15 Best Waterproof Backpacks of 2024

YETI is well-known for a reason. Their gear doesn’t just work, it works for a lifetime. And this fantastic waterproof backpack is no different. It’s the ultimate fortress for all your gear. Combining the durability of the Panga duffels with a backpack design for comfortable carrying, the Panga Backpack is perfect for any adventure.

With its ultra-strong construction, the Panga Backpack is the ultimate pack for water sports. From rafting to kayak-packing, this bag is built to keep your gear dry.

Unlike many water-resistant backpacks on the market, this true dry bag backpack is designed with waterproof performance as the first priority. The U-Dock and Hydrolok Zipper ensures a completely airtight seal, keeping your belongings bone-dry, no matter the weather. The ThickSkin Shell, made from high-density nylon and thick TPU lamination ensures the bag is puncture and abrasion-resistant.

But, keep in mind that, like other YETI products, they come at a premium. This is definitely the best waterproof bag on this list, but it’s not cheap!

Rains is a modern lifestyle brand that merges conceptual design with streamlined functionality. Their signature rainwear uses a highly durable polyester fabric bonded to a waterproof polyurethane face, and their bags make use of the same material to offer impressive water resistance.

As a college student, you want a bag that can carry everything you need in style without weighing you down. The best options will be lightweight, simple designs that offer laptop storage and just enough room for a few books.

The Rains Backpack is a chic bag that gives you everything you need for cruising around campus. The waterproof construction is an added bonus for when you have to rush through downpours between classes.

One downside is that the shoulder straps are just made of thin webbing and don’t have any padding. If you’re carrying heavy loads around, this may become uncomfortable over time.

It definitely isn’t cut out for outdoor adventures, but on campus, the Rain Backpack is proof that the best waterproof backpacks don’t have to look like something meant for whitewater rafting.

Mission Workshopis dedicated to building the most durable and functional travel gear on the market. They build products with bomber materials and construction and back them up with an impressive warranty.

If you commute or travel with a laptop, it’s essential to keep your device protected from impact or water. With other packs, I’ve resorted to stuffing my laptop inside a trash bag when things got wet. The Mission Workshop Rhake is made of fully water-resistant X-Pac material to keep your belongings dry in a downpour.

This durable daypack is heavy at over three pounds, but in return, you get a nearly indestructible pack that is very supportive with comfortable shoulder straps.

This is an expensive bag, but if you’re looking for one of the most protective, water-resistant, and durable laptop backpacks out there — it’s a top contender

The Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack is part of Matador’s “Advanced Series”. This range of products is designed for the traveler who pushes further, hikes longer, and enjoys the unexpected. It is one of the lightest, most compact weatherproof packable backpacks around.

The Freerain22 is designed for quick and easy access in variable conditions. It is ultralight, water-resistant, and packs down to fit into your palm.

Thanks to its waterproof UHMWPE-reinforced Robic® nylon, sealed seams, and roll-top closure, this bag’s main compartment is completely waterproof. In addition to keeping your belongings safe, this bag offers plenty of storage, including side pockets to hold your water bottle.

The mesh shoulder straps aren’t padded, so it isn’t great for heavy loads. The adjustable sternum strap, and removable waist straps help improve carrying comfort and keep it secure on your back.

The Matador Freerain22 is a great choice for anyone who needs the best waterproof backpack that can pack into a compact package. It’s hard to believe it packs down so small!

The Mammut Ducan Spine is our top pick for women’s travel backpack. The bag is specifically cut for the female frame. It features a suspension system with patented Active Spine Technology designed to support a natural gait.

This pack offers fantastic comfort and fit. The flexible, padded shoulder straps and hip belt conform to your body, and the elastic sternum strap helps you dial in the fit. The air suspension system allows for adequate ventilation, keeping your back sweat-free (at least, as much as possible after hours on the trail).

The Mammut Duncan Spine does a great job with weatherproofing. It uses a fully waterproof material, sealed seams, and a straightforward roll-top design to keep water out. One thing to watch out for is that the lightweight fabric is prone to wear, which would compromise the weatherproofing.

For women who struggle to find waterproof backpacks that fit just right, this lightweight pack may be the perfect solution.

Need a stylish, yet functional, everyday men’s backpack? Then the Timbuk2 Robin Pack is a great option. It’s hic, nimble, and designed to withstand even the heaviest of downpours. Most of the best water-resistant backpacks look bulky and utilitarian, but this bag will keep your gear safe in style.

The Timbuk2 Robin Pack features a coated nylon pack body and removable rainfly. This adds an extra layer of weather-proofing in the worst downpours.

The magnetic closure is an awesome, innovative feature for men on the go. It makes it super easy to access the inside of the bag.

I found myself wanting a bit more space with this bag, as the internal volume is quite limited. For a compact everyday bag, though, it does a great job.

