The 9 Best Waterproof Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

These expert-approved picks can help keep your things dry in any weather.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Although a water-resistant backpack is sufficient for many activities, there are times when a fully waterproof version is well worth the extra investment. I purchased mine to keep my camera equipment safe on a three week canoeing trip down the Yukon River (I wanted to minimize the damage caused if we ended up capsizing in rough water). Other outdoor adventures that call for a waterproof backpack could include anything from hiking, biking, and climbing in places with unreliable weather to water sports like fishing and sailing.

Of course, you don’t have to be athletic to find a waterproof backpack useful. Mine has proved just as handy for commutes through rainy London as trekking through the Canadian backcountry. Some backpacks are made especially for this purpose, with padded tech sleeves and a sleek, urban style. To help you find the right fit for your needs, we tested 12 of the best waterproof backpacks in the Travel + Leisure lab, testing for capacity, organization, design, portability, durability, value, and waterproofness — blasting them with showerheads to see if the tissue paper inside stayed dry. We will continue testing them for an ongoing six-month period to make sure they hold up with ongoing use.

This is a simple, subtly stylish backpack that delivers full waterproofing at a very reasonable price point.

The main compartment is unstructured, making it difficult to keep contents organized.

We love the aesthetics of the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack, which doesn’t necessarily look waterproof and yet performed superbly in our shower test. Water beaded perfectly on the exterior, and the tissue paper we placed in each of its compartments remained completely dry. This is partly due to the sturdy, impermeable fabric and to the simple yet effective roll-top construction. The Stockholm was also one of the least expensive waterproof backpacks we tested, providing excellent overall value.

The unstructured main compartment is beyond spacious — we were able to fit all of the items on our packing list with enough space left over to double up. However, its black lining and lack of interior pockets does make it a little unorganized. Nevertheless, a small zippered compartment on the outside of the backpack comes in handy for keeping essentials (a wallet or phone) handy.

The backpack also offers a well-padded laptop sleeve and adjustable, padded shoulder straps. We found that the latter distributed weight well and provided plenty of support. The backpack was comfortable, with an adjustable chest strap to keep it in place. Colors include black and two shades of blue.

The Details: 17.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches | 2.2 pounds | 28-liter capacity | Roll-top closure

This backpack folds easily into a tiny compression sack, making it convenient for travel.

The main compartment lacks organization features.

The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack comes with a small mesh compression sack that makes it ideal for travel and ultralight hiking. T+L associate editor Anna Popp loves it because “the materials are superlightweight, and yet the bag doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap in the slightest.” After testing it, Popp also expects it to last a very long time, even with prolonged use. Reinforced wear panels offer extreme abrasion and tear resistance, while the fully waterproof main compartment kept water out effectively during testing.

We were able to fit everything on our packing list with room left over and found the backpack to be ideally sized for hiking or any outdoor day trip. There’s no interior organization, which may be a drawback for some but is handy for stuffing extra layers in. You can keep smaller items in the water-resistant front pocket. We loved the supportiveness of the backpack’s removable hip belt and adjustable sternum strap. Although the straps aren’t padded, we found them soft and comfortable. Other hiking-oriented features include load-stabilizing compression straps, two water bottle pockets, and loops for attaching other gear.

The Details: 19.5 x 10.5 x 7 inches | 10.6 ounces | 22-liter capacity | Reinforced ripstop nylon, PU and UTS waterproofing | Roll-top closure

This adventure-ready backpack stands out for its durability, comfort, and the fact that it can float.

The roll-top opening is so long that reaching all the way inside can be a little awkward.

If you’re planning a kayaking, sailing, or fishing adventure, the Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack is the perfect companion. You can use the looping system to lash it securely to your vessel, and if it does fall overboard, it not only floats but also features reflective accents for nighttime visibility. The roll-top closure and 500-denier PVC material afford impressive waterproofing and abrasion resistance — as proven during our tests, when water rolled right off and contents remained completely dry.

As for capacity, we found the 35-liter bag large enough for clothing, shoes, and other adventure gear, thanks to a roomy main compartment; two interior pockets; and an external, splash-proof pocket for items that can get wet (think fly boxes or wrapped snacks). It also comes with a waterproof phone case, which passed our test with flying colors, too. Although the backpack is relatively heavy and bulky due to its size, “the fit was great, with sternum and waist buckles to help with adjusting,” says T+L editor Taylor Fox. Bear in mind that the straps and padded back panel will soak up water if immersed.

The Details: 19 x 14 x 9 inches | 2.5 pounds | 35-liter capacity | 500D PVC | Roll-top closure | IPX-6 waterproof rating

This backpack blends bike messenger style with hardcore durability and adjustable sizing.

