Signature luggage and suitcases are for people traveling to do business. If you are an adventurer who intends to explore your island destination to the fullest, a dependable backpack is what you need.
Apart from freeing your two hands, a travel backpack is structured to distribute the weight you are carrying on your shoulders and hips. This design allows you to walk for hours comfortably. Given these benefits, it is not surprising that over 176 million backpacks have been sold to American travelers in 2016 alone.
Once you decide to use a backpack, the next step is choosing between a waterproof backpack and a water-resistant one. Getting wet is part of an island adventure, so your bag should not only be comfortable but protect your valuables as well.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Backpacks
For inexperienced travelers, waterproof and water-resistant backpacks are the same thing; but they are not. Here are the essential things you should know about these two:
Level of water protection
A waterproof backpack provides superior water protection. Everything inside your bag will remain dry even if it gets rained on or even submerged in water. You can enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, and other outdoor activities without having to worry about your valuables getting soaked in water.
A water-resistant backpack, on the other hand, offers minimal water protection. When your bag falls in a body of water, your things would most likely be drenched, especially if it took a while for you to retrieve it. A water-resistant backpack is useful if it suddenly rains or you got splashed on as it can keep your belongings dry.
Material
Waterproof backpacks are made from fabrics that offer excellent water protection. The material has no single hole or gap wherein water might get through. The stitches and patches are also checked and rechecked to ensure that not even a tiny puncture is present.
The materials of water-resistant bags are different, considering that they have tiny holes. Manufacturers only apply a specific coating that will make the fabric resistant to water. Unfortunately, this coating wears off gradually. When the bag no longer has a water-resistant coating, it will just be any ordinary bag.
Pros and Cons
Waterproof backpacks provide the utmost water protection. You can do all kinds of activities that involve water or getting wet, and your personal things will still be safe and dry. Considering the care given to creating this type of bag, you can be assured of their quality and durability. The only drawback of waterproof bags is the price but considering its benefits; the expensive tag is worth it.
Meanwhile, water-resistant bags are more affordable and come in various designs and colors. The cons, however, is that they cannot keep your things dry during harsh weather conditions or extreme outdoor activities. Also, once the water-resistant coating is gone, the little water protection it offers will be nonexistent.
Given the discussion above, it is evident that your epic adventure requires a backpack that offers superior water protection.