The best waterproof backpacks for keeping your items safe and dry

If you walk to work, hike regularly, spend a lot of time outdoors — or simply want to ensure your belongings are protected at all times, you should consider investing in a waterproof backpack. 

Because these bags are constructed from tightly woven fabric and protective coatings, you won’t have to worry about your work laptop or other valuables coming into contact with water. Not only will this provide you peace of mind, but you also won’t have to deal with replacing damaged items should you get caught in the rain.

Ready to start packing smarter? Keep reading to discover our editor-approved list of the best waterproof backpacks from top brands, such as Patagonia, The North Face and more.

Read more: Shop the best carry on luggage for your next holiday

Top picks for the best waterproof backpacks

Our top pick overall

Body Glove Seaside Waterproof Floatable Backpack

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$89.99 at Target

Best for travel

Body Glove Advenire Waterproof Vertical Roll-Top Backpack

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$99.99 at Target

Best waterproof bag for laptop

Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L

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$149 at Patagonia

Best option for hiking

Northwest Survival Waterproof Backpack Red

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$30.24 at Walmart

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Our top pick overall

Body Glove Seaside Waterproof Floatable Backpack

$89.99

$89.99 at Target

Specifications

• Weight: 2.2 pounds

• Capacity: 845 ounces (25L)

• Dimensions: 5 H x X 13 W X 27 D in.

Pros & Cons

• Water-resistant zipper

• Two mesh pockets for bottles

• Wipe-clean fabric

• No top velcro

• Can’t be submerged

Whether heading out for an adventure, work or school, this Body Glove Seaside Waterproof Floatable Backpack is ideal for protecting your gear and items from water. It’s made with PVC tarpaulin material and has water-resistant zipper tape to keep water out.

Its full-length top opening rolls down to keep your valuables dry and it has two convenient side mesh pockets for holding your umbrella or water bottle. The bag also has padded straps for comfort and a spacious interior compartment with a laptop sleeve.

Best for travel

Body Glove Advenire Waterproof Vertical Roll-Top Backpack

$99.99

$99.99 at Target

Specifications

• Weight: 1.9 pounds

• Capacity: 845 ounces (25L)

• Dimensions: 25 H x 7.08 W x 16 D in

Pros & Cons

• High-frequency welded waterproof seams

• Includes removable laptop sleeve

• Spacious interior

• Somewhat costly

• Can’t be submerged

If you love outdoor adventures, the Body Glove Advenire Waterproof Vertical Roll-Top Backpack is the perfect companion for securing valuables. This all-weather bag is made with PVC Tarpaulin material for optimal protection from water, and this is even reinforced by its high-frequency welded seams and water-resistant zipper tape.

Its full-length top opening rolls down to prevent water penetration, and the adjustable, padded straps allow for convenient support. The bag also includes a removable sleeve for your laptop or tablet and convenient side zip pockets for extra storage.

Best waterproof bag for laptop

Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L

$149

$149 at Patagonia

Specifications

• Weight: 1 pound

• Capacity: 845 ounces (25L)

• Dimensions: 22 H x 10.5 W x 5.5 D in.

Pros & Cons

• 100% recycled polyester ripstop fabric

• Comes in five color options

• Multiple storage options

• Smaller opening

• Delicate backing material

Keep your laptop safe and secure with this Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L. The easy-access main compartment with a padded sleeve accommodates most 15" laptops, while the zippered top pocket is ideal for holding small items.

This bag is made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a highly weather-resistant TPU-film laminate to keep water at bay. The large front stash pocket lets you organize essentials for easy access.

It also has stretch-woven pockets for holding different types of water bottles, while the reinforced haul handle allows for convenient carrying. The bag also features a padded back panel with air mesh for comfort and ventilation while on the go.

Best option for hiking

Northwest Survival Waterproof Backpack Red

$30.24

$30.24 at Walmart

Specifications

• Weight: Unspecified

• Capacity: 1015 ounces (30L)

• Dimensions: 12.0 H x 12.0 W x 24.0 D in.

Pros & Cons

• Large capacity

• Padded straps

• Bungee for bulky items

• Side pockets have no stretch

• Only available in red

If you’re packing for a hiking or camping trip, the Northwest Survival Waterproof Backpack is your go-to option. This bag has a large 30L 500D PVC compartment to hold your gear and an exterior pull cord bungee for holding large items.