Mountain Hardwear makes a wide range of high-performance, technical outdoor gear. They are one of the few mainstream brands that seems to be willing to follow the trends set by smaller “cottage” gear makers in terms of materials and construction.

I’ve been impressed with the design, build quality, and durability of every Mountain Hardwear product I’ve tried, and their waterproof backpacks are no exception.

The Mountain Hardwear Scrambler Pack 25 is a rugged backpacking pack that encompasses all of the above. Its rugged, 4-layer X-Pac fabric provides optimal protection. No matter the weather, your bag and your belongings inside will be kept safe.

This hiking backpack is durable and light, making it a dependable pack for day hikers, trad climbers, and off-trail scramblers. I do wish this backpack came in a smaller size, as some trails require more mobility which a larger bag does not quite allow for.

If you’ve spent much time looking at the gear recommendations on TravelFreak, you’ve probably noticed that there are a lot of Osprey backpacks. You’ll also see Osprey packs being used by hikers on trails all around the country.

This is no accident, Osprey makes some seriously capable packs, and they lead the industry in durability, functionality, and comfort-oriented designs.

The Osprey Arcane Roll-Top is a stylish, minimalist pack designed for urban travel while incorporating a lot of the same design elements as their hiking packs.

The overall design of the Osprey Arcane is simple, but extremely functional. It has a wide-opening roll-top access to the main compartment, an easy-access front pocket, a small external zipped pocket, and a padded laptop compartment on the inside.

This pack reflects Osprey’s commitment to sustainability and is made of durable recycled polyester fabric with a waterproof coating. The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment that repels water without using environmentally harmful compounds.

Be aware that while this pack will keep your gear dry in a rainstorm, it definitely isn’t meant for paddle sports. If you’re heading out on a raft or paddleboard, you’ll want a full dry bag.

The Osprey Arcane is a durable, water-resistant pack that will lastfor  years to come and minimize your impact on the planet.

Known for crafting high-quality waterproof bags and packs for outdoor adventures, SealLine brings that same level of durability to the Urban Dry Daypack. This travel daypack is designed specifically for everyday use—whether you’re commuting, traveling, or exploring the city—while offering a massive waterproof performance. It has minimal seams for water to seep in, and the top-loading roll top design effectively seals this pack from the weather.

The bag is also ideal for biking around town. The narrow, burrito-style roll-top allows for improved over-the-shoulder sightlines while riding, and the shoulder strap design keeps the pack from shifting around as you pedal.

With no outside pockets or waist belt, this pack isn’t great for hiking, but it is a very capable daypack for commuting or travel in urban environments.

From a company that specializes in waterproof gear, the Urban Dry Daypack is a minimal, functional bag for keeping your belongings dry on the go.

Simms truly believes in the joy of fishing and is committed to making everyone’s experience all the more worthwhile. Through their innovative products, the brand aims to lower the barriers between the world’s lakes, rivers and open waters, and those who hear their call.

The Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack is a rugged, water-resistant backpack and is perfect for anyone who enjoys fishing. Hard-to-reach fish require strategy and stamina. The Dry Creek Z easily endures the effort, tolerates heavy loads and keeps your gear, tools and layers safe and dry.

The Dry Creek Z Backpack is fully waterproof, net-friendly and provides quick access to all your gear. Whether you’re an experienced guide or a beginner taking your first cast, this bag is sure to have you covered.

Stash your gear and hit the road with this modern, rugged backpack by The North Face. The Borealis Classic Backpack is a 28-liter backpack offering updated features and an improved suspension system for all-day comfort.

This water resistant backpack is larger than many of the other options on this list, so it is great for longer trips. If you are a light packer, you can definitely get by with using this as your only bag while traveling.

To be clear, this backpack is definitely not submersible, but it offers enough water resistance to keep your belongings dry in an unexpected downpour.

It also packs in great versatility for trail-to-town use. The padded laptop sleeve can double as a hydration reservoir compartment. The well-padded shoulder straps and reinforced back panel make it comfortable and supportive enough for all-day hikes. The durable materials will take a beating whether your scrambling over boulders or tossing it into an airplane overhead bin.

The Fjallraven Ulvo 23 Daypack is a versatile, packable backpack, great for light treks, traveling, and everyday commuting. The bag’s innovative Fjallraven Bergshell fabric is made from 100% recycled nylon and is completely water-resistant. This way, you’re able to keep all your daily essentials safe and secure while you travel.

One of this waterproof daypack’s biggest draws is its sleek, minimalist design. I really love how this bag balances the minimal aesthetic with a function-first design.

With many hidden pockets and compartments, there’s no shortage of organization.

The backpack has lightly-padded shoulder straps with ventilating air mesh at the shoulders and bag for added comfort. For those who are always on-the-go, and do not want to sacrifice style for functionality, I definitely recommend checking this backpack out.