We found the straps overly long and prone to getting in the way.

The 30-liter Chrome Urban Ex Pack features a classic bike messenger look and durable, 500-denier nylon construction. No water made it through to the inside of the bag during testing, although we did notice that water beads were eventually absorbed so that the outside felt wet to the touch. Side-mounted buckles allow you to compress the bag to suit your load, while the cavernous main compartment fit everything on our list with space for much more. Maximum capacity depends on how many times you roll the top, but, keep in mind, 1.5 times is the minimum for full waterproofness.

We found the bag easy to pack thanks to its large opening. An integrated laptop sleeve offers a safe space for laptops up to 15 inches, while two organizer pockets and a key clip add structure to the interior. There’s also an exterior zipper pocket that was just big enough to fit our large-model phone. Reflective loops on the outside of the bag provide an ideal storage space for your bike lock. Finally, we found the molded back panel and padded shoulder straps comfy (if not a little long) and appreciated the inclusion of a chest strap for keeping the bag securely in place while cycling.

The Details: 22 x 14.5 x 5.5 inches | 2.03 pounds | 30-liter capacity | 500D nylon, polyurethane coating, TPU backing | Roll-top closure

This bag is the organized packer’s dream with a host of different-sized internal and external pockets, including a laptop compartment.

The chest strap on our bag fell off, and we couldn’t figure out how to reattach it.

Made from durable, vegan-friendly, and recycled materials, The Everyday Backpack from Stubbly & Co. impressed us with its sleek and stylish silhouette. “A lot of waterproof backpacks can have a sporty or utilitarian look to them, but I love the sleek look of this one,” says testing editor Jackie Cucco, “It’s perfect for commuting to work without looking like you're hiking into the wilderness.” She also loved that it was slim enough not to bump into people on the subway.

Despite its relative compactness, the structured, spacious interior features an organizer panel with six different-sized pockets, resulting in a dedicated space for everything from our sunglasses to our passport and lip balm. The backpack also includes a quick-access top pocket for smaller items; a vertical, exterior zip pocket; a pocket on the strap especially for your earbuds; and side pockets for your water bottle and umbrella. Perhaps most useful for commuters is the separate, well-padded compartment for laptops up to 16 inches. We found the fit comfortable thanks to the cushioned back panel and ergonomic straps, though we could not get the removable chest strap to stay on. One thing to note: although the bag proved to be fully waterproof and mostly dried within five minutes, the back padding absorbed water and was still damp after 30 minutes.

The Details: 18.1 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 2.2 pounds | 20-liter capacity | Recycled PET, 3D poly air mesh | Zippered closure

When you want to travel light and have no need for bells and whistles, this is the ideal backpack.

It won’t fit much more than the essentials for a day hike.

Made from abrasion-resistant, recycled ripstop nylon, the Exped Typhoon 15 Pack is “superlightweight and best for a day hike when you only need a few items,” according to T+L editor Sophie Mendel, who tested this bag and was impressed with its performance during our waterproof test. Droplets beaded and rolled off rather than being absorbed into the material, and the backpack’s contents remained completely dry. The mouth of the roll-top main compartment opens wide for easy packing and the zippers run smoothly.

There’s one internal pocket that’s really only big enough for an iPhone and slim wallet. The contrasting, light-colored lining makes contents easy to find in the unstructured main section, while two more stretch pockets can be found on the outside of the backpack. It’s ideal for active pursuits, with a bracket for a bike light, stowable pole and pick attachments, and daisy chain loops for attaching other gear. We found that it fit well, with a decent amount of padding and adjustable shoulder, hip, and chest straps to keep it comfortable. Colors include black, burgundy, forest, and navy.

The Details: 15.7 x 7.9 x 5.9 inches | 13.4 ounces | 15-liter capacity | Recycled ripstop nylon carbonate, PU coating (shell); recycled polyester, PU coating (liner) | Roll-top closure

This is our top pick for rugged durability, with a heavy-duty zipper that’s guaranteed to keep water out.

With no real padding in the back, it may not be the most comfortable option for extended wear.

The Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack is a big and relatively heavy option, but what you sacrifice in lightness you make up for in heavy-duty durability. The ThickSkin Shell is made from high-density nylon with thick TPU lamination for maximum puncture and abrasion resistance. Whether it gets soaked in saltwater or spattered with fish gore, it’s easy to wipe clean. Our very own testing editor, Jackie Cucco, feels confident that “you could go camping, hiking, or bear-wrestling in the pouring rain and this backpack would come out pristine.”

