Alpine Aqua II 25+5 Litre Daysack
- Carry your gear securely and comfortably in a weather protected rucksack from Technicals. The padded back and straps and adjustable back system heighten your comfort even with a heavy load. Complete with multiple attachment points and pockets for ample space for your daily essentials that can be kept organised and easy to find. Ideal for commutes and day trips on the hills.
- Features
- Removable, waterproof roll up Dry System™ liner – featured within the hood and main compartment to keep the pack’s contents dry and protected.
- Padded, air mesh back support with stabiliser straps
- Multiple attachment points and storage compartments
- Side compression straps
- Map/document front pocket
- Bungee cord attachment system
- Walking pole support loop
- Adjustable chest strap with whistle
- Adjustable waist strap
- Reflective tabs
- Hydration compatible
- Built-in rain cover
- Haul loops
- Capacity: 30 litres
- Dimensions: L32 x W19 x H56.5cm
- Weight: 1370g
£20.00
How I ended up choosing the Technicals Alpine Aqua II after an exhaustive buying guide research
I’ve been hiking for years now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that having reliable rain protection is absolutely essential. As an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, I spend a lot of time researching gear to make sure I’m using the best equipment possible. I take pride in being prepared for any weather condition the trails may throw at me. So when it came time to invest in a new waterproof hiking jacket, I knew I had to do my due diligence. The buying process ended up being more complex than I initially thought, sending me down a rabbit hole of jacket reviews and comparisons. After what seemed like an endless quest, I finally settled on the Technicals Alpine Aqua II as the perfect jacket for my needs. Let me tell you about my exhaustive buying guide research and how I chose the Alpine Aqua II as my new hiking partner.
As I began looking into waterproof jacket options, I came up with a list of must-have features. First, it had to be 100% waterproof—no exceptions! I was not about to compromise on the most basic purpose of a rain jacket. It needed to keep me bone dry in the heaviest downpour, snowstorm, or slog through marshy bogs. I also wanted the jacket to be breathable, since no one likes feeling like they’re marinating in their own sweat. Ventilation zips were a high priority. And of course, the jacket had to be durable and abrasion-resistant, able to withstand brushes with branches and rocks on the trail.
Beyond these basics, I had a few other preferences in mind. I wanted the jacket to have a hood, ideally one that was adjustable for maximum coverage and protection. Pit zips for extra ventilation would also be a nice bonus. Reflective details for visibility and packability were preferable extras as well. And it had to look good—just because it’s outdoor gear doesn’t mean it can’t have style! I was looking for an athletic, flattering fit that allowed free range of motion. Given these parameters, I set out to see which jacket could meet my ideal criteria.
I scoured the internet reading reviews and checking out the options from all the top outdoor brands. There were so many choices, it was overwhelming! Every jacket seemed great in some respects but lacking in others. The search was proving difficult, but I remained dogged in my product research. I made detailed notes comparing features between the different jackets. I drove my husband crazy talking endlessly about zippers, seams, eVent versus Gore-Tex, and more minutiae. I was an encyclopedia of waterproof jacket knowledge!
Just when I thought I would never find “the one,” I came across the Technicals Alpine Aqua II. Reading the product description, it seemed to have everything on my wishlist. I did a deep dive into reviews and was thrilled by what I found. This was a seriously waterproof jacket designed to keep the elements out. With a 20,000mm hydrostatic rating and fully taped seams, the Aqua II provides complete wet weather protection. One reviewer tested it by wearing it in the shower for 30 minutes—and stayed bone dry!
But it wasn’t just waterproof. This jacket was also highly breathable, with ventilation features like pit zips and back air vents. It was perfect for aerobic activities like hiking. The adjustable hood with wired peak keeps rain out of your eyes when the weather gets nasty. And I loved the subtle reflective logo details for visibility. Plus, the Aqua II is lightweight and packs down small, making it easy to stash in a daypack. This was everything I wanted in one jacket!
I did have a few lingering questions, so I kept researching. I confirmed that yes, the Alpine Aqua II does come with a hood that is adjustable for full coverage and protection. The jacket is available in fun colors like fig, monarch, and papaya for style points on the trail. Technicals uses durable 3-layer H2Tex fabric technology with a PTFE laminate membrane for superior waterproofing and a soft, quiet inner lining that is very comfortable to wear.
When it came to sizing, reviews said the Aqua II runs true-to-size and allows good freedom of movement. Plenty of hikers reported using this jacket for everything from daily hikes to serious mountaineering in extreme alpine environments, so it was clearly up for anything. The Aqua II can handle heavy rain, snow, sleet—whatever the skies throw down. But it remains breathable for active use.
At the end of my exhaustive research, I felt 100% confident choosing the Technicals Alpine Aqua II. It combines everything I wanted in my perfect waterproof hiking jacket. I found it available from several major retailers like Moosejaw, Backcountry, and REI with prices ranging from $150-$250. For the quality and performance, that feels like a great value to me. I can’t wait for it to arrive so I can take it out on the trails! The search is over at last. I may have gotten a bit obsessive about this process, but I’m thrilled to have found my ideal jacket. Let the rainy adventures begin!
