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These expert-approved picks can help keep your things dry in any weather.

Best Waterproof Backpacks

Credit:Travel + Leisure

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.

A person removes dry tissue paper from the inside of the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack after spraying it with water

Travel + Leisure

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.

A person adjusts the straps on the Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack

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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.

A person places a camera and accessories into the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack

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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.

Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

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.

Backcountry Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

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.

Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack

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.

Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L

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.

Exped Typhoon 15 Pack

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.

Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

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.

Wandrd Prvke 21L Backpack and Photography Bundle

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.

Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

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.

A person sprays water on the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

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.

A person places clothing into the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

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.

A person wears the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

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.

A person wears the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

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.

A person places the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack under a seat

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.

A person places the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack into an overhead compartment

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.

A person sprays water on the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

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.

A person places clothing into the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

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.

A person wears the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

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.

A person wears the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

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.

A person places the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack under a seat

A person places the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack into an overhead compartment

The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack is sprayed with water

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack is placed into a backpack

A person places a notebook into the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack

A person rolls up the top of the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack

A person unrolls the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack

A person places the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack in an overhead compartment

The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack is sprayed with water

The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack is placed into a backpack

A person places a notebook into the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack

A person rolls up the top of the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack

A person unrolls the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack

A person places the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable 22L Backpack in an overhead compartment

The Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack is sprayed with water

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

The Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack bag is dipped in water

A person adjusts the straps on the Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack

A person packs the Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack

The Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack is placed into an overhead compartment

A person places the Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack under the seat in front of them

The Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack is sprayed with water

The Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack bag is dipped in water

A person adjusts the straps on the Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack

A person packs the Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack

The Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack is placed into an overhead compartment

A person places the Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack under the seat in front of them

The Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L is sprayed with water

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

A person places clothing into the Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L

A person wears the Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L

A person tightens the straps on the Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L

A person places the Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L into an overhead compartment

A person places the Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L under the seat in front of them

The Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L is sprayed with water

A person places clothing into the Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L

A person wears the Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L

A person tightens the straps on the Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L

A person places the Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L into an overhead compartment

A person places the Chrome Urban Ex Pack 30L under the seat in front of them

Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

Credit: Stubble & Co.

Water is sprayed on the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

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A laptop is placed inside the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

A person zips up the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

A person wears the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

A person places the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack under an airplane seat

A person places the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack into an overhead compartment

Water is sprayed on the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

A laptop is placed inside the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

A person zips up the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

A person wears the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

A person places the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack under an airplane seat

A person places the Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack into an overhead compartment

The Exped Typhoon 15 Pack sprayed with water

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

A person wears the Exped Typhoon 15 Pack

A person places the Exped Typhoon 15 Pack into an overhead bin

A person places the Exped Typhoon 15 Pack under a seat

The Exped Typhoon 15 Pack on a bed next to travel items

The Exped Typhoon 15 Pack sprayed with water

A person wears the Exped Typhoon 15 Pack

A person places the Exped Typhoon 15 Pack into an overhead bin

A person places the Exped Typhoon 15 Pack under a seat

The Exped Typhoon 15 Pack on a bed next to travel items

Water is sprayed on the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

A person holds up a stick of Yeti Zipper Lubricant that came with the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

Shoes are placed inside the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

A person wears the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

A person adjusts the straps on the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

A person places the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack into an overhead compartment

Water is sprayed on the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

A person holds up a stick of Yeti Zipper Lubricant that came with the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

Shoes are placed inside the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

A person wears the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

A person adjusts the straps on the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

A person places the Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack into an overhead compartment

Water is sprayed on the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

A person places a camera and accessories into the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack

The Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack is packed with clothing

A person places the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack under an airplane seat

A person places the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack into an overhead compartment

A person folds over the top of the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack

Water is sprayed on the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack

A person places a camera and accessories into the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack

The Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack is packed with clothing

A person places the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack under an airplane seat

A person places the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack into an overhead compartment

A person folds over the top of the Wandrd All-new Prvke Backpack

Water is sprayed on the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

A laptop is seen inside the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person rolls the top of the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person wears the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L on an airplane

A person places the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L in an overhead compartment of an airplane

A person places the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L under an airplane seat

Water is sprayed on the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A laptop is seen inside the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person rolls the top of the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person wears the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L on an airplane

A person places the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L in an overhead compartment of an airplane

A person places the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L under an airplane seat

A person wear the Maverick & Co. Vista Waterproof Backpack Pro

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A person wears the Rains Backpack

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