I adventure in all conditions – stand up paddleboard, ATV, ice fishing – and these were exactly the testing grounds for the Jaylife 13 waterproof backpack. This review details my experience with the Jaylife 13 in a variety of conditions, and especially testing how waterproof it is as I took it on many SUP trips.
I remember the first time I met Jay, this larger than life presence stepped out of his vehicle in the parking lot and as he introduced himself; he seemed stoked on everything in life.
If you’ve never met Jay in person you can feel this same sentiment in this line of products he has developed. Full disclosure: I was given a bag to test out by Jay, as he wanted someone who abuses…I mean “uses” products to put it to the test.
Jaylife 13 Waterproof Bag First Impressions
I flew to Comox the day after I picked up my bag. I took advantage of the fact that the Jaylife 13 waterproof bag is carry-on size.
With the inner laptop sleeve tight to the back portion of the bag, it made carrying everything I needed on the plane quite easy while also protecting my computer.
The advantage of having this as a carry on was I planned to paddleboard while I was on the island so the dual purpose usage of this bag made it the perfect choice for my life and travel.
Jaylife 13 SUP Paddleboard and Hiking Test
When I arrived in BC, the weather was sunny and favourable for paddling, I met up with a friend and headed out on the ocean with all my essentials on board for a bluebird day adventure.
I had walked to the launch and had everything I needed inside my waterproof dry bag. The walk was comfortable due to the Jaylife 13’s hip belt and padded harness.
Following this adventure, I met my daughter on the island for a hike to a set of waterfalls on a 6 km round trip route. The West Coast is a rainforest and there is residual water everywhere.
While hiking into this stunning spot our snacks, clothing and essentials were dry and protected the whole time. My shoulders were happy and the weight was evenly distributed through the harness system.
It’s not the island without a day of rain. I made plans to meet up with a friend to hike the iconic Kinsol Trestle and it was an absolute downpour. But with my trusty Gore-Tex rain jacket and this dry bag, life was good and I stayed dry along with my extra gear packed inside. Fun was still had in the inclement weather.
Jaylife 13 Extended Test
There’s not much I haven’t exposed this waterproof backpack to. It’s spent time out on the ice while fishing. Even in melting slush nothing has succumbed to getting wet inside while ice fishing.
I’ve performed Search and Rescue with it on a quad, hiked in the mountains on day trips, paddleboarded rivers and lakes, picked berries, snowshoed etc.
My gear is there to serve a purpose, I look after it but it gets used and sometimes abused depending on circumstance.
I like leaving it always packed with essentials such as a first aid kit, survival knife/kit, tarp, cup, small stove, snack, water bottle, sweater and my InReach so that it is a grab and go system for whatever adventure I’m headed out on.
How Does the Jaylife 13 Compare to Other Dry Bags?
With other dry bags on the market, I think it’s important to distinguish between water resistant, waterproof and submersible.
Difference Between Submersible, Waterproof, and Water Resistant
Submersible
Very few bags are submersible, The Watershed is one that comes to mind that I have used, and it is a phenomenal dry bag if the possibility of flipping your watercraft and losing gear in the river is a reality. Your gear is sealed properly and will be dry.
Waterproof
Waterproof is only as good as the seal keeping the water out. Be aware if you do not fold the top fold closure tightly and don’t roll it a minimum of three times – water will likely get in. This is a user error, not a product issue. Check out the Jaylife13 website for videos about this important technique.
Water Resistant
Water resistant means it can withstand moisture, such as a light rain or spray, but it will eventually let water through the fabric. The outer pockets of the Jaylife 13 waterproof backpack falls under this category, due to the zippers letting in moisture. Whatever you put in here will get wet if it has prolonged exposure to water.
The Jaylife13 dry bag is waterproof, but I have had instances when water got in. Why? Because I wasn’t diligent when I shut it.
I own a Sealline Boundary 70L dry bag with a backpack harness on it. It has no exterior pockets and the straps are not as comfortable to carry. However, like all things, there is no perfect system. I use this bag for some trips over the Jaylife13 simply due to volume and the ability to take one bag instead of two.
Jaylife 13 Dry Bag Specifications
Capacity: 40L
Closed pack height: 22”
Fully extended height: 30”
Depth: 7”
Width: 12”
water bottle pocket, two exterior pockets with water resistant zippers, as well as multiple adjustment features.
Jaylife 13 Waterproof Backpack Highlights
What’s the lowdown on this bag?
I like the option to close it two different ways depending on how full it is. Or being able to use the top strap to secure stuff to the top of the pack.
The exterior of the bag has gear loops for attaching anything you need to, great bonus.
Zippered outside pockets for chapstick, snacks or other often used items are handy so I don’t have to dig through the large interior and open the main compartment. But be aware that anything in the pockets won’t be dry if the bags get exposed to a lot of water.
As with any “dry” bag I always secure anything that absolutely cannot get wet in another small dry bag inside. That way, if there is a problem with me creating the seal around the closure top, my survival isn’t threatened. Especially in extreme conditions where I might get hypothermia or need rescuing if I have gear failures due to moisture.
I put a hole in the bag within three days…what can I say I’m a great tester. I dropped it in the ferry terminal and my laptop was the pinch point that created the hole. Easy fix: Aquaseal makes it great again. Thanks Jay for the tip! Being a paddler I always have Aquaseal with me.
Gear Aid Aquaseal +FD
$12.95
Aquaseal FD Flexible Durable Repair Adhesive is ideal for repairing holes and tears in dry bags, wetsuits, paddling apparel and latex gaskets. Waterproofs, seals and protects against abrasion. Aquaseal is the industry standard for maximum strength repairs to wetsuits, dry… Read More
I love the laptop sleeve, as it can be used for more than computers. I put gear I don’t want lost in the bottom of the bag as it makes it easy to retrieve.
The side pocket, aka bear spray or water bottle sleeve, is handy to have on this bag as well as it is rare to have a dry bag with any exterior storage.
Jaylife 13 Waterproof Backpack Summary
I have covered this bag in mud from quadding in pouring rain, been paddling in rain on rivers, taken it on hikes to waterfalls and everything in between.
It is the first one I grab for outings and travel when I know my destination will involve some type of adventure, which with my life is a given.
To be able to support local companies and have a great product is a win-win in my world. Nothing will serve all purposes but this bag comes close.
Jaylife 13 Sensu Waterproof Backpack
$149.99
Jaylife 13 Sensu Waterproof Backpack Review Sensu backpacks are waterproof, lightweight and versatile. Perfect to take from mountain to ocean and back again. Welded seams protect from the elements. Padded computer compartment keeps electronics dry and secure. The bag is… Read More
Happy paddling!
Sending You Love n SUP,
Lisa Stocking
CSEP-CPT/RYT 200
Advanced Flatwater SUP Instructor
@love_nsup
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
