Patagonia Guidewater Backpack

Over the past few months, I’ve been testing the Patagonia Guidewater Backpack, and it has delivered lightweight performance, water-tight design and durability. The generous size of the pack (29L) is big enough for large fly boxes, clothing layers, food, water and anything else you throw at it. Compared to a number of other fly-fishing-specific submersible backpacks on the market, it doesn’t feel bulky or oversized, although the main pocket is like a black hole.

The overall design is minimalistic, with a large, single pocket design with an interior laptop sleeve, as well as a removable nylon-mesh organizer. The removable organizer can be worn on the exterior of the pack, but I found that defeated the purpose of a fully submersible pack. I found that it was a great place to keep small nymph boxes, leaders, licenses, keys and other odds and ends that might get misplaced or lost. The pack back panel also has a number of utilitarian lash points, integrated net scabbard (that can be sheathed for both left and right handers) and adjustable rod tube holder–providing lots of options to organize and customize your pack-in fishing experience.

The backpack body and webbing are made from 100% recycled nylon (IPX-7 rated waterproofing); the back panel, shoulder straps and lining are made of 100% recycled polyester. This all means the pack can be fully submerged for 30 minutes, provided you’ve secured the closures properly. Your important stuff will definitely stay dry as advertised.

The zipper system (fully-sealed YKK zippers) is sturdy and operates cleanly, adding to the equally robust stitching and coatings (PU face coating, TPU back coating). I’ve walked in and out of the brush, fallen on it, climbed through barbed wire and it’s not showing any rips, tears or noticeable damage. And compared to some of the older versions of this dry pack, the sturdier and thicker material provides a bit more form to the main compartment, which is an upgrade.

As for drawbacks, the two color choices are not the greatest–the Pigeon Blue is the better of the two, but it would be nice to see some additional (and less bright) options. The second knock is the lack of organization: The removable organizer does help with small odds and ends, but I find myself digging around the main pocket a lot to find my fishing stuff. The older iterations of pack also had an exterior (slightly waterproof) zipper pocket that was great for a phone, keys, fly floatant etc.–just a place to access a few important items quickly.

Other than the color dings, this is a sturdy, dependable and good looking backpack. It makes for a great carry-on travel pack (providing the correct overhead compartment size), but I also throw it in the truck every time I fish. Anglers looking for a do-it-all pack they can hike in, load up with gear, camera equipment, food and water, should consider the Patagonia Guidewater Backpack a solid option.

End of the day, the Patagonia brand makes great, durable gear. Based on the construction, this pack will last you a long time and would be a fantastic addition for day-trippers needing space and reassurance that their gear will be dry and protected.