The Best Waterproof Backpacks for Your Next Adventure

By Rebecca Carhart and Kendall Cornish
Updated March 19, 2021
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Credit: Getty Images

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 18 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.

These are the best waterproof backpacks to shop:

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FE Active 25L Waterproof Dry Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This sleek backpack from FE Active is made from an environmentally-safe PVC material that is lightweight and waterproof. It also features comfortable padded straps and mesh lining that helps circulate air flow throughout the bag. The roomy backpack has plenty of pockets for ample storage.

To buy: amazon.com, $40

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Rains Waterproof Backpack

Credit: courtesy of Nordstrom

How cute is this waterproof backpack by Rains? It’s made from a matte weatherproof material and features water-resistant hardware and flexible rubber straps that are easy on your shoulders.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $110

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Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

Looking for a waterproof backpack that will keep your belongings secure? Check out this stylish option from Matein. The sleek pack features hidden, anti-theft pockets so your travels can remain worry-free.  The backpack is also equipped with a USB charging port for a quick phone or tablet charge while you walk, hike, or cycle.

To buy: amazon.com, $26

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OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack with Waterproof Rain Cover

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This OutdoorMaster backpack might not be waterproof on its own, but it does come with a waterproof rain cover that has its own dedicated pocket at the bottom of the bag so you never leave home without it. The comfortable backpack also has a padded laptop compartment and a padded hip belt that helps take pressure off your back.

To buy: amazon.com, from $30

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L.L.Bean Adventure Pro Waterproof Day Pack

Credit: Courtesy of L.L. Bean

This weatherproof pack is equipped with super-tough ripstop nylon and a roll-top closure to ensure that all your gear stays dry through sleet, snow, or rain. Dual side straps and D-buckles also allow you to attach gear with ease.

To buy: llbean.com, $119

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Nodland Waterproof Travel Daypack

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Ideal for a day spent hiking during your vacation, this handy, lightweight daypack folds into a packable pouch and has the capacity to tote all of your belongings comfortably.

To buy: amazon.com, from $24

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Arc’teryx Bora AR 49L Women’s Hiking Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Zappos

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: amazon.com, from $350

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Chrome Barrage Cargo Waterproof Backpack 22L

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

The laptop sleeve in this rolltop-style rucksack from Chrome will keep your tech, along with all your other belongings, moisture-free and safe because of its watertight construction. Plus, it comes in 7 colors.

To buy: amazon.com, from $160

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Herschel Supply Co. Pop Quiz Light

This waterproof pack makes every adventure a little more lightweight. With padded shoulder straps, internal pocket organizers, and a media pocket with a headphone port, this hold-all will really take you places.

To buy: zappos.com, $53

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Eddie Bauer Cargo Pack

Credit: Courtesy of Eddie Bauer

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, $63 (originally $90)

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Bric's Piccolo X-Travel City Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Versatility is key when it comes to this drawstring-turned-backpack design. Made from durable tech fabric with a water-resistant PVC coating, this pack will keep your belongings dry in style.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $80

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Fjallraven High Coast Convertible Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

The sleek practicality expected of Fjallraven's unbiquitous square-shaped backpacks is heightened in this smaller, yet slightly more robust style. With this compact backpack, be ready for anything, whether it's your work commute or your next longhaul hike.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $35

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Timbuk2 Tuck Pack

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This spacious backpack — with its waterproof polyester — is versatile enough to go from damp city streets to a rainy camping trip (and up your style ante in the process).

To buy: amazon.com, $79

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Venture Pal Packable Hiking Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

The unisex hiking backpack by Venture Pal comes in a multitude of color options, so finding one that suits your travel style will be a cinch.

To buy: amazon.com, $23

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New Outlander Lightweight Travel Daypack

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Being on your feet all day while exploring a new city can put a lot of stress on 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, from $18

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Tumi Westlake Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Tumi

Tumi’s rugged yet sophisticated pack is perfect for both your next outdoor adventure and future business trips. Add a personal touch with Tumi's customizable monogramming feature.

To buy: tumi.com, $495

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SealLine Pro Pack Waterproof Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Take this durable dry pack with you on your next canoe trip to seal goods from any unwanted moisture. Plus, it also features an adjustable harness and padded shoulders for extra comfort.

To buy: amazon.com, from $200

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Oak Creek Canyon Falls Dry Bag 30L

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Oak Creek designed this backpack with Heavy Gauge PVC to completely seal moisture out. And at 30L, this large dry bag keeps plenty of gear, tech, and other personal items dry.

To buy: amazon.com, $40

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By Rebecca Carhart and Kendall Cornish