Ahh, yes. So, you're going hiking. Or fishing. Or rafting. Or whatever the heck you're doing you're doing outside - point is, you have a good chance of getting wet.
Are you wondering if the FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack can keep your stuff dry? We were too before we bought it and put it through the ringer of our 3-phase waterproof test.
Below is our FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack review and, more importantly, the results from our waterproof testing and the answer to the question: is the FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack waterproof? Strap in! Let's get started.
The Basics
Alrighty, let's start with the basics. The FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack is a pretty typical rolltop dry bag. The outer shell is primarily made from PVC (a very waterproof material), so we're off to a good start. It has bungee cords on the front of the pack to hold any loose items like a jacket or tackle box and mesh pockets on either side for carry water bottles or other items.
The Cloudbreak has a 30 liter capacity, which is enough for a good day trip, but we would recommend you get something bigger for an overnight outing. Inside, it is pretty bare bones. No dividers or fancy pockets, although there is a small zippered pocket for easy access to keys or other valuables.
The rolltop on this backpack is pretty standard as well, which we would expect since the FE Active Cloudbreak sits firmly in the "budget" end of the spectrum of waterproof backpacks. You simply roll the top of the pack down and secure it with a (pretty sturdy) plastic clip.
On the comfort side of things, the Cloudbreak is about as "school backpack" as it gets. Minimal padding on the shoulders and back, but enough to not make you feel chafed after carrying it all day.
Enough with the basics, y'all just want to know how the FE Active Cloudbreak did in our waterproof testing. Well, here you go.
Waterproof Testing Results
If you're a first time reader, we put all the products we test through a 3-phase testing process - The Mist, The Rain, and (dramatic pause) The Dunk. Here is how the FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack fared in those tests.
The Mist
The FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack passed The Mist test with flying colors. We've tested some budget backpacks before that don't make it past this easy test, but we were excited to see that this pack from FE Active stayed dry. What does this mean for you? If you're planning on using this pack in generally damp conditions (whattup Seattle), it should hold up just fine.
The Rain
The FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack survived The Rain test as well, which we were pleasantly surprised with. Typically, your cheaper backpacks aren't going to survive long in the rain, but this dry bag seems to be thoughtfully constructed and withstood the 30-minute onslaught.
The Dunk
Here's where the rubber meets the road. Can the FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack survive being fully submerged? Yep, this pack did just fine. What we really liked about the Cloudbreak's performance in The Dunk test was it's ability to pop right back up after being submerged, which means it really only needs to survive a few seconds of submersion to keep your stuff dry. There were a couple of water droplets that made it to the inside of the pack, but as with any rolltop backpack without a watertight zipper, it can never be 100% safe from submersion.
Other Features We Like
Outside of being a decent waterproof pack option if you're on a budget, here are some of the other features of the FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack that we liked.
First is obviously the price point. At under $50, this quality is about as good as you're going to get.
Like we mentioned above in the basics section as well, the Cloudbreak backpack seems to be relatively secure and has a lot of options for exterior storage with the bungee cord on the front of the pack and the mesh hip pockets.
Complaints
It can all be roses and butterflies. Here are some of the things we didn't like with the FE Active Cloudbreak. Keep in mind the price point though - there will always be quality tradeoffs.
First up, we have some questions on durability. The stitching isn't the highest quality, so it may only last you a couple of years. When we checked in with some other folks who have purchased this pack before, they seemed to have the same conclusions.
Like we noted above, the padding on the shoulder straps and back is pretty minimal. This pack also lacks a hip belt, which can be used to take some of the weight off your shoulders if you have a heavy load. If you're going on a strenuous journey, and need some extra support, the Cloudbreak might not be the best option for you.
So, who is it a good fit for? Let's get to it.
Who Should Get The FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack
We think the FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack is a great fit for people who have a tight budget. Based on the results from our waterproof testing, this backpack can work well for hikers, fishermen, cyclists, or just general travelers who need something simple to keep their valuables dry. However, if you're looking for something a little more comfortable or you're going to encounter, like, a lot of water, we would recommend going with a higher tier waterproof backpack that is going to be more reliable and durable.
Final Verdict: Is The FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack Waterproof?
While no basic rolltop backpacks can be considered 100% waterproof, we are comfortable giving this pack our seal of approval for budget shoppers - yes, the FE Active Cloudbreak Backpack is a good option for a waterproof backpack. In fact, it made our list of the best waterproof backpacks!
Until next time, stay dry out there.
