A mid-sized waterproof backpack for water sports.
I have never been the type of person who has to have all the gear before trying a new outdoor activity. So, for the first year I swam in the lake I used a huge rectangular trunk cargo hauler bag to carry my dry clothes to the lake and my wet swimsuit and wetsuit home. It was quite an unwieldy bag, so I was very happy to test the Chums 32L Downriver Rolltop Backpack.
Fast Pack
Of course, this pack is more compact than an oversized open-top trunk hauler, but it is still easy to pack. The bag has a flat bottom, and the material is rigid enough that I can stand it up on the floor. I toss in my super warm Decker X Lab Scuffs, a pair off cotton jogger pants, my Honcho Poncho, a fleece jacket, a towel, and a thick wool hat. The top edges of the bag are reinforced with an inch-wide nylon strap with a clip at each end. To close the bag I hold the edges together and roll them down around the strap twice, then slip the clips into their holders on each side of the bag. Sealed!
There’s a mesh pocket on the side of the Chums 32L Downriver Rolltop Backpack for my water bottle, and there’s a stretchy cord on the opposite side of the bag or my transition mat. I stash my phone cord and a USB to car adapter in the front zippered window pocket. There’s a small flat zippered pocket on the back of the pack, too, but I haven’t figured out what to put there yet. First time ever I’ve had a pocket I don’t need (I will use it for my wallet if I ever get to other outings. When I swim my wallet goes in my swim buoy.) The rest of my gear (my gloves, hood, goggles, snorkel, phone, and keys) go in my swim buoy, which goes with me into the lake. Quite tidy. I am always running late and packing in a hurry, so it’s been so nice the last few weeks to have a system and a bag that is easier to carry. I can grab it and carry it with it’s nylon strap handle, sling it over one shoulder, or wear it like a backpack. It has lightly padded shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap.
There are also two lash tabs on the bottom of the bag for strapping on extra gear, but I haven’t had to use them. Nice to know I still have room to grow with this pack.
Dry Pack
There’s no such thing as bad weather for winter swimming. Rain or snow, the water is what it is. Last winter my dry gear got wet all the time because the bag I used was just a hauler for a cube system. As in, no top. Not ideal. Now with my Chums 32L Downriver Rolltop Backpack my dry clothes stay dry.
I went for a 30-minute swim the other day in the rain, and left my pack on the beach. When I came out of the water I could see that the outside of the pack was wet in places, but when I opened it up my clothes were still dry. I was so happy. There are few things more uncomfortable than putting on wet clothes in 40 degree weather.
The System
Thanks to the amazing parks department in my city, we have hot outdoor showers at the public beach near my house. The coldest part of a winter swim has nothing to do with the lake. It’s the few seconds after I shower, when I’m trying to get into dry clothes, that can be so brutal. Before I get out of the shower I remove everything but my swimsuit and rinse my wetsuit and other neoprene items.
Then I am a frenzy of arms and legs. With my Chums 32L Downriver Rolltop Backpack standing next to the shower stall, I grab my towel and rub my head, then I put on my hat. Next I simultaneously pull on my fleece jacket while yanking down the top of my swimsuit. Then I pull on my poncho, pat my legs with my towel, and wrestle on my pants. Finally, I grab my Scuffs out of the pack, toss them on the ground, and slip my feet inside them. Meanwhile there is water everywhere from the shower, and there’s a pile off heavy wet neoprene to deal with. Repacking the pack is a bit trickier now.
Thankfully, there is a small nylon handle inside the pack that I can use to straighten and open the pack. I’m so glad it’s there because I always seem to need it, and it’s the kind of detail I would miss if I designed a bag. First I throw in the small items: gloves, hood, snorkel, etc. Then I roll up the wetsuit and shove it into the bag. Sometimes I’m too tired to roll down the top, so I just cary it back to the car with the handle on the back of the pack. Other times I roll down the top and seal it so I can wear it like a pack because a wet wetsuit is so much heavier than dry clothes.
Super Tough
I’ve been using the Chums 32L Downriver Rolltop Backpack several times a week for two months now. I’m not at all careful with it, dropping it on the pebble beach, tossing it on the wet cement near the showers, letting it roll around in the dirty, stinky trunk of my car. And still, it looks great. No tears, the seams are intact, and no water gets in or out.
The two zippered pockets have water-resistant zippers that have keep water out of the pockets. The straps, chest strap, and fasteners are all functional and show no signs of wear.
Bottom Line
The Chums 32L Downriver Rolltop Backpack is simple and attractive, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by its durability. I also appreciate the roll-top design and the webbing and water bottle pouch on the sides of the pack.
Details
Available in two colors: grey with contrast blue and green camo with contrast orange. Size 32L.
Manufacturer: chums.com
$129 grey pack /$149 camo pack (available at Amazon.com)
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