EDITOR'S PICKS
MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM
- Most Versatile | Adventure Pro | Find On L.L.Bean
- Best For Weekend Trips | Black Diamond | Find On Backcountry
- Best For All Climates | Breakwater Supply | Find On Amazon
- Best For The Beach | Dakine | Find On Amazon
- Best For Ski Trips | Ortovox | Find On Backcountry
- Best For Water Adventures | SealLine | Find On Amazon
- Best For Fishing | Fishpond | Find On Amazon
- Best Women's Waterproof Backpack | Got Bag | Find On Trouva
A waterproof backpack is a must-have item for any adventure seeker. Designed to keep the contents inside dry and protected, even in the harshest conditions. These backpacks are made from durable, water-resistant materials that prevent water from seeping through and damaging your valuable items. Plus, with a waterproof backpack, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your gear is protected from rain, snow, and even the occasional river dunk. Whether you're an avid hiker, camper, or kayaker, a waterproof backpack is an essential gear that will prepare you for any outdoor challenge.
To help you shop, we have rounded up the best waterproof backpacks below. With these waterproof backpacks, you can say goodbye to soggy clothes, damaged electronics, and ruined memories.
What Is the Difference Between A Waterproof Backpack And Water Resistant Backpack
Waterproof and water-resistant backpacks are two different things, and it's important to understand the difference between them before committing. The main difference between waterproof and water-resistant backpacks is the level of protection they offer against water. A waterproof backpack is designed to keep the contents inside completely dry, even if the backpack is fully submerged in water. It's like a regular backpack with a waterproof rain cover over it and waterproof zippers, seals, and more. On the other hand, a water-resistant backpack is designed to resist water to a certain extent, but it may not keep the contents inside completely dry if exposed to heavy rain or submersion in water.
What to Look for in a Waterproof Backpack
Waterproof backpacks come in all sorts of shapes, designs, and prices. Before you go searching for one, consider the following factors. With this knowledge, you can zero in on a backpack that suits your needs.
Durability
With any good purchase, you want something that lasts and can handle the elements. Find out what kind of protective measures are used in the pack's construction. These include things like anti-rip materials, waterproofing methods, secure sealants/closures, denier (fiber thickness of individual threads) strength, extra provided rain covers or warranties, etc.
Intended Activity
Speaking of activities, this is another factor to consider seriously. For example, a waterproof backpack designed for rainy commutes or travel is certainly different from a heavy-duty fly fishing backpack used in the middle of a river. While both packs' #1 focus is to keep your belongings safe from the elements, the intended activity greatly influences their usability.
Most urban backpacks might come with spots or loops for bike lights and laptop sleeves, whereas an outdoor-focused one will have gear loops and a totally different structure and capacity. That said, take a good look at the compartments/pockets, capacity (liters), and the overall organization of the inside of the pack to ensure it can do what you need.
Comfort
No one likes carrying anything for long, so make it as comfortable as possible. While finding comfortable padded straps is always an easy component to hunt for, be sure to also look for hip and chest straps as well for extra support.
Extra straps and an overall ergonomic design will help create equal weight distribution across your back. Finding that balance is essential, especially if your waterproof bag is heavy. That said, make sure you can handle the weight of whatever you stuff in there; it's not worth hurting yourself over.
Storage Capacity
Consider how much gear you need to carry and choose a backpack with enough storage space to accommodate your needs. Look for backpacks with multiple pockets, including a large main compartment, specialized pockets for specific gear, and exterior pockets for quick access items.
Budget
Like anything you use your money towards, be sure to stay within your budget. There will always be pricier and cheaper options, but if you keep to a range you can swallow (while checking online reviews), there's less chance you'll fall out of love with your pick.
By researching and prioritizing the factors above, you should have no problem finding exactly what you are looking for in a waterproof backpack. To simplify your search even more, check out the ones we've picked below. Happy hunting!
11 Best Waterproof Backpacks for All-Weather Adventures
YETI Panga Series Airtight Waterproof Backpack
Best Overall
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
Yeti, yet again, proves itself to be a high-quality brand you can trust to keep your valuables safe. If you are looking for the ultimate solution for your outdoor storage needs, look no further than YETI Panga Series Airtight Waterproof Backpack. YETI Panga Series Airtight Waterproof Backpack is designed to provide the ultimate protection for your gear, no matter where your adventures take you. The backpack can keep items safe from drastic conditions, like thunderous downpours, thanks to its Hydrolok zipper and Thickskin shell. This shell is made of high-density nylon and thick TPU lamination for resisting punctures and abrasions.
Not only does this 28L pack have durable DryHaul shoulder straps, but it also has removable chest and waist straps for added stability and comfort. You can sling extra gear through the exterior gear loops if it doesn't all fit in the pack. It has a mesh pocket and a sleeve on the inside for organizational needs. Lastly, the Panga is not just your safest option but also a pretty good-looking one as well. Whether you are looking for a good hiking backpack or water sport backpack, the YETI Panga Series Bags may just be your answer.
Material
Nylon, TPU, Mesh
Item Weight
6.1 pounds
Cargo Capacity
28 liters
Dimensions
28” x 15.5” x 11”
Pros:
Cons:
Breakwater Supply Meanhigh Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack
Best Value
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
If you're looking for a waterproof backpack that will keep your gear protected and accessible, look no further than the Breakwater Supply Dry Bag Waterproof Rolltop Backpack. For under $60, you can have this waterproof backpack. Perfect for kayaking, surfing, boating, diving, hiking, biking, and even motorcycling outings. The side water bottle pockets make this bag one of the best hiking backpacks options, as it offers convenience and accessibility.
