Backpack Waterproofing

[Chickengut]

In the recent video Linus mentioned that the new LTT backpack would have YKK waterproof zippers but no mention was made about the actual material in the backpack and If it is water resistant. Im not expecting to be able to dunk the backpack in a river, but as someone who commutes to university on a motorcycle it would be nice to have my laptop and notes survive a commute back to my apartment in the rain.

[Ultraforce]

I imagine there would be some level of resistance as Linus said he’s been daily driving the backpack and uses a motorcycle but definitely agree more details needed upon release at least.

[SinistralFern23]

I also want to see if the backpack has any water resistance. It would be really bad if it didn't considering there are 90 dollar back packs that are (Ogio makes them).

[Enclave996]

I'm interested in the backpack but this is definitely something I need to know the answer to before I buy.  I've been caught in a storm before where even with my old backpack having some level of water resistance the inside was getting damp and the laptop itself was a bit slick once I'd gotten home.  Luckily the water didn't get into the laptops internals but it did stress to me that a high quality backpack that I buy needs a high level of water resistance, not just a really low level.  The fact that it uses YKK waterproof zippers is a good sign at least.

[AteBit]

I agree. The actual denier and material type is very important when you're buying a pack at this price point. It is also somewhere that it is easy for companies to save money and/or overlook. Every pack I buy material type and specs is one of the first things I look at. If the material isn't up to par than the features simply don't matter.

[SinistralFern23]

Anyone have an update on the water proof question?

[TempestCatto]

@LinusTech I'm interested in this too. I ride as well but have only been caught in one downpour. My old Field and Stream backpack stayed perfectly dry inside. I think it was made of a similar type material to wetsuits though. It has since ripped at a known fail point at the zipper and they discontinued that bag.

[LinusTech]

We will perform (and publish) more formal water resistance on the final bags, but we are confident that unless it is subjected to significant rainfall for an extended period of time it should not leak enough to cause damage to the contents. 

[Ultraforce]

41 minutes ago, LinusTech said:

We will perform (and publish) more formal water resistance on the final bags, but we are confident that unless it is subjected to significant rainfall for an extended period of time it should not leak enough to cause damage to the contents. 

Kind of what I expected, I imagine we will also get more information on the dimensions of the LTT Screwdriver and Backpack when they are available for purchase?

[LinusTech]

36 minutes ago, Ultraforce said:

Kind of what I expected, I imagine we will also get more information on the dimensions of the LTT Screwdriver and Backpack when they are available for purchase?

Yep! 

[kirashi]

On 3/23/2022 at 10:42 AM, Chickengut said:

In the recent video Linus mentioned that the new LTT backpack would have YKK waterproof zippers but no mention was made about the actual material in the backpack and If it is water resistant. Im not expecting to be able to dunk the backpack in a river, but as someone who commutes to university on a motorcycle it would be nice to have my laptop and notes survive a commute back to my apartment in the rain.

While I can't speak to whether or not it's safe to spray the LTT backpack (or any other garment) with DWR (or a similar water repellent spray), it might be something that @LinusTech / Creator Warehouse team could test (hint hint video idea that doubles as a sales funnel for the backpack? ) prior to launch.

https://www.gore-tex.com/support/care/dwr

[TempestCatto]

19 hours ago, LinusTech said:

Yep! 

Curious about how well a laptop, tablet, etc would be protected from a substantial fall while in this bag. I've only crashed once, at low speed, but I was ejected off the bike into the middle of both travel lanes (thank fuck the road was closed. I ignored the road closed sign like a dingus). I didn't have my backpack on me, but I did ruin a pair of jeans and tore up my Carhartt jacket abit. This LTT bag is hella expensive, I'm just hoping it really is worth it as I like to buy things once if I can.

[Quackers101]

water? *has built in bag for the pack*

connected, and changable, then tie closed. become bean bag

 

*creates a quick pull raincoat system for easy cover like an parachute* jk

[Bombastinator]

On 3/25/2022 at 12:05 AM, Ultraforce said:

I imagine there would be some level of resistance as Linus said he’s been daily driving the backpack and uses a motorcycle but definitely agree more details needed upon release at least.

His wife lets him ride a motorcycle? And he’s got young kids? And a business he can’t leave alone?  Chances of getting killed or badly racked up are much higher in a crash with a motorcycle than just about every other form of transportation (not all of them. For instance Space flight is statistically less safe.  Mostly because of the space shuttle) 

[Bombastinator]

3 hours ago, Quackers101 said:

water? *has built in bag for the pack*

connected, and changable, then tie closed. become bean bag

 

*creates a quick pull raincoat system for easy cover like an parachute* jk

That actually looks a lot like a portage pack for wilderness canoeing.  The things actually float. (Usually anyway.  Best to put the heavy things at the bottom because the opening is on the top) Very Canadian.

[Kaawoo]

I'm considering the backpack, but have one question. Is the bag's interior material water resistant? Since the water bottle holder is inside the backpack, if that leaks I'd hope to have a good chance to avoid water easily seeping into the laptop compartment and damaging my laptop. Thanks for responding!

[Bombastinator]

1 hour ago, Kaawoo said:

I'm considering the backpack, but have one question. Is the bag's interior material water resistant? Since the water bottle holder is inside the backpack, if that leaks I'd hope to have a good chance to avoid water easily seeping into the laptop compartment and damaging my laptop. Thanks for responding!

The portage packs are basically rubber sheathed cloth.  I dunno about that product though.  Just get. One with a gasket and screw the lid tight.  As long as there isn’t a massive pressure change (like commercial air travel) you should be fine.