✅ Editor’s Pick
🛒 Available on Amazon
💰 Value-Focused
📸 Product Images






🧭 How This Product Was Evaluated
- 👣 Comfort and usability for typical hikes
- 🧱 Materials and build quality for repeated outdoor use
- ⚖️ Value compared with similar products in the same category
- 🎒 Fit for beginner and casual hikers
🎯 Who This Is Best For
- 🧑🦯 Beginner hikers and casual outdoor users
- 🌲 Day hikes, light trails, and weekend trips
- 💵 Buyers prioritizing practical value
- 🗺️ General use in parks, trails, and travel hikes
⚙️ Product Overview
🌟 Pros & Cons
- 🙂 Comfortable for most beginner hiking needs
- ⚖️ Balanced feature-to-price ratio
- 🧩 Easy to use with minimal setup
- 🧭 Versatile for different trail conditions
- 🏔️ Advanced users may want higher-end features
- 📏 Performance depends on correct size/fit
📝 Product Details
Product description
LOW-PROFILE WATERPROOF UTILITY 
YOUR COMPANION FOR THE UNPREDICTABLE OUTDOORS.
With fully submersible, waterproof IP68 protection on the main compartment and smaller front pocket, you’ll wade through rivers, navigate brush and swamps, and battle unpredictable weather – all while your gear and electronics remain safe and dry.
The River Ute hits the sweet spot with a 20L size – plenty of capacity in a smaller form factor.For all-day comfort, the River Ute features ergonomic shoulder straps, a lightweight design (2.3lbs for the Marsh Green colorway, and 2.0lbs for the Safari Tan CORDURA and Marker Blue colorways), and fast-drying, non-chafing padding on the shoulder straps, back area, and waist belt.With a heavy-duty top handle, mesh water bottle pockets, and a dedicated tablet/laptop sleeve, the River Ute goes seamlessly from your modern life to the rugged outdoors – and back again.Have quick access to exterior storage with numerous gear attachment points on the sides and front (total of 4) – plus additional gear hook-ups and a mesh pocket on the hip belt.Simply zip it airtight to provide 100% waterproof, submersible protection for your gear.
The River Ute’s incredible waterproof protection is made possible using drysuit-grade airtight zippers, high-frequency welded seams (no stitching), and our advanced Hydrowall waterproof material. This ensures water stays out and your gear stays dry – through unpredictable weather and rugged activity.
NAVIGATE THE WATER AND THE TRAIL – WHILE YOUR GEAR STAYS SAFE AND DRY. 
COMPLETE WATERPROOF PROTECTION
With 100% waterproof protection, 20L of capacity, and numerous gear hook-up points, the River Ute 20L Backpack is a must-have for the outdoors.

EASY-ACCESS EXTERIOR STORAGE
There’s multiple gear hook-ups on the exterior, along with a padded, removable hip belt for a secure fit and additional storage.

ALL DAY COMFORT!
S-curved ergonomic shoulder strapsMolded EVA back panel with airflow channelsFast-drying, non-chafing padding on shoulders, back, and waist belt. 
INTERIOR ORGANIZATION
Low-profile 14″ laptop sleeve – suspended .8″ (2cm) from bottom for impact protectionStretch mesh pocket for smaller items11″ x 7″ zippered pocket

PROTECTED BY HYDROWALL
Our virtually indestructible Hydrowall TPU provides rugged performance and permanent waterproof protection – while easily wiping clean.

FLOATING, WATERPROOF DESIGN
The River Ute is fully submersible and floats, keeping everything inside completely dry – perfect for the duck blind, trail, beach, and kayak.

GEAR ATTACHMENT STRAPS
Use the side lash straps for quick, secure access to fishing rods, tripods, hiking poles, and other gear. Cam straps and Velcro straps are included.

STORMPROOF AND WEATHERPROOF
Rain or snow, hot or cold, sun or storms, expect the same waterproof IP68 protection to keep your belongings safe and dry – even in emergencies.
BUILT FOR ALL CLIMATES, CONDITIONS, AND ENVIRONMENTS.
Featuring entirely non-corrosive components (zero rust), oversized zipper pulls and grab loops (easy use with gloves), and non-chafing, fast-drying materials for comfort even against bare skin.

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Can the River Ute Backpack be fully submerged underwater?
Yes, once the zippers are sealed shut, the River Ute Backpack can be submerged underwater for extended time (30+ minutes, IP68 waterproof) while keeping all contents in the front pocket AND large main compartment completely dry.
Will it float?
Yes, the River Ute floats on the surface of the water, so it’s easy to retrieve in case it goes overboard – which makes it the perfect bag for wet-wading the rivers, or tossing in your boat, kayak, or packraft.
Where can I use it?
The River Ute is tailored towards those who need quick access to exterior storage, such as anglers, boaters, hunters, hikers, and photographers. It excels in wet environments, as well as emergency situations such as storms and floods.
What’s the difference between the CORDURA and non-CORDURA version?
The River Ute CORDURA is made from genuine CORDURA 500D Ripstop Nylon that has been coated on both sides with a permanent layer of TPU. It has a fabric feel, as opposed to a rubberized feel. Both versions are IP68 waterproof and fully submersible.
Do I have to worry about rust?
No. We intentionally use 100% non-corrosive materials and components – from UTX Duraflex buckles to polymer and stainless zippers and pullers.
Committed to making the world’s best waterproof gear.
We’re committed to making the world’s best waterproof gear. By combining innovative construction with clean, modern product design, our dependable waterproof gear gets you through harsh conditions – as well as everyday life. We design and test all products in freshwater, saltwater, and the backwoods, right here in the northeastern US.

TRUE WATERPROOF PROTECTION IN A 20L FORM FACTOR: The River Ute 20L Waterproof Backpack features 100% waterproof/airtight storage for the main compartment AND smaller front pocket, so you can wade through rivers, navigate brush and swamps, and battle unpredictable weather – all while your gear and electronics remain safe and dry.
LOW-PROFILE UTILITY: At 20L, the River Ute hits the sweet spot. Measuring 17″ in height, 13″ in width, and 6″ front to back, it’s perfect for the duck blind, the trail, and the kayak.
QUICK ACCESS TO EXTERIOR STORAGE: The River Ute provides multiple gear hookups on the exterior, useful to anglers, hunters, hikers, and photographers. Use the lash tabs on the sides and front (a total of 4) for fishing rods, hiking poles, tripods, and other accessories.
LIGHTWEIGHT, COMFORTABLE DESIGN: With a total weight of only 2.3lbs (including padded waist belt), ergonomic S-curved shoulder straps, and fast-drying padding on the shoulder, back, and waist belt, the River Ute provides enough comfort for all day use.
BREAKWATER SUPPLY GUARANTEE: The River Ute is constructed of the highest quality materials and has been carefully designed for real-life utility. Reach out to us anytime – we’re US-based and committed to making the best gear there is, guaranteed.
🏁 Final Assessment
If the size and materials match what you need, check today’s price and the latest reviews before you decide.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. It’s designed to be easy to use and practical for people new to hiking.
What type of hiking is it best for?
Day hikes, light trails, and casual outdoor activities.
Is this good value for money?
It offers a balanced mix of features and price compared with similar products.
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Prices and availability are subject to change.