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Updated on: January 11, 2024
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Are you thinking about taking your adventure gear up a notch with a new waterproof backpack?
Having a decent water-proof backpack for an outdoor adventure is crucial whether you are hiking through mountains, kayaking rivers, or cruising on a paddle board.
These bags give you the freedom to push your boundaries, go down the beaten tracks, and fully relax around water without worrying about getting soggy sandwiches.
No matter what your budget is, you will be able to find the perfect waterproof rucksacks for any activity with the help of our research and guide.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your water-proof bag, pack up the supplies, and hit the water paddling.
It is important to not rush into buying a pack without keeping a few key aspects in mind. Not every bag is the same, and some are better suited to more specific activities than others.
Will you be hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, or a little bit of everything? After you know what sort of adventure you will be having, you then need to consider the following points:
Considering the above, you will soon be better suited to getting your hands on your next loved paddle board accessory to add to your gear collection.
Size really does matter here. Your water-proof satchel needs to be big enough to fit all your supplies comfortably, but not too big that it becomes an annoyance. If your bag is too small then you will be having to unpack your gear each time you want to access your torch, map, or pocket knife.
Most packs come in a variety of sizes to choose from. These sizes are measured by liter capacity and are generally classified in the following way:
Regardless of the size you go for, you must go for a bag prepared for water exposure so that your gear will be safe and sound on all of your wilderness treks and adventures.
The key to easy outdoor adventures is having a well organized pack. Many options provide pockets and separate compartments to stow away your supplies, both neatly and efficiently for easy-access.
We love a water-proof pack that has at least two compartments. An outer splash-proof pocket to store cash, keys, or ID cards for easy access. And then the main compartment inside the bag with a zip-up inner pocket for phones and other valuables. Keep an eye out for the D-rings that allow you to attach a water bottle on the outside of your bag.
Comfort is crucial to make your day even better. Padded shoulder straps, back support, and a waist strap all contribute towards the backpacks’ comfort and fit.
As we mentioned before, some bags are better suited for certain situations over others. However, there are also plenty of options out there that are great for all-round use and provide excellent versatility.
It is important to think carefully about where you intend to use the backpack and for what activity. If you plan to hit the water on a SUP then something you can sling over your shoulder or clip around your waist will probably be preferred. Whereas, a paddle board fishing will require something slightly more heavy-duty.
When you select the correct bag for your activity, you should receive the optimal durability at the same time. You obviously need to be careful around rough terrain in case of tearing as well.
Most of the good options are made from PVC, PVC vinyl, or rubber that are all superb when challenged with water.
Remember to not confuse these two words. Water-resistant and water-proof are two very different things. A water-resistant pack is suitable for protecting your contents if you get caught out in the rain but could risk soaking through if that rain is too heavy. These bags tend to be bigger and have more compartments for storage.
Whereas, 100% water-proof bags are designed to be dropped in rivers, dunked under waves, and tossed through waterfalls all while keeping your belongings dry. These are always the most highly recommended choices for explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.
We have gathered a selection of the best budget bags. All stable and reliable, but at a low cost.
If you are trying to keep the price tag down, check out these excellent backpacks that are on a low budget - under $30 - but still get the job done.
You are diving a lot and you want a packthat meets your needs. Here are the best mid-range packs made for water adventures.
If you are looking for something slightly more sophisticated without breaking the bank then these are the bags for you. Enjoy the best of both worlds with these mid-range options.
The best high-end backpacks need to be durable, reliable and easy to carry. Here are the best choices in the tech backpack selection.
Looking to splurge a little? Do you want to be the envy of all your friends? Then these are the backpacks for you, all complete with the wow factor.
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If you are heading out paddling, then the GILI Sports Waterproof Dry Bag is an excellent option to carry over your shoulder to keep your gear safe and secure.
This dry bag’s design is more advanced than the other basic options with a watertight zipper pocket on the outside of the bag. This allows you to have quick access to small items without having to open the main compartment.
Construction is solid with a heavy-duty, vinyl-coated fabric that is perfect for watertight protection.
All in all, this bag is one of the best value dry bags available on the market that will meet and exceed all your expectations. If you need a simple yet highly effective bag for paddle boarding, then this fits the bill.
If you are searching for a lightweight backpack that still performs, then look no further than the ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpacks. You can choose from an assortment of sizes, but we do recommend the 30L option as a great all-round versatile choice.
Take this bag camping, paddle boarding, hiking, or through an urban jungle. The bag features a main compartment and two zipped pockets on the front.
Just watch out for heavy downpours as the material is more water-resistant than water-proof.
All in all, this ZOMAKE day pack gives a great bang for your buck and wins as one of the best lightweight products available.
Sometimes, simple is best. The MARCHWAY Floating Dry Waterproof Bag is just that. Basic, yet lightweight and durable.
