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Guidewater Backpack 29L Reviews

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4.5/5

True To Size

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Guidewater Backpack 29L

4.5/5
True To Size
May 2, 2023

Rugged and everything proof

This backpack is really well made and relatively light weight. It would be great if the material could be more flexible.

April 17, 2023

Great waterproof travel pack

I use this as my carry on bag. Last weekend attended a four day music fest. Got rained out on Saturday afternoon. Even with a good rain parka, I was soaked. Everything in the bag was bone dry. Could not ask for more!

April 17, 2023

Water Tight

This bag is air tight to the squeeze and I absolutely trust it covering my DSLR in the rain and the occasional deep wade! @fishingremotemaine

April 11, 2023

So far, as advertised.

Truthfully, I still have not gotten the bag out in the wild for the adventures it was bought for. However, it fits great, and seems bomb-proof as far the construction goes. Im sure it will get broken in soon, and the zipper will get easier to use. No complaints.

April 11, 2023

Smart Update to an old Standby

This is the second version of this pack I've had. The first one made it a solid 10 years before it finally fell apart. I use it everyday guiding, it is always outside, in the boat, or in the truck. I never leave home without it. The straps and fit on this version are better than the old style. It's more comfortable to wear all day. It&#x2... Read More7;s the perfect size to hold my lunch and a raincoat and a good camera plus all the rest of the stuff I need for a day of guiding. My only issue is that sometimes it's hard to find stuff inside a black pack with a black inside. Overall a fantastic piece of kit that I expect to last for another decade.

April 10, 2023

Works Great

The bags work just as intended keeping everything inside dry despite multiple submersions. I took this bag on a river trip through caves and rough terrain and held up well. There were no rips or cuts throughout despite dragging against rocks. The zipper is very sturdy and can be a bit hard to move but it is reassurance that it will not accidentally... Read More open. The inside divider is a nice addition since there is only one interior pocket. The bag is able to hold quite a bit of stuff but since it is really just a black hole it is not the best for say being used as a carry-on. I have used it multiple times for hours at a time and is comfortable, just need to mind how items are packed inside. The black bag can be difficult to see everything inside but is in no way a flaw.

April 6, 2023

Small bag that holds a lot,

The dimensions of the Pack are kinda small, and for this kind of investment, I was hoping to find something larger. I am very glad I did not. The pack holds a computer, go-pro, 2 Tibor Everglades, 2 Tibor Gulfstreams and with some additional pack straps I got from Simms, I carry 4 Rod Tubes! after the esentials I refuse to put in my checked luggage... Read More, My shaving kit, and a couple of changes of clothes, and there is still room in this Pack.. I'm sold.

April 5, 2023

Great backpack/Fully waterproof

I bought this backpack for rainforest fieldwork and boat travel in Borneo and it performed on all levels. Totally waterproof and mudproof. Yes the zipper is a little stiff but what do you expect? It is fully waterproof and is much better and more convenient than roll top bags. The 1/2 inch webbing hip belt works but I would like something more subs... Read Moretantial in a belt. A great backpack that will keep your belongings dry in any environment!!

April 1, 2023

Excellent

Its perfect for a day on the water. Holds everything with some room to spare and keeps everything dry. This might be my favorite fishing pack!

March 12, 2023

Great no frills pack

I purchased this pack to replace my 20 year old fishing pack. The fact this pack is water proof and has very few buckles, zippers and other exposed pieces to catch my fly line is awesome. It easily carries multiple fly boxes, extra layers, an extra rod tube, wading staff, and net with room to spare. I paired it with a small waterproof fishing pouch... Read More, that easily attaches to the backpack waist strap, to keep a couple of fly boxes, tippet, and other accessories close at hand. Although the shoulder straps seem a bit thin, the back pack is extremely comfortable for long days on the water. The zipper moves much easier than other waterproof packs I have encountered but still makes a very tight seal when fully closed. I am extremely pleased with this purchase and recommend it to any fly fisher.

March 8, 2023

happy to have found a 100% waterproof backpack

This backpack was received on February 18. It will be used by my 18-year old grandson who will be traveling in Japan for 2 1/2 weeks in July, 2023. I immediately noticed that the zipper was very hard to open & close. I read all of the reviews on your website for this backpack. Several also mentioned problems opening & closing the zipper. On... Read Moree of the reviews mentioned to try "zipper lube". I called the San Francisco, CA store where we had picked up another item recently in person. The person at the store suggested to use a specific brand of zipper lube which was purchased. I put 4 coats of the zipper lube wax on the zipper & opened & closed the zipper several times after each application to let the lube wax work into the zipper as instructed. The zipper worked better after this treatment. There was still some resistance which I understand is to be expected due to its waterproof nature. This information about this type of zipper was given to me by Patagonia Customer Service. It should be noted that there is a lack of pockets & other organization inside this backpack which was mentioned in other reviews. I have attempted to solve this problem by purchasing a large backpack insert organizer which adds pockets, a water bottle holder & other useful storage to the large interior space of this backpack. I am happy to have found a 100% waterproof backpack which is exactly what is going to be needed during the rainy season in Japan. I have purchased extra sticks of the zipper lube wax that I will give to my grandson should he need them during his travels. It will remain to be seen how the zipper issue plays out after usage this summer by my grandson.

