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These expert-approved picks can help keep your things dry in any weather.
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Of course, you dont have to be athletic to find a waterproof backpack useful.
Mine has proved just as handy forcommutesthrough rainy London astrekkingthrough the Canadian backcountry.
Some backpacks are made especially for this purpose, with padded tech sleeves and a sleek, urban style.
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Below are our favorites for outdoor activities, commutes, and everyday use.
First we examined each bag carefully to establish the quality of its design, materials, and construction.
Then we adjusted the straps and walked around with the backpack for five minutes to check comfort and balance.
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We left the bag to sit for five minutes to see whether any water was absorbed.
Others are designed for hiking in the rain or for water-based activities, such as fishing or canoeing.
Anything bigger will result in unnecessary weight and bulk that could affect carrying comfort over several hours.
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Choosing a roll-top bag allows you to adjust the capacity depending on how much you have to pack.
Theres no right or wrong design just the one that best suits your needs.
The main compartment is unstructured, making it difficult to keep contents organized.
This is partly due to the sturdy, impermeable fabric and to the simple yet effective roll-top construction.
The Stockholm was also one of the least expensive waterproof backpacks we tested, providing excellent overall value.
However, its black lining and lack of interior pockets does make it a little unorganized.
The backpack also offers a well-padded laptop sleeve and adjustable, padded shoulder straps.
We found that the latter distributed weight well and provided plenty of support.
The backpack was comfortable, with an adjustable chest strap to keep it in place.
Colors include black and two shades of blue.
The main compartment lacks organization features.
After testing it, Popp also expects it to last a very long time, even with prolonged use.
you could keep smaller items in the water-resistant front pocket.
We loved the supportiveness of the backpacks removable hip belt and adjustable sternum strap.
Although the straps arent padded, we found them soft and comfortable.
Other hiking-oriented features include load-stabilizing compression straps, twowater bottlepockets, and loops for attaching other gear.
The roll-top opening is so long that reaching all the way inside can be a little awkward.
It also comes with awaterproof phone case, which passed our test with flying colors, too.
Bear in mind that the straps and padded back panel will soak up water if immersed.
We found the straps overly long and prone to getting in the way.
The 30-liter Chrome Urban Ex Pack features a classic bike messenger look and durable, 500-denier nylon construction.
We found the bag easy to pack thanks to its large opening.
Theres also an exterior zipper pocket that was just big enough to fit our large-model phone.
Reflective loops on the outside of the bag provide an ideal storage space for your bike lock.
The chest strap on our bag fell off, and we couldnt figure out how to reattach it.
She also loved that it was slim enough not to bump into people on the subway.
Perhaps most useful for commuters is the separate, well-padded compartment for laptops up to 16 inches.
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
It wont fit much more than the essentials for a day hike.
The mouth of the roll-top main compartment opens wide for easy packing and the zippers run smoothly.
Theres one internal pocket thats really only big enough for an iPhone andslim wallet.
Colors include black, burgundy, forest, and navy.
With no real padding in the back, it may not be the most comfortable option for extended wear.
The ThickSkin Shell is made from high-density nylon with thick TPU lamination for maximum puncture and abrasion resistance.
Whether it gets soaked in saltwater or spattered with fish gore, its easy to wipe clean.
The backpack is 100 percent waterproof, even when submerged.
The interior is mostly unstructured except for an unpadded sleeve and a zippered mesh essentials pocket.
This particular pack could be useful for transporting larger, bulkier items and layers.
On the outside youll find sturdy loops for attaching other gear.
The backpack offers adjustable shoulder straps and removable chest and hip straps.
Top and side grab handles complete the design.
The thick padding on the back panel and straps retains water for a long time after getting wet.
The lens organizer features protective, customizable straps and dividers to secure everything in place.
The backpack is divided into two sections, one of which is taken up by the lens organizer.
A side access panel allows you to get your camera out quickly when you see something worth photographing.
Theres even a hidden passport pocket.
Although it performed well during testing, were interested to see how the hook-and-loop closure holds up over time.
The padded straps got soaked and remained wet for a long time.
The wide opening made packing easy.
On the outside, theres an external bracket that you could use to affix a bike light orhelmet.
The backpacks foam-ventilated back is a particular highlight, offering breathability in hot and humid weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water-resistant backpacks are made from fabrics that have been treated with a water-repellent coating.
That doesnt necessarily mean you’re free to submerge the bag.
Waterproof fabrics typically lend themselves well to being wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Jessica Macdonaldhas been writing about outdoor gear for more than 10 years.
She also uses a Mountaintop backpack with a waterproof cover for hiking adventures at home in Scotland.
The backpacks included on this list scored highly in laboratory tests carried out by the T+L team.
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Credit: Stubble & Co.
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Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
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