What Is The Best Waterproof Backpack For Travel In 2024?

Planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering how to keep your belongings safe and dry? The Best Waterproof Backpack For Travel ensures your gear stays protected, no matter the weather. At SIXT.VN, we understand the importance of reliable travel gear, especially when exploring vibrant destinations like Hanoi. Whether you’re navigating bustling city streets or embarking on outdoor adventures, a waterproof backpack is a must-have. It’s the ultimate travel companion for safeguarding your essentials.

1. Our Testing Process

We rigorously tested several waterproof backpacks in our New York laboratory. Our analysis focused on capacity, organization, design, portability, waterproofness, durability, and overall value. Our testing involved a comprehensive approach to ensure we recommend only the best.

• Initial Examination: We carefully inspected each bag for design quality, materials, and construction.
• Packing Simulation: We packed each bag with a standard set of items to assess spaciousness and ease of packing.
• Comfort Test: We walked around with each backpack for five minutes to evaluate comfort and balance.
• Portability Test: We checked how easily each backpack fit under an airplane seat and in an overhead bin.
• Waterproofness Test: We filled each compartment with tissue paper, sealed the zippers, and subjected the backpacks to a portable shower for at least 30 seconds, focusing on the exterior fabric and zippers. We then let the bags sit for five minutes to check for water absorption.

We based our categories on these insights and will continue testing the backpacks during travel over a six-month period.

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2. Tips for Buying a Waterproof Backpack

Selecting the right waterproof backpack involves several considerations. Here’s how to make the best choice.

2.1 Consider Your Intended Use

Think about the activities you’ll be doing. Different backpacks are designed for different purposes.

• Urban Commuting: Look for sleek, commuter-friendly designs with padded laptop sleeves and stylish fabrics.
• Hiking and Water Sports: Opt for rugged builds with practical features like lash points and submersible zippers.
• Photography: Choose backpacks with built-in or removable lens organizers.

2.2 Evaluate Your Capacity Needs

Consider what you need to carry. Choose a backpack with the appropriate capacity for your needs.

• Day Hikes: A smaller backpack (around 17 liters) is sufficient for essentials like water, snacks, and an extra layer.
• Overnight Trips: A larger backpack (35 liters or more) is needed for bulkier items like cameras and waterproof shoes.

Roll-top bags are adjustable, allowing you to modify the capacity based on your load. However, remember that full waterproofness requires a minimum number of rolls.

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2.3 Check Organizational Features

Assess the importance of organization. Some backpacks offer ample organization with multiple pockets, while others have a simple, unstructured main compartment.

• Outdoors Use: A cavernous main compartment is ideal for bulky items and layers.
• Commuting/Sightseeing: Multiple pockets are useful for quickly accessing items like phones and sunglasses.
• Travel Safety: Hidden pockets can secure cash and passports. Padded sleeves protect laptops and other tech.

3. Our Top Picks

Based on our rigorous testing, here are some of the best waterproof backpacks you can consider.

3.1 Best Overall: Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

The Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack stands out for its blend of style and functionality. According to Helly Hansen’s product description, it offers full waterproofing at a reasonable price.

Pros:

• Subtly stylish design.
• Excellent waterproofing performance.
• Reasonable price point.

Cons:

• Unstructured main compartment.

Overview:

The Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack combines aesthetics with superb performance in our shower test. Water beaded perfectly on the exterior, keeping the tissue paper inside completely dry. This is due to its sturdy, impermeable fabric and effective roll-top construction. It’s also one of the least expensive waterproof backpacks we tested, offering excellent overall value.

The spacious main compartment allows you to fit all items on our packing list with space to spare. While the unstructured interior and black lining make organization challenging, a small zippered compartment on the outside keeps essentials handy.

The backpack features a well-padded laptop sleeve and adjustable, padded shoulder straps, providing excellent support. It also includes an adjustable chest strap for added stability. Available in black and two shades of blue, it’s a versatile choice for any traveler.

Details:

• Dimensions: 17.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Capacity: 28 liters
• Closure: Roll-top

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3.2 Best for Hiking: Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack is designed for travel and ultralight hiking. According to Matador’s website, its lightweight yet durable design makes it perfect for outdoor adventures.

Pros:

• Folds easily into a tiny compression sack.
• Super lightweight.
• Durable materials.

Cons:

• Lacks interior organization.

