I was training deep in the Philippines and about to embark on my first-ever sailing trip on another island when I received the AGULHAS Backpack for review. It seemed like fate—in fact, I almost bought a cheap waterproof bag just for the trip, but thankfully, I waited. To get to the port on another island, I needed to take a motorized tricycle, ferry, jeepney, flight, taxi, then another ferry and another motorized tricycle to reach the sailboat.
In other words, it was the perfect journey to put the AGULHAS Backpack through its paces!
First Impressions of the AGULHAS Backpack
I opened the box holding the AGULHAS Backpack and almost had to shield my eyes from its radiant blue color. It’s so eye-popping and bright, making you stand out! I discovered it’s also made from double-layered recycled nylon for increased durability and longer life. It is one of AGULHAS’s principles: creating gear built to last for a more sustainable impact.
From a quick look at this backpack’s exterior, you can see it was designed with freedivers in mind. The fin straps on the front of the backpack are my favorite part – I dislike holding my fins constantly in transit!
My second favorite part is the water bottle pockets on each side. I’m not a monster – I travel everywhere with my water bottle and coffee thermos and rarely see pockets on dry backpacks. The AGULHAS Backpack has two of them!
My third favorite feature is the laptop compartment. As a freelance writer, I have to take my laptop everywhere, and I usually keep it enclosed in a thicker, water-resistant laptop bag. But since this whole bag is water-resistant, I was able to save space and simply tuck my laptop into its special pocket. Amazing.
As for the rest of the backpack, you can feel the high-quality materials for yourself, especially in the stitching, buckles, and shoulder strap key ring. The backpack straps are padded (thankfully), and there is an adjustable chest strap. The side pocket is an excellent touch for my passport and wallet, and the extra pockets outside the laptop compartment are handy for smaller storage.
Performance
I think I’ve never truly appreciated backpacks with roll-top enclosures until now! The AGULHAS Backpack can fit 25 – 50 liters, which was perfect because I was packing for a week-long trip and needed more space than usual. Everything fit in spectacularly! Although I won’t lie, I would have appreciated one more pocket on the outside of the laptop compartment since I am obsessed with organizing everything in my backpack. There can never be too many pockets and compartments in my eyes.
Even though I packed the backpack to maximum capacity and attached my silicone fins to the front with the fin straps, carrying it everywhere was surprisingly manageable! The padded shoulder and chest straps made a huge difference—and this is coming from someone who had neck and back surgery within the past year. The breathable back panel also ensured I didn’t get too sweaty.
I was worried about the color at first. As beautiful as the blue is, I usually get backpacks or purses in black since I’m rough with them, and they get dirty quickly. The AGULHAS Backpack went through icky X-ray machines multiple times, squeezed into a sweaty jeepney with me, and mercilessly laid on the ground numerous times in transit – yet it came out on the other side looking surprisingly untouched!
This is how I found out that ripstop nylon is very stain-resistant and durable, which means I’ll be able to use this bag for years.
Although my sailing trip ended up with us sleeping on the boat for seven days, yet never leaving the marina due to engine trouble, the AGULHAS Backpack got my stuff to and from the sailboat, even in the pouring rain!
Final Thoughts
The fin straps, water bottle pockets, laptop compartment, and durable, stain-resistant material make the overall value of the AGULHAS Backpack exceptional. Added to the fact that AGULHAS is dedicated to supporting ocean conservation, freedivers can have total peace of mind purchasing a product that’s built to last and contributes to a sustainable future.
Honestly, the AGULHAS Backpack is the backpack I never knew I needed. As a freediver, I often travel in boats or hike up to special spots to go diving. Having a reliable and functional (not to mention bold and attention-grabbing!) backpack, I can take with me and strap my bifins to make these kinds of adventures worry-free!
Features
- Dimensions: 75cm x 25cm x ±118cm (5in x 9.8in x ±46.5in)
- Capacity: 25 – 50 Liters
- Water-resistant ripstop fabric
- Made from double-layered recycled nylon for increased durability and longer life
- Ergonomic padded shoulder straps with key ring
- Reinforced padded bottom panel
- External adjustable straps for fins
- Roll-top closure
- Side mesh pockets for water bottles
- Hidden side pocket for wallet and keys
- Inner padded computer compartment in contrasting fabric
- Weight: 950g (2.1lb)
- Colors: Classic Black, Atlantic Blue
Price
$158 USD | €146 EUR | £125 GBP
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Backpack - Agulhas Ocean
The AGULHAS backpack is the perfect compact all-rounder. You can strap any length fins to the outside of the bag for a quick dash down to the water, while your laptop has a safe place inside for days where work and play coincide. An everyday bag that can keep up with your ocean lifestyle.
