When traveling, your backpack often holds your most valuable goods: your phone, your camera, an extra layer, snacks, tickets, and cash. But what happens when it starts to rain?
The last thing you want is for your pack to leak and for the items inside to get moist, or even worse, drenched. Investing in a waterproof or water-resistant backpack can mean the difference between soggy pajamas and fresh, dry gear. Who has the time to air out their personal belongings while traveling, anyway? It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Related: The 19 Best Carry-on Backpacks for Your Next Trip
A lightweight, utilitarian hiking pack will keep your goods accessible without adding excess weight for the trek. For a boating or fishing trip, a backpack with welded seams would be your best bet, so ocean spray or puddles on deck can’t slip through the crevices of your bag.
Spending the day sightseeing? You might want something a bit more classic with a school bag look that can hold all of your supplies while still being comfortable enough to tote around all day.
And a backpack to use on your commute or on business trips must be polished and sleek enough to get the job done, but also have plenty of pockets and a laptop sleeve to keep everything organized.
Keep in mind, even a bag that’s designed to repel water isn’t meant to be entirely submerged. If there’s a chance that may happen, protect your most essential tech items by putting them in a Ziploc bag or a dry bag.
Whether you are looking for a rugged and outdoorsy look or a classic and polished vibe, here are the best weatherproof backpacks for your travels.
L.L.Bean Adventure Pro Pack
This weatherproof pack is equipped with super-tough ripstop nylon that’s coated with highly water-resistant polyurethane to ensure that all your gear stays dry through sleet, snow, or rain.
To buy: llbean.com, $90 (originally $109)
Mengar Water-resistant Packable Backpack 35L
Ideal for a day spent hiking during your vacation, this handy Mengar daypack folds into a packable pouch and has the capacity to tote all of your belongings comfortably.
To buy: amazon.com, $20
Arc’teryx Bora AR 49L Women’s Hiking Backpack
Spacious and comfortable, this pack uses a special technology in areas of high exposure to rain or snow, keeping your stowaways safe from the elements.
To buy: zappos.com, $375 (originally $500)
Chrome Urban Ex Rolltop 28L
The iPad sleeve in this rolltop style backpack from Chrome will keep your tech moisture-free and safe, along with all your other belongings because of its welded waterproof construction.
To buy: zappos.com, $140
Mountain Hardwear Scrambler RT 20 OutDry Backpack
This waterproof pack is made for serious outdoor activity. With carrying loops for ice axes and trekking poles, this holdall will really take you places.
To buy: zappos.com, $110
Eddie Bauer Cargo Pack
For those of you who are organization freaks, there is a pocket for everything in this Eddie Bauer cargo pack. It has its own computer sleeve inside, along with two main compartments, six front pockets, zippered security pockets, and a hydration panel on the side.
To buy: eddiebauer.com, $56 (originally $80)
Caraa Studio Duffel Backpack
Versatility is key when it comes to this duffel-turned-backpack design. Made from a waterproof Italian nylon, no matter how you hold this pack, water won’t seep through.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $395
Fjallraven Water-resistant Re-Kanken Backpack
Sometimes a pop of color is all you need to make a gloomy day exciting.
To buy: bloomingdales.com, $90
Timbuk2 Tuck Carbon Coated Pack
This spacious backpack — with its waterproof carbon-coated canvas and roll-top style — is versatile enough to go from damp city streets to a rainy camping trip.
To buy: zappos.com, $99
8848 Hiking Backpack With Waterproof Material
The unisex travel pack by 8848 comes in a multitude of color options, so finding one that suits your travel style will be a cinch.
To buy: amazon.com, $37
New Outlander Lightweight Travel Daypack
Being on your feet all day while exploring a new city can put a lot of stress of the body, especially when you’re carrying a bulky backpack. But this water-resistant design by New Outlander is incredibly lightweight and folds into a compact zippered pouch.
To buy: amazon.com, $17
Tumi Alpha Bravo Luke Roll-top Backpack
Tumi’s rugged yet sophisticated pack is perfect for both your next outdoor adventure and future business trips.
To buy: ebags.com, $395
SealLine Black Canyon Boundary Pack
Take this durable dry pack with you on your next canoe trip to seal goods from any unwanted moisture. Plus, it also features removable padded shoulders for extra comfort.
To buy: amazon.com, from $80
Patagonia Stormfront Pack 30L
Patagonia designed this backpack with the highest level of waterproof technology because of its welded construction and zip closures. But it also has an ergonomic back panel that will keep your back at ease when carrying a heavy load.
To buy: patagonia.com, $299
