Best Waterproof Backpacks in 2025 | For all Budgets

To find the best waterproof backpack we tested over 25 proucts to find the best option for both watersports and everyday use. That includes paddle boarding, sailing, hiking in the rain, and, commuting by bike in the rain.

Remember: waterproof and water-resistant aren’t the same thing. Because some need a rainproof backpack, we’ve included options that are also stylish alongside submersible backpacks, too.

We sought to provide options for a range of consumers. That includes packs for laptops as well as those for fishing.

These 12 products have been tested by our staff. Read about how we tested and about the results. See the Price Comparison Too.

How We Chose the Best Backpacks

10 testers spent 3 years selecting 12 of the best backpacks from an original list of 25 candidate bags.

The result is a list of the best waterproof backpacks for a particular activity, lifestyle or type of person. We’ve tried to include more fashionable options and more rugged–but less comfortable–ones.

Some of the bags on this list were sent to us as demos, but we’ve received no incentives to spin our assessments of each or any of these waterproof backpacks.

How We Tested

We used the following tests to assess and score the 25 candidate bags:

1 – Waterproof Test

2 – Zipper Test

3 – Durability Test

4 – Comfort Test

5 – Feature Test

Why Trust Us

The main testers include experienced watersport enthusiasts. Some have been professional guides, but all have been active outdoors and in water. Torben has been a dive instructor and paddle boarder for more than 20 and 10 years respectively. Bradley has been sailing and canoe-tripping all his life, plus kayaking and paddle boarding with more than 20 years of scuba experience. Sylvia is an underwater photographer and Annie does all paddle sports.

Waterproof Testing:

Submersion Test:

Rather than try to submerge these bags, we sealed them with paper towel sheets inside and threw them into an artificial lake. If the paper towel got wet, we’d know that water had gotten in and the bag wouldn’t pass the waterproof test.

We use this test on underwater camera housings before going diving. Since these bags might be protecting an expensive laptop, it’s a suitable test.

We didn’t include the bags not designed for submersion. That includes the Rains Rolltop Rucksack with a W3 waterproof rating for heavy rain (8,000mm). It’s rating is based on a PU coating, which tends to be water-resistance in various levels. Read more about waterproof vs water-resistant materials here.

We tested these submersible bags, first and foremost, to see if they would float. A backpack shouldn’t be submerged in water. While a great gimmick to test, we used a real-world scenario of a bag falling into the water.

As they all passed the test we kept them on the water for an hour to see if any water seeped in. If it did, the proof would be shown in the paper towel.

Rain Simulation Test:

This was an easier test. We placed the bags under a running shower head for 30 minutes. The water concentration  would simulate heavy rainfall amounting to at least 10,000mm. For the Rains Rolltop Rucksack with a W3 rating for 8,000mm of pressure, we expected some water would seep inside but, in fact, it didn’t.

Zipper Test

For zippers to maintain their seal, the whole construction needs to be a seamless integration. We tested these zippers by opening and closing them 50 times before putting them into the waterproofing test.

Durability:

Each bag was dropped down a flight of stairs 10 times in a row to test for any initial damage. We noted some scuff marks on most of the bags, but the ones that survived without any worrying signs of damage made it on this list.

Comfort:

The testers walked a mile with 10 pounds in each bag to gauge the comfort of the shoulder straps, the usefulness of the waist straps (on those models that have them).

Comfort level was measured and rated as “PASSED” if no soreness or awkwardness was experienced during the mile. More specific details of how each particular bag scored on this test is included in the review for that pack.

Each bag had to pass this test with 2 testers.

Features:

Each bag was tested for the following features:

Water bottle pocket capable: This would include the size of the water bottle.

Laptop Sleeve: This includes the size and protection of the sleeve. If it’s suspended or padded, was the focus.

Outer Pocket: Are there any and if so, how big and useful. What level of protection does it provide.

Daisy Chains: Are there any and if so, how many.

Look at all these aspects below and compare packs we have used and abused in different settings. Then, you can leave this page with confidence and enough guidance to make an informed choice based on your preferences.

The bags we’ve used here are photographed and tested out at sea, in monsoon weather and even in the shower for the purpose of providing a reliable and trustworthy set of reviews to guide our readers to the right pack.

Price Range of Waterproof Backpacks

Ideally, you should first define your budget. You might discover an item that really matches your needs, but it might not match your expected price. Having a minimum and a maximum allows your search to be more targeted and less time-consuming.

Providing detailed reviews as much as possible, we aim to help you determine if an item is worth stretching the budget or not. Usually, a decent waterproof backpack can range between $50 to $100 but there are also viable options for under $50. For over $100, there are options that will leave you impressed and a bit amazed with what they can actually do!

Reliable top-notch materials are guaranteed when choosing among top brands in the waterproof field. For example, there are very few differences between the Patagonia Guidewater 29L or the Yeti Panga 28L and the Fogland Waterproof Backpack regarding construction, floatability, submersibility and price, with the Fogland coming at a lower price than the other two.

The Yeti is rated among the top contenders alongside Patagonia and Breakwater Supply and for this guide, we invested in two of these brands and tested their overall performance.

Capacity of Waterproof Backpacks

Now, everybody packs differently. Capacity and storage are key points when choosing your next pack and it goes hand-in-hand with intended use.

So the question is: what will you mostly use your backpack for?

