Tested: The Best Waterproof Backpacks for Unpredictable Scenarios (2024)

Weather can be unpredictable — both in day-to-day life and when out in nature. And while we still haven’t figured out how to control the skies, intrepid craftsmen have figured out plenty of ways to help protect you and your gear against the unpredictability of Mother Nature. That includes creating waterproof and water-resistant outerwear, shoes and boots, and even carry solutions.

It’s the latter of that group we’re interested in focusing on today. More specifically, we’ve rounded up a collection of some of the most ubiquitous haulers, the backpack, that are far more weatherproof than your average JanSport. Whether you live in the rainy PNW, find yourself frequently trekking through the rainforest, or you just want a solid travel bag that isn’t going to spring a leak and ruin your laptop computer, you’ll find it on our list of the best waterproof backpacks, which we’ve tested out for you.

How We Tested

As you’ll see below, not every waterproof backpack is made equally. In order to help you with your purchasing decision, we’ve gone through a handful of bags to see which ones are the best. For starters, we used our knowledge in the space to help us come up with a list of brands we love. We also scoured the web to fill in any gaps. From there, we took a look at these brands’ waterproof backpack options, taking into account price, zippers, materials, construction, and submersibility. From there, we acquired our samples for review and tested them out.

A major part of our testing was submersibility, which required us to perform a bathtub test. This consisted of resting each of these bags inside a bathtub filled with water for 5 hours to see how they held up. Inside, we placed a piece of colored construction paper to better visualize the water marks, if any. Outlined below, our results were just part of our testing process, which also consisted of using and wearing the bags themselves, looking at variables such as durability, straps, comfort, capacity, and price, among other things. The results are presented to you below.

What To Look For In A Waterproof Pack

Capacity: A bag’s capacity will greatly affect your purpose for it. Larger bags may act as your primary backpack for camping or hiking, while smaller, packable backpacks may simply serve as supplementary gear bags. Likewise, the bigger the bag, the heavier it may be.

Exterior Materials: Without some kind of IP rating, it’s somewhat difficult to tell just at a glance what bags are waterproof and which aren’t. But if you see TPU laminates (or similar materials) in the exterior construction, there’s a pretty good chance that the fabric is at least impenetrable to moisture. It’s also helpful when brands, on their websites or on labels, mark that fabric is 100% waterproof. There are also some materials that are extremely water-resistant, but not impenetrable to moisture. Don’t be fooled by believing that GORE-TEX makes something completely impenetrable. Yes, it will likely keep out even the heaviest rainfall, but complete submersion will yield a different, soggier result.

Closures & Seals: Almost as important as the material itself, the seals and closures will determine true waterproofing. Something with stitched seals is inherently not waterproof, as moisture can slip between the seams. However, seams that are welded or taped are going to be far more water-tight. Similarly, there are both water-resistant and waterproof zippers — so keep an eye out for that. Lastly, many truly waterproof bags rely on hearty roll-top closures to create a waterproof seal. Not all of these closures are truly waterproof, but they can be extremely good at fending off impending moisture.

Submersion: The easiest way to see if something is truly waterproof or just extremely water resistant is to see if the brand themselves make claims as to whether it can be completely submerged. Bags that are submersible are a point of pride and will almost always be outlined as such. If a bag’s description doesn’t mention this factor, you’re better off assuming it can’t be submerged.

Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Day Pack

Best Budget Backpack: It comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with the outdoor gear brand that Sea To Summit’s Ultra-Sil Dry Day Pack is the most affordable here. Also great for those looking to shed some weight, the 22L pack can compress into an impossibly small stuff sack of just 5″x2.5″x1.5″ with a carabiner attachment. You’ll still get an exterior made from 30D siliconized CORDURA for superior durability and strength, reinforced shoulder straps, double-stitched seams with high-density PU tape, and a double hypalon roll-top.

Once you get the Ultra-Sil out of its pouch, you’ll notice how bare-bones this bag truly is, which could be seen as a benefit when traveling for long distances. At 22L, the bag’s contoured outer seams allow it to maintain a distinct shape despite its packability. Likewise, the translucent fabric helps you see the inside easier. Despite being thin and relatively unstructured, the shoulder straps feel pretty sturdy. I thought they would be more prone to twisting, but was delightfully wrong. Not only are they easy to set straight around your shoulders but if they do twist once or twice, they don’t have the stiffness that could make it difficult to untwist, as so many other backpacks have. When comparing the roll-top clip to others, the Sea to Summit’s is easy to snap on and off, but also strikes the balance between sturdy and loose. You can also tuck them away easily if you don’t need them. As expected, the backpack let in a lot of water during our bathtub test, but it never claims to be submersible either.

