EVERGOODS ELEMENT Weathershed 22L Review

We’ve tested enough waterproof backpacks to know what issues to look for and enough EVERGOODS bags to know what to expect from this daypack. However, where those two expectations come together is bound to spring a few surprises. Let’s dive in and see how waterproof this pack is!

External Components

The primary material used on this pack is a custom-developed 420D nylon 6 with two PU coatings. There’s a thicker polyurethane coating on the interior and a kiss-coat on the outside, so you’re more protected than usual. We found that this material was impenetrable in natural conditions. Perhaps, if you sprayed it at high pressure, it may fail. However, in our testing, it holds up extraordinarily well.

EVERGOODS describes the ELEMENT Weathershed 22L as a “waterproof backpack.” Even though we think you understand what they mean by that, let’s dive into the verbiage. Simply put, waterproof means that something is impervious to water. This pack is not that. However, this pack’s materials are, meaning that this bag is highly water-resistant and, in most situations, waterproof enough to keep your gear dry.

However, it isn’t submersible, and if you were to get sprayed upward by a sprinkler or a mean bully with a hose, water may creep inside the main compartment. Even then, it would likely be minimal; however, this bag is not waterproof to go swimming. We don’t think EVERGOODS was trying to make you believe it was, but we wanted to be clear about what this bag can and can’t do.

To test the usability of this pack’s weather resistance, we took it cycling in Detroit in a torrential downpour and during a snowstorm. Our gear stayed completely dry in both events, and we had no issues with water sneaking into the main compartment. It holds up in all weather, and we’re here for it.

The hardware on this pack is a mixed bag, but the contents of that bag are all high quality. There are directional FIDLOCK fasteners that secure the main compartment’s flap. The fasteners are magnetic and relatively easy to use. There’s a slight learning curve to how to latch them, and it can be challenging at times to use them if you have something oddly shaped in the bag; overall, they’re simple, fast, and secure. Because they’re directionally locking, you have to pull the flap down to open the compartment. If you pull up on the flat, they won’t pop open, ensuring the bag doesn’t open accidentally.

In addition to the FIDLOCK fasteners, there’s a metal Duraflex G-Hook that you can use to secure the flap when you’ve stuffed the bag too full to reach the directional ports. It enables you to stuff the pack far past its 22-liter capacity with clothing, groceries, or other large items that won’t fall out of the main compartment if they hang slightly over the edge.

The other hardware on this pack is made from plastic and manufactured by Duraflex. It is easy to use and adjust, and we’ve had no issues with its durability. So far, so good!

The pack has a top handle that’s easy to use and handy when you’re in a hurry. It lacks padding or aeration, but you don’t often find those features on waterproof bags, as they absorb and hold water. The handle is comfortable enough and includes two attachment points on either side, which are handy for connecting extra gear.

EVERGOODS classic hook-and-loop fastener logo isn’t present on this pack; however, the vibes are. They attached a transparent window on the bottom of the pack where you can put your own patch or picture, which is fun and unique. EVERGOODS sells HI-VIS patches suitable for folks who often walk or ride in the city. Or, leave it blank, and it doesn’t look too strange. That said, it does look empty when you aren’t using it.

Just below where the top flap rests on the pack’s front side, there’s a small loop where the Duraflex G-Hook’s strap attaches. You can attach gear like a carabiner or Bluetooth speaker to this loop. Like the attachment loops on the top of the bag near the handle, it doesn’t get in your way if you don’t use it, which we dig.

Fit Notes

The ELEMENT Weathershed 22L’s harness system is very similar to that of other EVERGOODS bags we’ve tested. The back panel is well-padded and well-aerated but doesn’t hold water well, ensuring it doesn’t take ages to dry, even if caught in heavy rain. Plus, a small drainage hole promotes water leaving the back panel.

The shoulder straps are well-padded, aerated, and curved for comfort. They fit similarly to other EVERGOODS bags and conform to your chest. As we’ve reported with other bags from the brand, the fit feels more natural on a masculine body type, though still comfortable for feminine bodies, too.

The sternum strap is on a ladder, so you can adjust the height, switch which side is closer to the buckle, and remove it. There’s no hip belt, but for a pack of this size, it doesn’t feel like we’re missing it. There are no strap keepers on this pack, either. This is manageable, but some users may want to add their own to ensure there isn’t as much strap flailing around in the wind.

Inside The Pack

There’s just one main compartment, which is standard for waterproof bags. The more compartments and pockets there are, the more places water can sneak inside. The design of the ELEMENT Weathershed 22L is intuitive because, while there aren’t any organizational details inside the main compartment, you’ll find a few under its flap, offering protection from the elements.

There are two pockets on the front of the pack with no zipper, just a small flap over the top of their opening. These are solid places to stow your phone, wallet, or a snack. This area is pretty safe from water ingress between the small opening cover and the main compartment flap.

Above that, there’s a zippered pocket. The zipper is a YKK with a PU coating, which is easy to operate. The opening is pretty tight, so it is possible to snag your hand on the zipper, but the teeth are small enough, so they don’t do much damage. There’s no organization inside here, but the zipper makes for a solid place to stow more sensitive items or for your phone and wallet if you don’t plan to use them as often. Additionally, there’s a key leash, which is HI-VIS red.

The main compartment is mainly open space, which makes it challenging to wrangle without packing cubes, a tech pouch, and other organizational pouches. You can go without, but we find using segmentation devices makes finding your gear easier.

On the back wall, there’s a spot to stow your laptop. It’s raised from the ground, so it doesn’t sit directly on the floor when you put the bag down. It’s well-padded and can fit up to a 16-inch computer. An additional sleeve works well for a tablet or a book but doesn’t have as much padding as the laptop slot, so we’d recommend using a protective case on sensitive devices.

Additionally, you can access the frame sheet from the main compartment. You can take it out if you want to, but it removes most of the pack’s structure, so we wouldn’t recommend it.

Overall, we like this pack for the same reason that we like most EVERGOODS bags: it doesn’t commit you to one activity or use. It isn’t specifically an urban, hiking, travel, fishing, kayaking, or dry bag; however, you can use it for all those things (and more) in certain conditions. What you do with the pack is your choice, but we’re fairly sure you’ll be comfortable en route, and your gear will be dry when you get there!