Exped's New Waterproof Daypacks

Latest from Exped for 2010 is the Drypack Pro, which is either a drybag with straps or a stripped-down, waterproof daypack, depending on how you look at it. Bear in mind that most packs are made from waterproof fabrics, but have untaped seams, so will leak in heavy rain.


The Drypac Pro is available in two sizes, 15 litres or 25 litres and effectively a fully-taped drybag with straps and a bit more. The bags have lightweight, ventilated, daypack-style straps including a waist-belt and sternum strap and there's a closed-cell EVA backpad to increase comfort.

There's also a bungee cord storage arrangement on the front of the pack and a  haul loop. Closure is by classic daypack roll-over and clip-style fastening and 'TPU/mesh laminate window in the back panel allows you to find contents quickly'. Finally, the base is made from a tougher, reinforced polyester for increased durability.

Exped says that the pack should be ideal for minimalist summit pushes, works as a superlight but waterproof hiking pack, work for mountain bikers in wet conditions and give paddlers a more versatile alternative to a standard daypack.

The packs are genuinely light, the 15-litre version has a quoted weight of just 280 grammes, while the larger bag tips the scales at only 20 grammes more at 300g. Fabric is a PU-coated Taffeta nylon with a TPU film laminated polyester base. Because they're so minimalist, they also pack away small, making them ideal for travel use as a supplementary daypack.

Prices are £22.50 for the smaller Drypack Pro and £25 for the larger one. And yes, they do have obvious similarities to the Alpkit Gourdon.

More details at www.exped.com.