Why risk your stuff getting wet? You don’t have to! The importance of a backpack’s ability to keep your stuff dry cannot be underestimated. You might be carrying valuable devices like a phone, tablet, or laptop, or maybe you’re out on a hiking or white water rafting adventure and you need to keep your extra clothes dry.
Whether your need for a waterproof backpack is fun and exciting or more routine everyday, it all boils down to the same inevitable conclusion: If you think you should probably have a waterproof bag, then you definitely need one! Adding a waterproof backpack to your arsenal of gear is a decision that you’ll never regret. It beats your stuff getting soaked by a mile. Read on for our buying guide with helpful information about choosing the best waterproof backpack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant backpacks?
Many backpacks, including backpacks made for school, are made of water resistant material. This means that it’s the fabric resistant to water, but some water could seep through in a big downpour. Other backpacks, however, have complete waterproof construction, and will keep your personal items dry even if the bag becomes submerged for a short period of time. The differences between water resistant and waterproof backpacks lie in both the fabric itself and also in the closures. Even if a backpack has waterproof material and water beads off of the outside, it doesn’t mean that the zippers will keep water out in a soaking rain. So, many of the most waterproof bags have alternate closures, such as a roll-top that secures with a buckle or other mechanism. Roll-top bags are more waterproof than traditional backpacks with zippers, and are often the top choice of adventure seekers doing watersports.
What size backpack is best for water sports like kayaking, rafting, or paddleboarding?
The size that’s best for you depends on the length of your outing on the water. If you’ll be out for a day excursion, a mid size 25L backpack is probably sufficient. This size holds about as much as a common school backpack. In a 25-30L backpack, you can easily pack food, a towel, water, sunscreen, and other things you’ll need for the day. With SUP, or stand up paddleboarding, a smaller backpack might be more desirable since it’s on your back as you balance on the SUP. Alternatively, if you’ll be camping overnight as part of your water adventure, then the length of your trip will serve as a good guide for how big of a backpack you’ll need, with food and supplies for overnight trips.
Buying Guide
You know that protecting your personal gear from getting wet is a priority. While you’re gathering information about the best bag to sling on your back as you hit the great outdoors, keep these important points in mind as you shop for the best waterproof backpack for you:
- Purpose: The most important thing in choosing a waterproof backpack is thinking about what you’ll be using it for. Either you’ll be out on the water, or you’ll be on dry land. This stipulation makes all the difference. If you’re going on a hiking excursion, if it rains, then many of the hiking packs with waterproof material would be a fine choice. Your bag probably won’t be in heavy rain for hours. On the other hand, if you’re planning to use a waterproof backpack while you go out on the ocean, lake or river, then the highest level of waterproofness in a backpack is the best idea. Finally, if you simply want to protect your gear from some occasional rain as you go about your busy life, then a water resistant classically-styled backpack is a reasonable choice.
- Size: Backpack sizes are measured in both dimensions in inches and also by their volume capacity in liters. Small backpacks are less than 15 inches tall and may hold about 10-20 liters. Medium sized backpacks are often 15.5-17 inches tall and hold 25-30 liters. Large backpacks can be over 20 inches tall and have a larger volume capacity of up to 40 liters or more. Think about the size backpack that’s best for you, and you’re sure to find a waterproof backpack that’ll be perfect for your lifestyle.
- Waterproofness: The level of waterproofness is often the deciding factor when looking for waterproof backpacks. Watersports and serious outdoor types demand a bag that’s completely waterproof, and should have waterproof closures, such as a roll-top. For people who might get caught in the rain on their biking commute, for example, a standard, more traditionally-styled backpack made with waterproof material and covered zippers would be adequate. You know best the level of waterproofness that your activity demands, so consider this aspect when narrowing your choices.
Shopping for a waterproof backpack prompts a little spark of excitement, because you know you’ll be using it as you get outside and live your life to the fullest! To help simplify what might be a time-consuming decision making process, we’ve looked over many of the options out there in backpacks that will make you happy by keeping your stuff dry. Here are our top picks for the best waterproof backpacks:
Earth Pack Waterproof Backpack 35L / 55L / 85L
Best Overall
100% Waterproof Backpack
Getting this backpack from Earth Pack is a no brainer if you’re kayaking, biking, camping, hiking, or doing anything in the great outdoors. In three different sizes to suit your purpose, this back has a roll-top closure that buckles shut to keep water out.