Response from Patagonia
March 13, 2023

Thank you for this thorough and thoughtful review, Burdette. We're glad to hear that you're doing your best to make this pack ideal for your grandsons trip, he's lucky to have you! Please note, if he runs into any other issues with the zipper down the line, all of our items are backed by warranty and he would be welcome to send it back for a merchandise credit. If you're interested in checking out the rest of our waterproof bag options, click [here](https://www.patagonia.com/shop/luggage?prefn1=features&prefv1=waterproof).

March 7, 2023

Zipper is Stiff. And seems

Zipper is Stiff. And seems the material on the back isn't water proof

March 4, 2023

Practical, Multi-Purpose Pack

I've always wanted a fully submersible backpack for either canyoneering, or hikes that requires a bit of getting wet. But haven't found one that I liked enough to get multi-use out of it. The design of this pack is perfect for me. Not only can I use it for hikes I use it during my bike commute to work. It keeps everything dry! Since th... Read Moreis is a 1 size fits all bag, it is slightly big on my frame, but it doesn't bother me. I can adjust the straps where it's comfortable. It's not designed to be a fitted pack, like you would expect out of some other hiking specific ones.

March 1, 2023

Cool back

It's a cool backpack but it could use more inside pockets. The waist buckles broke within a week

Response from Patagonia
March 7, 2023

Thank you so much for writing this review and we are truly very sorry to hear about how quickly your backpack broke. We will be reaching out privately to make sure this is taken care of.

February 27, 2023

Great Pack for fishing

Took it saltwater fishing, plenty of room to hold all my gear and keep it dry. It also doubles as our family pool bag so we get the kids into dry clothes before we leave, wet clothes just go right in the bag. Got it 50% off and its an incredible investment.

February 27, 2023

Light and bombproof pack!

Very happy with the quality, I was torn between the yeti panga or this Patagonia guidewater pack, so glad I we went with the Patagonia! It is lightweight, very well made and material seems bombproof- great product Patagonia!

February 25, 2023

For Grandson's 2 1/2 Week Trip to Japan

Received this backpack on February 18, 2023. It will be used by my 18-year old grandson for a 2 1/2 week trip to Japan in July, 2023. I tried the backpack on & it seemed OK. I did notice the zipper was very hard to open & close each time. Have read other reviews addressing this same issue. Researched the reviews & saw "zipper lube&... Read Morequot; mentioned. I called the Patagonia store in San Francisco, CA (where another item had been picked up in person recently) & received a recommendation for a zipper lube to use after explaining the problem with the zipper. Just received the zipper lube on February 24, 2023 & put 4 separate coats of it on the zipper. I opened & closed the zipper several times after applying each coat to let the lube work into the zipper as directed by the instructions. The zipper works better and is easier to open & close. However, there is still some resistance which I understand is due to the waterproof nature of this type of zipper. I will order additional lube since the 2 tubes I had ordered are almost completely used up. Hopefully my grandson will be able to apply more lube, if necessary, while travelling. It will remain to be seen how this backpack zipper issue works during the summer usage of this backpack by my grandson. I will get his feedback after he returns from his trip. Overall, this waterproof backpack appears well made although the lack of pockets, storage compartments & overall organization options inside in addition to no water bottle pocket or holder are definitely missed!

Response from Patagonia
March 2, 2023

Thank you for sharing this feedback, Burdette. We're sorry to hear that zipper has been so stubborn! While some resistance is normal with waterproof zippers it's possible this one may be excessively difficult. If this turns out to be too much of an issue, either of you is welcome to [return](https://www.patagonia.com/returns.html) it to us under our warranty. We want to make sure your grandson has a pack that will really be there for him in Japan. In any case, we hope he has an amazing trip!

February 21, 2023

Definitely rainproof

It does what it is suppose to do. I was not aware of how the waterproof zipper is so difficult to pull open and close. If these are the same zippers for the fly on the waders, their use may be a dangerous proposition.

February 16, 2023

Excellent Fishing Bag

Great waterproof bag for fishing day trips. This is the backpack if you are looking for a waterproof day pack! Patagonia should include water bottle slots on the side of bag, like the Black Hole bags have.

