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10 Best Water Proof Backpacks 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Travel Daypack

Waterproof Rating: 100% waterproof
Material: tear-resistant polyamide
Seams and Zippers: bar-tacked seams, SBS zippers
Capacity: 40L
Comfort and Fit: breathable, padded straps, chest strap
Additional Features: lightweight, packable design

Chosen by 1316 this week

Osprey Ultralight 20L Dry Stuff Pack, Waterfront Blue

Waterproof Rating: IPX5
Material: waterproof-coated fabric
Seams and Zippers: waterproof-coated seams
Capacity: 20 Liters
Comfort and Fit: mesh shoulder straps, sternum strap
Additional Features: side stretch pockets
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Travel Daypack

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,316
Waterproof Rating
Seams and Zippers
Capacity

Most important from
2257 reviews

Waterproof Rating
Ideal for excursions, even though it's water-resistant rather than fully waterproof—be cautious in heavy rain.
Seams and Zippers
Super lightweight with almost too many pockets, sturdy straps, and smooth zippers. Perfect for organizing and securing your items.
Capacity
The G4Free backpack holds a surprising amount of gear, including a mini CPAP machine, toiletries, travel blanket, and more.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap with a handy emergency whistle enhance the overall support and convenience.
Additional Features
The dry pocket on the back is spacious and easily accessible, adding an extra layer of practicality.

The G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack checks many boxes for a versatile and user-friendly waterproof backpack. Its standout feature is the 100% waterproof wet pocket designed to keep your valuables dry and separate from wet or dirty items, making it ideal for activities like swimming or hiking in the rain. The backpack's material is high-quality, tear-resistant polyamide fabric, which, along with bar-tacked seams and durable two-way SBS zippers, ensures both water resistance and durability for long-lasting performance.

With a 40L capacity, it offers ample space and multiple compartments for organizing your gear, including a main zipped compartment, several front and side pockets, and internal separators, which makes it suitable for travel, hiking, camping, and daily use. Comfort is a strong point, as it features breathable, widened, and padded shoulder straps that help alleviate shoulder stress. The adjustable chest strap with a whistle buckle adds extra security and convenience.

One of its main strengths is its lightweight and packable design, which allows you to fold it into its pocket for easy storage and to avoid overweight charges when traveling. However, while the backpack is described as water-resistant, it's essential to note that it may not withstand heavy downpours or submersion in water. Another minor drawback is that the product's origin and care instructions specify hand washing only, which might be less convenient for some users. Despite these minor cons, the G4Free 40L is a versatile and practical choice for anyone needing a reliable, waterproof backpack for various outdoor and travel activities.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,316
Waterproof Rating
Seams and Zippers
Capacity

Most important from
2257 reviews

Waterproof Rating
Ideal for excursions, even though it's water-resistant rather than fully waterproof—be cautious in heavy rain.
Seams and Zippers
Super lightweight with almost too many pockets, sturdy straps, and smooth zippers. Perfect for organizing and securing your items.
Capacity
The G4Free backpack holds a surprising amount of gear, including a mini CPAP machine, toiletries, travel blanket, and more.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap with a handy emergency whistle enhance the overall support and convenience.
Additional Features
The dry pocket on the back is spacious and easily accessible, adding an extra layer of practicality.
#2

Breakwater Supply™ Fogland Waterproof Submersible Backpack with Laptop Sleeve & Airtight Zippers for Outdoors, Travel, Boating, Kayaking, Surfing, Floating Dry Bag, Unisex, TPU (Stealth Black, 25L)

Rating
10.0
Waterproof Rating
Material
Seams and Zippers

Most important from
236 reviews

Waterproof Rating
Waterproof performance is outstanding, having passed tests with a garden hose and in torrential downpours.
Material
The material is not cloth, making it easy to wipe clean, which is great for beach trips.
Seams and Zippers
Durable zippers that feel very sturdy and contribute to the overall build quality.
Capacity
The backpack's large capacity is impressive, allowing you to fit a ton of stuff in it, even though it has fewer pockets for organization.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable to wear, with wide straps that don't dig in and good padding on the back.
Additional Features
The external phone pocket allows you to use your phone through the material, which is a convenient feature.

The Breakwater Supply™ Fogland Waterproof Submersible Backpack is designed to cater to a wide range of outdoor activities, offering a 100% waterproof and fully submersible experience. Made from durable Hydrowall TPU material, this backpack is built to withstand various climates and conditions, making it an excellent choice for activities like kayaking, hiking, and boating. The welded seams and non-corrosive Duraflex hardware further enhance its durability, ensuring the backpack remains reliable in tough environments.

The airtight zippers and compartments are highly effective at keeping your gear dry, with a dedicated space for a 16-inch laptop and additional pockets for smaller items, making it convenient for both travel and daily use. The multiple gear attachment points and ergonomic S-curved shoulder straps add to the backpack's versatility and comfort, making it a practical option for extended use. However, with a capacity of 25L, it may not be ideal for those needing to carry a larger volume of gear.

While the product promises high quality and durability, potential buyers should also consider the weight of 1.9 pounds, which might be slightly heavier compared to other options. Additionally, the product's premium materials and features come at a higher price point, which might not suit everyone's budget. If you are looking for a versatile, durable, and highly waterproof backpack for various outdoor adventures, the Fogland Backpack is a strong contender, but be sure to weigh its capacity and cost against your specific needs.