The materials used are superb and provide full protection with the roll top design. Choose between a variety of sizes depending on how much you desire to take on your adventure.
We recommend choosing the 10L for short paddles or the 20L option if you are taking a full-day trip and need to take spare clothes with you.
So, if basic is what you are looking for, then look no further than the MARCHWAY Floating Dry Bag and hit the water today.
This 35L backpack from Mengar is handy, practical, and perfect to carry around daily essentials even if you are off the water and on the streets.
You will be surprised at how lightweight this backpack is and the build quality is excellent for its price.
All the straps are fully adjustable meaning you can fit this bag to just about everyone.
If you are on a lower budget but still want a decent water-resistant rucksack, then this is a great option. The lightweight feature makes this an excellent choice for daily use.
The FENGDONG Waterproof Backpack knocks it up a notch. This is still a budget option with a price tag of just under $30. However, you are getting a much larger capacity for your money.
With a mesh design, this bag is breathable and light for its size, while also featuring comfortable extra padding on the shoulders.
This bag features several smaller pockets along with the large main compartment, which will keep all your gear organized throughout your adventures.
So, if you are looking for a larger capacity backpack on a budget, be sure to consider the FENGDONG backpack. The features will make your wild trips comfortable and organized. Just watch out for how heavy your gear is when loading the bag.
Comfort, practicality, and stylish. This travel bag from Venture Pal has it all. Sling this back over your shoulders and feel the comfort through the extra padded mesh shoulder straps.
Make use of the internal compartments to keep your daily life or adventure gear all in check.
This bag is not only super stylish in an assortment of colors, but it is also 100% water-tight keeping your belongings dry no matter what the conditions are.
Despite the zipper issues, this is still a good option to consider. Venture Pal even provides a 1-year warranty to give you added peace of mind on this purchase.
GILI Sports Waterproof Backpack is the best mid-range and overall option available for you to buy! This superb bag comes in two different sizes and is fully waterproof, making it ideal for paddle boarding adventures. The simple roll-top closure is simple to use and creates the same watertight reliability found in action-inspired dry bags.
This waterproof backpack has been designed with travel in mind. Both size options are suitable as carry-on airline luggage. The bag features comfortable shoulder straps, splash proof zipper and mesh pockets, and D-Rings on shoulder straps for storage and security.
Paddles and hands down, this bag from GILI is the best waterproof backpack money can buy. It’s thoughtful design has paddle boarding at the core, ensuring this bag can keep up with life’s greatest adventures. You’ll love the durability and quality in each stitch, seam, and component in both the 28L and 35L waterproof backpacks.
The Vitchelo brand name says a lot: durable and outstanding protection against water. This pack is a great product to consider.
If you are going to be in the water kayaking, boating, or paddle boarding, then this is a superb choice thanks to the unique construction designed to float.
And what’s more, this bag is lightweight, sand-proof, and breathable. So you will be prepared for almost any adventure.
Overall, this is a fantastic backpack that comes highly recommended with great reviews.
Will you be heading out in some of the most challenging conditions for your adventures? If yes, then you need to have this heavy-duty backpack from Earth Pak for the ultimate peace of mind.
Choose between two sizes of 35L or 55L depending on your desired length of exploration.
This offers complete protection for your gear while also being super easy to use and handle.
All in all, this is a great bag for extended tours with solid protection in place. The 35L option is suitable for a week's trip, while the 55L bag can easily handle two or even three weeks of adventures in the wild.
FE Active is another highly trusted company in the outdoor exploration gear world. They are well known for their high-quality and environmentally conscious designs and productions.
When designing this bag, they really went all the way with the user in mind. Side pockets, bungee cords, D-rings, and carabiner clips, this bag has it all.
This bag is super versatile and can easily be used in a number of different environments.
From urban daily life to extreme outdoor adventures, this backpack from Aqua Quest will not disappoint.
The Himal rucksack is ultra-lightweight, super flexible and can be folded and stowed away easily in between adventures.
This is voted one of the best backpacks available to purchase in the mid-range budget that won’t break the bank but equally performs to a high standard.
Are you looking for the ultimate pack for a hiking adventure? If yes, this bag from Outdoormaster is ideal for taking all your gear along for an adventure.
While this isn’t water-proof, there is a handy rain cover in a secret pocket that is easy to pull over the whole pack.
The materials and craftsmanship are decent and reliable, making this a comfortable option for extended backpacking.
The fantastic amount of space this bag gives you outweighs the couple of points we don’t love. This is a good option for hikers and explorers looking to take gear along with them that is worth every dime.
If you are into your gadgets and tech, then this is the bag for you. The OUTJOY Travel Bag belongs to a new generation of packs that is created keeping electronics in mind.
