Hi Guys,

Few days ago I finally got myself a 100% waterproof backpack for my camera. During the years, while wading I soaked my small camera bag god knows how many times and I decided to stop with that. Patagonia jumped in with a Stormsurge waterproof Pack. Stormsurge is a series of 6 waterproof packs from 10 to 65 L.

Like I said, I got myself a 20 L sling pack version and decided to put it on a real test. The test was simple, soak it in the water numerous times and see will it stand up with it. First impressions: build quality is really nice. Material looks durable and not so easy to damage. Backpack has a few side utility keepers that can provide easy attachment for a fishing rod ect. Design is fully minimalistic and besides one main waterproof compartment the bag has one front pocket that is not waterproof. 100% waterproof TIZIP® zipper is holding the water to enter a main compartment. Main compartment is perfect for fly boxes, cameras or extra clothing with a small side pocket. My Nikon d750 with two lenses, two fly boxes and tippets have more then enough space.

This sling is comfortable to carry, the bag itself is not too heavy and while I was using it for a while, it surprised me how comfortable it feels on my shoulder. The only thing I don't like about this bag is lack of pockets and smaller compartments. It would be much easier to organise fishing gear if they put an additional pocket or two somewhere in the main compartment.

The test. First I was planning to shower the bag, but you know, flyfishermans, I have a small stream near my house and this was a great opportunity to go outside, cast a little and feel the bag while I was fishing. So I took my buddy with me and we went on the Bregančica stream near Zagreb. Al I can say that the bag feels awesome, when I want to grab my camera, I just flip the bag from my shoulder to my belly and grab whatever I need from it. So if you are standing in the water, access to the main compartment is super easy and you don't have to hold the bag with your hands or hold it on one shoulder like a regular backpack while taking stuff out from it. For me this sling is super practical. Water resistant test performed well. After we completely soak it around 30 times, the inside of the bag was completely dry. I hope it will stay that way during my fishing trips. If not, this review is to be continued.

Cheers, L