My biggest gripe with the Ultra-Sil is the difficulty of stuffing this back inside the stuff sack (as well as the initial removal). I could see travelers circumventing the sack altogether out of frustration and to save time. If you do this, make sure to turn it inside out so the straps don’t snag on anything in the process. Elsewhere, the bungee pocket on the outside doesn’t have enough switchbacks where something like extra clothing would feel secure over a longer haul. Perhaps this is in order to shed weight and allow it to stuff a bit smaller, but few would complain if the stuff sack had to be slightly larger.

Verdict: With a great contoured shape despite the lightweight nature of the bag, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil feels remarkably sturdy and easy to wear. Putting it back into its stuff sack may be an issue but this thing is so lightweight and packable that you could realistically stuff it anywhere with no issues.

Capacity: 22L
Weight: 3.9oz
Material: 30D siliconized CORDURA
Seams: Double-stitched and taped
Submersible?: No

Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

Best for Travel: Matador has made it its business to provide outdoorsmen and travelers with ultra-lightweight gear-carrying solutions, and the brand’s Freerain22 is a paradigm of that. Keeping things under 11oz, the 22-liter backpack is constructed with 70D Robic nylon ripstop reinforced with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene and given some PU waterproofing for good measure. The seams are sealed internally while the secure combination of YKK zipper and a Hypalon roll-top closure allows this thing to be as close to submersible as you can get without actually being submersible.

Incredibly lightweight, the Freerain22 still feels sturdy. By looking at it, you may forget that it’s actually just 10.6oz. Aside from the attractive design, the Matador bag has some nice features, such as the side water bottle pockets, the sternum and hip straps, and the array of lashing points for attaching extras. Likewise, for an ultra-lightweight backpack, the spacious front pocket –– sealed with a YKK zipper –– is a generous inclusion. A lot of the time, zippers on waterproof bags can be difficult to open and close, but these cause no hassle whatsoever. Not to mention, the satisfying click of the top roll-top clip feels secure. The buckle can be either clipped like a normal roll-top, or attached to the sides of the bag (i.e., each side of the clip attaches to a receiving clip next to the shoulder strap).

As much as we loved the versatility of the top clip, the actual roll-top function feels the most unrollable of all the ones we tested. I was able to easily unroll the closure without unclipping it, likely due to the addition of the top zipper which prevents a full wrapping of the buckle. I opted for the side clipping option for testing since it felt the most secure. The Matador never claims to be submersible, but we thought we’d try out how it performed underwater. After its time in the bathtub, both the main compartment and the side pocket flooded with water after 5 hours.

Verdict: Packable yet capable of functioning as an actual day-to-day backpack, the Matador Freerain22 has more extra pockets than you’d expect and sports an attractive design to boot. For $100, you’re certainly getting at least double what you’d get with a bag half its price. A great waterproof backpack regardless of its few flaws.

Capacity: 22L
Weight: 10.6oz
Material: 70D Robic nylon UHMWPE reinforced ripstop with PU coating
Seams: Internally sealed
Submersible?: No

Ortlieb Velocity Backpack

Best for Urban Commuting: Although it’s decidedly more city than country — and it can’t be fully submerged — Ortlieb’s Velocity Backpack is undeniably one of the best weatherproof haulers for city-going commuters. We’re looking at you, urban cyclists. With a 20L capacity, it’s plenty roomy for most folks and their everyday carry. But its flip-top closure and waterproof coated polyester canvas exterior will ensure that no water creeps inside. Also, you’re able to attach a helmet or rear light for cycling. While we reviewed the black version, it’s also available in several colors, including a hi-vis yellow that’s perfect for staying safe in gray, stormy weather.

