Yes, the pockets make ALL the difference when they are available for use. In the OP's case, the "dry-sack" type backpack in question probably wouldn't have pockets. (I'm just guessing because I'm not sure which model he was speaking of. I only see the DENALI and the LADNER models that are 30L.)

I love the pockets myself... but then again, I've never gone "shower climbing." Here in the southern US, we call walking up/down stream "creekin'". It's a great adventure, but I've never done it in a backpack.
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I always forget and make it more complicated than it needs to be...it's just walking.