Waterproof Backpacks

This collection brings together waterproof backpacks for different uses. Before choosing, compare the dimensions, the capacity, the interior layout and the level of water protection stated on each product page. For a more precise search, also see our bike backpacks and travel backpacks selections, then check the features of the style that interests you.

96 products
Comparing styles by intended use
Use To compare on the product page Useful selection
City and everyday Dimensions, capacity, pockets and type of closure Waterproof backpack (this collection)
Laptop Stated compartment, screen size and protection described Waterproof backpack (this collection)
Biking Dimensions, closure system, straps and stated protection Bike backpack
Travel Dimensions, capacity, opening and interior layout Travel backpack

What our 96 waterproof backpacks offer

For a small waterproof backpack, compact styles include a mini backpack for women measuring 23 x 12 x 29 cm (9.1 x 4.7 x 11.4 in), a women’s mini hiking backpack with a theoretical volume of 9.2 liters and a 10 liter hiking backpack weighing 150 g (5.3 oz). At the other end, a 90 liter trekking backpack made for hikes lasting several days and a large military backpack in 80 or 100 liters for the longest hikes show that a waterproof backpack for hiking can suit a short walk as well as a long trek.

Two styles close with a roll-top. One is a city roll-top laptop backpack that expands from 20 to 27 liters, with a 15.6 inch laptop compartment and a USB port. The other is our bike backpack pannier, a 20 liter bag whose zippers use heat-sealed waterproof tape and which comes with a rain cover. Several other styles also come with a rain cover, supplied or built in, from a waterproof camera backpack and a 36 to 55 liter trekking backpack to military, motorcycle, and vegan or faux leather city styles.

Laptop compartments are stated from 11 to 17.3 inches, 15.6 inches being the size stated most often. Two styles take up to 17 inches, among them our 17 inch laptop backpack, and our small anti-theft backpack holds a 17.3 inch laptop and a 12.9 inch iPad, and one zipper takes its depth from 8 to 18 cm (3.1 to 7.1 in). The materials include PVC, TPU, Oxford fabric, nylon and polyester. Several styles are in faux leather, and some add reflective details to be seen in low light.

Eight have wheels, and you can compare them in our rolling backpacks collection. For a waterproof backpack for travel, some come in stated carry-on formats such as 40 x 20 x 25 cm (15.7 x 7.9 x 9.8 in) or 40 x 30 x 20 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 in), which you can also compare among our carry-on backpacks.

How do you choose a waterproof backpack?

Start from your main use, then compare the dimensions and the capacity with what you carry. Next, look at the interior layout and the water protection described on each product page. The details stated for the material, the seams and the closures can vary from one style to another.

What should you check to carry a laptop in the rain?

Check the size of the laptop compartment and the water protection stated for the style separately. Also compare the closure, the pockets and the outer dimensions. The product page should let you assess these points without assuming they are the same across the whole collection.

What is the difference between water-repellent, waterproof and fully waterproof?

  • Water-repellent: a surface treatment makes water bead up. It protects from light rain and splashes, wears off over time and gives way in heavy rain.
  • Waterproof: the fabric, or its coating, does not let water through. The seams and the zippers remain entry points.
  • Fully waterproof: the whole bag, seams and closure included, keeps water out. Resistance to immersion is proven by a protection rating, for example IPX7 for temporary immersion down to 1 meter (3.3 ft) for 30 minutes.

The product pages in this selection mostly state a waterproof fabric or a water-repellent treatment. Some describe their bag as fully waterproof, but none states a protection rating or an immersion test, so count on protection against rain, not against immersion.

How a rain cover or a roll-top adds protection

Protection stated on the product pages
Stated protection What it changes
Rain cover supplied It covers the bag, closures included
Roll-top closure The top of the bag rolls down instead of closing with a zipper, and the volume adjusts
Protected zippers The closures let less water through
Waterproof or coated fabric The fabric stops the rain, but seams and zippers still need watching
Water-repellent treatment only Light rain and splashes, not prolonged heavy rain

Which waterproof backpack for your activity?

  • Waterproof backpack for women or men: city bags and faux leather styles can also be compared in our collections of backpacks for women and men’s backpacks, and several are stated as unisex.
  • Hiking: from a small volume for a short outing to a large bag for several days, with a rain cover or a coated fabric depending on the style. Compare them in our hiking backpacks collection.
  • Motorcycle: several styles are designed to carry a helmet, so compare their rain protection in our motorcycle backpacks collection.

What capacity for a waterproof backpack?

The stated capacities range from a few liters, for a bike bag, to around a hundred liters for the largest hiking and travel bags. As a reference point, our guide on what size backpack you need and how many liters to choose matches 10 to 20 liters to the city, 20 to 30 liters to the office or a day hike, and 30 to 45 liters to a weekend or light travel.

To keep the water protection intact when washing, our guide on how to wash a backpack sets out the method for each material, from technical fabric to leather, and the drying.