Patagonia Submersible Guidewater Backpack
Review: Patagonia Submersible Guidewater Backpack
By Margie McKnight
The Patagonia Guidewater Submersible Backpack 29L has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of gear. It’s built to handle everything I need for a full day (or even multiple days) on the water, and it does so with comfort and reliability.
Right off the bat, the storage capacity is impressive. At 29 liters, it holds a ton of stuff without feeling bulky or overwhelming. From extra layers and fly boxes to food, camera gear, and even a packable rain jacket, I never feel like I’m running out of space. The rod tube straps on the sides are a huge plus, especially when traveling—it’s definitely nice to have rods secured to the pack and hands free when moving through the airport or hiking in or out of spots.
The waterproofing is another standout feature. Whether I’m wading deep or fishing in unpredictable weather, I know everything inside stays bone dry. It takes away a lot of stress, especially when I’m carrying electronics or extra clothes that I really don’t want soaked.
Comfort is often overlooked in fishing packs, but Patagonia nailed it here. The shoulder straps are padded and shaped in a way that makes long walks or full-day trips surprisingly easy on the body. Even fully loaded, it never feels like it’s digging in or shifting around too much.
And then there’s the net holder—seriously one of my favorite features. It’s positioned just right, making it easy to stash and grab the net quickly, but secure enough that I don’t have to worry about it bouncing out on long hikes. For someone who spends a lot of time walking into spots, this is a game-changer.
The only real downside is the lack of any real organization insert inside the pack. It can feel a little like a black hole—everything just goes in one big compartment, which means gear sometimes ends up buried. A removable insert or dividers would make it much easier to keep smaller items accessible.
Overall, the Guidewater 29L is an investment that pays off every time I’m on the water. It’s durable, thoughtfully designed, and makes carrying everything I need for a day of fishing simple and comfortable. If you’re looking for a waterproof backpack that can take a beating and still keep your gear organized, dry, and accessible, this one checks all the boxes.
Margie’s Basin Green 29L Guidewater backpack sitting in the sand, packed full of goodies!
