For the past couple of years, Arc’teryx has been working with a small number of clients to perfect a specialized bag that will function as a pack, yet keep all of its contents dry for maritime operations. Now they are ready to unveil the culmination of these efforts in the DryPack 70.
The interesting thing about this project is that from its inception it was overbuilt. Much of what has been done is weighing capability and features against requirements. For example, at one point there was a waterproof comms port built into the wall of the bag. That has been removed because it was a desirement rather than a requirement. This results in a bag that is lighter, easier to manufacture and less expensive. Even so, the baseline capability was there from the beginning, so there was a lot of refinement going on.
By its name, you can tell that it offers a 70 liter capacity. Using Advanced Composite Construction (AC2), it’s manufactured from a HT 725D ACT MultiCam Cordura that is coated on both sides with Urethane for waterproofness. From the beginning Arc’teryx knew that this was the fabric that they wanted to use and has stocked it in anticipation of the pack’s release. It also includes a double layer bottom and sides as well as top and bottom grab handles and a 1m removable tether. The pack incorporates a roll down top with full-width RF welded TIZIP Master Seal waterproof zipper.
Additionally, there is an oral inflation tube.
Although it features an AC2 frame sheet, both the shoulder straps and waist belt are removable.
Here you can see the load transfer disc that helps stabilize the load on uneven terrain.
Additionally, all of the external straps can be simply removed.
Although the DryPack 70 won’t officially launch for about 6 months, units can place orders throughout that period.
-E Graves
