Rockagator RG-25 40 Liter COVERT Series Bag Review
The outdoors are where I'm happiest and over the years I've had adventures of all sorts and in every sort of weather. One of my favorite activities is canoe camping, where rule 1 is that you want everything to stay dry.
This photo is my view on a week long paddle in the Boundary Waters with my dad.
Because I don't only hike, camp and canoe when the sun is shining I was excited to be offered a Rockagator RG-25 2nd Generation 40 liter COVERT Series bag to test and review.
If you've never owned a waterproof backpack, you need to understand that most are designed for function over form. That is important because you care more about things inside staying dry than you do what it looks like or how it feels when wearing.
I own several different waterproof bags and most are no more than a big waterproof bag with straps thrown on them. Everything stays dry and you only need to carry them when doing a portage or to camp every night. You don't need to care about comfort because that isn't what is important.
The Rockagator RG-25 though is as good looking and comfortable as it is functional.
The specifications on the RG-25 are:
- Quick Submersion waterproof
- 40 Liter Capacity
- Floats when dropped in water (when correctly sealed)
- Splash-proof front zipper pouch
- Interior Zipper Pouch to store small items
- Internal Carabiner Loop Strip so you can attach your gear inside the bag
- 20 Kg strap strength
- Elastic Mesh pockets on sides
- Welded construction for watertight seams
- Padded shoulder straps, back and lumbar
- Top Carry Handle
- Elasticized bungee
I brought it out in a New England snow storm to see how it held up and it kept everything inside dry and stayed comfortable when I wore it.
It has a single large capacity compartment, but it also has a handy small internal pocket to keep essentials in.
An outside pocket is handy as well for your phone, maps and other essentials that you don't want to have to open up the main compartment to get to. Just know that isn't a very large compartment.
As you can see, it also has two external mesh pockets that won't hold a standard Nalgene size water bottle, but will easily hold the skinnier variety.
I loved that it has a variety of loops and elastic chord on the outside to strap down any items that you might want to carry and not care if it gets wet.
The external handle was a pleasant surprise too for quickly grabbing and going when you need it.
If I was to buy this for canoe camping, I'd opt for their bright yellow reflective model though because then I could use it to signal people if my adventure went south.
Those of you looking for a tactical friendly go bag that can handle the elements will be happy at the blacked out look of this bag where none of the logos scream for attention.
In my tests, no water got inside which of course is the most important thing.
I loved the padded back and solid shoulder straps. For a big guy like me, I sometimes have a hard time finding comfortable backpacks.
My only worry is how breathable it is when hiking long distances. I haven't had time to put that to the test, but I certainly expect to use this bag on any wet adventures this spring and summer.
All in all I'm impressed with this backpack from Rockagator and I'm going to be curious to see what other products they roll out because this one is constructed so well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a RG-25 2nd Generation 40 liter COVERT Series bag for free from Rockagator, LLC as coordinated by Outdoor PR in consideration for review publication. Photos, thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
