Can anyone comment on the BPL Arctic Dry Pack?

No direct experience whatsoever, because this pack is not for me (meaning my style of backpacking). But this I know: a flurry of folks here practically tripped over each other in their clamor for one when this pack first came out. Now, I see "for sale" and "price lowered" posts quite often — sometimes, the same pack passing from owner to owner!

It's a specialized piece of gear. It may be just the thing for you. However, if you describe the hikes you take, actual owners will be better able to respond.

Larry, The Catalyst has about 10 liters more capacity (even more if you get a large or XL frame)than the AD's larger bag. I talked to Brian at ULA about the Arctic Dry and he said pretty much what Benjamin said (in the prior post) – it's a specialist's pack for special conditions, when you expect constant rain or serious river crossings. Brian's strong recommendation for ordinary backpacking by mere mortals was the Catalyst. Most of my backpacking is in the Rockies, which is usually pretty dry. The ripstop used in the Catalyst is excellent at repelling the occasional afternoon thundershower even though it's not claimed to be waterproof. You might call Brian, who is totally honest (and quite accessible if he's not out in the mountains). Richard

I have the Arctic Pack and haven't yet used it. Every time I lift it up to consider using it I can't come up with a good enough reason for it. It is somewhat of a pain to use, with straps all over the place and a cumbersome way of having to position the drypack each time you pack up. There is no place for water bottles at the sides. Because of the drypack (I have four, the original two that came with the pack, an older POE drypack that doesn't have the flourescent orange color, and a smaller, 30 liter drypack for when I don't need so much interior space) the whole package is quite a bit heavier than a good, regular backpack. I also don't like the way the shoulder straps attach to the drysack, my buckle keeps popping loose.

For serious wet walks where you will be spending a lot of time in the water this would be a great pack (I may use it for some sawanobori trips this summer), but for most uses it is overkill and just too finicky. I would say stay with the Catalyst. You won't be sorry.

Miguel:

Knowing how teeny tiny Japanese apts. are — if you need a place to store your unused AD, just let me know. Anytime. Really. :)

Aha! I thought, Ben, that is why you were lining up former AD owners like fighters in a boxing match. You just want to get your 'ands on one, too, don'cha!

Unfortunately this is one of my keeper packs. Last fall I did a whirlwind cleanup of all my household goods and got rid of everything I didn't need. I have six packs left. I actually do intend to use the AD when I can figure out a better way to attach the shoulder straps and a way to carry water bottles at the sides. I already have an idea that might actually work on other packs, too, plus work as a waist pack when not being used on the pack.

As to teeny, tiny Japanese apartments, no kidding! The place I've been living in for the past year and a half is eight paces long, four paces wide. Everything I have in the world is in here; last winter I got rid of all my stuff in storage back in the States. So when you rib me about "all the stuff" I have, I get all teary-eyed and despondent, because, man, exactly how "streamlined" do you want my non-backpacking life to be? Your garage is probably bigger than my apartment! Or if you live in an apartment, then your kitchen is probably the same size as my apartment!

I know I'm off on a tangent again, but I think OP has his question answered already — at least until he provides more info. about what he intends to use this pack for.

I was just kidding with you, of course, as this isn't a pack that would fit my needs. :)

Finally, I have a feeling that your 8 pace x 4 pace apartment is probably more expensive than most 2-bedroom / 2 bath apts. this side of the Pacific. Japan is indeed an expensive place to live.

I hike in the Sierras and its dry most of the time,except for the occaisional an early storm. I guess I will not get the BPLArctic

Thanks

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