I'm interested in using the shell as a rain coat for hiking in mild weather. Think it's suitable for this? Compact enough to pack into a backpack?
11745
It wouldn't be the best, but it might work. Its not very packable. I have a Columbia Men's Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket for a windbreaker/light rain when I go fishing and think it would probably be better for you. Its VERY packable, actually has a pocket you can shove the whole jacket in to. Plus is has Omni-shield too.
11746
I'd only use the shell as a rain jacket in colder weather. Since it has a full liner it's a bit heavy, would be overly warm, and more bulky than a normal rain shell for backpacking.
1496389
It is ok for short times in rain. I ride a motorcycle with it and it soaks through pretty quick in moderate rain. I.m not super impressed with the jacket overall.
1876946
The shell is definitely waterproof. I'm not sure about the zipper. I wouldn't submerge the case in water, but I think it would be ok in light rain.
579084
I've used it in light rains, and it's been perfectly fine. But, I've never used it in heavy rain.I imagine it would be fine, as long as the top is under your sleeve, and you aren't getting entirely drenched for a long time
1889547
Yes, I carry it in my backpack all the time. I have not really dropped it deliberately to test it. I think it should be able to withstand minor accidental drops.
2136177
Almost no backpacks would qualify as truly waterproof. For that they would need a to have a very complex closure and sealant along every seam. I wouldn't hesitate to use this bag in a moderate rainstorm while hiking or biking. I would not, however rely on it to keep my gear dry while kayaking. The large top flap will do a good job of keeping your stuff dry provided that the opening of the main compartment is completely covered. The pullover cover may be nice if you're bent over the handle bars of a bicycle, otherwise it's not particularly useful.The bag itself is great. Huge capacity with a slim profile. Highly recommended for almost any dry land activity. Almost no backpacks would qualify as truly waterproof. For that they would need a to have a very complex closure and sealant along every seam. I wouldn't hesitate to use this bag in a moderate rainstorm while hiking or biking. I would not, however rely on it to keep my gear dry while kayaking. The large top flap will do a good job of keeping your stuff dry provided that the opening of the main compartment is completely covered. The pullover cover may be nice if you're bent over the handle bars of a bicycle, otherwise it's not particularly useful.The bag itself is... » Read More Almost no backpacks would qualify as truly waterproof. For that they would need a to have a very complex closure and sealant along every seam. I wouldn't hesitate to use this bag in a moderate rainstorm while hiking or biking. I would not, however rely on it to keep my gear dry while kayaking. The large top flap will do a good job of keeping your stuff dry provided that the opening of the main compartment is completely covered. The pullover cover may be nice if you're bent over the handle bars of a bicycle, otherwise it's not particularly useful.The bag itself is great. Huge capacity with a slim profile. Highly recommended for almost any dry land activity. « Show Less
15410
This is a good warm weather jacket for biking or hiking. In cold New Orleans weather it is a good wind breaker. Its main function for us is as a raincoat. It is a good raincoat or a good second layer for bikiing when the temp is in the 50s. It does not provide any real winter warmth. I have lived in Maine. This would be a summer coat.
921994
It's very thin ripstop material. It was a perfect daypack. I didn't get it significantly wet, but put an edge under the faucet just now. Not waterproof, but it took maybe 15 seconds to permeate the fabric under faucet flow. I'd guess no for Splash Mountain. For a change of clothes, toiletries, a couple of on-the-go meals, it did great. I anticipate using it for the same things when I get to travel. I would keep a tablet or paperbacks in it, but not a laptop or textbooks. Hope that wandering journey helps!
1006836
It depends on what you're trying to carry to the beach, but I would think so. I use this as my work/computer bag. I fit an ancient (i.e., rather large) laptop in the center laptop pocket, with plenty of space for folders and other odds and ends. It stretches, so I've been able to carry oddly shaped items in it with ease. Since it's neoprene, it's pretty much water repellant, and very easy to clean. The straps are comfortable and are surprisingly not too slippery, so I can imagine it would be good for lugging things across a beach!
799503
My has never really got wet. I have been caught in the rain.... with no damage to the contents of my backpack. However the marerial does seem like it would be at minimum resistant. Hope that helps.
886234
Yes it is. Wore it during light rain and all my gear remained dry. It's a great pack.
490446
Its a very lightweight cover. You should be able to fold up fairly small and put in a pouch. It won't be tiny, but it should be manageable!
570571
It's made of good quality material and the padded computer space is up against your back underneath the zipper. I used mine in moderate rain without an umbrella with no leakage. Can't say what would happen in a downpour. In the past with other backpacks, I've used a plastic shopping bag and tied the handles underneath the straps and just let it lay over the top of the pack for added protection in heavy rain. Haven't done that with this one yet. I think it's a great pack
2085612
I would say yes. But, if you are doing intense outdoor backpacking, probably not. When you first see it, it wont look that big but it expands and flattens nicely. I've gotten caught in the rain a couple of times and my electronical devices were fine. Hope this helps.
1364665
I've used it as a front pack for backpacking and found it to breath well and have no heat related complaints. Its very well made.
1656655
Have not used in rain. Just looked and most of the outside shell is lined with a plastic/vinyl layer which should offer some protection. Most of my items are in zip lock bags, tins or pill type bottles. The other items are water resistant. Able to carry my IPad 3 and Kindle in the main compartment with chargers and several other items. Like this bag and do not regret the purchase. Got The green color for what I hope is a "lower profile" bag to carry"
854351
No, it's quite lightweight. I don't think you will find anything lighter. It could get a bit humid, but not anymore than other rain jackets.