Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
If you’re into outdoor adventures, it’s only fair that you have a waterproof backpack that will accompany you wherever you go. Your whole adventure can be ruined when you open the bag and your clothes are soaking wet.
Since there are numerous models on the market, we have chosen the best ones for your needs. All of the models mentioned are created from excellent materials and stitches which will maintain the same high quality throughout the years.
Whatever adventure you are doing, you don’t have to worry about it damaging your precious gear – especially in the rainy season in Brazil or Taipei, or Campeche, or all the time in Dublin. You get the idea! Whether you are kayaking or camping out in the woods, the models mentioned are made to last. Below you will find the best waterproof backpacks for your future travels!
Key Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Waterproof Backpack
Comfort – The backpack has to be comfortable because it doesn`t feel good if it`s not comfortable it`s never going to feel better and in the worst case, you actually could hurt yourself. So, best case scenario, you just don`t wear the backpack, you buy it and that`s it. But the best way scenario, you wear it and you bite your way through the pain and you end up hurting your back. So one of the best features to look at a backpack is to be comfortable and fits you properly. That way, you wear it and you get your money`s worth. In addition to this, make sure you pick a company that has a good return policy.
Durability – You don`t want to buy something that`s going to fall apart easily. Of course, you don`t want to abuse the backpack, but you want to make sure that it`s built and it`s got nice stitching on it. Usually, a backpack is going to fail up top on the strap or it`s going to fail at the bottom – something we learned when searching for the best travel backpack for men. We usually look at when the interior comes together and then it`s double sewn with stitching with a cover. To us, that is a sign of quality. So if a manufacturer pays attention to these details, they`re probably going to pay attention to others.
Activity Needs – If you`re going backpacking, if you`re going to be out in the wilderness you`re going to want something that`s actually structured, maybe have a frame that goes up higher that can hold a mat and a sleeping bag. Trust us, your bag breaking when you are going wild camping in Norway or heading out into the Amazon is not great. At all!
Sea to Summit Sprint
This is without a doubt our favorite model due to the fact that it has excellent durability. The 420D Nylon base has been created in order to resist wear-and-tear.
Therefore, you can take it with you wherever you go. You don’t have to worry about water getting inside of the bag as it has fully seam taped 210D laminated fabric. Therefore, you can wear it even if it’s pouring down with rain. It has a capacity of 20L but you will enjoy the fact that the shoulder straps and back panel will prevent your body from feeling the excess weight.
Thus, you will feel the bag lightweight and easy to carry.
If you want the bag to resist for numerous years to come, we recommend that you take it for hiking and bike commuting. Whilst the bag is water resistant, you have to be careful about submerging it in the water. You will enjoy the fact that there are two styles available which means that you and your partner can have matching styles.
Equally important, this bag has been designed with adjustable shoulder straps which means that it can fit a range of body types.
Pros | Cons |
Designed with a Nylon base | Limited warranty period |
The seams are fully taped | It’s not weatherproof |
Lightweight and portable | It can fit a maximum of 20L |
Different styles available | |
It can fit a range of body types |
ZOMAKE Packable Backpack
This is a multipurpose weatherproof backpack that you can take for whatever activity you have in mind. The material doesn’t add unnecessary weight and it only weighs a mere 8.8 oz. When you’re not using it, you will enjoy the fact that you can fit it inside of a compact pouch that you can fit into your back pocket.
Don’t panic, when unfolded, the bag has a capacity of 20L which means that you can fit a variety of your belongings. The Nylon material is scratch resistant and also water resistant which means that you don’t have to worry about your items getting damaged.
Inside the bag, there are numerous pockets which will make you more organized. Inside of the main compartment, you can fit several pairs of clothes. As well as, inside of the front zipped pockets, you should place small items such as your phone or travel accessories.
Also, you will find the two open-mesh side pockets very handy as you can fit your water bottle or camera. By considering this model, you will fit whatever you need for your adventure or day-trip.
Pros | Cons |
The shoulder straps are easy to adjust | The material feels cheap |
The strap material is breathable | The seams could be improved |
The zipper is made from metal | It’s not fully waterproof |
Easy to clean | |
Suitable for a range of outdoor activities |
Mountain Splash Waterproof Dry Bag
If you’re looking for a fully waterproof bag, this is the right model for your needs. You can safely wear this bag when kayaking, fishing, and sailing without worrying that the items inside of the bag will get damaged. You can safely hold your phone, camera, and documents.
The bag is so resistant that it has the capacity to float on water in case it goes overboard. You just have to ensure that you leave a small amount of air inside of the bag. The tight top closure will provide secure sealing.
Due to the fact that it has been made to meet your needs, you have the option to choose between 5L, 10L, and 20L. In addition to this, this product is suitable for men and women that love the outdoors. Therefore, if you’re looking for gift ideas, you should thoroughly consider this backpack.
