Imagine going for a hiking trip with some of your most valuable items inside your backpack, and all of a sudden, a thunderstorm hits the city out of nowhere; definitely not a good place to be, right?
Luckily, there are many durable waterproof backpacks out there that can protect your beloved belongings from water damage. In this guide, we’ve reviewed some of the best waterproof backpacks you can get, so stick around.
Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Waterproof Phone Case | Side Pockets |
| IDRYBAG Dry Bag | 30L | No | Yes |
| BRU Active Premium | 40L | No | Yes |
| Vitchelo Dry Bag | 30L | Yes | Yes |
| Earth Pak Backpack | 55L | Yes | No |
4 Best Waterproof Backpacks in 2023
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best waterproof backpacks you can find on the market today.
1. IDRYBAG Dry Bag – Best Overall
Starting off our list is the IDRYBAG Dry Bag, with it’s waterproof and leakproof construction.This dry bag is made of 500D PVC fabric and 3 waterproof layers, making it one of the most durable waterproof backpacks out there.
Thanks to the sealed design and heavy-duty metal zippers, you can put your valuable items inside the IDRYBAG without worrying about water leakage.
With a 30L capacity, this dry bag is far from being a small one, and filling to a 100% capacity is as hard as it gets.
Moving on to the pockets, the IDRYBAG Dry Bag has a large primary storage compartment, in addition to a splash-proof outer bag to put things like swimming goggles, keys, phones, and earbuds. You also get a couple of zippered pockets on the sides.
It’s also worth noting that the IDRYBAG has foam-padded shoulder straps, making it easier for you to carry it for prolonged periods. Additionally, the waist strap does a great job at making the bag maintain contact with your back for extra comfort.
What’s more, the IDRYBAG is available in a wide variety of colors to suit all tastes. We also like that it has a reflective strip for extra safety.
Pros
- Large 30L capacity
- Waist strap
- Durable construction
- Splash-proof outer bag
- Heavy duty zippers
- Reflective strip
Cons
- Only one large compartment
- No chest strap
Bottom Line
The IDRYBAG Dry Bag is one of the best waterproof backpacks you can get for hiking, camping and seaside adventures.
2. BRU Active Premium – Best Versatile
With 6 removable molle bags, the BRU Active is one of the most versatile backpacks you can get. You can add or remove the bags depending on what you need to carry on your next adventure, which is pretty awesome.
The molle bags include 3 large bags, 2 medium ones, and 1 flashlight holder, allowing you to store anything you want from food to clothes and personal items. You also get a host of built-in pockets, including a front mesh pocket, an internal zippered pocket, and extra front and side pockets.
The BRU Active boasts a maximum capacity of 40L, making it perfect for hiking, water sports, and even emergencies. Moreover, it’s equipped with adjustable padded shoulder and waist straps that allow you to adjust them according to your body measurements.
Featuring heavy-duty zippers, buckles, pockets, and padded straps, this backpack is definitely made to last.
Pros
- 40-liter volume
- Adjustable shoulder and waist straps
- Removable molle bags
- Has lots of pockets
- Durable zippers
Cons
- A bit expensive
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an adjustable waterproof backpack, the BRU Active would be your best bet.
3. Vitchelo 30L Waterproof Dry Bag – Best Value
The Vitchelo 30L Waterproof Dry Bag offers a good bang for your buck with an impressive list of features that make it stand out from the crowd. Made of vinyl tarpaulin with a sturdy welded seam, the Vitchelo Dry Bag can withstand the most challenging conditions gracefully.
You can throw your electronics into this bag, and rest assured that they’ll stay safe with its waterproof and leakproof design. What’s even more interesting is that this backpack is designed to float, making it an excellent choice for divers and snorkelers.
Furthermore, the Vitchelo Dry Bag has various pockets that allow you to store anything that comes to your mind, including 1 main compartment, 2 mesh side pockets, and 1 rear pouch. It also has bungee cords at the front that can hold tackle boxes, fly fishing gear, and survival kits.
Additionally, all of the straps are adjustable, and the back is padded to maximize comfort. We also like the fact that this backpack comes with a waterproof smartphone case, so you don’t have to purchase one separately.
Lastly, the Vitchelo backpack comes with a lifetime limited warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee, so Vitchelo is definitely confident in what its backpack has to offer for the customers.
Pros
- Floatable
- Has mesh pockets for extra storage space
- Free waterproof smartphone case
- Lifetime limited warranty with a 60-day money-back guarantee
- Reasonable price tag
Cons
- No waist strap
Bottom Line
There’s a lot to love about the Vitchelo 30L Waterproof Dry Bag. From the leakproof design to the mesh pockets and the durable construction, it’s hard not to recommend this backpack.
4. Earth Pak Backpack – Best With Large Capacity
If you’re searching for a backpack that can take a considerable amount of food, gear equipment, or diving accessories, your search ends here with the Earth Pak Backpack. This backpack has a whopping capacity of 55 liters, which makes fully filling it a challenging task.
It features a roll-top closure with a single reinforced strip that prevents even the tiniest water droplets from getting in. Moreover, the Earth Pak Backpack has numerous pockets for convenient storage, including an outer large splash-proof zipper, a mesh compartment, a built-in zippered pocket, and an inside key ring.
Additionally, the Earth Pak Backpack actually maintains a compact and lightweight form factor despite the large capacity, making it a suitable choice for carrying on an airplane. You also get a waterproof phone case, which is just another reason to love this backpack.
Further, the Earth Pak Backpack is pretty comfortable to carry for prolonged periods thanks to the low-profile sternum strap, padded back panel, and heavy-duty shoulder straps.
Pros
- 55-liter capacity
- Comes with a waterproof phone case
- Compact and lightweight design
- Has lots of pockets
- Comfortable to put on
Cons
- No water-bottle pocket
Bottom Line
All in all, the Earth Pak 55L Backpack is a great option for anyone looking for a huge backpack to accommodate all of their belongings.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Waterproof Backpack
Before choosing a waterproof backpack, there are a few considerations that you need to keep in mind to make sure that it’s suitable for you.
Materials and Sealing
Many backpacks are advertised as being waterproof, but the truth is that many of them struggle to be 100% effective after a while because the waterproof sealing failed.
A reliable waterproof backpack must have airtight zippers and welded seams to ensure a long-lasting waterproof seal. Moreover, pick one that’s made of durable, tear-resistant materials if you want it to last for a while. PVC is a popular choice as a waterproof backpack material, and it has proven to be quite effective.
Volume
The maximum capacity of your backpack is highly dependent on your needs. Take a few moments to think about what you usually need to carry inside your backpack and go from there. As a general rule of thumb, get a backpack with a minimum capacity of 30 liters to ensure that you don’t run out of storage space.
Shoulder Straps
Walking or running with a backpack that has shoulder straps that are either too loose or tight is undoubtedly a terrible experience. To avoid that, get a backpack that has adjustable shoulder and waist straps. This allows you to adjust them until you find the perfect fit for you.
Zippers
There’s nothing more frustrating than buying a backpack and in just a few days, the zippers get stuck, rendering the backpack useless. Many waterproof backpacks come with military-grade, heavy-duty zippers that are simply failproof, and we highly recommend that you choose a backpack that has them.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up this guide, we’ll give you a couple of recommendations to make choosing the best waterproof backpack a little easier for you.
Our favorite pick is the IDRYBAG Dry Bag; simply because we love its durable construction and how comfortable it is to carry despite its large capacity. Not to mention the various pockets it has. The BRU Active Premium is a close second, with its removable molle bags and heavy duty zippers and pockets.