The 7 Best Waterproof Backpacks in 2023

You cannot overemphasize the importance of a waterproof backpack in wet conditions. The best waterproof backpack will keep your essential items safe and dry no matter how bad the weather. 

You can find a waterproof bag that’s high-quality, but some are vastly superior to most. The truth is that many backpacks claim to be waterproof when only water-resistant.

What’s the Best Waterproof Backpack?

The earth is 71% water. This precious liquid provides nourishment for plants and is a source of sustenance for our bodies. However, water can also be an almighty pain in your posterior when it gets into your things without asking permission! 

Check out our picks for the best waterproof backpacks below if you’d like to keep your valuables dry and the water out.

Our picks for the Best Waterproof Backpacks

1. Best Overall – MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag
2. Best Premium – YETI Panga 50 Airtight Waterproof Duffel Bag
3. Best for Women – LOVEVOOK Backpack
4. Best Heavy-Duty – Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
5. Best for Everyday Use – Fendong Waterproof Packable Bag
6. Best for Hiking – G4Free Hiking Backpack
7. Best Value– HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag

Why You Need a Waterproof Backpack

Waterproof backpacks instill a level of confidence when you’re outdoors. You can do your business by knowing your gadgets will be dry in the rain or sunshine. These tactical bags are an excellent accessory for hiking, exploring, and water-based activities. 

Moreover, if you plan to travel to rainy regions like Southeast Asia or the UK, you’d most likely need a backpack that can withstand the rains.

Best Waterproof Backpacks: Our Top 7 Picks

This review is a result of hundreds of hours of testing different bags. As a result, we’ve lined up the best waterproof backpacks on the market, and there’s a buyer’s guide to help you find the right one for your next trip.

1. Best Overall – MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag

Our best overall pick is for the MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof backpack. You won’t find a better-quality waterproof backpack than what MARCHWAY offers.

This roll-top tarpaulin bag is made from premium quality 500D tarpaulin – a durable waterproof fabric that is resistant to wear and tear. While the bag is tough enough for use in extreme environments, the material is soft to the touch, even in the harsh winter.

Remember that you’ll need to fold the bag 3 – 4 times before buckling the top cover to make it waterproof. MARCHWAY is designed for kayakers, boaters, swimmers, and other water-based and outdoor activities.

The backpack is easy to clean and simple to use. You can get this backpack in various sizes, from 5L to 40L. The type of straps you get depends on the bag size.

The 5L and 10L come with single detachable straps, while the 40L ships with non-detachable double straps. The backpack is portable and the soft texture of the material makes it easy to fold and store in small spaces.

]The adjustable strap allows you to sling it over your shoulder easily, and you can rest in the knowledge your valuables are dry while enjoying the wet. The reality is the backpack may not have as much space after folding.

Besides, you need to take care to fold and secure properly, or your stuff is going to get wet. Overall, it’s an exceptional backpack that works and comes in different colors and sizes for your needs.

2. Best Premium – YETI Panga 50 Airtight Waterproof Duffel Bag

The best premium backpack we found is the YETI Panga. The YETI Panga is a backpack for individuals who want the absolute best for their gear regardless of cost. The bag is a fortress that keeps the water at bay even when submerged for long periods. 

The airtight design and HYDROLOK Zipper will hold your items bone-dry even in monsoon season. Moreover, the ergonomic shoulder straps provide additional comfort on the road. 

At the same time, you get extra security and stability, thanks to the detachable waist belts and chest straps. The THICKSKIN SHELL fabric is thick, high-density nylon with thick TPU lamination resistant to puncture and abrasion. 

This backpack has a cleverly designed stowaway mesh pocket and an inner sleeve that keeps smaller items organized and tucked away, safe in the most severe downpours.

YETI products are renowned worldwide and often over-engineered. Once you zip this backpack shut, it becomes so airtight you can stand on it.

The Yeti Panga was built for the watery outdoors, and it’d be overkill to use this backpack for everyday commuting. It’s a dependable bag that performs exceptionally well for amphibious operations.

3. Best for Women – LOVOOK Backpack

It only takes a glance to fall heads over heels in love with the LOVEVOOK bag. It’s arguably the best waterproof backpack for women and comes in different eye-catching colors, including camouflage and dalmatian! 

The inner fabric is 100% nylon to protect your items in wet conditions. The LOVEVOOK backpack is designed for everyday women who need a dependable bag to go everywhere. 

You’d be surprised with the amount of storage this bag has! It features multiple compartments for different purposes. You can store anything, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even a change of clothes. 

An eye-catching feature is an anti-theft pocket designed to keep critical items like your phone and wallet. This pocket is helpful in crowded areas, preventing pickpockets from pinching your valuables. 

It has an inner chamber with a lot of depth that can comfortably fit a 15.5” laptop with room to spare. Moreover, a hidden pocket allows you to charge your devices on the go.

The only complaint is the built-in charger that’s a challenge to use. In sum, it’s a sturdy bag that fits the bill for most active women.

4. Best for Everyday Use – Fendong Waterproof Packable Bag

If you need a breathable bag with ample storage for your everyday commute, consider the Fendong Waterproof Packable backpack. The backpack features a lightweight design that’s easy to carry. 

A Fendong waterproof backpack anticipates getting wet and provides a large waterproof, damp pocket to store wet clothing, especially after a sweaty hike or swim. 

The bag’s nylon fabric is also durable to withstand wear and tear, and the double-layered bottom compartment provides extra storage space. The entire backpack has 35L of storage, ample for storing all types of gear, including items for camping, traveling, or hiking. 

