Exped  Typhoon 15 Pack

Overall, this is a good bag. It is waterproof as advertised, with the exception of the straps and mesh backing (more on that later). It is very lightweight and the straps are comfortable. I tested it while hiking and kayaking, and I prefer using it for kayaking, since the bag's cons aren't issues for me when kayaking. Hiking: I don't like that it doesn't have divided sections. I like to use different zippered compartments to organize my gear. If I wanted to get something out of this bag, I had to dig around to find it. It does have a small zippered pocket on the inside for things like a small wallet, cash, lip balm, keys, etc. The other con for me (and this was a big one) is that it doesn't allow for a hydration pack. The pockets on the sides are nice and big enough for water bottles. They are actually better than the pockets on my regular day pack, since they are snug/stretchy and hold things in when I bend over (things fall out of the pockets on my current day pack when I bend over). But because I had to stop and take off my bag to grab my water, I felt like I wasn't hydrating enough. That said, this bag is a good option for shorter day hikes or people who don't mind taking off their pack to grab their water when needed, or carry a lot of stuff (you cannot fill it too full since you have to roll the top down 3-4 times like a dry bag to close it). I did like that it has a feature for attaching hiking poles and other things to the outside of the pack. I also like that the outside is waterproof. The water beaded up and ran off the bag, and it does this without having to put on a bag cover, which can be helpful when the rain starts suddenly. Kayaking: This will now be my go-to bag for kayaking. I was able to place it behind the seat and easily reach around and grab my water bottle and snacks from the outside pockets. It was large enough to hold my extra clothes, a jacket, shoes, a towel, and my first aid kit without getting too bulky or heavy. Because it is waterproof I wasn't worried about the contents getting wet. However, the straps and mesh backing did get wet, meaning my shirt got wet when wearing the bag afterwards (which of course isn't a big deal since I'd planned on getting wet anyways, but something to be aware of).

Lightweight and stretchy material so you can pack a lot. It’s lighter than my old daypack and has padded adjustable straps for more comfortable carry. The 15L is perfect for my petite frame. I was able to pack 3 days of clothes, toiletries, all my electronics and hiking gear for a trip to the Amazon in this bag. I’m also using this for a whitewater rafting trip to keep my gear dry. Since it doesn’t have internal pockets and is very deep, I used two packing cubes to organize my stuff. I also used a large pencil case in lieu of the front pockets often available for backpacks. It’s nice that I can also lock it.