Overview:

The Matador Freerain22 includes a small mesh compression sack, making it ideal for travel and ultralight hiking. Associate editor Anna Popp notes that the materials are super lightweight yet feel sturdy. Testing indicates it will last a long time, even with prolonged use. Reinforced wear panels provide 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, making it ideally sized for hiking or any outdoor day trip. The lack of interior organization may be a drawback for some but is handy for stuffing extra layers in. The water-resistant front pocket is useful for smaller items.

The removable hip belt and adjustable sternum strap offer excellent support. Although the straps aren’t padded, they are soft and comfortable. Other hiking-oriented features include load-stabilizing compression straps, two water bottle pockets, and loops for attaching other gear.

Details:

• Dimensions: 19.5 x 10.5 x 7 inches
• Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Capacity: 22 liters
• Material: Reinforced ripstop nylon, PU and UTS waterproofing
• Closure: Roll-top

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3.3 Best for Water Activities: Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack

The Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack is your ideal partner for kayaking, sailing, or fishing adventures. According to Earth Pak’s official site, it offers durability, comfort, and the ability to float.

Pros:

• Durable construction.
• Comfortable fit.
• Floats in water.

Cons:

• Long roll-top opening can be awkward.

Overview:

The Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack is perfect for water-based adventures. The looping system allows you to lash it securely to your vessel, and it floats with reflective accents for nighttime visibility. The roll-top closure and 500-denier PVC material provide impressive waterproofing and abrasion resistance.

The 35-liter bag is large enough for clothing, shoes, and other adventure gear. It features a roomy main compartment, two interior pockets, and an external, splash-proof pocket. It also comes with a waterproof phone case. Although relatively heavy and bulky, the fit is excellent, with sternum and waist buckles for adjusting. Note that the straps and padded back panel will soak up water if immersed.

Details:

• Dimensions: 19 x 14 x 9 inches
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Capacity: 35 liters
• Material: 500D PVC
• Closure: Roll-top
• Waterproof Rating: IPX-6

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3.4 Best for Biking: Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L

The Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L combines bike messenger style with hardcore durability. According to Chrome Industries, it’s designed for urban cyclists needing reliable, waterproof storage.

Pros:

• Bike messenger style.
• Durable construction.
• Adjustable sizing.

Cons:

• Overly long straps.

Overview:

The 30-liter Chrome Urban Ex Pack features a classic bike messenger look and durable, 500-denier nylon construction. Water beads were eventually absorbed, but no water made it inside during testing. Side-mounted buckles allow you to compress the bag, while the cavernous main compartment fit everything on our list with space for much more.

The large opening makes the bag easy to pack. 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. Reflective loops on the outside provide storage for your bike lock.

The molded back panel and padded shoulder straps are comfy, and the chest strap keeps the bag securely in place while cycling. It’s best suited for individuals carrying bulkier items like a laptop, workout gear, or lunch.

Details:

• Dimensions: 22 x 14.5 x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 2.03 pounds
• Capacity: 30 liters
• Material: 500D nylon, polyurethane coating, TPU backing
• Closure: Roll-top

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3.5 Best With Laptop Pocket: Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

The Everyday Backpack from Stubble & Co. is perfect for organized packers. According to Stubble & Co., it’s made from durable, vegan-friendly, and recycled materials.

Pros:

• Multiple internal and external pockets.
• Laptop compartment.
• Sleek design.

Cons:

• Chest strap may fall off.
• Back padding absorbs water.

Overview:

Made from durable, vegan-friendly, and recycled materials, The Everyday Backpack impresses with its sleek and stylish silhouette. It’s perfect for commuting without looking like you’re hiking into the wilderness.

Despite its compactness, the structured, spacious interior features an organizer panel with six different-sized pockets. It includes a quick-access top pocket, a vertical, exterior zip pocket, a pocket on the strap for earbuds, and side pockets for your water bottle and umbrella. The separate, well-padded compartment fits laptops up to 16 inches.

The cushioned back panel and ergonomic straps ensure a comfortable fit. While the bag is fully waterproof, the back padding absorbs water and remains damp for a while.

Details:

• Dimensions: 18.1 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Capacity: 20 liters
• Material: Recycled PET, 3D poly air mesh
• Closure: Zippered

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3.6 Best Lightweight: Exped Typhoon 15 Pack

The Exped Typhoon 15 Pack is ideal for traveling light. Exped claims its abrasion-resistant, recycled ripstop nylon makes it perfect for day hikes and essential items.

