Isle Gateway Waterproof Backpack Reviewed in 2025

The Reliable Isle Gateway Waterproof Backpack

We’ve seen ISLE SURF & SUB do things on innovation that stand out in some crowded fields. Specifically in the stand up paddle board world, the Switch and Explorer Pro models bridged the connection to kayaking better than anyone

Similarly, the Gateway–like a sliding door between two worlds–is a hybrid that brings watersport waterproofing to the everyday.

Evident at first sight and touch, the Isle Gateway 25L bag is more pleasant to handle than other waterproof packs because its fabric is less rigid and hard without sacrificing its waterproofing.

Though not as pleasant as most everyday backpacks, compared to waterproof bags, it’s much softer.

Another stand-out is the main zipper to the waterproof compartment, which offers less resistance compared to submersible packs like the Guidewater and Fogland.

For really, really wet scenarios, we demand reliable waterproofing. Many packs can do that, but few stand out for quality and features. That includes convenience and comfort.

As a pack that can be worn and connected to a boat of any kind, the Gateway has a clean and cool design. Isle describes “seamless compatibility” and there’s some truth to that. It’s secure at the very least and kinda awesome for that.

The Gateway as a Daily Driver?

With this in mind, the Gateway becomes an interesting candidate for casual use, in particular in rainy climates like the parts of the Pacific Northwest. It also has a snug laptop sleeve for carrying a 14-inch device. A compact 15-inch laptop will fit in, but bear in mind the size of your computer vis-à-vis the sleeve dimensions before buying.

It’s not a daily driver pack, so the success of its design and quality should be measured in its capacity to keep stuff dry on the water. In that, the Gateway does an excellent job.

It’s able to float, stand hours of rain and deal with constant splashes and even submersion that happens when paddleboarding or kayaking. It can do this without water getting into the main compartment, our testing has confirmed.

Details and External Features

This pack has several G-hook webbing straps on all sides, for easy mounting to paddleboards and kayaks and can be used as a deck bag in watersports or boating activities.

The daisy chain system is made to work easily with the Isle paddleboards equipped with their patented LINK system of G-hook latches.

The adjustable and easily removable chest strap with a clip buckle keeps it securely in place while you paddle away or hike a steep off-road trail.

The main compartment has a large T-zipper pull for ease of use with wet hands or gloves. The front pocket zipper pull string is also longer.

We see an interesting design detail on the Isle Gateway, its main compartment zipper is placed at a diagonal angle for easier packing and visibility.

Construction and Water Resistance

The Isle is made out of 600D waterproof lightweight nylon and its zippers are sealable. With submersible bags, it is important to secure the zip to its end and make sure it is fully in the specially designed slot to avoid water entering your bag.

Both the back and the shoulder straps do not retain water, so it dries quickly if submerged or if you get drenched in the rain biking home from work.

The breathable padding makes it more comfortable when carrying on your back while paddling in a t-shirt. This is another reason why this is a comfortable bag to use for everyday commutes since it is fully waterproof and has a laptop sleeve.

The Gateway’s Space and Pockets

With a 25L capacity, you can fit all your nicknacks for a day of watersports, work or the gym.

The Isle offers more organizing options than some other submersible bags, which is a plus if you plan to use it as an everyday pack.

There is an external sealable front pocket and two more pockets with zippers inside the main compartment, plus the laptop sleeve with a velcro strap to keep your device securely in place. We like the velcro here, as you do not always see it in bags with a sleeve.

There is always the option to use additional packing cubes if you need to compartmentalize your items even more efficiently. Some of those can be a good solution when putting wet clothing in the bag, for as good as it is at keeping water out, it also keeps it in.

Comparing Waterproof Backpacks

For this guide, we get to try out several brands and examine their performance as well as ease of use, internal and external storage and mounting to watersports crafts potential.

The Isle is a more affordable option than some other established brands, albeit its pricing is towards the higher end of the category. Its fabric is durable and abrasion-resistant and the zippers are dry-suit grade, making it safe and reliable inside the water and out.

We find the Isle to be among the most convenient bags in its category and a great alternative to the Patagonia Guidewater which comes at 29L, is submersible but not as convenient as an everyday pack, in our opinion.

The Guidewater is priced higher because it has a few extra features, including thicker material that gives it more protection but less comfort.

There are scabbards in the Guidewater’s back paneling for fishing nets and other gear like hiking poles, and it is compatible with the Patagonia Convertible Vest or Stealth Work Station.

Fly fishing with the Gateway is doable because of its submersion capability, but the Guidewater might do this job a bit better because of these features.

We prefer the Gateway as a more comfortable, everyday option.

The Isle is closer in pricing to the similarly-sized Fogland by Breakwater Supply (the 25-liter variant). Their intended use aims to cover the same needs in and out of the water and the Isle performs equally well in submersion testing. But the main difference here is the fabric stiffness, making the Isle a more viable option for everyday use.

Do We Recommend It?

We recommend the Isle Gateway Waterproof pack, both for secure protection in the form of an everyday backpack or as a trusted companion in watersports and aquatic adventures.

The Gateway is worth the price especially because it is a pack that can more easily double as an everyday backpack. It will be much more comfortable during the warmer summer months and during more physical activities than than the Fogland and Guidewater, for example.

Offering good protection from water, sand, ice and dust, it is great for the beach, a hike, biking in the city rain or even a day of snowboarding. It is comfortable, it dries fast and it is not heavy considering that submersible materials are thicker.

It has a nicely incorporated and secure laptop sleeve and enough pockets for everything, while one of the most notable features in its category are the easy-to-access zippers that make it a viable contender as an everyday backpack.