If you want foolproof protection for your essentials, bring one of our favorite water-ready bags on your next adventure.
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No bag has your back quite like a waterproof backpack. Unlike water-resistant bags, which only offer minimal protection from wet conditions, fully waterproof backpacks are impervious to penetration by water. The secret to this is in the fabric, which is tightly woven and constructed with durable coatings. With a great waterproof backpack, you never have to worry about getting caught in the rain while commuting and traveling or partaking in outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and various water sports.
Our favorites are 100 percent waterproof and can be submerged under water for up to 30 minutes. But there are many different types of waterproof bags worth making a splash about, including options with laptop sleeves and extra padding.
The Panga has a solid waterproof rating of IPX7, which means that your belongings have protection in up to one depth of water for 30 minutes.
At 3.9 pounds when empty, this bag is heavier than other options on this list.
The Yeti Panga is the reigning champion of waterproof bags. It has a ThickSkin Shell, which is made of high-density nylon and thick thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) lamination material. This provides next-level protection that any water lover needs, whether their activity of choice is kayaking, boating, or fly fishing. An impressive IPX7 waterproof rating means that your items are protected from submersion for a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes, which should be plenty in any capsize scenarios or surprising rain showers. Inside, there’s a spacious main compartment and mesh pocket to organize your valuables.
Innovation is always at the forefront of Yeti’s products, and this bag is no exception. It comes equipped with an airtight Hydrolock Zipper — essentially the same kind of zipper found on a dry suit — and a Hitchpoint Grid to attach fishing gear and other Yeti accessories. Your back is always covered with the ergonomic DryHaul Shoulder Straps, removable waist belt, and chest strap. Products made to last a lifetime do come at a cost, though. The Yeti Panga is much more costly than similar products on the market, but its worth its salt for those who practically live on the water.
Price at time of publish: $300
The Details: 28 liters | High-density nylon and thick TPU lamination | 3.8 pounds
This bag deserves an A+ for its waterproof material and padded laptop sleeve.
The lack of ergonomic features may make it heavy to carry for some students.
Workers aren't the only people in need of a reliable commuter backpack and the Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack makes a smart choice for students. It’s made with heavy-duty Oxford nylon fabric so you never have to worry about wet notes or damaged electronics during a rainy-day commute. Another must-have for students? A built-in laptop sleeve. This waterproof backpack accommodates devices better than most (it fits laptops up to 17 inches, while most laptop sleeves are only 15.5 inches).
Thanks to a spacious main compartment and many small pockets for safekeeping, opening this bag feels like opening a neatly organized desk. Everything is always in reach, which comes in handy when you’re late for class. The main compartment is large enough to hold heavy textbooks, clothes, and snacks, while the smaller pockets can house pens, notepads, and Post-it notes. It's also more affordable than much of the competition, but this bag is still a high-quality choice.
Price at time of publish: $109
The Details: 26 liters | Tough oxford nylon | 2 pounds
It’s spacious and has a minimalist design that gives it a professional edge.
It doesn’t have as many sizes to choose from as the other options.
This bag means business. It’s constructed with waterproof polyurethane (PU) fabric, which is signature to most of the brand’s contemporary rainwear lifestyle products. With it, rain is easily wicked away. Since the bag is extra spacious, there’s no need to carry an additional purse or briefcase. It’s roomy enough to handle workday essentials, such as a notebook, phone charger, and food for lunch.
The 15-inch laptop sleeve is an essential add-on for those who commute with their laptop in tow. You’ll also appreciate the exterior phone pocket, which ensures you never miss an important work call on the go. Bonus: Since the pocket is concealed, you can spend more time catching up on sleep during your commute and less time worrying about pickpockets.
Price at time of publish: $110
The Details: 13 liters | Polyurethane and polyester | 1.9 pounds
It’s sustainable and comes in over 20 fun colors.
The roll-top enclosure is known to come loose easily.
If you want to stand out amongst the pack, this sustainably sourced backpack by GOT Bag fits the bill. It comes in more than 20 stylish colors and features a roll-top design, which is especially trendy these days. Feel good knowing the bag is made with recycled materials that were compiled from some of the world’s oceans via the GOT Bag clean-up program.
All-over coverage is given to your belongings with fabric that’s coated in TPU and PU. What’s more, the bag boasts a 20K waterproof rating. Finally, the roll-top design gives you more real estate to store your items (up to 26 inches). But if you require less space, opt for the smaller version: the Rolltop Lite.
Price at time of publish: $159
The Details: 31 liters | TPU backside and PU face-side coating | 2.49 pounds
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate their gear staying dry, no matter the elements.
The rain cover doesn’t cover the entire bag.
When you’re outdoors, you’re at the whim of whatever nature throws at you. One way to ensure that your gear — including that precious pair of extra hiking socks — stays nice and dry is taking the trek with this North Face bag. The 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC fabric and the integrated rain cover make it unnecessary to duck under trees when it rains. We do wish that the cover went over the entire bag, though, and provided easier access to the pockets.
Whether you’re hiking for one hour or five, it’s important to have a bag that’s lightweight and keeps your essential items within reach. Thankfully, this bag has a comprehensive packing system, along with two pockets to store your water bottles. if you prefer a water bladder, there’s a hydration sleeve that loops in for convenient access.
Price at time of publish: $89
The Details: 18 liters | 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish | 1.31 pound
The lining of the bag is white, so you can always see what you packed, and it has lots of pockets and D-rings.
While it has an IPX6 waterproof rating, it’s not meant to be submerged in water.