You’ll love the shoulder straps that are flat and wide for extra balance and don’t cause discomfort even after extended use. A neat trick is to fold the bag into one of the pockets and store it in a small space.

The only suggestion is to add an outside loop to secure things like keyrings. Moreover, there are so many pockets you might find it challenging to keep track of your valuables. 

The truth is this backpack won’t blow your mind, and the design could be more creative. Nonetheless, the Fending Waterproof Packable is a bag that’s lightweight, durable, and highly functional.  

5. Best Heavy-Duty – Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Earth Pak is a backpack that thrives in the face of the harshest climates. The bag is constructed from 500D PVC fabric. The bag comes in five colors and three sizes, including 35L, 55L, and 85L. 

It’s a typical roll-top backpack that keeps your essentials safe whether biking, commuting, camping, hiking, or kayaking. As with many roll-top bags, you’ll need to fold the top a few times before securing the lid. 

Besides, the ergonomic shoulder straps have extra padding, including a sternum strap that puts less stress on your spine. It’s a heavy-duty bag; even the smallest size has plenty of space to play around. 

The backpack’s most exciting feature is the MOLLE system looping at the bag front, which allows you to secure it firmly onto your body while biking, boating, or kayaking. 

You’ll also take comfort in the splash-proof pocket that will enable you to grab an item without rolling the top cover. An IPX waterproof phone case is included with the backpack to give your smartphone extra protection.

Earth Pak is as durable as they come, but it has its Achilles Heel. For one, the waterproof interior isn’t breathable, which causes water and condensation to form – in essence, the backpack sweats a lot! You’ll need to air it often to prevent smells. 

Another issue worth noting is the shoulder straps which would have been more functional if they were detachable. That said, the backpack is well worth the price and provides terrific value.

6. Best for Hiking – G4Free Hiking Backpack 

The newer version of the G4Free Hiking Backpack comes with a built-in USB Port, a significant upgrade on the former. While the bag comes in different colors, you can only find it in the 50L size. 

That aside, it’s constructed from waterproof nylon with SBS zippers that secure tightly. You can find larger backpacks, but the size offers enough room to store essentials, including hiking or commuting gear. 

If you look hard enough, you’d see the special zipper pocket on the side you can use for storing dirty clothing or footwear. Another clever feature is the compartment for a Hydration Bladder to keep you going throughout the day.

Additionally, there’s a built-in USB port you can connect to a power bank to charge the outdoors. The backpack’s bottom pocket has a rain cover you can throw over your bag in a storm to provide an extra protection layer. 

The tactical bag is one of the best waterproof backpacks and includes a separate compartment for shoes. It’s also TSA-approved as a carry-on and great for travel.

Even though the main pocket houses a hydration bladder compartment, it doesn’t include the bladder. The pack is comfy, doesn’t overwhelm or get in the way, and is the best companion you can take with you on a hiking adventure.

7. Best Value – HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag 

The HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag is unlike any other roll-top bag on this list. Most roll-top bags are designed for watersports, but the HEETA bag is styled for mountain backpacking and travel. Don’t be deterred! 

You can still use this backpack for kayaking, swimming, boating, and beach activities. However, the bag doesn’t fare well for underwater sports.  

You’ll love the see-through design that allows you to confirm the contents of your backpack without opening it—moreover, the bag ships in different colors and multiple sizes, including 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, and 40L.

It’d have been nice if it didn’t include a phone case because it’s low-grade and breaks easily. Still, the bag fabric is thick enough to withstand harsh weather but soft and pliable to the touch. 

The quality control (QC) is suspect, and you may need to check for punctures. You can test for leakage by inserting wads of tissue paper inside the compartment before submerging it in water. 

Be mindful that this backpack is foldable, making for a smaller overall space. You’ll need to leave ample room to fold the flaps thrice before locking.

Finding the Best Waterproof Backpack

While the bags on this list come highly recommended, what you need could be something different. The best waterproof backpack can be yours if you look for the following features.

Waterproof, not Water-resistant

You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t need waterproof equipment. Unfortunately, many backpacks claim waterproof pedigree only to find out the worst possible way when water ruins your gear. You can submerge most waterproof bags in water without problems. 

At the same time, water-resistant brands are designed to withstand rainfall, keeping your contents dry for a time. 

Waterproof backpacks offer more security and are the go-to choice for water-based activities like paddleboarding, boating, or kayaking.

Waterproof bags also “come in the clutch” for your expensive electronics like laptops, cameras, and tablets. 

Suppose you use this equipment for your daily activities. In that case, you will breathe easier using a waterproof backpack to save you on a rainy day.

Material

Waterproof and water-resistant backpacks often use similar fabrics in nylon and polyester. Polyester may resist water, but it isn’t completely waterproof.

 You’d need a bag with additional protection like polyethylene and polyamide for a more waterproof backpack. These fabrics are durable and lightweight while offering excellent water protection.

Volume  

Volume is as important as any other factor when deciding on a bag. The best waterproof backpack brands offer bags ranging from 5L to 80L. 

Keep in mind the volume of the pack often affects the weight. Ensure you opt for a backpack that won’t tire you over a short distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you have a few questions, so here’s the answer to a few FAQs!

So, What’s the Best Waterproof Backpack?

The taste is in the pudding, and the best waterproof backpack is the MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof. The bag is 100% submersible, compact, and easy to clean.

Moreover, it’s puncture-proof, designed for rough use, and performs with flying colors for extreme watersports. You can’t go wrong with this roll-top bag, or any of the 6 other bags on this list, for that matter.