Rating
10.0
Waterproof Rating
Material
Seams and Zippers

Most important from
236 reviews

Waterproof Rating
Waterproof performance is outstanding, having passed tests with a garden hose and in torrential downpours.
Material
The material is not cloth, making it easy to wipe clean, which is great for beach trips.
Seams and Zippers
Durable zippers that feel very sturdy and contribute to the overall build quality.
Capacity
The backpack's large capacity is impressive, allowing you to fit a ton of stuff in it, even though it has fewer pockets for organization.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable to wear, with wide straps that don't dig in and good padding on the back.
Additional Features
The external phone pocket allows you to use your phone through the material, which is a convenient feature.
#3

Osprey Ultralight 20L Dry Stuff Pack, Waterfront Blue

Rating
9.7
Waterproof Rating
Capacity
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
43 reviews

Waterproof Rating
Light as a feather, fully waterproof, and compresses into itself, making it perfect for small grocery runs and travel.
Capacity
Ideal for day hikes with space for a sweater, raincoat, and other essentials, plus two stretchable water bottle holders.
Comfort and Fit
Survives the rigors of being stuffed to the max with overnight gear, offering comfort even with 10+ pounds on a bike ride.
Additional Features
Serves as a flotation device on trails requiring a swim, doubling as a pillow on the water.

The Osprey Ultralight 20L Dry Stuff Pack in Waterfront Blue stands out with its impressive waterproof capabilities, boasting a roll-top IPX5 waterproof closure and waterproof-coated fabric and seams. This ensures your belongings stay dry in wet conditions, although it is specified as non-submersible, meaning it’s not suitable for full immersion in water. The backpack offers a total capacity of 20 liters, making it ideal for day trips, travel, and carrying souvenirs, but may not be sufficient for longer excursions or those requiring more gear. The side stretch pockets provide easy access to smaller items, enhancing convenience.

Comfort is a priority, with mesh shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap that distribute weight well and reduce strain during wear. The pack is lightweight, weighing just 0.19 kilograms, which contributes to its portability and ease of use. However, the compact nature might limit its use for carrying bulkier items. While the pack excels in waterproofing and comfort, the smaller capacity and non-submersible nature might be drawbacks for some users, particularly those needing more space or total water protection. It’s an excellent choice for travelers needing a compact, trustworthy backpack for day-to-day adventures.

Rating
9.7
Waterproof Rating
Capacity
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
43 reviews

Waterproof Rating
Light as a feather, fully waterproof, and compresses into itself, making it perfect for small grocery runs and travel.
Capacity
Ideal for day hikes with space for a sweater, raincoat, and other essentials, plus two stretchable water bottle holders.
Comfort and Fit
Survives the rigors of being stuffed to the max with overnight gear, offering comfort even with 10+ pounds on a bike ride.
Additional Features
Serves as a flotation device on trails requiring a swim, doubling as a pillow on the water.

Buying Guide for the Best Water Proof Backpacks

Choosing the right waterproof backpack can make a significant difference in keeping your belongings safe and dry, whether you're hiking, commuting, or traveling. The key is to understand the various features and specifications that make a waterproof backpack suitable for your needs. Here are some important specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Waterproof RatingThe waterproof rating indicates how well the backpack can protect its contents from water. This is crucial if you plan to use the backpack in wet conditions. Ratings can range from water-resistant to fully waterproof. Water-resistant backpacks can handle light rain but may not protect against heavy downpours or submersion. Fully waterproof backpacks are designed to keep water out even in the most extreme conditions. Consider your typical usage scenarios: if you expect heavy rain or water exposure, opt for a higher waterproof rating.
MaterialThe material of the backpack plays a significant role in its waterproof capabilities. Common materials include nylon, polyester, and PVC. Nylon and polyester are often treated with a waterproof coating, while PVC is inherently waterproof. The choice of material affects durability, weight, and flexibility. For rugged outdoor activities, a more durable material like PVC might be preferable. For everyday use, a lighter material with a waterproof coating could be sufficient.
Seams and ZippersSeams and zippers are potential weak points where water can seep in. Look for backpacks with sealed or welded seams and waterproof zippers. These features ensure that water cannot penetrate through the stitching or zipper openings. If you plan to use the backpack in very wet conditions, these features are essential. For less demanding environments, standard seams and zippers with water-resistant flaps might be adequate.
CapacityCapacity refers to the volume of the backpack, usually measured in liters. This determines how much you can carry. Smaller capacities (10-20 liters) are suitable for day trips or commuting, while larger capacities (30-50 liters or more) are better for multi-day hikes or travel. Think about what you typically carry and choose a capacity that fits your needs without being overly bulky.
Comfort and FitComfort and fit are crucial for any backpack, especially if you plan to carry it for extended periods. Look for adjustable straps, padded back panels, and ergonomic designs. A good fit distributes weight evenly and reduces strain on your back and shoulders. Try the backpack on, if possible, to ensure it fits well and feels comfortable. Consider your typical load and how long you'll be carrying the backpack to determine the level of comfort you need.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of your waterproof backpack. These might include external pockets, hydration bladder compatibility, attachment points for gear, and reflective elements for visibility. Think about your specific needs and how these features might benefit you. For example, if you hike often, hydration compatibility and gear attachment points could be very useful. For commuting, external pockets for easy access to essentials might be more important.

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