If you plan around everyday use, you might want to consider a laptop compartment or a water bottle pocket. Most waterproof backpacks have small side pockets. If a plus 24 oz flask is needed, you might just need an everyday backpack. It’s possible to get backpack covers to provide waterproofing on days when it rains.

On the other hand, if you plan to use it mostly for outdoor activities like hiking, paddleboarding or biking, then you might need a larger capacity or external features like attachment points for gear.

Another point is that different bags have different waterproofing or water-resistance compartments that determine where to store what. So the protection will differ during a downpour or a drizzle and it is good to investigate beforehand what each backpack offers.

Roll top bags have also become popular for their water protection. They can also be left open as an extendable way to expand storage. It seems you either like them or you don’t. Our testing team is split on the subject. Some don’t like struggling with the zippers on the Guidewater and Panga, while others don’t like the flimsiness of the Rains Roll Top enclosure.

Additional storage and pockets

Diving deeper into the details, additional storage and pocket options are the next things that will make a difference in how you can best utilize your backpack.

For example, some options out there offer additional external storage by providing attachment straps for hiking equipment, yoga mats, sleeping bags, if need be. Such a backpack can double as a gym bag or occasional hiking bag without necessarily being one.

That’s why the more storage your waterproof bag has, the better. By purchasing a waterproof backpack with more than average pocket options, you ensure your things will fit in the bag effortlessly.

And if it doesn’t, there is always the choice of packing cubes or additional dry bags to complement your gear and keep things better organized.

Easily accessible outer pockets are also important and some come with full waterproofing and dry-suit-grade zippers that will keep the water out. That is something to look into.

Color and texture

The next thing to decide upon is the color and the material or texture of the backpack. This is mostly a personal preference but there are a few things worth mentioning.

A good starting point would be again, the intended use. If you plan to use your pack for commutes to the office, consider a contemporary color and textile that easily matches your wardrobe, instead of a flashy extravagant color. Some people like to go for more conventional colors, while others go for bolder ones for everyday use.

Another useful point when choosing is to consider where you will be traveling to or where you live. In tropical or warm places, dark colors can attract sunlight and overheat the bag’s contents, especially if you carry tech like cameras or a laptop. Brighter or fluorescent colors offer higher visibility and are easier to spot even in dimmer light, while they don’t overheat as much.

Finally, waterproof and submersible bags often come in materials that are not necessarily the softest or most breathable, in order to maintain high standards and performance.

They must be abrasion-resistant, which implies a certain thickness. Some can be stiff and thick or hard to maneuver due to lack of flexibility and not someone’s first choice as an everyday bag.

This is why it is worth mentioning that there are options like the Matador Freerain 28L packable bag or the Isle Gateway 25L that are made out of softer and more flexible material and therefore could be an alternative for those who feel that thicker nylon or tarpaulin are not to their taste.

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant vs Fully Submersible

And now the essential question in this process. What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant? And a step further, what is a submersible backpack?

For many, these words don’t differ much, but there are significant differences in the actual properties of a bag when it comes to precipitation protection, water-tight zippers and water entering the compartments or pockets.

Let’s clarify! Water-resistant bags protect your stuff only from light rain, such as drizzle or a splash. They do not offer protection against heavy rain and your things will pay the price.

Cycling for 30 minutes to work in the Pacific Northwest involves days with constant rain. A bag like the Borealis by TNF will keep most moisture out, but some still seeps in.

On the other end, waterproof backpacks will keep its contents dry, safe and protected when biking in a downpour, when caught in torrential rain on a hike or when splashed upon during water sports. That is a key difference, especially when you plan to commute with tech like cameras, laptops and smartphones in your pack.

Now to add to the above, there is another option available, that covers the possibility of falling into a body of water, intentionally or unintentionally. Some backpacks are fully submersible. Yes, they can be shortly placed under the water. They have special zippers and seams that seal completely and no water, sand or snow can enter.

These packs offer supreme protection and make your activities and commutes worry-free.

Comfort & Weight of Waterproof Backpacks

Comfort and weight are yet another factor that will determine your long-term relationship with your backpack. Consider how long you plan to wear your backpack and how often, how heavy it might end up being when you load it to its capacity and how you need it to feel on your shoulders.

Some people are sensitive to carrying heavy loads for too long and would prefer extra shoulder padding, a chest strap for even weight distribution or a padded back. The design and the frame of the bag come into play here and there are a few things to look at.

A tip is to try any of your existing backpacks and compare them to those on your shortlist. Is there foam padding on the shoulder straps, does the weight distribution match your needs and is it comfortable to wear? Is it lightweight or is it heavy when empty? These factors will determine your next choice.

Generally, lightweight bags are a better investment and usually offer more comfort. Several brands design waterproof bags using lightweight textiles and hardware, to ensure ease of use and support. Weight also makes a difference when choosing a hiking bag that usually will end up holding gear and will therefore be heavier.

Waterproof Backpack Versatility

The last thing we want to mention is the importance of versatility in terms of use. Take into account the weather conditions and the activities you will be taking part in. That way, you can get the most out of your bag’s external storage, rolltop opening, additional pockets or capability.

Will you be needing a commuter, a lightweight, a minimalist or an outdoor waterproof backpack? And since you have made it this far, you now have a more comprehensive overview of what to look for in a waterproof backpack and which ones will seal the deal for you.

We have included links in this guide where you can buy products directly, but if you plan to visit a store instead, you are now better equipped to choose and can identify which parts to look at and which materials to look for.

If you already have a waterproof backpack or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.