Finalist in Apneapassion’s Best Choice 2024 in the Accessories category, the Cressi Piovra Dry backpack represents the evolution of the Piovra XL backpack which, last year, in the Best Choice 2023, was finalist in the same category.

The Cressi Piovra Dry backpack tough undoubtedly improves the characteristics of the XL model in many aspects.
But let’s see in detail the peculiarities that distinguish this new Cressi model.

Cressi Piovra DRY backpack design

The Cressi Piovra Dry backpack maintains more or less continuity with the XL version: essentially made up of two pockets, a larger main one and a smaller one but lined with waterproof, heat-resistant material, to store dry clothing during fishing, or a bottle with a drink whose temperature you want to maintain.
The shape of the larger pocket is tapered, meaning wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, recalling the shape of the fins.
The double zips allow for almost complete opening of both pockets, making it much easier to store equipment or look for something without having to completely empty the contents.

Cressi yellow

The first aspect that immediately catches your sight is the graphic solution designed by Cressi for this new product. The colors, first of all, using the well-known “Cressi yellow”, in fact, recall the official colors of the brand and the logo of the Genoese company. In our opinion, a choice that enhances the product, especially in the eyes of already loyal customers. The octopus tentacles graphics, characterizing the product, remain in opaque silver.

 Cressi Piovra Dry backpack

Compared to the previous model, the front braided elastic bands you can use to carry a towel or jacket out of the bag, have disappeared. A feature that we found particularly useful, in truth. Another difference with the previous model, the elimination of the mesh on both sides of the largest pocket designed for transpiration and internal humidity control.

Shoulder and back padding

Important innovations regarding the shoulder straps and the back padding in contact with the back: the latter has been redesigned in shape and size, providing a larger contact surface and grooves to promote breathability. The shoulder straps have also been strengthened and their padding has been made more generous: wearing the Cressi Piovra Dry backpack, even when fully loaded, certainly makes the journey to the sea more comfortable, even on rougher paths. Still with regard to the shoulder straps, the DRY version also features a horizontal strap to secure the shoulder straps to the chest, but with the new feature where on the new model it is possible to adjust the height of the closure from the chest to the sternum. Furthermore, still on the shoulder straps, there are plastic rings to which it is possible to attach carabiners.

On each side of the bag, there is a pair of elastic fastenings capable of securing one speargun per side.

On one of the two sides there is a handle which is very useful for moving the bag especially when it is stored or placed in the car. The handle does not affect the fixing of the speargun nor does its presence limit the handling of the grip.

Cressi Piovra DRY backpack handle

The lower part of the bag is covered in rubberized fabric, that reinforces the part most subject to rubbing and wear and limits dripping if loaded with wet equipment

Cressi Piovra DRY backpack front pocket

The front thermal pocket is designed to store ice and drinks that we want to keep cool during our stay at sea to find refreshment at the end. But it can also be used to store the catch after a fishing trip, perhaps finding some ice cubes or the classic frozen bottle still solid. The only precaution that we feel like suggesting is to always store the catch in plastic bags to prevent the pocket from becoming impregnated with the typical strong odours. Avoiding this is good to continue storing the clothes that we want to keep protected and dry during the fishing trip.

Frontal pocket termic material details

Materials

As indicated by Cressi, the material with which the bag is made is mostly DRY water-repellent nylon, but it is not watertight. The outside of the front pocket is made of shiny and waterproof material, while the inside is lined with insulating material painted black.

Cressi Piovra DRY backpack measures

The measurements of the Cressi Piovra DRY backpack are larger than those of the XL model. The “overall” dimensions of this bag are 108 cm high, 28 cm wide and 14 cm deep. The front pocket is 75 cm high, 22 cm wide and 10 cm deep. (All measurements taken by Apneapassion).

Dimensions that can easily contain all the equipment including wetsuit and freediving fins with the long blades.

Great capability

In our case, we easily transported the Cressi Gara Turbo Boost fins, a 5 mm Cressi Ricciola wetsuit as well as, of course, two spearguns, a buoy, socks, gloves, mask and snorkel.

Conclusions

The Cressi Piovra Dry backpack is, without a doubt, a product that allows you to carry all the equipment needed for a fishing trip, and even more so freediving equipment, thanks to its generous size and capacity. The thermal pocket allows you to carry a cold drink as well as, if you want, fish and ice. Ultimately, a practical and functional product, designed mainly for those who approach the sea from land, for those who travel, but also for boat trips.
The price of the Cressi Piovra Dry backpack – under €100 on online shops – is, given the product’s features, a strong point of this backpack.

Cressi Piovra DRY backpack