The Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh Made a Bold First Impression
The Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh is not your average backpack; it’s a purpose-built marsh companion designed by Rig ‘Em Right for the serious waterfowler. Boasting full foam floatation, a deluxe molded EVA bottom, and integrated game totes, this pack promises to be the ultimate gear-hauling solution for those who spend their days slogging through mud and reeds. I was immediately drawn to its promise of durability and specialized features.
Years of lugging ill-suited backpacks through flooded timber and across open marshes have left me searching for the perfect waterfowl pack. I was constantly battling soaked gear, uncomfortable straps, and a general lack of organization. The Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh seemed to directly address these issues.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the robust construction and the quality of materials. The Optifade Marsh camo pattern is well-executed. The pack felt heavier than my standard hiking backpack, but the promise of floatation and the solid EVA bottom suggested a worthwhile trade-off.
I considered other options like the Avery Outdoors Finisher Backpack and the Cabela’s Northern Flight Waterfowl Backpack, but the Rig ‘Em Right stood out due to its unique features such as the paracord handle and the integrated game totes. While the Avery and Cabela’s options offer good storage, they lacked the specialized waterfowl features I was looking for.
I was genuinely excited, hopeful that this pack would finally provide the organization, durability, and peace of mind I needed in the marsh. The initial impressions were promising, but the real test would be in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh was a pre-season scouting trip to a local wildlife management area. The conditions were typical for late summer – humid with the ever-present threat of afternoon thunderstorms. I loaded the pack with binoculars, a rangefinder, snacks, a thermos of coffee, and my laptop in the internal sleeve.
The pack performed admirably in the initial test. The padded air-foam backrest and shoulder straps made carrying the load comfortable, even after several hours of walking. The thermos holder kept my coffee secure and easily accessible, and the Optifade Marsh camo blended seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation.
The only minor issue I encountered was the waist belt; it tended to slip slightly when I was navigating uneven terrain, requiring occasional readjustment. Otherwise, the pack met expectations.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during scouting and early teal season, the Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh continues to impress. There are no signs of wear and tear. The deluxe molded EVA bottom has proven to be incredibly durable, resisting abrasion from rocks and mud.
Cleaning the pack is relatively straightforward; I simply hose it off and let it air dry. The materials seem resistant to staining. Compared to my previous experiences with standard backpacks, the Rig ‘Em Right is a significant upgrade in terms of durability and specialized functionality.
Breaking Down the Features of Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh
Specifications
The Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh boasts several key specifications. These include full foam floatation, a deluxe molded EVA bottom, a built-in sunglasses case, integrated game totes, a unique paracord handle, a thermos holder, and side handles with daisy chains for decoy anchor clips.
The pack also features a padded air-foam backrest, shoulder straps with a removable waist belt, a large internal compartment, and an internal pocket for a laptop or tablet. These specs directly translate to enhanced functionality and durability in the marsh.
Performance & Functionality
The Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh excels in its primary function: safely and comfortably carrying gear in demanding waterfowl environments. The floatation is a game-changer, providing peace of mind when wading in deep water. The EVA bottom ensures that the pack can withstand rough treatment, and the integrated game totes are a convenient feature for carrying harvested birds.
One area for potential improvement is the waist belt. A more robust design would enhance stability. Overall, the pack meets and even exceeds expectations for a specialized waterfowl backpack.
Design & Ergonomics
The Optifade Marsh camo pattern is effective and aesthetically pleasing. The pack’s design is well-thought-out. The weight is manageable considering its features, and the padded straps and backrest contribute to comfortable carrying.
The design is intuitive, requiring minimal time to adapt to its layout and features. The integrated game totes, for example, are easy to access and use.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials used in the Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh appear to be highly durable. The stitching is strong. The EVA bottom and reinforced stress points suggest a long lifespan.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wash with water is typically sufficient. The pack is designed to withstand the rigors of the marsh.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh comes with the features previously mentioned. The side handles with daisy chain are designed to accommodate Rig ‘Em Right Decoy Anchor Clips (sold separately). While there are no other explicitly stated customization options, the daisy chain system allows for attaching other MOLLE-compatible accessories.
Third-party accessory compatibility is relatively limited given the specialized nature of the pack. However, the daisy chain system allows for adding generic MOLLE pouches or clips to customize storage.
Pros and Cons of Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh
Pros
- Full Foam Floatation: Provides crucial peace of mind in deep water situations.
- Deluxe Molded EVA Bottom: Offers exceptional durability and protects gear from the elements.
- Integrated Game Totes: Conveniently carries harvested birds, keeping them separate from other gear.
- Padded Air-Foam Backrest and Shoulder Straps: Ensure comfortable carrying, even with heavy loads.
- Internal Pocket for Laptop or Tablet: Adds versatility, allowing the pack to double as a travel bag.
Cons
- Waist Belt: The current design tends to slip and requires frequent adjustment.
- Limited Customization: Beyond the daisy chain system, there are few options for significant customization.
Who Should Buy Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh?
The Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh is perfect for dedicated waterfowlers who require a durable, reliable, and specialized pack for carrying gear in challenging environments. It is ideal for hunters who frequently wade in deep water or navigate muddy terrain. This pack is a must-have for serious waterfowl hunters.
Hunters who primarily hunt from blinds or fields may find the specialized features unnecessary. The waist belt issue could also be a drawback for those who frequently hike long distances. Must-have accessories include Rig ‘Em Right Decoy Anchor Clips for the daisy chains and potentially a more robust aftermarket waist belt if comfort and stability are paramount.
Conclusion on Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh
The Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh is a well-designed and durable backpack that excels in its intended environment. Its specialized features, such as the full foam floatation and integrated game totes, make it a valuable tool for serious waterfowlers. While the waist belt could use improvement, the overall performance and functionality justify the price of $105.49.
I would highly recommend the Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh to any waterfowler seeking a reliable and specialized gear-hauling solution. If you spend a lot of time in the marsh, this pack is a worthwhile investment that will make your hunts more comfortable and efficient. Invest in the Rig ‘Em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack Optifade Marsh and experience the difference a purpose-built pack can make!