Lowepro's waterproof backpack caters to both adventurous photographers and avid anglers (continued)

Ergonomics: Digital SLR, lenses, snacks, water, and fishing tackle… all loaded up into the DryZone Rover backpack, weighing in at 24 pounds, the entire package is heavy. There goes the idea of traveling light but the main thing here is how does this load feel on your back. I stuffed the bag with 24 pounds of gear for the tests, anglers do not have to carry such weight when using the Rover while fishing. When initially put on you can definitely feel the pressure on your shoulders, but how well does the entire system give support is the critical point here. The combination of shoulder, waist, and sternum straps does an excellent job at easing the load and the Rover, even though heavy to start off with, doesn’t feel all that bad afterall. In addition Lowepro incorporates adjustable straps to balance the load so it feels more comfortable to carry. The DryZone comes with quick instructions on how to adjust the backpack, and then fine-tuning the load for the perfect, ergonomic fit. Fishing with the 24 pound backpack on the back for multiple days on various trips didn’t wear me down at all.

Adjusted correctly the sternum strap ensures your arms don't lose blood flow when carrying a heavy load

The waist strap is comfortable and has a cut-out to provide better airflow

The padded shoulder straps, back support, and waist belt all utilize Lowepro’s DryFlo mesh-covered pads that provide comfort while allowing your back to breathe and keep cool.

Hydrapak hydration system is used in the Rover. This water pouch is durable and odor-free

The EasyFlo system uses a bite-activated valve. When you apply pressure to the tip water will begin to flow

The pouch carries 50 fl oz of water

In the past when fishing I’ve skipped drinking water because I was too lazy to take my backpack off to get the water bottle or the bite was too good to put down my fishing rod. Well, with the Hydrapak on the DryZone Rover backpack that pretty much eliminated the issue of wasting precious fishing time to grab my water bottle to quench my thirst. The DryZone uses a hydration system designed by Hydrapak (www.hydrapak.com), a durable, taste-free polyurethane pouch that holds 50 FL OZ / 1.5 Liters of water or your favorite beverage. The hydration tube comes from the top of the Rover and can be routed either over the shoulder or under your arm, depending on how each angler likes it. The Hydrapak EasyFlo system makes it simple to quickly take a drink. It has a safety on/off that’s push and pull just like a sports bottle, and even in the “on” position, water won’t leak until you trigger the EasyFlo bite-activated valve. Just stick it into your mouth and bite on the valve gently to allow water to flow. The Lowepro Rover supplies two bases, either straight or 90 degrees allowing each person to customize it to their needs. Though the tube and base is clipped onto the shoulder straps, I found the tube to swing free when I’m taking the backpack off. The only thing that’s missing here is a valve cover. A cover would prevent any dirt or contaminates to get onto the valve that I’m always sticking into my mouth to take a drink from. Yes, this would make it harder to operate but it’ll keep it clean when not in use.

The base of the tube has a 90 degree angled EasyFlo valve but the backpack also comes with a straight valve. Anglers can use whichever is most applicable to them

Durability: When we first looked at the backpack we knew that this bag will be rugged. Constructed with top-notch components and material, the DryZone Rover is very durable. Throughout our field tests and taking the backpack from one location to the other, getting it wet and tossing it around in the truck and boat, the Lowepro DryZone Rover survived every bit of it. The zippers are still sliding smooth, the Hydration System remains fresh while the lock-out bite valve functions flawlessly, and no damage neither to the backpack shell itself or to its components. The only thing that requires attention is the waterproof zipper. Lowepro suggests that you regularly reapply grease to the TIZIP waterproof zipper for long-term performance.

JIP taking a break on the bridge and quickly quenching his thirst without removing his backpack to access the water

To help balance the load additional adjustable straps are provided right above the shoulders

Price & Application: Do you spend over $100,000 on a high-end sports car and buy cheap tires for it? Same concept applies to expensive electronics and camera gear. Almost every angler today has a digital camera along with other valuable electronics including cell phones, PDAs, GPS, and more. You pay so much for this equipment, why not make sure they are well protected? The DryZone Rover can be seen as pricey, but 100% protection comes at a price. The Rover is a waterproof backpack one can trust to keep their investment dry even in the nastiest conditions, or even when accidentally dipping your backpack into the water. As an angler, photographer, and adventurer, I always carry my camera gear with me when fishing to capture amazing scenes, big fish photos, and much more. This Lowepro backpack will carry your fishing gear, camera, and other essentials, and go with you wherever you may end up, rain or shine.