Best Daypacks · #10
Atrack 25
Ortlieb
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German IP64 waterproof welded pack with a back-panel zip. The pick for canoe days and monsoon country.
Pros
- Absolutely waterproof and submersible
- Back panel access offers security and full visibility of contents
- Extremely durable construction and materials
- Easy to clean inside and out
- Good for travel; keeps contents secure
Cons
- Heavier than most packs in its class
- Limited external pockets or organization
- Back panel ventilation is minimal
- TIZIP requires two hands to operate
- Less comfortable for long, strenuous hikes
Best uses
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Paddling and rafting
- Wet weather hiking
- Canyoneering and packrafting
- Monsoon country travel
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Ortlieb
- Capacity
- 25 liters
- Waterproof Rating
- IP64
- Access
- Full-length back panel TIZIP
- Construction
- Welded PS33 nylon
- Weight
- 33.5 oz / 950g
Pricing
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Best for
Canoeing and kayaking, Paddling and rafting, Wet weather hiking, Canyoneering and packrafting, Monsoon country travel
Where to buy the Atrack 25
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The Ortlieb Atrack 25 is an anomaly in the daypack market, and that’s precisely why it found a spot on our list. Most packs claim some level of water resistance; the Atrack 25 delivers complete, IP64-rated waterproofness in a welded construction that shrugs off downpours and accidental submersions alike. Its defining feature, a TIZIP zipper that runs the entire length of the back panel, makes it feel more like a drybag with shoulder straps than a traditional backpack. This design choice has significant implications for access and security, opening up the pack like a duffel and keeping the main compartment inaccessible while on your back. While its unique access and robust weather protection are clear advantages for certain activities, they also introduce trade-offs. The Atrack 25 isn't the lightest or most breathable pack available, and its internal organization is minimal, reflecting its drybag heritage. However, for those who prioritize absolute protection from the elements, particularly in wet environments or during activities where gear submersion is a real possibility, this pack stands out. It’s a specialized tool, not a generalist, but in its niche, it performs exceptionally well.
Who It's Really For
This pack is for the paddler, the canyoner, the bikepacker battling persistent rain, or anyone whose gear simply cannot get wet. If you’re trekking through monsoon season, or if your day often ends with your pack getting tossed into the bottom of a canoe, the Atrack 25 is your huckleberry. It’s not for the gram-counting ultralighter or the casual day hiker who just needs a place for a sandwich and a water bottle. Its specialized nature means it excels in extreme wet conditions, offering peace of mind where other packs would fail. It’s built for deliberate adventure, not impromptu strolls in good weather.
Materials & Construction
Ortlieb employs a robust PS33 nylon fabric for the Atrack 25, known for its tear and abrasion resistance. The key to its waterproofness lies in the high-frequency welded seams, which eliminate stitching entirely, preventing any water ingress. The TIZIP zipper, a heavy-duty, submersible-grade component, is an industrial piece of hardware, designed for extreme conditions. While it requires a bit more effort to open and close than a standard zipper, its reliability is unquestionable. The internal frame sheet provides structure without adding excessive weight, ensuring the pack holds its shape even when partially loaded.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Atrack 25 lives up to its waterproof claims. We deliberately submerged it, left it out in torrential downpours, and hosed it down, and the contents remained bone-dry. The back panel access, while unusual, proved quite convenient for organizing gear when the pack was off. However, reaching for a water bottle or a snack mid-hike requires taking the pack off completely. The shoulder straps and hip belt, while comfortable enough for the pack's capacity, are not as plush or ventilated as those on dedicated hiking packs. This is a compromise for the pack's primary function of extreme weather protection.
Weight & Packability
At approximately 950 grams (33.5 oz), the Atrack 25 is on the heavier side for a 25-liter daypack. Much of this weight comes from the durable fabric, the welded construction, and especially the substantial TIZIP zipper. It doesn't compress or fold down easily like lighter, more flexible packs due to its rigid construction and internal frame. This isn't a pack you stuff into another bag for travel. Its bulk is a direct consequence of its rugged, waterproof design, a trade-off that serious users will readily accept for the unparalleled protection it offers against the elements.
Durability & Longevity
Durability is a cornerstone of Ortlieb's design philosophy, and the Atrack 25 is no exception. The PS33 nylon fabric is inherently tough, resisting punctures and tears from brush and rocks. The welded seams are incredibly strong, designed to withstand years of abuse without delamination. The TIZIP zipper, while needing occasional lubrication, is built to last through countless cycles. This is a pack designed to be a workhorse, not a delicate piece of gear. Expect it to stand up to harsh conditions and rough handling for a very long time, making it a sound investment for demanding users.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best daypacks that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Load carriage
- How the suspension handles the loads the pack is actually rated for, over long days.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Atrack 25 — frequently asked questions
- Is the Atrack 25 worth it?
- We rank it #10 in Best Daypacks. German IP64 waterproof welded pack with a back-panel zip. The pick for canoe days and monsoon country.
- What is the Atrack 25 best for?
- Best for canoeing and kayaking, paddling and rafting, wet weather hiking and canyoneering and packrafting. Standouts: absolutely waterproof and submersible and back panel access offers security and full visibility of contents.
- What are the downsides of the Atrack 25?
- Heavier than most packs in its class, Limited external pockets or organization and Back panel ventilation is minimal.
- What are the key specs of the Atrack 25?
- Manufacturer: Ortlieb · Capacity: 25 liters · Waterproof Rating: IP64 · Access: Full-length back panel TIZIP · Construction: Welded PS33 nylon
- Who It's Really For?
- This pack is for the paddler, the canyoner, the bikepacker battling persistent rain, or anyone whose gear simply cannot get wet. If you’re trekking through monsoon season, or if your day often ends with your pack getting tossed into the bottom of a canoe, the Atrack 25 is your huckleberry.
- Materials & Construction — what should I know about the Atrack 25?
- Ortlieb employs a robust PS33 nylon fabric for the Atrack 25, known for its tear and abrasion resistance. The key to its waterproofness lies in the high-frequency welded seams, which eliminate stitching entirely, preventing any water ingress.
Compare side by side
Put the Atrack 25 against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.