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OverBoard Waterproof Dry Tube Backpack Review (60L)
The 60L OverBoard Waterproof Dry Tube Backpack is a generously-sized bag that is perfect for SUP touring and expeditions, camping, and multi-day outdoor adventures where maintaining dry gear is a top priority. We’re big fans of OverBoard dry bags, and while a bag of this size is not suitable for everyone, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for an oversized dry bag with a ton of carrying capacity.
OverBoard dry bags are well-known for being durable, dependable, and feature-rich. The company has an impressive range of waterproof bags, and they put all of their designs through a demanding set of rigorous tests to ensure that their gear is suitable for serious use.
In this review of the 60L OverBoard Dry Tube Backpack, we’ll discuss this dry bag’s design, features, specs, construction, and waterproof performance.
OverBoard Dry Tube Backpack Review: Bag Overview
The design of OverBoard’s Dry Tube Backpack is very similar to many other dry bags on the market in that it utilizes the popular roll-top closure method. Referred to as their “Fold Seal System”, the simple roll-top closure used on this bag is extremely secure and very effective when it comes to locking moisture out — just roll the top down a minimum of three times and buckle.
Of course, OverBoard has taken things to the next level with this dry bag by incorporating removable padded backpack straps and a convenient side carry handle. This very well-thought-out design gives you a lot of added versatility as the bag can be used as a backpack or as a large duffel. Also, the roll-top closure acts as a top handle when buckled, giving you yet another easy way to carry this bag around.
Specs and Construction
OverBoard’s Dry Tube Backpack is made out of tough 600D nylon-coated PVC tarpaulin for rugged durability and it features fully welded, seamless construction. The bag measures 27.5″ tall with a diameter of 12.9″, and it weighs in at about 2.5 pounds.
Like the 20L OverBoard Classic Waterproof Backpack that we previously reviewed, this bag features an IP66 water ingress protection rating which certifies that it’s capable of floating and handling quick submersions. In our full submersion testing of this bag, it performed flawlessly and kept all of our gear 100% dry.
The bottom of this bag is reinforced with a silver high-visibility material. This not only prevents wear and damage to the bottom of the bag — it also helps you to locate the bag at night when poor lighting conditions make the black bag difficult to spot.
On the interior of the backpack is an 8″ x 11″ zippered storage pouch that is perfect for stashing your cell phone, keys, iPad Mini, and other small items. We love the fact that OverBoard included an interior organization pocket with this bag, as small items can definitely be difficult to locate when it comes to a bag of this size.
Backpack, Sternum, and Waist Straps
In our opinion, the standout feature of this bag is the high-quality backpack straps. Unlike many dry bags that include simple nylon carrying straps, the backpack straps on the OverBoard Dry Tube Backpack are legit.
The fully adjustable straps on this bag include looped attachment points, reflective safety patches, an adjustable sternum strap, and an included carabiner. There’s also a waist strap for stabilizing the bag on your shoulders when it’s fully packed out.
As we mentioned, the padded backpack straps are completely removable which adds to the bag’s versatility. To remove the straps, simply unbuckle the plastic clips, slide out the adjustable nylon webbed strap from the waist belt, and pull the velcro panels off of the bag.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a sturdy, well-built waterproof backpack that is large enough for multi-day paddleboarding excursions, adventure travel, hiking, camping, backpacking, sailing, etc., the 60L OverBoard Dry Tube Backpack is one that should definitely be on your radar. This affordably priced bag offers a tremendous amount of available storage and it easily swallows large laptops, DSLR cameras and lenses, camping gear, and much more.