The design includes multiple compartments for storing stuff neatly with additional padding for protection of laptops, cameras, tablets, and so on.
OUTJOY have used high-quality materials that you can rely on to ensure your gear is protected from wet weather conditions.
Overall, this is a great water-proof travel pack best suited for urban life or work trips. The organization and USB ports really make this stand out.
Are you passionate about hiking, trekking and exploring? Do you need a reliable water-proof rucksack to store your gear for the adventure? Then look no further than this mid-range Diamond Candy Backpack.
Keep your gear dry in one of the four zipped compartments. You can even fit a laptop if you need to take it along with you.
The best thing about this bag is that it is quite large while also remaining lightweight and durable.
This option from Sak Gear is stylish and fully water-proof with its rugged all-weather protective material. There are two closure methods. Either use a traditional dry bag technique or pull down to the side clips for an even snugger fit.
The design is sleek and classy without any garish logos or patterns.
If money isn’t an issue, and you are looking for the best you can possibly get, the YETI Panga Airtight Bag is for you. The design is seamless with storage and water-proof resistance protecting your gear no matter where your adventures take you.
Not only is comfort a priority, but the materials chosen are top-quality to provide excellent results.
This is an incredible bag that really keeps your belongings safe from water. However, you do need to weigh up the features with the price tag to determine if this is the bag for you.
This pack from Sea To Summit is considered one of the best overall high-end backpacks your money can buy. The striking design does not compromise functionality with the 600 denier TPU laminated water-proof fabrics and padded shoulder straps.
With a 35 liter capacity, this is a great bag to take on wild, watery adventures.
Looking for complete safety in submersion? Look no further than Patagonia’s Stormfront Pack. The complete ergonomic design over the back panel and the shoulder straps allows you to carry your gear in confidence.
This bag is perfect for hiking, touring, fishing, or even days on the beach surfing.
All in all, this is an excellent bag that is considered bombproof and reliable when it comes to water. It just loses points with the lack of organization.
Are you after something with a larger capacity? This TOURIT backpack makes the most out of its boxy design with a spacious inner compartment complemented with two upper pockets to keep everything organized.
While it appears to be bulky, this pack is surprisingly comfortable to carry with soft materials. TOURIT provide a lifetime warranty against product defects and promise leak-proof results.
If money is no issue and you want to stand out from the crowd, then this TOURIT pack is ideal and should be at the top of your picks.
Airtight, water-proof, and durable. This option from Skog Pro is superb for outdoor sports enthusiasts. A unique sport sack design makes this stand out against the other options and offers a difference to your wild adventures.
The choice of handles given to you with this bag means you can carry it several different ways making it perfect for a variety of different sports.
We love this pack. The sports bag design makes this one really stand out against the others. You are guaranteed to have 100% dry gear no matter where you end up.
Are you planning on hiking mountains and summits? This robust option from TOPSKY is an excellent choice to have your back up to the peaks. It goes without saying that this bag has multiple pockets and compartments.
The storage system is fantastic to keep you in order for your adventure. Store your boots, sleeping bags apart from your clothes and food supplies.
This is the perfect bag for any outdoor enthusiast heading out for a multi-day trekking adventure that needs plenty of supplies for the journey.
This is another tech-inspired water-proof sack that takes it up a notch. This bag really will knock your socks off.
Comfort was the main priority for the design behind this pack as well as organization with well thought out pockets and compartments.
After careful consideration, this is the best bag to protect your camera and gear when out on wildlife shoots. The water-proof materials and construction give you great peace of mind for all your equipment.
So, what are you thinking? There are plenty of choices available no matter what your budget is. We always recommend getting your hands on a fully water-proof option to allow you to explore at ease knowing your gear is safe and dry.
Remember to determine your activity and use first, and that will allow you to narrow down your options to find what is best for you.
The best water-proof packs should be durable, lightweight, comfortable with padded shoulder straps and a waist strap, feature multiple compartments, and, of course, water-proof and not just water-resistant. Bonus points go for additional features like compatibility with tech gear, easily accessible outer compartment and a large bottle pocket.
If you are an outdoor adventure enthusiast, it is essential to invest in a good quality water-proof bag. Even if you choose not to take up an activity that involves water, it is entirely possible that it may start raining heavily when you are outdoors and you certainly do not want your gear or clothes to get wet.
Water-proof is without a doubt better. Water-resistant bags will just be able to prevent a little amount of water from seeping in and does not guarantee that your belongings will remain safe and dry when exposed to the elements.
With a wide variety of options available in the market, the choice really depends on your budget and your requirements. But based on our assessment, we recommend the OUTJOY travel bag, which is a great mid-range water-proof bag with multiple pockets and also has a USB interface with a built-in cable.
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