The backpack is 100 percent waterproof, even when submerged. The MetalLock Hardware won’t rust, and the Hydrolock zippers are so strong that although they’re tough to open and close, we feel confident no water could get through — and the backpack comes with zipper lubricant. The interior is mostly unstructured except for an unpadded sleeve and a zippered mesh essentials pocket. This particular pack could be useful for transporting larger, bulkier items and layers. On the outside you’ll find sturdy loops for attaching other gear. The backpack offers adjustable shoulder straps and removable chest and hip straps. Cucco found it comfortable even on her smaller frame, although it’s definitely meant for rugged outdoor activities rather than the daily commute. Top and side grab handles complete the design.

The Details: 19.7 x 12.5 x 7 inches | 4 pounds | 28-liter capacity | Nylon, TPU lamination | Zippered closure | IPX-7 waterproof rating

This setup is specifically designed to keep expensive camera gear safe and is also exceptionally comfortable to carry.

The thick padding on the back panel and straps retains water for a long time after getting wet.

The Wandrd Prvke 21L Backpack and Photography Bundle comes with a sturdy, weatherproof, roll-top backpack and a compatible lens organizer big enough for one camera body and two to four lenses. And while the design may be overly complicated and expensive for the regular traveler, it’s the ideal solution for photographers. “This is a very sturdy and hardy backpack,” associate editor Anna Popp says.“I feel confident in the many features designed to keep expensive camera gear safe from all types of damage.” The lens organizer features protective, customizable straps and dividers to secure everything in place.

The backpack is divided into two sections, one of which is taken up by the lens organizer. A side access panel allows you to get your camera out quickly when you see something worth photographing. We liked that the lens organizer can be removed when you want to maximize packing space — otherwise, the remaining top section is big enough for essentials only. The backpack offers a host of pockets including dedicated places for your laptop, tablet, phone, and tripod — great for organizing tech. There’s even a hidden passport pocket. The contoured back panel and padded shoulder straps are very comfortable, and while the shell is waterproof, we were a bit disappointed that the padding stayed wet for a long time.

The Details: 19 x 11 x 6.5 inches | 2.8 pounds (backpack), 11.2 ounces (camera cube) | 21-liter capacity | Waterproof tarpaulin, ballistic nylon | Roll-top closure

This backpack is really comfortable thanks to its foam ventilated, padded back and removable chest and hip straps.

Although it performed well during testing, we’re interested to see how the hook-and-loop closure holds up over time.

T+L editor Taylor Fox likened the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L to a dry bag with backpack straps and says she loves the simplicity of its design. Made from PU-coated nylon with a roll-top and hook-and-loop closure, it’s built to last and passed our waterproofing test with flying colors. The only drawback? The padded straps got soaked and remained wet for a long time. Despite its relatively small capacity, we found the bag spacious enough to fit our entire packing list, with room left over for an extra pair of walking shoes. The wide opening made packing easy.

The interior is mostly unstructured, with the exception of a small, zippered organizer pocket and a padded sleeve for laptops up to 15.4 inches. On the outside, there’s an external bracket that you could use to affix a bike light or helmet. The backpack’s foam-ventilated back is a particular highlight, offering breathability in hot and humid weather. The ergonomic shoulder straps are designed for all-day comfort, and we found the removable chest and hip straps effective in relieving back pressure. Finally, this lightweight, travel-ready option is compact enough to fit under an airplane seat or in the overhead compartment.

The Details: 17.7 x 11 x 5.5 inches | 1.6 pounds | 17-liter capacity | PU-coated nylon | Roll-top closure

Although the backpacks listed below didn’t score highly enough to take first place in any of our categories, they are nevertheless worthy alternatives that may suit some travelers.

Maverick & Co. Vista Waterproof Backpack Pro: This backpack impressed us with its many organization features and almost made the list as our most stylish backpack or the best choice for commuters. However, although most compartments proved to be fully waterproof, the inside of the front pocket became stained with water during testing and dried with a dark spot we couldn’t get rid of.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Rains Backpack: While we were able to fit everything inside this bag and liked its overall look and lightness, we found the various closures awkward and wished the back panel was padded for all-day comfort.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

We tested 12 waterproof backpacks in our New York laboratory, analyzing capacity, organization, design, portability, waterproofness, durability, and value. First we examined each bag carefully to establish the quality of its design, materials, and construction. Then we packed it according to a set list of items, noting the bag’s spaciousness, whether there was any room leftover, how easy it was to pack, and how effective any organization features were. Then we adjusted the straps and walked around with the backpack for five minutes to check comfort and balance.

