Overboard 20L Classic Waterproof Backpack review

Overboard 20L Classic Waterproof Backpack review

The Overboard 20L Classic Waterproof Backpack is a dry bag based rucksack, designed primarily for water sports and outdoor activities.

Overboard have been making dry bags for some time now, and the rest of the outdoor sport industry seems to have caught up and are all now offering a roll-top rucksack, making the best use of the benefits of a dry bag but with the added benefit of shoulder straps to be able to carry the pack for some distance.

The Overboard pack is very well made using industrial weight PVC with welded seams for a 100% waterproof bag to Class 3 – IP66 rating, which means that the pack will float and can withstand quick immersion.  More than enough for most of us.

I’ve swam ashore from a RIB using this bag as buoyancy, and everything inside remained dry throughout.

The comfortable shoulder straps (a rarity in dry bags that have them), use close cell foam with cutouts and a mesh covering.  This means they drain quickly and don’t get soggy.

The back panel is similar, again with a mesh covering, and is very quick draining.

There’s a mesh side pocket that can take a litre water bottle, couple of energy bars or similar.

The back of the pack features 3 D rings which looked useful, but I couldn’t quite figure out for what.  I’m not a fan of dangling things from rucksacks, and normally use 2 rows of D rings to secure bulky items (such as roll mats, etc.).

The main pack is a great size, good for a day out, with enough room for waterproofs, food, blanket, sun cream, etc. But not so bulky as to get in the way.

Inside the pack is a solid feeling back panel, which does a great job of keeping the bag the right shape.  There’s also a large Velcro panel that allows for attachment of their Backpack tidy, turning this bag into a great work/travel bag.  Its within cabin luggage allowance dimensions so good for air travel on the way to whatever adventure awaits.

All I all a fantastic bit of kit.  Honest, bombproof and comfortable.

Manufacturers Specifications:

  • Roll-top 100% waterproof backpack – Class 3 – IP66
  • Floats safely if dropped in water
  • Protects contents from dust, sand, dirt and water
  • High Frequency’ welded construction
  • Padded shoulder straps and lumbar support
  • Ventilated back panel with air-flow design
  • Comfortable and buoyant light-weight straps with ventilation system
  • Adjustable sternum strap
  • Reflective front strip and reflective patches on both shoulder straps
  • 3 x D-rings for multiple attachment options
  • 1 x Large outer elasticated mesh side pocket
  • Top carry handle

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Good Points

  • Comfortable to wear for long periods
  • Good size for day use
  • Very waterproof

Bad Points

  • None really. Not quite sure what use the 3 D rings are for….

Our Rating

4 Stars out of 5

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