It also has two outside mesh storage pouches for storing small items, and the roll top with a clip protects all your items during rain. Additionally, the adjustable, padded straps ensure comfort while you’re trekking or hiking.

Best for everyday wear

The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack

$59

$59 at The North Face

Specifications

• Weight: 0.75 pounds

• Capacity: 338 ounces (10L)

• Dimensions: 13.5 H x x 4.15 W x 8.65 D in.

Pros & Cons

• Padded top-grab handle

• Available in five colors 

• Lightweight for everyday use

• Small water bottle pockets

• Mini size means less packing space

The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack is the perfect bag for everyday use. This small city bag has a front bungee system for extra organization and two external pockets for water bottles or multi-use storage. Its U-pull zippers are easy to grab for effortless opening and closing, and the comfortable, padded top grab handle allows for convenient carrying.

This 10-litter bag features a non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish for maximum waterproofness, while the adjustable shoulder straps allow for ample comfort while on the go.

Our favorite for using daily

The North Face Router Backpack

$159

$159 at The North Face

Specifications

• Weight: 2 pounds

• Capacity: 1353 ounces (40L)

• Dimensions: 21 H x 9 W x 12.5 In.

Pros & Cons

• Comfortable to carry when loaded

• Large storage capacity

• Fits up to 17-inch laptops

• Fairly costly

• Only available in black and navy blue

If you need a versatile backpack for work, travel, or school, the North Face Router Backpack makes an exceptional pick. The dedicated, highly-protective laptop compartment keeps your PC safe, while the FlexVent suspension system features articulated shoulder straps and a rounded back panel to conform to your back for comfort.

The standup design lets you access your items easily, and the dual side pockets hold your water bottles. It has an external fleece pocket for small items like keys, phones, and sunglasses, while the two grab handles make it easy and safe to lift your bag.

This Router backpack has two side and bottom compression straps for a compact design, and the U-pull zippers are easy to grab for effortless closing and opening.

What to know before buying

Before investing in a waterproof backpack, you want to make sure it suits your needs. To help inform your purchasing decision, we answer some commonly asked questions.

Are they truly waterproof?

Waterproof backpacks are really 100% waterproof if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They can prevent water penetration during everyday use when traveling or exploring the outdoors.

Most waterproof backpacks will handle heavy downpours and submergence into the water, leaving your valuables bone dry. Still, some options can’t stay in the water for an extended time. Most manufacturers will share these details on the label.

What materials are used to make waterproof bags?

The typical material for making waterproof bags is nylon, which is then coated with PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). It can also be treated with silicone for optimal waterproofness.

On its own, nylon is water-resistant and rugged, so coating and treatments only reinforce its attributes. Other standard fabrics are not ideal because they’re basically woven, leaving tiny holes that allow water to penetrate your bag even when coated or treated.

How do I know if my backpack is waterproof?

To ensure your backpack is waterproof, consider the following factors:

• Fabric: Genuine waterproof bags usually have thick and durable fabric, making them heavier than standard bags. Manufacturers use two pieces of fabric when making the bags to eliminate potential tiny holes.

• Coating: Check the kind of treatment or coating used on the fabric. The typical options include TPU, PVC, silver and silicone. Also, check the inner layers for coating reinforcement.

• Seams: The seams must be sealed to prevent the penetration of water. Most will have welded seams with a roll-top closure to ensure optimal waterproofness.

• Zippers and closures: The zippers and closures should be sturdy and robust, with no tiny openings or gaps that could allow water to sip in. If the zippers feel weak and flimsy, then it’s possible that the bag is not waterproof.

Which waterproof backpacks get our vote?

When traveling or commuting, all of the waterproof backpacks in our roundup will keep your laptop, phone, clothes and documents safe and dry. That said, our editors have narrowed down the selection to shout out the three following models as our favorites.

• Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L Backpack: It has a padded sleeve that holds up to 15-inch laptops and it comes in five attractive colors. 

• The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack: Perfect for the daily commuter, this backpack from North Face features a lightweight design and a miniature size for carrying all of your everyday essentials. 

• Northwest Survival Waterproof Backpack: This model makes a great pick for hikers and campers to protect all your gear from water exposure. And we like that it boasts an exterior pull cord bungee and two mesh storage pouches for extra storage.  

With these options, we trust you’ll find the best waterproof backpack for travel, work or your next outdoor adventure.

Prices updated on 11/16/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.