Although it’s not submersible, the Ortlieb Velocity is still very waterproof. It would serve you well in most downpours; it just can’t go swimming with you. After our bathtub test, we noticed the entirety of the water was coming in from up top, based on the markings on the paper inside. This tells us that, unlike other non-submersible backpacks, the seams at the base weren’t letting in any water. However, in a situation where rain was falling from above, this backpack should still keep your stuff pretty dry. The removable laptop sleeve is a plus and comes with a zippered gear pouch. The top and bottom Velcro ensure that it’s extra secure inside as well; it’s not easy to remove, for better or worse. Removing the pouch could help with having easier access to what’s inside of it, but I can’t see most people willing to go through this extra step to do so. While it could use at least one external pouch or pocket, there is a webbing loop on the back and several on the straps for attaching extra bags or gear via carabiners.

To further the waterproof point, perhaps the interior laptop compartment could have gotten some sort of waterproof zipper. Instead, your computer would just rest right inside of the flip-top closure. And while it would likely be safe in most conditions, an extra layer of security wouldn’t hurt. We also mentioned the relative difficulty of taking out the laptop sleeve, but it’s also not easy to put it back inside. In general, the bag is difficult to see inside. It’s deep and doesn’t open all that wide. As a plus, however, it’s capable of standing up on its own when open.

Verdict: The Ortlieb Velocity could use some extra exterior pouches but this is a comfortable bag that’s easy to wear for extended periods, considering its size. I kind of liked the Velcro flip-top in place of a classic clip-on roll-top. It may technically be easier to unlatch but not by much, and it’s certainly easier and cleaner to close. If you’re forced to bring your laptop to work every day and must endure a wet commute, this backpack is the perfect pick-up, and one that won’t break the bank.

Capacity: 23L
Weight: 1.94lbs
Material: Coated Polyester
Seams: N/A
Submersible?: No

Filson Dry Backpack

Best for Camping: Founded in Seattle way back in 1897 as an outfitter during the Klondike Gold Rush, Filson knows a thing or two about building superb, water-resistant gear. But they may have outdone themselves with their Dry Backpack — at least when it comes to waterproofing. You see, this bag is actually submersible thanks to its water-tight roll-top closure and PU-coated nylon exterior. The large main compartment is also complemented by a smaller zippered external pouch and another inside. All told, this is a relatively compact waterproof backpack with plenty of space for day hikes in any weather or even across bodies of water.

High-visibility backpacks have plenty of benefits, such as their ability to be found in a crowded trunk or a waterlogged boat. Unlike its Dry Bag, Filson’s Dry Backpack is fully submersible, as we saw in our bathtub test, which showed no markings on the paper inside. Where most roll-tops clip in a round formation, the clips here attach to the bag’s sides. There aren’t a lot of extra straps on this backpack, but the ones that are there, such as the sternum straps, are brown in color, so they don’t blend into the rest of the bag and can be spotted easily. Aesthetics aside, the color choices are thoughtfully chosen. However, the sample we got had a slightly different shade of orange on the shell, so keep that in mind.

As useful as the clip over the top is when ensuring submersibility, it’s a bit difficult to undo when in a hurry. Likewise, the Velcro mouth is hard to open but, what’s worse, is it closes easily on its own. On the other hand, there are some nice gear pouch options –– one zippered pocket on the outside and one on the inside. Although, some may wish that there were one or two more inside, even though 20L isn’t necessarily a lot to work with. Also, keep in mind that the exterior pocket is not necessarily submersible. While it helps keep the weight light, the 20-liter capacity is admittedly not a lot, especially after you fold the top down, so you won’t get as much interior real estate for packing your gear.

Verdict: A very comfortable, lightweight bag, the Filson Dry Backpack won’t fit as much as some other options, but for a more practical submersible option, this is definitely a great option for the price. It feels rugged to the touch and you can rely on this backpack to do its job.

Capacity: 20L
Weight: 2.19lbs
Material: 840D TPU-coated nylon tarpaulin
Seams: Welded
Submersible?: Yes

Black Ember Citadel Minimal Pack

Best Everyday Backpack: Probably the stealthiest and definitely one of the best-looking traditional-style backpacks on our list, Black Ember’s Citadel Minimal Pack might just be the best urban waterproof hauler we’ve ever come across. Not only is it built from a proprietary Micro-Hex waterproof fabric, but it also features exacting laser-cut details and bonded seams that allow it to stave off just about any storm and keep all your gear inside dry and safe. Mate that to comfortable EVA shoulder straps, a stabilizing sternum strap, YKK AquaGuard zippers, and aircraft-grade aluminum hardware and this bag is definitely deserving of its place here.