Pros:
- Fully waterproof with buckled roll-top closure
- Multiple pockets include splash-proof zippers
- Includes D-ring and MOLLE system looping for latching onto
- Comfortable ergonomic padded back panel
- In 3 sizes: 35L, 55L, & 85L
Cons:
- Heavy weight of bag
- Lacks a water bottle pocket
Take everything you need with no worries of it getting wet with this quality waterproof backpack from Earth Pak.
Outlander 100% Waterproof Backpack
Runner-up
Mid Size 25L Backpack in Colors
Perfect for day trips on the paddleboard or hiking on a rainy day, this durable backpack from Outlander is designed to be completely waterproof. It’s lightweight, at less than half a pound, and you can even choose your favorite color.
Pros:
- 25L medium-sized backpack with waterproof main compartment
- Made of waterproof, rip-proof nylon with metal zippers
- Folds into its own zippered inner pocket for storage
- Lightweight – only 0.42 pounds
- In 5 colors
- Includes carabiner clip
- With side mesh water bottle pockets
Cons:
- Front pockets are not waterproof
- Shoulder straps lack padding
The practicality of this waterproof backpack from Outlander is two-fold: its main compartment is waterproof, and it folds up into a pocket to be light and compact for easy storage when not in use.
NUBILY Large 18.5-Inch Waterproof Laptop Backpack
Best for Flying
Keeps Computers Safe & Dry
This backpack from NUBILY is a classic backpack with features designed to make your life easier and keep your laptop safe. Made of water resistant material, your electronics will stay dry if you get caught in the rain, and the laptop compartment of this bag opens and lays flat so that you don’t have to take it out for airport security.
Pros:
- Fits large 17-inch laptop in padded sleeve
- Charging port with charging cable
- Scan Smart laptop pocket opens to lay flat for airport security
- Made of durable water resistant polyester
- Multiple colors with various options
- Good size for flight carry on
Cons:
- May not fit some 17-inch laptops
- Not completely waterproof
NUBILY’s generously sized water resistant backpack has enough pockets to organize all of your stuff, from larger items to small things like keys, phones and wallets.
FENGDONG 35L Lightweight Foldable Backpack
Most Portable
Neatly Packs into Pouch
The biggest advantage of this large 19-inch backpack from FENGDONG is the fact that it’s very lightweight, and won’t take up a lot of space. You can easily pack it away in its zippered pouch when you’re not using it, and keep it in the car or pack it in your suitcase. The water resistant nylon will keep your items dry if you get caught in the rain.
Pros:
- Large 35L backpack with 2 waterproof compartments
- Made of water resistant lightweight nylon fabric
- Packs into zippered pouch for storage
- Lightweight – 0.55 pounds
- In 9 colors including leaf pattern
- Side mesh water bottle pockets
Cons:
- May not hold up to heavy wear
- Not fully waterproof
In a large selection of colors and interesting patterns, this lightweight backpack from FENGDONG is a pleasure to travel with because it won’t take up too much space, and then you can use it as needed.
Speedpark 40L Waterproof Backpack
Honorable Mention
Hit the Trails in a Big Way
Speedpark brings you a large 21.3-inch backpack in a variety of solid colors and camo patterns that has all of the features you’d expect in a backpack for active people. It’s large enough to hold a lot, it has a chest strap to take some strain off your shoulders, and it’s made of waterproof material.
Pros:
- Extra large 40L capacity in a lightweight bag
- Made of waterproof polyester fabric
- Adjustable chest and side straps
- Ergonomic with padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh
- Lightweight for a large bag at 1.76 pounds
- In 9 colors including solids and camo
- Side mesh water bottle pockets
Cons:
- Chest strap hits too low
- Prominent logo branding
This backpack from Speedpark is a great choice for your outdoor adventures, with its durability and waterproof material.
