Author
Bob Myaing
Whether trekking in the woods or through city streets, a practical, well-designed backpack is the perfect accessory for comfortably carrying all your essentials—from a laptop and extra layer to a reusable water bottle and so on. And unless you’re living in a perpetually arid desert, the threat of precipitation is a consideration that should be considered to keep your gear safe and dry.
Enter the following eleven stylish waterproof backpacks. Paired with a suggested use case yet arranged in no particular order, these specially selected designs earned a spot on our list for an ability to blend waterproof function with attractive design. Because you gotta look good, even if no one's there to see you out in the backcountry.
You'll find proper waterproof and lighter-duty water-resistant options when perusing these backpacks built to resist rain, sleet, and even snow. Which one is right for you? Well, it depends on what kind of activities you plan on getting into. Commuters getting around town by train can make do with a water-resistant pack if they’re only exposed to weather across sidewalks and subway stations, whereas a bike rider will want a proper waterproof pack that can handle a prolonged dousing. At the most extreme end, paddlers, rafting folks, and all sorts of water sports fans will want a backpack made with waterproof materials like pvc capable of being fully submerged in water.
12 Best Waterproof Rolltop Backpacks for Every Occasion
Best Backpack for Ounce Counting Thru-Hikers: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Junction
Maine's own Hyperlite Mountain Gear is one of the leading names in ultralight hiking backpacks and the 2400 Junction is the go-to bag here at Field Mag for overnight and section hikes and quick-strike day hikes due to its ample 40-liter capacity and low weight. Dyneema fabric keeps the weather out and weight down (to 854 grams). A bevy of features keeps loads comfortable and secure on the trail.
Price:$320
Best Waterproof Ultralight Pack Allmansright Liten 35L
Not only is the Liten waterproof, but it’s made in the Bronx by a duo of immigrants with Dominican and Swedish origins. The 35-liter hiking backpack comes in two sizes to fit hikers of all shapes and X-Pac fabric to keep weight down and water out. A smorgasbord of specs add heaps of convenience for your next expedition; attachment points for a bear can, spacious exterior pockets, and hip belt plus chest strap compatibility to name just a few. Learn more about Allmansright in article about the brand.
$240
Price:$240
Best Roll Top Daypack for Boating and Kayaking: Filson Dry Backpack
Polyurethane-coated nylon may not be the lightest weight fabric, but it's definitely a solid choice for keeping your stuff super dry—and a welcome departure from Seattle's Filson, a brand known best for old-school fabrics like waxed cotton canvas. Perfect for a day out on the river, travel bag, or just around town when it's coming down cats and dogs.
Price: $175
Best Pack for City Cruising: Osprey Transporter Roll Top 25L Backpack
Sleek, waterproof, and lightweight with all the bells and whistles you need to get through the daily grind—including a padded laptop sleeve, adjustable shoulder straps and hi-belt, blinker light attachment loop for commuting, and a tough nylon exterior to stand up to constant use. Plus it looks pretty cool.
Price: $130
Best Roll Top Pack for Commuting: Fjallraven Ulvo Rolltop 23L Backpack
Legendary Swedish outdoor brand, Fjällräven, keeps functionality and style in mind with all of their sleek designs. The Ulvö Rolltop, made of recycled ripstop nylon, is as useful for your morning commute as it is for weekend outdoor adventures. The lightweight design shrinks and expands as needed and can carry up to 23 liters of gear.
Price: $135
Best Roll Top Backpack for Bike Commuting: Chrome Urban EX 2.0 Roll Top 30L Backpack
Chrome Industries has long been a favorite among on-the-move city dwellers and it’s no surprise why. With an adjustable size feature, interior sleeve for a laptop, and five different ways to carry it, this backpack lends itself to endless urban adventures.
Price: $140
Best Waterproof Backpack for Camping: Snow Peak 4Way Dry Bag
Field Mag's go-to brand for all things functional and beautiful, Snow Peak, hits a home run with their minimalist dry bag made from TPU polyester. Its main compartment keeps cargo dry with a classic buckle roll-top closure that even features an air valve to press out any unused volume. For easy access, a hidden front pocket provides quick access to smaller items. Wear it as a backpack, shoulder bag, duffel bag, or just grip it by the roll-top handles and carry it tote-style. One bag, four ways!
Price: $310
Most Submersible Waterproof Cooler Backpack: Yeti Panga
The most waterproof daypacks are essentially dry bags that you can wear, much like this thick TPU pack from Yeti. Built for days on the water, the 28-liter pack features one main compartment with two inner pockets for organization and uses a leakproof zipper to keep 100% of the water out, even if it gets pulled underwater. A padded back panel and shoulder straps make for comfortable carrying, with a sternum and waist strap keeping it stable as your gingerly flick weighted line across streams, rivers, and lakes.
Price: $300
Best Waterproof Travel Backpack: Rains Velcro Rolltop Backpack
Sometimes you need to fly under the radar, and sometimes you need to fly under the radar in some pretty nasty weather. This sleek waterproof backpack from Swedish design house Rains is ideal for daily use in town, on the road, in all conditions. The weatherproof PU exterior and rolltop opening with velcro fastenings design make it nearly impenetrable. External cord storage system is great for stashing a spare layer. And padded, adjustable straps make it more comfortable than other, more bare-bones options on this list, too.
Price: $140
Best Waterproof Backpack for Adventure: SeaLine Urban Pack
With a name like SealLine, you know you can count on their rucksack to feature legitimate waterproof qualities. The polyurethane-coated waterproof bag features 26 liters of storage with a laptop compartment and front zippered pocket for easy access to valuables, snacks, or both. While the bag earns marks for its waterproof specs, it also excels in providing high-quality carrying comfort: padded shoulder straps with a sternum strap, stabilizing waist strap, and a back panel that prioritizes comfort as much as airflow.
$190
Best Waterproof Cooler Backpack: Icemule Pro Large 23L
No one likes lugging around a big heavy cooler if they don’t have to. Icemule takes a typical drybag-style backpack and adds insulation, padded shoulder straps, and an air release valve to create a heavy-duty soft cooler ready to portage a day of ice-cold beverages on beach trips, paddle boarding outings, or any activity where cold ones are welcome.
Price: $130
Most Bombproof Waterproof Backpack for Urban Cyclists: Reload Medium Flight Pack
The messenger bag OG’s from Philly sure can build a bombproof pack, like this rolltop backpack made from heavy-duty 1000D Cordura and a liner to provide huge amounts of weatherproof protection. When fully extended, the main compartment swallows 46-liters of cargo with additional storage space provided by a front flap pocket and open side pockets that use mesh bottoms to strain out any collected rain. Adjustable webbing throughout secures shoulder and sternum straps, roll-top straps, and a load stabilizing strap.
Price: $274
Published 07-25-2022