January 31, 2023

I thought the construction was

I thought the construction was well made. Tough zipper but thats because its water resistant. The only reason I returned this was I wanted something a little smaller, otherwise I would have kept it. I also, would have liked more pockets.

November 25, 2022

Great Drybag

I bought this bag for when the weather turns wet on my daily bike commute. It is extremely comfortable and works as advertised. I would definitely recommend this bag.

November 9, 2022

Not comfortable at all !

I have this for a month now and there are a lot to modified, like the little pocket inside who bother my computer when i have to take it off, also i get really sweaty with this on my back. The confort is terrible on a day, the backpack is heavy for the little liter. I like the design so and happy protection but doesnt worth the money too expensive ... Read More! Be aware about why you buy this bag....

October 14, 2022

fly fishing - needs more features

the Guidewater back pack definitely accomplishes its main objective of being water proof. but it needs more features, especially for fly fishing. If Patagonia takes the stealth pack series features (i.e. magnets, organization, and fly patches) and adds them to the guidewater backpack, then it would be worth the price. also they need to add a mesh w... Read Moreater bottle holder on the outside.

September 3, 2022

Guidewater back pack is really

Guidewater back pack is really nice ! Wish it had more pockets and wasnt so expensive! But looks nice and well maid well see how it holds up .

August 29, 2022

Awesome Pack

A great piece of gear to have when the weather does not want to quit. So glad I have something to keep things dry when it's pouring rain and nothing is dry. Check out the Guidewater Duffle for those week long backcountry trips.

March 12, 2022

Perfect for keeping gear dry

All good, perfect size to fit my body and carry everything I need for fishing on the flats.

March 10, 2022

Defiantly waterproof!!

I use this at work as a lifeguard on boats and Jetskis. My gear is always dry!! I also surf a wave that you need to paddle to on higher tides and can walk back on lower tide. This backpack is easy to paddle in and keep my gear dry while duck diving 5-8 waves to get around the point. Good work Patagonia team.

February 23, 2022

Zipper makes product unusable - returned

Concept sounded great - my husband wanted to try it for his camera equipment while hiking. The zipper was almost impossible to open and close. When the zipper of this backpack is in the closed position, there is a 1/2-inch opening, which defeats the purpose of being completely waterproof. The material is just too stiff, and the zipper is beyond sti... Read Moreff and hard to use. We returned this backpack.

October 26, 2021

Sturdy and Dry

This is my second pack (the first lasted over 10 years of use) and the quality and usefulness remain. Used it on several fishing trips where rain and snow were just part of the show and it performed hoped. All of my gear remained dry and accessible throughout my days on the river and then on the water. It's a great size for holding a days fish... Read Moreing gear, a jacket and some dry clothes.

October 26, 2021

Exceptional all around

I got this pack for walking rivers, pack rafting, biking, sea kayaking, and generally all things wet. It works brilliantly: super simple, rugged, fully submersible (just remember to fully close the zipper!). What is great about this is you can forget about the water. Things will not get wet -- whether it is camping gear or your laptop. It has an al... Read Morel-around design ethos -- very good at many things without being overly focused on any one activity. I appreciate this as I can use it for pretty much any wet activity from winter biking to walking rivers to one pack travel. It has very little internal organization -- nothing to fail and lets you do what you wish. It is expensive, but very well built, ethically and ecologically produced. With some care, it will last a very long time. Really glad to have gotten it.

September 30, 2021

New Design on Waterproof Pack

I work as a river guide in Grand Canyon and I have used Patagonia's waterproof pack for a long time. The older model was the Stormfront pack, which was similar but had a mesh outer pocket. This pack has no outer pocket but does have an inner pouch that you can move to the outside. The best part of this new design is the padded back area instea... Read Mored of just the waterproof material. The one thing I would add is a slightly thicker waist belt with a pocket on it for small items that you would like to keep handy like a bar or chapstick. I recommend taking good care of the zipper (use the zipper lube), while it is a beefy zip it can be prone to failure after a while. Overall, this is a great pack, it's truly waterproof & comfortable to carry!

September 27, 2021

Great item, per usual.

Great backpack. Submersible. Great even in downpours. Itll last me years and years. Highly recommend.

September 5, 2021

Great backpack - zipper weak point

I hope the zipper on the new version lasts longer than the last version. A great waterproof backpack that needs to last longer at the price point.

Response from Patagonia
September 14, 2021

Hey William, thanks for the review on our Guidewater Waterproof Submersible Backpack 29L. There is not a known quality issue with the zipper, however, we've emailed you to gather some additional information from you so we can ensure this is not a widespread problem. Keep an eye out for that email and thank you for bringing this to our attention!

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