The Arc’teryx LEAF (Law Enforcement Armed Forces) DryPack 25 is ideal for specific amphibious operations, or when you really need to keep your gear dry not only in pouring rain, but while crossing rivers, swimming in the ocean, or even going under water. The pack can indeed float in inflated through external valve (and thus also be used as a flotation device), or sink and be kept underwater when deflated accordingly.
The shoulder straps are relatively comfortable. Two metal frames inside the pack can be adjusted to fit your back. There’s also some lower back padded support, and a waist belt. The oversized zip handle can also be secured with velcro so the pack doesn’t open while in the water.
Outside of a small inside front pocket, and inside velcro on the back, there is no organization inside the pack. We use Fjällräven gear pocket, and gear bags (regular and large). A Fjällräven large gear bag fits perfectly in the Arc’teryx DryPack 25, and you can actually fit two of those if you don’t use the space for something else. The Fjällräven gear pockets and bags can easily transfer into another pack. The pack also fits a 13” MacBook Pro laptop in a sleeve or carrier.
While we cannot discuss actual operations, we can say that the Arc’teryx DryPack 25 was a lifesaver in Germany, escaping an internment camp, which required having to cross a river in the middle of the night. Everything in the pack, including laptop, was kept completely dry.
The pack is currently also used as a light/Summer travel pack by several Úlfhéðnar units.
The pack is entirely made in Vancouver, BC, Canada. It retails for about $800 (C$ 1,050) to the general public, with a substantial discount for Active Duty military. Well worth the money.
BTW, wondering what the watch is? ORIS United States Marines Force Recon… As for the jacket, it is indeed the Arc-teryx LEAF Alpha jacket Gen 2, made in Canada as well. Retails for $950 (or C$1,200) without a military discount.
Pack floats when inflated.
Pack can be fully submerged when deflated.
A Mjölnir is often attached to our packs.
Oversized zipper strap can be secured with velcro.
Inside of pack. Here an Arc’teryx LEAF Alpha Jacket Gen 2.
A packed Norrøna down vest and 4 Fjällräven gear pockets (can fit up to 8 vertically, side by side, 4 layers deep.)
Fjällräven large gear bag fits perfectly in the pack. You can fit up to two Fjällräven large gear bags if you are not using gear pockets.
Inside the pack, there is velcro at the back, and a very small pocket at the front.