Review on DRYCASE Masonboro Waterproof Adventure Backpack by Mark Sutovsky

After 14 years of working from home I now take the bus. This involves about a mile walk to and from the bus stops. I wanted something waterproof so my electronics (laptop, tablet, sometimes a camera/video deck) wouldn't stand a chance of getting wet. I looked at several custom made laptop cases but only the very expensive ones were waterproof. I also looked at several other dry bag configurations, including those from REI and other local stores, and ended up with this bag. So far very happy with the choice. The bag is waterproof. This is a classic dry bag with a hinged lid, pockets, mesh and a backpack strap welded to the dry bag. This isn't a backpack that anyone tried to waterproof. I think that's important for potential buyers and an advantage in my opinion. OUSTIDE The mesh on the outside is what really appealed to me about this bag. It is ideal for filling a folding umbrella, wet or dry. I wanted an OUTSIDE POCKET for this, otherwise I'd stuff a wet umbrella with my electronics inside. The side mesh is perfect for the morning paper so I don't have to open my bag or carry the paper in my hand to the bus stop. The other side panel is a series of strap loops that can be used to attach something to the side. I use it to install red turn signals (I live in a part of Seattle where there are no sidewalks, so I have to walk the street to get to my bus). My only criticism of the design: I wish there was a zip pocket on the outside to keep coins for the bus (in case I forget my card). There is an air release valve on the bottom. This doubles as a water release valve if you use it on site to pack water (NICE feature, BTW). Just make sure it's closed and you can easily put this thing in a really deep puddle. The valve is labeled so you can tell closed from open. The harness looks and feels good, although anyone using it for hiking or biking will notice the lack of a chest strap (an easy fix). The grid helps, but it's not a separate package. He's sitting on your back. I don't use waist belts, but I've tried them and they're pretty comfortable. Good quality straps and connectors. There are three ways to grab the bag from the top - a welded wide shoulder strap, a folded top seal, and a fabric loop that I use to hang the bag on a standard coat hook. All of this makes it easier to get on and off, which is important for commuters getting on and off buses. INTERIOR This is not a padded laptop bag. If you want to use it as a laptop bag, you need to buy a padded laptop bag. They are inexpensive and almost always sold somewhere. I will note that this is VERY common, even with custom made laptop cases, so I didn't see it as a deal breaker. My laptop is 15.6 inch and I bought a very basic sleeve/laptop bag combo on sale at BestBuy for $15. . It protects my laptop and gives me loads of little pockets to put things in. It fits easily in this bag - so **guess** a 17 inch laptop in a plain bag would also fit in the bag. Once the laptop is in, there's plenty of room for lunch and other gear, although things tend to get a little heavy when you really stuff them. Inside there are two zipped compartments. One of them is best described as a coin and ID pocket. The other is long and relatively narrow. I haven't found much use for it, although if I had just bought a basic laptop bag, I would have stuffed all my laptop knick-knacks into this long zippered compartment. Overall I'm impressed given the price. I checked out the bags at REI and a few other local outfitters and this bag has more options than much more expensive bags. The bag is clearly waterproof, which was number 1 for me. Everything welded to the outside seems well made, with only a fair amount of hanging threads (cut, don't pull) that only someone really picky would even notice. I love the blue color and all the outside pockets. It's almost perfect for what I wanted. I've had several fellow travelers ask me about the bag (hello if you're reading this!) and I've seen one or two pop up in my itinerary since I bought mine. Who would have thought that one day I would become a trendsetter! I've only had it for a few weeks so can't comment on durability yet.