Finding the perfect waterproof backpack for your travels doesn’t need to be a challenging endeavor. Meet the BackSåk, which ensures you never miss a day of sightseeing due to inclement weather. This updated version is compact, yet spacious enough to accommodate one-bag travelers. The cushioned EVA foam straps and the ventilated back support ensure that you’re never a weary traveler. Meanwhile, adjustable sternum clips and removable waist straps allow you to move freely without worrying about your bag falling off during your adventures. Traveling at night? Reflective elements keep you safe and visible.
Price at time of publish: $140
The Details: 25 liters | 420D TPU-coated rip-stop nylon | 1.95 pounds
Unlike other dry bags that only contain one strap, this one has two, so you have the option of carrying it like a backpack.
There are no designated pockets to organize your items.
Love a dry bag, but find a single strap uncomfortable? Try the EarthPak on for size. Comforting features like padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap make trekking with this bag a breeze. A waist belt is only included with the 55-liter size (size options include 30 liters, 40 liters, and 55 liters). The heavy-duty waterproof fabric is a good indication of this bag’s value. One con is that the bag it’s not fully submersible, which is unusual for dry bags.
Price at time of publish: $32
The Details: 30, 40, 55 liters | 500D PVC material
This bag offers the best of both worlds: It’s small in size, but able to carry up to 20 liters and 33 pounds.
The material could be a little thicker.
When you want a bag that’s waterproof and as light as a feather, reach for the Sea to Summit Ultra-sil Travel Day Pack. It weighs less than 3 ounces, can be compressed down to the size of a tennis ball, and carries up to 20 liters. This makes it the ideal daypack for hikers or those anticipating sore arms after a day of water sports. Travelers will also benefit from the bag’s compactness. Simply roll it up and stow it under your seat or stuff into your luggage.
Price at time of publish: $45
The Details: 20 liters | Siliconized cordura nylon | .16 pounds
The roll-top design gives you more space to store items compared to traditional zip-up backpacks.
Be careful when expanding the bag, as the stitching isn’t as hardy as we'd like.
This X Ray Expandable Roll Top Waterproof Backpack is extra generous when it comes to space. It has a 22.2 liter capacity and weighs just 1.7 pounds on its own. The key to this extra real estate is in the roll-top design, which rolls down to reveal multiple compartments, including a padded, 15.6-inche laptop pocket.
Since you’ll be carrying a lot with this bag, your back will appreciate how it can shoulder weight with the ergonomic straps. These are thick, breathable, and adjustable. What’s more, items are kept protected from any type of weather with the waterproof polyurethane fabric.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: 22.2 liters | Matte polyurethane fabric | 1.7 pounds
Only the 20, 30, and 40 liters come with double straps for a backpack style.
This option by Fengdong protects your belongings and your wallet. Thick, durable material keeps items from water and punctures. And if the bag happens to go overboard, don’t panic — it floats. This bag comes in multiple sizes, starting from 5 liters and going all the way up to 40 liters, and in practically every color of the rainbow. And unlike other backpacks that are stiff and awkward to store, this one folds down.
Price at time of publish: $25
The Details: 35 liters | Nylon | 0.55 pounds
Consider your intended activities, as this will affect the level of waterproofing you need. If you plan on being around water often for swimming, boating, fishing, or kayaking, a dry bag is a good idea. Most come with high waterproof ratings and can be submerged underwater.
If you plan to use a waterproof bag for activities where there could be rain, like traveling or commuting to work, a bag with a lesser degree of waterproofing may be sufficient and give you more options in terms of style and breathability. Plan to carry your laptop with you? Ensure that the bag has a laptop sleeve to protect electronics from water and scratches.
What kind of waterproof bag you choose should depend on these factors: size, compartments, and durability. For compartments, think about how you want to organize your items. If there are lots to pack, choose a bag that has a comprehensive packing system. You may also want hoops or strands to attach fishing gear and other accessories to your back.
The size of your bag is another consideration. If you’re planning on using the bag as luggage, consider sizing up. You want to avoid having your items so crammed that they stick out of the zipper and get wet. But if day activities are your intended use, an average size backpack should do. Finally, durability should always be at the forefront of your decision, as you want a bag that’s durable, stain-resistant, and capable of handling some wear and tear.
For complete waterproof protection, choose a backpack that has tightly woven fabric. This ensures that there are no small holes in the fabric for water to seep through, especially when a bag is submerged. Since common backpack materials don’t naturally repel water, companies add a special coating to their bags. This often includes polyvinyl chloride or PVC, PU, and durable water resistant (DWR).
A backpack that’s made with water-resistant fabric will shed water and dry quickly. However, it can only handle so much rain before water breaks through and the bag — and its contents — becomes damp or wet.
A waterproof backpack, on the other hand, provides complete protection from water. Keep in mind, though, that there are varying degrees of both water-resistant and waterproof materials. This will ultimately affect how well your bag stands up to water — and whether it can be dunked or not.
For a true waterproof experience, nylon is a great material for bags. It’s strong, durable, and stands up well against abrasion. However, nylon on its own isn’t waterproof (it actually absorbs water and stretches out), so companies add a coating of DWR, PU, or TPU — essentially any coating that repels water. You should also look for bags that have high waterproof ratings, ideally an IPX7 or above.
Yes and no. Using waterproof spray on backpacks will add some water resistance, the same way it would if you were to waterproof a jacket. But your bag won’t be completely waterproof since water can still get in through the zipper or seams.
You may also have to respray the bag often to see results. In general, it’s best to choose a bag that comes coated with a waterproof finish. You could also try backpack liners, which go inside the bag to add an extra layer of protection.
For this story, Sarah Kester relied on her extensive experience as a commerce writer and a product reviewer to create this list of the best waterproof backpacks. Sarah is determined to help readers find the best waterproof backpack to keep their belongings dry.
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