Michelle C I want a waterproof bag but not something huge - does this bag feel particularly huge to you? I'll be traveling in SE Asia during monsoon season and just want to keep my stuff dry, but i don't want to schlep around something enormous. Is it much larger than a normal backpack?
TERRY J The Animas is a very big bag much larger than than a day bag. Look at the Big Creek it is a day bag for your personel items. I love mine just the right size. Really there need to be a bag size between the two above. Good luck in your choice.
COLLIN G It is about the same size as a hiking backing pack that I use strictly for hiking.
I purchased this bag for a trip I took to the boundary waters and wanted something that was completely water proof. I also purchased one of their duffel bags. I had to carry the bag on a couple of times across portages we had to take, so I can't speak to hiking with the bag. But I can address the quality and water proof aspects as I have used both bags numerous times since purchasing them. In fact I just came off a week long river trip on the Buffalo in NW Arkansas.
These bags are completely water proof. They are built very well. I am very tough on my gear and I expect it to perform, and these bags have not disappointed me. In fact several of my adventure buddies have purchased other Watershed products since seeing mine and are equally impressed.
Be advised that they are air and water tight and therefore condensation will build up inside. Purchase some desiccant to absorb the moisture.
Good Luck on your trip