If you don’t enjoy water outdoors, you will enjoy the fact that the bag is also sand proof which means that it’s impossible for dirt to get inside to your belongings.
Pros | Cons |
Available in different colors and styles | Some people reported leaks |
Suitable for water activities | The quality of the clasp could be improved |
Available in different capacities | The material can overheat under direct sun rays |
Easy to clean | |
Waterproof and dirt-proof |
MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag
If you have a lot of belonging to take with you, you should consider this product. You have the option to choose from 10L to 40L which means that you won’t feel limited in choice.
This bag has been made from ripstop tarpaulin with strong welded seams which means that it will resist for numerous years to come even if you expose it to wear and tear. You will never have to worry about punctures and rips. The roll-top closure will provide a tight closure which will keep the water out of the bag.
In case you had an eventful adventure, you will find that you can easily clean off the dirt with a simple swipe. You can carry the bag different ways as the shoulder strap is removable so you can carry it as a cross-body or shoulder carrying. You don’t have to worry if you carry more weight due to the fact that it can fit a variety of body types.
Therefore, you and your partner can have the same bag. As well as, there are numerous colors available. Equally important, in case you drop it in the water, you will be pleased to know that it has the ability to float.
Pros | Cons |
It has a roll-top closure system | It’s water resistant not fully waterproof |
It has a large capacity | It doesn’t hold its shape |
You can carry it different ways | Limited warranty period |
The shoulder strap is removable | |
Easy to clean |
Sak Gear BackSak
This model has been created from durable 500-denier PVC which means that this bag is fully waterproof. In addition to this, it has also been created with welded seams and a roll-down top closure which means that it’s very difficult for the water to get inside of the bag.
What stands out about this product is the fact that it provides back support which means that even if you choose the 35L capacity, you won’t feel the excessive weight. It has the ability to relieve pressure from your back and muscles.
The straps are thick and cushioned so you can wear it for a long period of time. On the side, you will find that it has been designed with D-rings where you can fit water bottles and fishing gear. The inside of the bag is spacious and split into different compartments which mean that you can keep dirty clothes away from clean ones.
Even the outside pocket is splash-proof which means that you can fit your phone and ID. The sleek and modern design is suitable for those that care about style and practicality.
Pros | Cons |
Suitable for a range of outdoor activities | The stitches have a mediocre quality |
You will not feel the excessive weight | The seams are synthetic |
The zippers are splash-proof | Customer service could be improved |
The bag is roomy and spacious | |
Easy to close |
FE Active – 30L Eco Friendly Waterproof Dry Bag
If you care about practicality and the environment, this is the right model for your needs. This model has been made from thick marine grade 5mm PVC which means that it’s fully waterproof. The welded stitches have been engineered in order to provide security. Therefore, complaining about the quality of the seams will be a thing of the past.
When it’s not full, you will enjoy the fact that it only weighs 2lbs which means that you can take it wherever you go. The shoulder straps are padded with mesh lining which means that you won’t sweat excessively.
On the side of the bags, there are mesh side netting which you can fit your water bottles and other small equipment. Outside of the bag, you will notice the cords that will allow you to fit a large number of items inside. The reinforced one-handed strap will provide you with comfort and practicality.
The front chest strap will ensure that it will sit tight into place even if you’re doing extreme sports. It’s worthy to mention that this waterproof backpack is suitable for water sports and other outdoor activities.
Pros | Cons |
The straps are padded and sturdy | The material adds weight to the bag |
Designed with a chest strap | It doesn’t remove the excessive weight from your back |
Created from thick marine-grade PVC | The product isn’t quality checked before being sent to the customer |
Lightweight and portable | |
Easy to clean |
IDRYBAG Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack
The company has guaranteed that you can wear it whilst diving, surfing, swimming, canoeing, kite surfing, sailing, and rowing. In addition to this, it’s also sand-proof which means that your belongings will not get damaged. If you’re into the water and outdoor sports, you should thoroughly consider this product.
The bag has been made from 500D vinyl-coated woven polyester and durable welded seams so it will resist excessive use throughout the years. Due to the excellent material, you will also find it very easy to clean the bag as all you will need to do is to wipe off the dirt.
What stands out about this product is the fact that it has been designed with protective unique inner zippers. Therefore, it’s impossible for the water to get inside the bag.
Even though it has an outer zip pocket, you don’t have to worry. It’s been strategically placed there so you can have easy access to your belongings. The straps are padded and removable which means that you will have a lot of carrying options. If you wish, you can even carry it as a hand-held bag.
Pros | Cons |
Weatherproof and sand-proof | Suitable for outdoor activities only |
The shoulders are padded and detachable | Limited styles available |
Designed with an exterior pocket | It doesn’t remove the excess weight off your back |
Suitable for water sports | |
Easy to clean |