I've been using the Simms Dry Creek pack for a bit over a year and while the quality is good, function is terrible.
- Neither waist nor shoulder straps stay put once adjusted; just keep sliding loose. You have to tie the straps into a knot or put a pin in place, which shouldn't be necassary for a bag in this price range (I'm sure this wasn't the first time Simms made an adjustable strap system - no excuse for such oops).
- While they mention that the zippers are only water resistant, they should stay away from using the word "Dry" in the product name. After a few hours of fishing in the rain, you WILL notice water in the bottom of the bag, including the side pocket in the front. After a few hours of heavy rain exposure, your stuff will be floating, and things will rust.
- I have also noticed that while wading deep and having just the bottom of the bag touching the water, it got wet inside even though the water was nowhere close to a zipper. I know they say it's not submersable, but I think they are referring to zippers and not nylon material.
- Zippers are very stiff due to water-resistant design, so be ready to use one hand to unzip and other to hold the pack. IMO, a regular, easy to use zipper with a waterproof flap that covers both zippers would have been a better design.
And there is my boxing day rant!
Btw, I have yet to read anything bad about this pack, although it's pricy:
http://www.sagebrushdrygoods.com/product_info.php?cPath=8&products_id=26&PHPSESSID=8ba01cbe6ed9366949fad763795ee765