Sea to Summit Big River Dry Backpack: Tested
When it comes to a day in the outdoors where you may encounter any type of weather and conditions, finding a daypack that can reliably carry and protect your gear from the elements is not always easy. Sea to Summit has come up with a solution with its Big River Dry Backpack series, that claims to provide all the protection you’ll need in an easy-to-carry-and-use daypack. We’ve had this 30L version (the Big River Dry Backpacks are also available in 50L and 75L) on review for the past month, and here are our first impressions.
Design
Nothing beats simplicity of design, especially when that design is the result of decades of experience and common sense, all implemented in the product itself. Sea to Summit has been designing dry bags and other waterproof gear for decades and has drawn on that to produce the Big River Dry Backpack in the format you see here. There are no frills or ‘extras’ in this backpack – it’s a direct reflection of what you need in the field. The lightweight (670g) and compact (55 x 29 x 22cm when loaded full) backpack is made using 420-denier (D) ripstop nylon fabric, which is incredibly tough (and waterproof). The pack’s base ups the toughness ante with its triple-coated treatment. As you’d expect for its intended use, the pack includes double-stitched fully taped waterproof seams.
For carrying, Sea to Summit has addressed the multiple-use case of this backpack by including an adjustable (EVA foam) pack harness with sternum strap and hip-belt. A cool note: the buckles are also fixable/replaceable in the field, using Sea to Summit’s field repair buckle (an accessory available at extra cost). There’s a nifty grab-handle and an even handier (excuse the pun) lash rails for when it may need to be secured to a canoe/kayak/SUP or up on a vehicle (or motorcycle) rack. Simple, but very effective.
Topping off that simple/effective theme is a Hypalon roll-top closure that, when rolled, ensures no water ingress inside (Hypalon is the rubber fabric used in inflatable boats and is designed to resist weathering and UV degradation). And speaking of inside, Sea to Summit has, cleverly, kept the pack’s inner fabric white in colour, making it very easy to find equipment inside. In short, the pack’s design is everything it needs to be, and nothing more.
In the field
The Big River Dry Backpack has been with us for around four weeks now, and even though that has been a relatively short time on test, it has already proven why it’s a popular option for outdoor enthusiasts – especially those who explore water-based environments and/or in more inclement weather conditions. One day hike saw this tester get caught out in some of Sydney’s recent heavy rain, and having the assurance of a fully waterproof backpack meant there was no panicked rush (which, itself, can cause accidents when trying to move quickly over tricky/slippery terrain) to get back to your vehicle or shelter.
The pack has been used for a short canyoning adventure as well, where it was loaded to the max but, again, performed with aplomb, simply doing the job it was designed for. It’s here that the white interior deserves a mention; on the move and having to scrabble inside a pack for equipment was easy, as all the gear inside was visible against that white background. It sounds simple (and it is), but it just works. The pack has also been secured to a SUP for a few paddle adventures both in the ocean and on a lake, where the ease of being able to throw the pack on the back of the user was welcomed.
It’s early days yet, and we have a few longer marine adventures coming up over the next few months, but the Big River Dry Backpack has swiftly become the go-to load-lugger for any activity at or near water – and even as a general daypack, where you no longer have to worry about your gear getting soaked through thanks to a pack’s ineffective ‘rain cover’.
The final word (for now) on the Big River Dry Backpack
So far, so good with the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Backpack. As mentioned at the start of this gear test, by keeping the design of the pack simple with only the essential features included, Sea to Summit has nailed it when it comes to a versatile pack. This 30L pack is nearly the ideal daypack, but for those looking at bigger/longer adventures, it’s worth looking at the larger sizes; being able to just throw the pack on your back when moving watercraft around/portaging means it just keeps things simple and more effective in the field.
The asking price may seem slightly steep for what appears to be a no-frills pack, but look past that simple exterior and you’ll see plenty of features that ensure robustness and reliability for many years to come, making it very good value in our eyes. Look for our long-term review in Issue 15 of Aus Geo ADVENTURE, out February 2026.
RRP: $169.99 (30L); $199.99 (50L); $229.99 (75L)
Go to Sea to Summit for more info.