You’ll go mad trying to discover all the organization compartments in this thing. Your laptop gets its own pocket in the back, which is great for keeping your other gear separate. Great whether you’re commuting or running errands, you’ll be able to segment the different sections according to your needs. What’s more, the pockets within the pockets are incredibly deep. A lot of organization pockets inside backpacks are inexplicably shallow, but not here. The bag’s not submersible, but the AquaGuard zippers are still really easy to open. In terms of grab handles, you have the standard option up top, but the back also has a built-in handle in the center. There’s only a sternum strap, but Black Ember realizes that perhaps a waist strap is too much. For the few number of times we actually use them, waist straps can often get in the way. There’s already a lot to take in with this bag.

If this bag could use anything, it’s an assigned water bottle pocket. However, you shouldn’t have trouble finding one of the interior pouches to stuff one inside. In terms of keeping out water, we knew the Citadel wouldn’t be submersible but we weren’t prepared for exactly how non-submersible it would be. In the bathtub test, it got completely soaked in every pocket, which had the added drawback of adding even more weight to the already-3.5-pound bag. Unlike other non-submersible bags on this list, there’s no roll-top or flip-top either to keep out moisture in heavy rains.

Verdict: Highly comfortable, durable, and extremely well-organized, the Black Ember Citadel is not only useful but it’s fun to use. With plenty of segmented compartments, the bag has an intuitive design that’s well worth the price on the tag. It might not be your go-to for heavier rains (and definitely not camping) but it will do you just fine in drizzles.

Capacity: 25L
Weight: 3.5lbs
Material: 800D Micro-Hex Performance Textile
Seams: N/A
Submersible?: No

patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L

Best for Boating: It should surprise nobody to see a big, outdoor-focused brand like Patagonia on our list. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t earn their spot. One of three truly submersible packs on our list, their Guidewater Backpack certainly ranks amongst the best out there. Built with burly 100% recycled nylon plain weave with 200D polyester lining (also 100% recycled), this 29L vest-compatible pack is a compact weatherproof hauler that would be perfect for single-day hiking trips or cycling through inclement weather with an IPX7 rating. Weighing just over 2lbs, it also has hydrophobic shoulder straps and a back panel that don’t absorb water. The handy gear loops on the back also allow this to be modular and versatile for multiple scenarios, with an ambidextrous net scabbard on the back panel for easy stowing.

Unlike other submersible bags, such as the YETI below, the Guidewater has some smaller interior organization options. There’s a large interior pocket that’s stitched in as well, and then there’s a removable (via Velcro) gear pouch that features two small pockets and a zippered pocket with a lashing point on the inside. Although it’s easy to open, it requires two hands to do so effectively. The top Velcro strip on this pouch has extra room for sticking on additional items. Like most other submersible bags, this backpack doesn’t have any exterior pockets. However, there are plenty of gear loops and D-rings. Sternum and waist straps help you carry heavier loads, while the shoulder straps separate so you can put them around larger objects.

It’s also important to note how lightweight this backpack is considering how rugged it is. Although, the YETI Panga, which can be easily compared to this bag, is nearly twice as heavy but also feels sturdier. The heavy-duty zipper on both the patagonia Guidwater and the YETI Panga below are very similar in that they’re both incredibly difficult to open and close. However, the Guidewater is even more difficult due to its shell, which is a bit flimsier than the Panga. To ensure that it’s fully submersible, you have to lock the zipper at the end, which can be difficult to do. However, an incomplete zip will surely let in water, so be careful. If you do want to take this into the water, it can certainly keep everything out. It passed our bathtub test with flying colors, leaving the paper inside completely dry.

Verdict: With plenty of exterior gear loops and some useful interior organization options, both big and small, the patagonia Guidewater is a fantastic boating and outdoor backpack, and one that’s refreshingly lightweight to boot. Perhaps a bit flimsier than, say, YETI’s Panga, that flexibility will also help it fit into tighter spots without losing any durability.

