As an appreciator of gear, unique backpacks always catch my eye. The SLNT Waterproof Faraday Backpack is the latest to grab my attention. It’s because none of my current packs are both waterproof and function as a Faraday bag–or have RFID-protective pockets.

For those not familiar with the Faraday concept, a Faraday “bag” or Faraday “cage” blocks electronic signals including electromagnetic pulses (EMP). Faraday cages thus protect any electronic device stored within. This includes laptops, phones or chipped credit cards. Faraday barriers serve to jam RFID technology that tech-savvy thieves will employ to steal victims’ data by standing in proximity to vulnerable devices. This even includes credit cards. 

SLNT Waterproof Backpack

Let’s begin with SLNT’s pack itself. At only 2.2 pounds empty, this lightweight pack has a generous volume of 20 liters in its main compartment. The exterior is black 420 Denier waterproof nylon. SLNT Waterproof Backpacks come included with padded  and adjustable shoulder straps that utilize sturdy Duraflex UTX buckles. An additional adjustable sternum strap also provides the wearer with extra comfort and security. The pack’s rear padded and breathable back-plate conceals a zippered RFID protected pocket that pairs with a similar exterior RFID pocket near the main compartment access.

The SLNT Waterproof Backpack’s main compartment has three large slots with interior zippered pockets and attachments for accessories such as pens and markers. One slot has a Velcro closure strap to secure a laptop or tablet. The bag and insert possess a light grey interior that makes it easy to find anything inside. Since I always have random loose items rolling around in the bottom of my packs, I really appreciate that light interior color. It’s more useful than I would have previously expected.

Finally, I also got the 3-slot semi-rigid insert to organize what I put in the main storage compartment of the pack. The insert goes in easily and I can remove it just as quickly if I want, so it provides some nice versatility. SLNT sells it in a bundle with the Waterproof Backpack or separately. 

Faraday Capability

The whole of the SLNT Waterproof Backpack’s main compartment functions as a Faraday bag, and provides coverage to whatever electronic devices are able to fit. My laptop only takes up a small portion of the available space, allowing me to add cables, extra batteries, phone, etc with some room to spare. 

The bag’s patented Silent Pocket with Multishield Faraday technology is MIL-STD-188-125-2 compliant and exceeds IEEE 299-2006 (1-40GHz) standards (100,000: reduction). SLNT provides testing data on their website. This technology blocks cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, RFID, NFC, EMP, and EMF radiation, as well as solar flare radiation and static shock. 

Full protection requires closing the main compartment properly by sealing the magnetic seams and rolling the top down at least three times. Buckles will hold it in place. The separate RFID pockets are zippered. I like the small RFID pockets, especially the hidden one behind the backplate. I can slip in my wallet, phone, passport, or whatever, and still have access without opening the main compartment. The need for RFID protection is unfortunate, but that’s the world we live in. 

Waterproof Ratings

Sealed, this pack is fully submersible for up to 30 minutes in 10 feet of water. Keep in mind that the two exterior RFID pockets are not completely watertight.

Even though I did not submerge the pack for a half hour, I did place it in a creek near my house for about 15 minutes. While dunking it in this creek, I also learned that the pack is quite buoyant. I actually had to hold it in place! 

When I removed it from my creek, the pack’s interior was still completely dry. It didn’t take too long for moisture to shed off the exterior either. I submerged only one of the RFID compartments. It wasn’t completely dry but it wasn’t completely soaked. Again, SLNT discloses this.

SLNT Faraday: A Very Nice Pack! 

This pack is well-made, sturdy and lightweight. Its interior is spacious and that extra separate insert allows me to clearly organize my belongings. This are all excellent qualities to have in any pack, but it’s really the pack’s Faraday cage and RFID protection capabilities that caught my eye. This pack serves a specific purpose that fills a gaping hole in my gear systems.

Unfortunately, electronics are increasingly vulnerable and can be easily compromised by properly-equipped bad actors. 

I don’t claim to understand how they do it, but I recognize that I need to protect my stuff regardless. With the SLNT Faraday Waterproof Backpack, I now have the means to do just that– to a certain degree anyway. For example, I don’t know how useful EMP protection would actually be in a “real” scenario, considering an EMP attack would likely fry the entire electrical grid. But again, I like having it. And it’s waterproof! Space-age attacks or not, that’s still a handy feature. I even plan to get a smaller Faraday bag for easier daily use, and SLNT sells those too. 

If your system needs this capability, or if you’re just looking for a nice waterproof pack, the SLNT Waterproof Faraday Backpack is a good choice.