EDITOR'S PICKS
MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM
- Best for Mountaineering | Patagonia | Find On Backcountry
- Best Travel Bag | Everlane | Find On Everlane
- Best for Water Activities | Body Glove | Find On Macys
- Worth the Splurge | YETI | Find On Amazon
- Best for Day Hikes | Fjällräven | Find On Nordstrom
- Best Packable | Rockland | Find On Macys
- Best Roll-Top Waterproof Backpack | Filson | Find On Backcountry
- Best Submersible Backpack | Sea to Summit | Find On Amazon
- Best Duffle Backpack | Rains | Find On Nordstrom
A waterproof backpack is a must-have for outdoor adventures as it will keep your belongings dry and secure— rain or shine. Whether you are going for a joy sailboat ride or hiking through a tropical jungle, a waterproof backpack can help keep all your gears dry and protected. And if you live in a city, a waterproof backpack may just be your new favorite type of bag to use as it can keep your laptop and electric items safe.
To help you shop, we have rounded up the twelve best waterproof bags below that are a safe bet for any outdoor adventure. Created with the highest-quality materials and industry-leading waterproofing technology, these bags below are a must-have.
What to Look For in a Waterproof Backpack
As many a rain-soaked adventurer can attest, not all waterproof backpacks are created alike. Choose the wrong one, and you'll have soggy belongings by the time you finish your waterfall hike or weekday morning commute. Here are a few key design details that'll help keep your gear dry no matter the weather conditions:
Waterproof Materials
The best waterproof backpacks are made using a breathable, waterproof fabric membrane, GORETEX, or ripstop nylon with a polyurethane waterproof coating.
Waterproof Zippers
Sick of water creeping into your backpack? Look for products made with waterproof zippers that lock out rain and snow. Just be sure to pull them tight!
Taped Seams
Many brands reinforce the seams of their waterproof bags and backpacks to prevent moisture from sneaking through stitching and dampening what's inside.
Laptop Sleeve
Backpacks designed for work or travel often feature a laptop sleeve that helps keep your bag organized, protect your device from water damage, and speed up your trip through airport security.
External Pockets
Zippered external pockets keep the main compartment's contents dry when you reach for your phone, mask, and other small essentials. Mesh water bottle pockets help keep you hydrated in any weather.
Internal Pockets
Keep your phone, keys, wallet, and jewelry organized and secure by taking advantage of your bag's internal pockets. Many travel bags feature pockets made specifically for books, magazines, and passports.
Adjustable Straps/ Compression Straps
Comfort should always remain a priority, so look for waterproof backpacks equipped with adjustable straps. Padding is an added bonus!
Roll-top closures with compress straps are great to have as they let you tighten up the bag when it's not entirely full and can help prevent items inside from moving around.
Chest, Hip, and Shoulder Straps
Additional straps help balance out your load for increased comfort during long periods of continuous wear. Look for features like padded straps and a removable waist belt, as they can provide great comfort on longer treks.
The 12 Best Waterproof Backpack And Water Resistant Selections
Rains Backpack
Best Overall
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
From your daily commute to a day hike, Rains' signature Backpack can do it all. Engineered with the label's proprietary polyurethane fabric, it'll keep your belongings dry and protected inside its large main compartment and padded laptop pocket. Hidden on the back is a single exterior pocket for quick and easy access to your phone, wallet, and keys. A monochrome carabiner closure and adjustable shoulder straps complement the minimalist vibe of its rectangular shape.
Offered in multiple sizes and a kaleidoscope of color options, it's easy to find a keep-forever piece that complements your personal style. Might we suggest snagging one of rain's best-selling raincoats in the same color?
Material
Faux leather
Interior Capacity
N/A
Dimensions
11.75 in l x 20 in H
Pros:
Cons:
Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack
Best For Everyday Life
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Fjällräven's Kånken Backpack has been one of the Scandinavian label's best-selling styles for nearly 50 years. First developed in the 1970s for Swedish schoolchildren, its functional rectangular design features a two-way zip-around closure, a snap-together top handle, an exterior zip pocket, and adjustable backpack straps.
Crafted from fluorocarbon-free Vinylon F™ fabric, it's exceptionally durable, surprisingly lightweight, and reliably water-resistant. With nearly thirty color options to choose from, these water-resistant backpacks are sure to become your new go-to backpack for work, school, and everyday life. And did we mention there's a mini size too?
Material
Vinylon
Interior Capacity
Medium
Dimensions
4" D x 10 1/2" W x 14" H
Pros:
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Osprey Daylite Waterproof Sling Bag
Best Sling Bag
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Smaller than a backpack but larger than a fanny pack, this Osprey Daylite Waterproof Sling Bag is ideal for when you need something in-between. It's made using bluesign®-approved recycled nylon fabric with a water-repellent finish that's great for rainy days. Equipped with an exterior zippered pocket and interior key clip, staying organized on the go has never been easier. Just sling the streamlined bag across one shoulder, and you're ready to take on the world!
Material
Nylon
Interior Capacity
N/A
Dimensions
13" D x 14" W x 29" H
Pros:
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Patagonia Ascensionist 35L Backpack
Best for Mountaineering
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
The Patagonia Ascensionist 35L Backpack was designed with the modern mountaineer in mind. Made entirely from recycled materials, the hiking backpack helps preserve the land and water that you love. With proper care, its durable ripstop fabric and waterproof finish keep your belongings dry and protected for decades to come.
While it's great for casual hikes and day trips, padded hip and sternum straps ensure it's up for all-day treks, intense climbing, and international travel. Shoppers can choose between two vibrant color options— fire red and ocean blue— that are impossible to miss at baggage claim.
