Last week, I talked about dry bags and Amy talked about sleeping pads. Two seemingly very different things, but perhaps it’s possible to create something that uses the two technologies. That’s one of the benefits of the Klymit Splash 25 Backpack.
Dry bags aren’t only useful when you’re on or near the water, and if you’re covering water and land excursions in the same trip, it’s impractical to bring two backpacks. Klymit designed the Splash 25 Backpack with an inflatable and adjustable airframe suspension provides padding and flexibility so you can carry it comfortably when you’re ditching the kayak for a day hike or hitting the trail under stormy skies.
The frame is a series of chambers integrated into the pack’s design, which become rigid when inflated, creating something close to the traditional frame that most backpackers are accustomed to. An integrated hand pump allows you to adjust pressure to fine-tune comfort, whether you’re on the trail or in camp.
The 210D waterproof, polyurethane-coated nylon fabric is reinforced at the sides and bottom, has welded seams for increased durability and waterproofing, and a roll-top closure that seals out water and allows easy adjustments to be made for loads as you add items to your pack. The main compartment is the only one in the pack, allowing for your gear to stay safe from getting wet.
The pack also has a removable hip belt for extra support when you’re carrying more weight, and a daisy chain that lets you clip extra gear to the outside of the pack when you’re heading out for longer adventures.
I’ve used this pack for a variety of excursions, and the bulletproof construction has ensured that after at least 10 solid outdoor uses, it looks pretty much the same now as it did when I pulled it out of the bag it came in.
Despite having a 25-liter capacity, the Splash 25 Backpack weighs just 21 ounces, so most of the weight you’re carrying is what you choose to put in the pack.
The Klymit Splash 25 Pack comes in light gray and lists for $99.95 on the Klymit site. It’s also available at Backcountry.