Stay Mobile in the Marsh: KUIU DeltaStorm 800 Submersible Waistpack Review

As duck hunters, we love our gear. We take pride in loading up and carrying as much as possible to the blind. But some days favor the mobile, minimalistic waterfowlers. Enter the KUIU DeltaStorm 800 Submersible Waistpack. Designed for hunters who must keep their gear dry in the wettest conditions, this waterproof waistpack will replace your traditional blind bag or backpack.

Throughout this duck season, I’ve trusted this pack to keep some of my most delicate and valuable gear protected while hunting private and public land. When a minimalistic approach was needed, I buckled the DeltaStorm 800 around my waist and headed out. However, when those heavy loadouts were a must, it was simple to clip it to my backpack and haul more gear.

In short: The KUIU DeltaStorm 800 Submersible Waistpack is perfect for quick hunts in the rain, boat, or times when you know your blind bag will get wet. With 800 cubic inches of storage, you can fit all the essentials inside and keep them organized with the removable internal organizer. However, it has some glaring flaws that might keep it from being the perfect waterfowl pack for your next trip.

KUIU DeltaStorm 800 Submersible Waistpack Review

I’ve needed and wanted a waterproof bag for waterfowl hunting, but I carry a lot of gear (the essentials plus cameras and spare batteries) to the blind. I wasn’t sure the DeltaStorm 800 could handle that until I opened the box and saw that it was compact, but had a larger capacity than any fanny pack I’d used. This waistpack might just be the perfect waterfowl blind bag.

Comfort & Fit

When I first strapped it around my waist, I was impressed with the thick padding and large strap. I’m not a large individual, but there is plenty of strap for a 59-inch waist. This is excellent for those cold hunts when I have several layers on.

I love that the strap also has retention bands that keep it rolled up, so it doesn’t flop around everywhere and get snagged. I have no complaints about the fit and feel of this waistpack. It’s comfortable, no matter how you carry it to the spot.

Organization

I’m a big proponent of being organized before the hunt because afterward, I’m usually just tossing stuff in my bag to get it all home. The DeltaStorm 800 allows for just enough organization with five easy-to-access pockets.

I can keep my GoPros, batteries, headlamps, and electronic ear protection all reasonably organized with room to spare. The 800 cubic inches of space is plenty to keep all my delicate gear and other essentials organized, but it won’t allow me to overpack.

Build Quality & Durability

Another aspect I’ve been impressed with is the materials used to make the DeltaStorm 800. The main compartment is entirely waterproof, rated IPX8; thanks to the TIZIP MasterSeal zipper, 840D Matte Nylon Ether-Type TPU, and 840D high-tenacity Hypalon bottom panel. I’ve had zero issues with water sneaking in, even when the bag was fully submerged.

I’m confident it will continue to protect my valuable gear and withstand the abusive nature of waterfowl hunting for many more seasons.

In the Field Performance

I’m always skeptical of gear that claims to be waterproof, so before I loaded all my expensive camera gear into the DeltaStorm 800, I headed to my pond to ensure it was submergible. Once it passed that test, I was ready to head to the blind with all my gear inside.

Since then, I’ve tossed it in my truck, hiked miles with it on my back, and used it as a headrest while lying in mud and water along the bank of some farm ponds. I have yet to have any camera gear damaged, or even a drop of water make it past the zipper.

My gear has stayed as organized as I allow it to be, and I love the compact nature of the waistpack. It carries all the gear I need, without being cumbersome. It’s also easier to hide than many other bags and backpacks I’ve used over the years.

As waterfowl season nears its end, this bag has delivered everything it’s promised. Once duck season is over, I plan to switch all my fly-fishing gear to this waistpack and use it while kayaking and fly fishing as well.

Room for Improvement

Even though I love using this waistpack, I ran into a few things that could be deal-breakers for many waterfowl hunters. The most glaring downside is the high price. At well over $200, this is not a budget-friendly bag, and there are a few less expensive waterproof options available.

For this price, I expected the removable divider and mesh pockets to be waterproof, not just the main compartment. I like the removable divider, but there are times when I need it to be waterproof, and since it’s not, it drastically limits its functionality while hunting.

The mesh pockets also limit what I can put in them while walking through waist- or chest-deep water to reach my spot. I have to be careful only to put items that can get wet, or risk damaging them.

Who’s It For?

I’ve found the KUIU DeltaStorm 800 to be perfect for outdoor content creators and minimalistic waterfowl hunters who need to keep their gear dry, like myself. If you prefer to stay mobile and only bring what you need, this waistpack is perfect for you. However, the steep price will make many waterfowl hunters reluctant to purchase it, especially since two of the pockets are not waterproof.

Final Thoughts: KUIU DeltaStorm 800 Submersible Waistpack Review

While the price is a bit steep, the KUIU DeltaStorm 800 has proven to be valuable in the field and water this season. I’ll continue to trust it to keep all my non-waterproof gear safe for many seasons to come because it’s lightweight, compact, yet holds all the essentials I need for content creation and waterfowl hunting.