Yes
Yes
Waist Pockets
Yes
Yes
Side Pockets
2 (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.
We are committed to ensuring you have such a great experience with our brand that we promise the following four core parts of your shopping experience:
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