Pros:

• Super lightweight.
• Abrasion-resistant material.
• Compact design.

Cons:

• Limited capacity.

Overview:

Made from abrasion-resistant, recycled ripstop nylon, the Exped Typhoon 15 Pack is super lightweight and best for day hikes. Droplets beaded and rolled off rather than being absorbed, and the 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 big enough for an iPhone and slim wallet. The contrasting, light-colored lining makes contents easy to find. 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. It fits well, with a decent amount of padding and adjustable shoulder, hip, and chest straps.

Details:

• Dimensions: 15.7 x 7.9 x 5.9 inches
• Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Capacity: 15 liters
• Material: Recycled ripstop nylon carbonate, PU coating (shell); recycled polyester, PU coating (liner)
• Closure: Roll-top

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3.7 Most Durable: Yeti Panga 28L Backpack

The Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack excels in heavy-duty durability. Yeti states its ThickSkin Shell offers maximum puncture and abrasion resistance.

Pros:

• Extremely durable.
• 100% waterproof.
• Easy to clean.

Cons:

• May not be comfortable for extended wear.
• Heavy.

Overview:

The Yeti Panga 28L 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.

The backpack is 100 percent waterproof, even when submerged. The MetalLock Hardware won’t rust, and the Hydrolock zippers are strong, ensuring no water gets through. The interior is mostly unstructured except for an unpadded sleeve and a zippered mesh essentials pocket. It offers adjustable shoulder straps and removable chest and hip straps. It’s meant for rugged outdoor activities rather than daily commutes.

Details:

• Dimensions: 19.7 x 12.5 x 7 inches
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Capacity: 28 liters
• Material: Nylon, TPU lamination
• Closure: Zippered
• Waterproof Rating: IPX-7

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3.8 Best for Photographers: Wandrd Prvke 21L Backpack and Photography Bundle

The Wandrd Prvke 21L is specifically designed for photographers. Wandrd says it’s designed to keep camera gear safe and comfortable to carry.

Pros:

• Designed for camera gear.
• Weatherproof.
• Comfortable to carry.

Cons:

• Thick padding retains water.
• Expensive.

Overview:

The Wandrd Prvke 21L includes a sturdy, weatherproof backpack and a compatible lens organizer for one camera body and two to four lenses. The lens organizer features protective, customizable straps and dividers.

The backpack is divided into two sections, one for the lens organizer. A side access panel allows quick camera access. The lens organizer can be removed to maximize packing space. The backpack offers a host of pockets for your laptop, tablet, phone, and tripod. The contoured back panel and padded shoulder straps are comfortable, but the padding stays wet for a long time.

Details:

• Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 6.5 inches
• Weight: 2.8 pounds (backpack), 11.2 ounces (camera cube)
• Capacity: 21 liters
• Material: Waterproof tarpaulin, ballistic nylon
• Closure: Roll-top

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3.9 Best Dry Bag: Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

The Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L is like a dry bag with backpack straps. According to Ortlieb, it’s made from PU-coated nylon with a roll-top and hook-and-loop closure.

Pros:

• Simple, durable design.
• Waterproof.
• Compact size.

Cons:

• Padded straps get soaked.
• Hook-and-loop closure durability over time.

Overview:

The Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L is made from PU-coated nylon with a roll-top and hook-and-loop closure. It’s built to last and passed our waterproofing test. The padded straps got soaked and remained wet for a long time. Despite its small capacity, the bag is spacious enough, with a wide opening for easy packing.

The interior is mostly unstructured, with a small, zippered organizer pocket and a padded sleeve for laptops up to 15.4 inches. On the outside, there’s an external bracket for a bike light or helmet. The foam-ventilated back offers breathability. The ergonomic shoulder straps are designed for comfort, and the removable chest and hip straps relieve back pressure.

Details:

• Dimensions: 17.7 x 11 x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Capacity: 17 liters
• Material: PU-coated nylon
• Closure: Roll-top

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4. Compare Our Top Picks

5. Frequently Asked Questions

• 5.1 What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?

  Water-resistant backpacks are made from fabrics treated with a water-repellent coating, providing short-term protection from light rain. Waterproof backpacks, however, use thickly coated fabrics with waterproof zippers or roll-top closures to prevent water ingress, even in extreme weather. IPX ratings of 7 or higher indicate bags that can be submerged.

• 5.2 How can you tell if a backpack is waterproof?

  Check for the term “waterproof