Next, we tested to see how easily the backpack fit under an airplane seat and into a simulated overhead bin. To check the waterproofing, we stuffed each compartment with tissue paper, made sure the zippers and other fastenings were properly closed, and then placed the backpack on a stool in the middle of a paddling pool. We used a portable shower to pour water on the bag for a minimum of 30 seconds, focusing on the exterior fabric and zippers. We left the bag to sit for five minutes to see whether any water was absorbed.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

We chose our categories based on testing insights, and we will update this article with more detailed information after we continue to test the backpacks while traveling over a six-month period.

Although all waterproof backpacks have one thing in common — they’re meant to prevent contents from getting wet — they’re not all meant for the same purpose. Some are designed for urban style, with a sleek, commuter-friendly profile, luxe-looking fabrics, and a well-padded laptop sleeve. Others are designed for hiking in the rain or for water-based activities, such as fishing or canoeing. These waterproof backpacks will offer a more rugged build and may prioritize practical features (lash points for fishing poles and hiking gear, submersible zippers, etc.) over style. If you’re a keen photographer with a DSLR camera body and lens set, you’ll want a waterproof backpack made especially with photography in mind. These will have a built-in or removable lens organizer section with protective dividers that you can customize to suit your setup.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Think carefully about what you want to pack in your waterproof backpack and then choose one with the capacity to match. If you simply want to throw in an extra layer, a water bottle, and some trail snacks for a day hike, then a smaller backpack, like the 17-liter options listed above, will suffice. Anything bigger will result in unnecessary weight and bulk that could affect carrying comfort over several hours.

However, if you’re planning an overnight trip or have bulkier items to pack (like a camera or waterproof shoes), then a backpack with a more generous capacity makes sense. Although dimensions vary by airline and you should always check carefully to see that your bag meets them, 35 liters is usually around the limit for a carry-on backpack. Choosing a roll-top bag allows you to adjust the capacity depending on how much you have to pack. Fewer rolls results in more room and vice versa, but remember there’s usually a minimum number of rolls required for full waterproofness.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

While some of the backpacks on this list offer ample organization in the form of different-sized pockets on both the outside and inside of the bag, others offer a largely unstructured main compartment with perhaps one or two small pockets for essentials. There’s no right or wrong design — just the one that best suits your needs. A cavernous main compartment comes in handy if you have lots of bulky layers or larger items to pack and is often the preferred design for outdoors use.

For commuters or everyday sightseeing adventures, pockets make it easy to locate things like your phone, sunglasses, or AirPods in a hurry. Consider the added value of a hidden pocket to stow your cash or passport if you’re traveling to a destination where petty theft is common and the importance of padded sleeves for your laptop and other tech if you typically bring these items with you on your journeys.

Water-resistant backpacks are made from fabrics that have been treated with a water-repellent coating. They are designed to provide short-term protection from light rain or spray and will not keep your stuff dry in a major storm or after hours of exposure. The zippers on water-resistant backpacks are not designed to keep out moisture and will eventually allow water to leak through to the inside.

Conversely, waterproof backpacks pair thickly coated fabrics with waterproof zippers or a roll-top closure that will prevent water ingress, no matter how extreme the weather is or how long you’re out in it. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can submerge the bag. If you need a bag that can fall in the lake, sea, or river and still keep water out, look for one with an IPX rating of 7 or higher.

Since full waterproofing is a key selling point you often pay more for, you can expect a waterproof backpack to be described as such by the manufacturer or retailer. Check the product description carefully to see whether the word “waterproof” is used, remembering that “water-resistant” is not the same thing. Look for polyurethane-coated fabrics and waterproof zippers and/or design features that are intended to keep water out, such as a roll-top closure. Reading past customer reviews will also confirm the backpack’s effectiveness at repelling water because it may not always perform as advertised (that’s why we test things!).

Waterproof fabrics typically lend themselves well to being wiped clean with a damp cloth. Use this method to remove dirt or salt water stains, then leave the bag open to air dry before packing it away. In the event that it gets very dirty or smells bad, check the care guidelines to see whether you can put the backpack in the washing machine. Often, you can do so as long as you use a mild detergent and a cool, gentle cycle. Never use fabric softener as it can degrade the waterproof coating, and always let the bag air dry rather than using a tumble dryer.

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about outdoor gear for more than 10 years. She has firsthand knowledge of waterproof backpacks, having invested in a Lowepro Dryzone submersible camera backpack for a three-week canoeing trip on the Yukon River. She also uses a Mountaintop backpack with a waterproof cover for hiking adventures at home in Scotland. The backpacks included on this list scored highly in laboratory tests carried out by the T+L team.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.