Capacity: 29L
Weight: 2.13lbs
Material: 100% recycled nylon plain weave with 200D polyester lining
Seams: N/A
Submersible?: Yes

YETI Panga Backpack

Best Overall: As mentioned previously in this article, YETI –– who you may know best for its supreme drinkware products –– also makes one of the best waterproof bags around. A good deal more compact and easy to carry than their ultra-sturdy duffel bag of the same name, the Panga Backpack boasts a similar construction in a more manageable silhouette perfect for short-term adventures. Weighing 3.9lbs in total, this bag can haul 28L worth of gear inside its main compartment, but also has a modular grid on the exterior for some additions that might not otherwise fit. It also features an airtight HydroLok zipper and waterproof ThickSkin Shell — comprised of high-density nylon and a TPU laminate. That alone would garner this bag a spot on our list, but it’s also got some handy organizational pockets inside as a bonus.

Arguably the best-looking backpack on this list, the Panga sports YETI’s signature design language and will be a popular choice because of it. We love the interior Velcro wall that invites attachment options for modular capabilities, as well as the zippered mesh pocket that’s easy to see inside. A larger pocket simply acts as a divider but is far too thick and rubbery to keep many things in place. Outside of the bag features 10 gear loops, with loops underneath the backpack for tying it down in, say, a boat or at your campsite. Unlike other bags with a lack of grab handles or just one on the top or side, this bag has grab handles on both sides as well as on top. Like expected, the Panga didn’t let any water in during the bathtub test.

We mentioned this with the patagonia Guidewater above, which features a similar issue, but the zipper is incredibly difficult to operate. And just like the Guidewater, it must be forced closed at the end, otherwise you risk letting water inside. Again, this is a necessary evil to ensure its submersibility. There could also be some sort of water bottle pocket or external pouch, but the name of the game with this backpack is total protection against water inside of itself. In other words, if you needed to cross a lake with this strapped to your back, you could do so.

Verdict: At 3.9lbs, the YETI Panga might make more sense for shorter outings, but its 28-liter capacity will serve you well for longer trips too. The zipper can be frustrating but this backpack would be our first choice in terms of ruggedness and actually protecting our valuables from moisture. Blending form and function really well, the Panga isn’t big on organization but is a very capable and versatile backpack nonetheless.

Capacity: 28L
Weight: 3.9lbs
Material:TPU-Laminated High-Density Nylon
Seams: Welded
Submersible?: Yes

Waterproof Backpacks Comparison Chart

Waterproof Vs. Water-Resistant

“Waterproof” and “water-resistant” are often used interchangeably, but don’t get it twisted: These are not the same thing! If something is water-resistant, it simply means the product can resist moisture, whether through a special water-repellant fabric treatment or materials that are inherently water-resistant, such as polyester or nylon.

“Waterproof” means that both the materials and the way the product is constructed are fully impenetrable to moisture. Elements such as zippers and seams will be designed in a way that they don’t let water inside. And remember that not every waterproof bag is fully “submersible.” However, brands will often let you know if this is the case.

Honorable Mentions

Rains is well-known for its rain jackets but we felt its Trail Mountaineer Bag deserves special mention for its versatility and affordable price point. We weren’t able to get hands-on with the backpack but it’s perfect for both hiking and commuting, combining sporty and outdoorsy aesthetics as well, while including a padded laptop sleeve and tons of external pockets and attachment point.

Earth Pak’s Summit 35L is a good budget-friendly option that’s popular for its sturdiness at a fair price point. However, it would be easy to spend a little more and just get the Matador we mentioned above.

Another bag that blends hiking and commuting is the L.L. Bean Adventure Pro Waterproof Day Pack 26L. L.L Bean is a trusted brand in this space and this submersible bag could be a great mid-level option for beachgoing or rafting.

Not as notable as the brand’s Baja View dry bag, SealLine’s Black Canyon Waterproof Backpack just barely doesn’t make the cut here, since there are plenty of more credible bags in this same price range.

Subtech’s Pro Drybag 55L is a great rugged option that can double as a floatation device. However, compared to some of the options that made the cut, the backpack’s lack of actual innovations and visual appeal kept it off our shortlist.

Arc’teryx is another brand that needs to be mentioned here. Its Granville 25 Backpack is a popular choice, albeit one plagued with poor reviews due to construction inconsistencies. However, it may be an appealing upper mid-level choice for some.