LifeProof Goa Review: Impressive Water-Resistant Backpack

You probably already know LifeProof for their rugged, yet stylish cases. This same design and protection flows over into their new line of LifeProof backpacks. I’ve tested the LifeProof GOA backpack as my main bag for the last several months putting it to the test on the road, as a backpack around town and on other short trips.

I’m impressed with how much I can fit inside this fairly slim backpack, including a 15-inch Macbook Pro, Sony a6500, DJI gimbal, chargers and various other items I need to get work done.

The LifeProof GOA has a 22L capacity and includes a lot of smart storage options. While I haven’t used it, there is a 3L hydration pocket and opening that allows you to put your own hydration bladder into the backpack. the Goa is available for $159 from LifeProof.

As I cover a variety of car events I’m often stuck in inclement weather with a lot of expensive tech on my back. With the weather resistant finish on the LifeProof backpack I don’t need to worry about a little rain ruining my gear, even if I end up pretty wet.

In addition to keeping the main gear safe, there are four pockets on the front that are sealed and weather resistant. They are perfect for small gadgets or backup batteries.

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Two other features I use all the time are the recessed water bottle pocket and the side stash pocket. The water bottle pocket that lets me store water or a tea for easy access without it adding bulk to the backpack. On the other side, the stash pocket lets me store a small battery, a granola bar or some mints. Anything I want to be able to reach without opening the bag. It’s very handy when I’m on the move and I tend to load it up with these items before heading out for a day trip.

Inside there is a zippered pocket on the front that is perfect for storing a laptop charger and other cables. There are several pockets that hold a spare phone, backup battery or notebook.

The main compartment is big enough to hold a change of clothes or to hold my Sony A6500, a small rode Video Mic and a DJI Mobile gimbal for my phone. It gets a little tight in there with all of that, but it keeps it dry and safe while in transit. You could also toss a few books or other items in here if you are heading to class or if you are heading out on the trail. The open area allows you to decide how to best use it, and you may want to invest in some small packing cubes if you have delicate gear that you want to put in the main section.

Oh the back side is a padded laptop pocket that is perfect for holding my 15-inch MacBook Pro and a variety of other laptops we have in for testing. The padding protects nicely, and if you put a smaller 13-inch laptop in this bag it doesn’t slide around while wearing the backpack. In this section a small padded compartment can hold an iPad or similar size tablet and protect it nicely as well.

There are two cinch straps on the front that allow me to slim down the bag when I don’t have much in it, which I love. There is a removable chest strap on the comfortable shoulder straps. I like that this is easy to remove since I don’t use it every day, but I do use it on trips or when I have long distanced to walk.

Overall the bag held up well during my whirlwind use across the midwest, but I did manage to break one of the zipper pulls when it caught on something during my travels. The backpack is covered under a 5 year warranty, so if this happens to yours, you can get it take care of easily.