When it comes to outdoor adventures, having reliable gear is crucial.

As someone who spends a lot of time exploring nature, especially around water, I’ve always been a big fan of fully waterproof backpacks. They offer peace of mind by ensuring your gear stays dry no matter what the weather throws at you. Recently, I got the chance to try out the Guideline Experience WP Backpack, a new fully waterproof rolltop backpack designed with anglers and outdoor lovers in mind. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on its design, features, and overall usability to help you decide if this backpack is worth adding to your kit.

Specs:

Weight: 860 grams

Volume: 21 Liters

Fabric: Rugged, waterproof 600D TPU polyester fabric

Welded seams

Why Choose a Fully Waterproof Backpack?

Before diving into the specifics of the Guideline Experience WP Backpack, it’s important to understand why fully waterproof backpacks are a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. Many backpacks on the market claim to be water resistant, but from my experience, water resistance only goes so far. When you encounter heavy rain or accidental immersion, those water-resistant materials and zippers often give up, allowing moisture to seep in and damage your gear.

That’s why I always recommend investing in backpacks that are truly waterproof. These backpacks use specialized materials, sealed seams, and rolltop closures to create a watertight barrier. The Guideline Experience WP Backpack is no exception, featuring a rolltop design that offers flexibility in packing volume while guaranteeing your belongings stay dry.

Minimalistic Design Meets Practical Functionality

One of the first things I noticed about the Guideline Experience WP Backpack is its clean, minimalistic design. It doesn’t overwhelm you with unnecessary features or bulky compartments, which I really appreciate. Instead, the backpack focuses on simplicity and utility, making it easy to use on the go.

The front of the backpack sports a subtle fly patch, a nice touch for anglers who want to show off their passion without being too flashy. Just below that is a zipper pocket designed for quick access to small essentials. This pocket’s zipper is highly water resistant, though it’s important to note that it’s not completely waterproof. I’d recommend using this pocket for items that can handle a little moisture or that you’ll access frequently, like a map or sunglasses.

Side Pockets for Versatility

On both sides of the backpack, you’ll find pockets that can hold water bottles. But what really caught my attention is their secondary use as holders for an extra rod tube. If you’re an angler carrying multiple rods, this feature is a thoughtful addition that allows you to securely attach additional gear without compromising the backpack’s waterproof integrity.

Attachment Points and Extra Storage

Another practical aspect is the attachment options located at the bottom of the backpack. These allow you to carry additional equipment externally, such as tripods, sleeping mats, or other bulky items you might need for a day outdoors. These options enhance the backpack’s versatility without adding extra bulk to the pack itself.

Comfort and Capacity: Designed for Long Days Outdoors

Comfort is a critical factor when choosing a backpack, especially if you plan to hike long distances to your favourite fishing spot or trekking trail. The Guideline Experience WP Backpack scores well in this area with its generously padded body and shoulder straps. The padding helps distribute the weight of your gear evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders during extended wear.

That said, there is one improvement I’d suggest: a wider hip belt. From my experience, having a broader hip belt can make a significant difference in weight distribution, relieving pressure off your shoulders and improving overall comfort. While the Experience WP Backpack’s suspender system is well-padded, a more substantial hip belt would elevate the comfort level even further.

Perfect Size for a Day’s Outing

The backpack offers a 21-litre capacity, which I find to be an ideal size for a day trip. It’s spacious enough to carry all your essentials — including tackle, lunch, extra clothing layers, and electronics — without being overly bulky or heavy. The rolltop design also allows some flexibility in packing volume, so you can adjust the size slightly depending on how much gear you need to bring.

Organising Your Gear Inside the Backpack

Inside the Guideline Experience WP Backpack, you’ll find a large main compartment that provides ample room for most of your gear. Beyond the main space, the backpack includes a few zippered internal pockets that are perfect for keeping smaller items like your phone, keys, or wallet secure and easily accessible.

These internal pockets are a great feature because they help prevent smaller items from getting lost at the bottom of the main compartment. Whether you’re organising fly boxes, spare reels, or personal items, having dedicated pockets adds to the backpack’s overall functionality.

Rolltop Closure: Flexibility and Security

The rolltop closure is one of the standout features of the Experience WP Backpack. Unlike traditional backpacks with zippers or flap tops, a rolltop allows you to tightly seal the main compartment by rolling and clipping it shut. This design ensures a fully waterproof seal that keeps water out, even in heavy rain or when splashed with water.

Additionally, the rolltop offers flexibility in how much gear you carry. You can roll it down tightly when you have less to pack, or leave it more open to accommodate larger or bulkier items. This adaptability makes the backpack suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, from fishing trips to hiking or even urban commuting in wet conditions.

Final Thoughts on the Guideline Experience WP Backpack

After spending time with the Guideline Experience WP Backpack, I’m genuinely impressed by what it offers to outdoor enthusiasts. Its fully waterproof construction, combined with a practical rolltop design, makes it a reliable choice for anyone who needs to keep their gear dry in unpredictable weather.

The minimalistic aesthetic, paired with thoughtful features like quick-access pockets, rod tube attachments, and padded comfort, shows that Guideline understands the needs of anglers and adventurers alike. While I would love to see a wider hip belt included for enhanced comfort, this is a minor critique in an otherwise excellent product.

In summary, if you’re on the lookout for a waterproof backpack that balances functionality, comfort, and style, the Guideline Experience WP Backpack should be high on your list. Its 21-litre capacity makes it perfect for day trips, and the rolltop closure provides peace of mind that your gear will stay dry no matter the conditions.

For those who want a dependable, well-designed waterproof backpack, this is definitely a model worth checking out.

GET THE EXPERIENCE BACKPACK AT GUIDELINE

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