Designed to provide the ultimate protection for your gear with its waterproof rolltop construction and fully-sealed design. It is built with mesh water bottle pockets on the side, a mesh front pocket perfect for air-drying things, ergonomic s-curve straps, reflective elements, a chest strap with a whistle, a lash tab, and a roll top. To sweeten the deal, it's made of lightweight PVC and non-chafing padding for ultimate carrying comfort.
Material
PVC tarpaulin, mesh, Neoprene Padding
Item Weight
2 pounds
Cargo Capacity
25 liters
Dimensions
10" l x 6" w x 17" h
Pros:
Cons:
Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack
Most Budget-Friendly
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
For those looking to not break the bank but still get a good waterproof backpack, the Earth Pak is our pick for you! This 500D PVC pack comes in 3 sizes: 35 (perfect carry-on size), 55, and 85 liters, and it absolutely will keep your items safe with its roll-top and reinforced strip, and it can float!
For comfort, the Earth Pak has a cushioned ergonomic back panel, lightly padded shoulder straps, and a waist belt. For added safety, it not only has a reflector strip on it but also comes with a free waterproof phone case! Storage-wise, it's built with two lash tabs, a front zipper compartment on the outside for quick grab-and-go items, and other various pockets out/inside (and a key ring).
Material
PVC, Nylon lining
Item Weight
N/A
Cargo Capacity
35 liters
Dimensions
N/A
Pros:
Cons:
Adventure Pro Waterproof Day Pack
Most Versatile
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
The Adventure Pro Waterproof Day Pack may just be the ultimate solution for all your outdoor adventures. Designed to take on the toughest outdoor challenges and keep your gear protected from the elements, this backpack is made for everything and to endure it all. This 26-liter pack not only features a roll-top with a side strap and velcro for extra compression but is also made of 420D TPU-coated double rip-stop nylon to make sure that your goods are safe in any scenario, especially water-based activities. With its durable, waterproof materials and fully-sealed construction, you can be confident that your gear will stay dry, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
Adventure Pro has also gone to lengths to ensure comfort with its ultralight construction, quick-dry shoulder straps, and sternum strap. It additionally comes with D buckles for extra exterior gear to be brought and a mesh front pocket that's ideal for a water bottle. Whether you're hiking in the mountains, kayaking down a river, or just exploring a new city, this backpack is the perfect solution for your active lifestyle.
Material
420-denier TPU-coated double ripstop nylon
Item Weight
1.75 pounds
Cargo Capacity
26 Liters
Dimensions
20" L x 12.75" W x 7" D
Pros:
Cons:
Black Diamond Creek Transit Backpack
Best for Weekend Trips
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
The Black Diamond Creek Transit Backpack is designed for urban adventurers who demand style, functionality, and protection for their gear. Specifically, this pack includes urban features such as a padded laptop sleeve and reflective webbing, which make urban commuting and weekend adventure packing a breeze. Whether it's commuting to work or just running errands around town, this backpack will be your go-to for all your urban adventures.
But don't let its sleek looks and urban features fool you. The backpack is made from durable and weather-resistant materials, ensuring that your gear stays safe and dry, no matter the conditions. Featuring a zip internal organizer pocket for safe stow items, a mountain exploration-inspired design (with a top "brain" pocket), a zip internal organizer pocket for safe stow items, and waist, chest, and shoulder straps allowing comfort and proper outdoor potential.
Material
main: 800D nylon
base: 1260D ballistic nylon
Item Weight
2 pounds
Cargo Capacity
22 liters
Dimensions
24 x 10 x 14 inches
Pros:
Cons:
Breakwater Supply Fogland Waterproof Submersible Backpack
Best for All Climates
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
Rainy forests, snowy mountains, or even sandy beaches, the Fogland is a perfect modern (and not bulky) pack for any outdoor environment. This 25L pack is made of "virtually indestructible" Hydrowall waterproof TPU, welded seams, and sealed with airtight drysuit grade zippers to protect your belongings in any condition. Breakwater Supply is so sure of its product that it even photographed it being pummeled by a waterfall.
Not only that, but this US-based company went the extreme mile to make sure you can bring everything you need. Breakwater Supply added 4 D rings, a top handle with attachment points, zipper grab handles, 2 lash tabs, 2 mesh bottle pockets, a front pocket with side grab loops, and a front buckle strap. It also has reflective elements, a molded back panel, a removable chest strap, ergonomic s curve straps, a laptop sleeve, and a front pocket for quick access items.
Material
Nylon, TPU
Item Weight
2.33 pounds
Cargo Capacity
25 liters
Dimensions
7 x 13 x 20 inches
Pros:
Cons:
Dakine Cyclone II Dry Backpack
Best for the Beach
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
The Cyclone II was made for ocean-minded folk, specifically wave chasers. The Dakine Cyclone II Dry Backpack is designed for kayakers, surfers, and other water-based adventurers who need a backpack that can handle the toughest conditions. This 36L pack, like most others, is PU coated and has a breathable back panel, a laptop sleeve, 2 lash tabs, and a chest strap.
And for the ultimate safety of your goods, this roll-top has extra straps to latch down the top on all four sides to really keep the water out. Unlike others, and with the love of surfing in mind, the pack has an integrated board carry system, which is seriously helpful (and kind to your weary arms). Whether you're paddling through rapids or catching waves, this backpack will keep your gear safe and accessible.
Material
305D Cordura nylon ripstop