Material
Fabric: 100% recycled nylon ripstop
Lining: 100% recycled polyester
Interior Capacity
35 liters
Dimensions
25.5" x 12" x 5.5"
Pros:
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Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
Best Travel Bag
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Looking for a carry-on that can do it all? The ReNew Transit Backpack from Everlane is just the travel bag you're searching for. Equipped with a water-resistant finish and travel-focused design features, it's both functional and fashionable. Made from 100% recycled materials, it's eco-friendly too!
The versatile waterproof backpack features internal pockets for your passport and wallet and a 15-inch exterior laptop pocket that helps you breeze through crowded TSA lines. A pass-through strap secures the bag to your rolling luggage while you squeeze into a tiny bathroom stall or sprint to catch your flight. There are also two water bottle holders and two exterior pockets for easy in-flight access to your headphones, chapstick, phone charger, and other small essentials.
Material
100% Recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish
Interior Capacity
27 liters
Dimensions
12" l x 7.25" d x 17.5" h
Pros:
Cons:
Body Glove Ruxton Waterproof Floatable Backpack
Best for Water Activities
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
When it comes to water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding, your average water-resistant backpack just won't do. Developed with cutting-edge waterproofing technology, Body Glove's Ruxton Waterproof Floatable Backpack offers peace of mind while you're on the water. Its PVC tarpaulin body fabric, welded seams, and water-resistant zippers can't guarantee your belongings stay completely dry when submerged underwater, but they can protect them from splashes, puddles, and heavy rain. Zippered internal and external pockets and a 12-inch laptop sleeve ensure your gear stays organized too.
Material
Tarpaulin PVC
Interior Capacity
N/A
Dimensions
5" H x 13" D x 27" W
Pros:
Cons:
YETI Panga Series Airtight Waterproof Bag
Worth the Splurge
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
If you're willing to shell out a bit more for a high-end waterproof backpack, check out the Panga Series Airtight Waterproof Bag from YETI. It's made using a shell of high-density nylon and thick TPU lamination that's waterproof and puncture-resistant. An interior sleeve and mesh pocket keep your must-haves safe and organized— even in a downpour.
Love the look? Check out the rest of the Panga Series' waterproof duffle bags and backpacks. While they're a bit of a splurge, they'll last through countless adventures to come— and look good while they do.
Material
Vinyl
Interior Capacity
N/A
Dimensions
N/A
Pros:
Cons:
Fjällräven High Coast 24-Liter Waterproof Foldsack
Best for Day Hikes
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
If your average weekend involves a day hike, it's worth investing in this High Coast 24-Liter Waterproof Foldsack from Fjällräven. Practical enough for the mountains and stylish enough for the streets, it's the perfect everyday bag for the modern adventurer.
The adaptable waterproof backpack is made using recycled tech fabric that reduces your environmental footprint while keeping your essentials nice and dry during a rainy day hike. The bag features a top handle, adjustable backpack straps, and detachable sternum and hip straps to ensure all-day comfort no matter the excursion.
Material
100% recycled nylon
Interior Capacity
N/A
Dimensions
N/A
Pros:
Cons:
Rockland Packable Stowaway Backpack
Best Packable
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Rockland's Packable Stowaway Backpack folds easily for compact storage in your suitcase, overnight bag, or crowded closet. It's crafted from durable ripstop polyester with a water-repellent finish, two exterior zippered pockets, and side mesh pockets for versatile organization. Padded shoulder straps and a buckled chest strap evenly distribute weight to help lighten your load. Consider it a must-have for international travel.
Rockland offers the grab-and-go bag in five color options: navy, black, light blue, charcoal grey, and forest green.
Material
Polyester
Interior Capacity
30 liters
Dimensions
12.5" x 5" x 16.5" H
Pros:
Cons:
Filson 28L Dry Backpack
Best Roll-Top Waterproof Backpack
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Filson's 28L Dry Backpack is intended to last a lifetime. The wet weather-friendly bag is built from nylon polyester with sonic-welded seams and reinforced webbing straps for added durability. An ovular base offers stability during unloading and loading, while padded shoulder straps, back padding, and an adjustable sternum strap keep you balanced and comfortable throughout your hike. With two external pockets and a 28-Liter main compartment, you've got plenty of space for dry clothes, socks, and shoes to change into when you're finished exploring. The splurge-worthy style is offered in classic black or high-visibility neon orange.
Material
Nylon
Interior Capacity
28 liters
Dimensions
20" x 12.5" x 6.5"
Pros:
Cons:
Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack
Best Submersible Backpack
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
You need a submersible backpack like Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack for serious water adventures. It is the perfect waterproof backpack for paddle sports, bike touring, canyon runs, rafting adventures, and so much more!
Constructed from TPU-coated nylon and extra-strength waterproof zippers, it's waterproof, puncture-resistant, and surprisingly lightweight. Simply blow into the air valve to inflate the internal flotation device, and your bag won't ever sink to the bottom. Foam padding on the shoulders and adjustable sternum and hip straps keep your load balanced and comfortable during long periods of continuous wear.
Material
Nylon
Interior Capacity
35 liters
Dimensions
13" x 8" x 28"
Pros:
Cons:
Rains Small Duffel Backpack
Best Duffle Backpack
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Rains' Small Duffle Backpack was made for life on the go. Designed to be carried as both a duffle bag and a backpack, it's an excellent overnight bag or carry-on. Durable webbed straps and polyurethane-coated nylon with a waterproof finish ensure it's up for any task. The versatile waterproof backpack is offered in two timeless black and brown shades. Use it as your travel bag for a work conference, your backpack for a camping trip, or a shopping bag on a bike ride to the grocery store.
Material
Polyurethane-coated polyester
Interior Capacity
31 liters
Dimensions
10.6" D x 16.9" W x 10.6" H
Pros:
Cons: