BEST WATERPROOF BACKPACK FOR TRAVEL 2023

With sixteen color options and the choice of five different sizes, this Marchway floating waterproof dry bag is a good choice for the adventurous kayaker, fisherman, or watersports enthusiast in need of a waterproof backpack. The material is double sewn with high-density nylon webbing and tear-resistant welding. All sizes have sturdy buckles to ensure a watertight seal when rolled and secured.

BRAND: Marchway
LITER CAPACITY: 5L,10L, 20L, 30L, and 40L
COLOR OPTIONS: Sixteen: army green, black, blackish green, blue, bright yellow, dark blue, dark green, deep orange, deep yellow, green, gray, lemon yellow, light blue, orange, pink, red
MATERIALS: Ripstop tarpaulin

The Arteesol waterproof dry bag is an all-around ideal choice for water-related adventures. This waterproof backpack is made of polyvinyl tarpaulin, making it durable and includes a reflective safety strip just above the exterior zipper pocket. With seven color options and four sizes, there is a perfect variety depending on the load you need to carry. The double shoulder straps are adjustable and can be removed for a different carrying style.

BRAND: Arteesol
LITER CAPACITY: 5L,10L, 20L, and 30L
COLOR OPTIONS: Seven: black, dark blue, gray, orange, rose red, sky blue, yellow
MATERIALS: Industrial Grade 500 Denier Polyvinyl Tarpaulin

The Acrodo waterproof bag is a lightweight and durable backpack that can be used for various watersports to keep your belongings dry. This backpack comes in nine color options, some of them being transparent, making it easy to find your items when on the go. This new patented waterproof backpack style stands out because the side buckles allow you to attach the bag to as many bags as you like. Perfect for boating and kayaking trips.

BRAND: Acrodo
LITER CAPACITY: 15L
COLOR OPTIONS: Nine: black, blue, orange, purple, solid gray, transparent aqua, transparent black, transparent green, transparent pink
MATERIALS: Polyvinyl

The Boncas waterproof dry bag can be easily clipped to a kayak or boat using the detachable and adjustable straps. Made of heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin, this bag is durable and also has an outer mesh pouch that can be used for additional storage. The bag floats when rolled and buckled, and a waterproof phone case is included. You have the choice of three sizes and six color options when purchasing this waterproof backpack.

BRAND: Boncas
LITER CAPACITY: 10L,20L, and 30L
COLOR OPTIONS: Six: yellow, black, blue, green, orange, pink
MATERIALS: Heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin

The KastKing waterproof backpack is constructed with military-grade PVC material and boasts a transparent window design. This backpack offers thirteen popular color options and three different sizes to choose from. The double-layer design and loops for clipping additional items make this bag an ideal choice for the bold watersports lover. The KastKing dry bag is waterproof, snowproof, sand proof, and dustproof.

BRAND: KastKing
LITER CAPACITY: 10L,20L, and 30L
COLOR OPTIONS: Thirteen: black combo, blue combo, orange combo, yellow combo, black, blue, orange, yellow, firestorm, shoreline, silver mist, blue zippered, white zippered
MATERIALS: 500D PVC material

The IDRYBAG waterproof dry sack is a safety lover’s dream when it comes to waterproof backpacks. Made of durable 500D PVC material, this bag features a reflective safety stripe, a built-in whistle, and can be used as a back flotation device in case of an emergency. The IDRYBAG waterproof bag is constructed with an inner pocket and a splashproof front pocket for additional storage. The straps are double reinforced and adjustable.

BRAND: IDRYBAG
LITER CAPACITY: 30L
COLOR OPTIONS: Four: black, blue, gray, yellow
MATERIALS: 500D PVC

The Skog Å Kust BackSåk is a sleek and unique waterproof backpack design. This backpack has two larger size options and eight colors to choose from. The padded back and cushioned adjustable straps make it a comfortable choice for hiking, camping, and beach adventures. It features a reflective safety patch and a splashproof outer pocket. The inner pocket also provides extra storage to keep your smaller belongings dry.

BRAND: Skog Å Kust BackSåk
LITER CAPACITY: 25L and 30L
COLOR OPTIONS: Three: Black, blue, grey
MATERIALS: 500 Denier Waterproof PVC

The Earth Pak waterproof backpack is a larger and more heavy-duty style design. Coming in either 35L or 50L, this waterproof bag is an excellent choice for longer voyages when you need to keep your clothing and other belongings dry. The ergonomic design and cushioned adjustable straps provide extra comfort. The heavy-duty waist strap also helps to lighten the load. The exterior features a splashproof pocket and clips to attach the waterproof bag to a bike, kayak, or boat during your adventures.

BRAND: Earth Pak
LITER CAPACITY: 35L and 55L
COLOR OPTIONS: Five: black, blue, gray, green, yellow
MATERIALS: 500D PVC

The Outlander backpack is lightweight, waterproof, and durable – the ideal combo for any activity. Made from durable waterproof nylon fabric, this backpack will accompany you on many adventures. The backpack is lightweight and so compact that you can fold it within the zippered inner pocket. It has multiple compartments and smaller pockets so it can carry all of your necessities, despite it being only 25L.

BRAND: Outlander
LITER CAPACITY: 25 L
COLOR OPTIONS: Dark Blue, Green, Black, Grey, Orange
MATERIALS: Rip Nylon

The Atarni Floating dry bag is IPX6 waterproof with a watertight seal. It has dry and wet separation pockets so you can keep your things separate and two mesh pockets on the side for smaller things. It’s lightweight and can be folded into a smaller bag to save space when traveling. Aside from the high visibility orange color, it also has a reflective stripe for additional safety. It closes with a seal on the opening that rolls down and is clipped with a buckle.

BRAND: Atarni
LITER CAPACITY: 20 L
COLOR OPTIONS: Black, Green, Orange, Green, Blue
MATERIALS: Dacron

The FE Active waterproof backpack is our top pick. Made from a lightweight and eco-friendly material, this backpack is an excellent choice for the traveler on the go. Made from marine grade PVC tarpaulin with welded stitching, this bag is durable and will keep your items dry during rainstorms and other water-related activities. The FE Active waterproof backpack has mesh side netting and a corded exterior for extra storage.

BRAND: FE Active
LITER CAPACITY: 30L
COLOR OPTIONS: Black
MATERIALS: Marine grade 5mm eco-friendly PVC Tarpaulin

If you are planning your next adventure or weekend getaway, chances are you will encounter water on your trip. So what is the best waterproof backpack for travel? It depends on the type of travel you are doing. If you are going hiking in the rain forest, kayaking on a river, or snorkeling in the Caribbean, you will want to find a waterproof bag that will keep your clothing and other valuables dry during your adventures.

A camping trip may require a larger backpack with reinforced padded straps and a built-in hip belt to help distribute the weight of your pack. If you are going on a boat for fishing or scuba diving charter, find a waterproof bag that has clips or D-rings so you can clip your bag to the boat, so you don’t lose it. If you are taking your bag kayaking, make sure to find one that floats when it is sealed, so you don’t lose it to the river rapids.

Waterproof bags are not only for travel, but they are also a popular choice for commuters who encounter rain or snow on their way to the office or school. Keeping your laptop dry and your homework safe is always a good idea. Waterproof commuting backpacks are becoming more popular and stylish with more of an urban waterproof backpack design.

Waterproof bags are also useful for a trip to the beach with your family or friends, not only to keep out water but to keep your sunscreen and personal effects sand-free inside of your bag.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

There are hundreds of options for waterproof bags on the market, are they all waterproof or merely water-resistant? And what is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?

Water-resistant bags are made with different materials like nylon or polyester and are meant to be able to withstand the penetration of water to a certain degree. Waterproof bags are designed and constructed in a way that the material is impermeable even if the bag is dunked underwater for some time. Many waterproof and water-resistant polyester backpacks are coated with a water repellent substance to limit the amount of H20 that stays on the surface of the material. The best water-resistant backpacks or waterproof backpacks on the market have this coating on their bags. A similar practice is used for water-resistant jackets and raincoats.

Durability

KastKing offers a waterproof backpack in three different sizes and thirteen color options, and it is made of military-grade material for increased durability. The KastKing bag is also rated as snowproof, sand proof, waterproof, and dustproof. The majority of waterproof bags are designed with welded stitching, where the fabric is melted to ensure a durable, watertight seal.

Waterproof bags made with heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin materials are highly rated for durability. This material is also lightweight making it easy to carry or even roll up and store inside a suitcase when you are not using it. The thickness of the polyvinyl makes these bags tear or rip-resistant, prolonging the life of the pack.

The detachable and adjustable straps may become worn before the actual bag itself, so it is a good idea to remove the straps when cleaning or to wash a waterproof bag. Some manufacturers may include additional straps or the option to order more when purchasing your backpack.

Comfort

Comfort is just as important as keeping your stuff dry when it comes to waterproof packs. Small waterproof bags usually come with a single, adjustable strap that can be clipped onto your bag to make it easy to throw over your shoulder. But if you opt for a larger bag, it will come with padded adjustable straps or even a waist strap to make the backpack more comfortable to carry.

For example, Marchway has a 40L waterproof backpack that is highly rated for comfort, and it even comes in sixteen color options. Earth Pak’s ergonomic designed waterproof backpack has a padded back and cushioned shoulder straps, making it a top choice for comfort.

Size

Waterproof bags come in many different sizes, from 5L up to 40L. The smaller packs which are 5L, 10L and 15L are popular for carrying small and lightweight items like clothing or sunscreen for a day trip or tour. The larger sizes are 20L, 30L, 35L, and 40L bags are built for more extended trips like camping, hiking, or scuba diving liveaboard adventures.

Many of the larger backpacks have clips or D-rings that can be used to clip smaller sized waterproof bags for items that need to be easily accessed during your travels.

Mid-sized bags can be filled with air, rolled and sealed tightly to be used as a pillow for camping or even a beach day when lying in the sand.

Price

If you are looking for a cheap waterproof backpack, there are plenty of options online. Prices for waterproof bags range from under $25 for best value bags and up to $250 for the more upgraded versions. The Marchway floating 10L waterproof bag is one the cheapest options but while still being high quality.

Many manufacturers offer a 365-day or even lifetime money-back guarantee, which is included in the cost of the bag. Certain waterproof bags also come with a waterproof phone case at no additional charge.

Functionality & Special Features

If you are planning a trip to a place and expect it to rain often during your travels, choosing a rainproof backpack is a smart idea. The last thing you need is to head out to explore and end up with wet belongings by the end of the day. The top-rated waterproof backpacks on the market today have unique features and functionalities, making them stand out from the rest.

For example, some manufacturers create bags that are focused on the safety of their users. These safety-conscious bags come with reflective safety strips, safety whistles, and hidden pockets to protect valuable materials. Most waterproof rolltop backpacks float when appropriately sealed, meaning they could be used as a backup flotation device in an emergency.

For the environmentally-conscious consumer, companies are beginning to search for and use alternative eco-friendly materials while still be waterproof or water-resistant.

Color variety is also a feature that makes waterproof bags stand out from the rest. The Acrodo waterproof bag is a standout with its transparent color options, and it can also be clipped to other waterproof Acrodo bags for a big raft up on the lake. Pink waterproof backs are a top choice for women and young girls. Skog Å Kust BackSåk offers a gray and black digicamo color option, which has become more popular for men.

Other dry bag backpack reviews show that consumers looking for a waterproof back appreciate extra features like an inner zipper pocket to secure their money or wallets, and also an internal clip for their car keys. Outer mesh pockets and a corded exterior are top features for people needing to store wet clothes, a water bottle, or a yoga mat. The transparent window design is also a prime feature offered by KastKing.

Waterproof backpacks for kayaking are usually outfitted with clips that can be used to secure the bag to a kayak while paddling. These clips can also be used to secure a waterproof bag to a fishing or scuba diving boat.

Why do I need a waterproof backpack?

If you are planning a trip and will be anywhere close to water, you may need a waterproof backpack to protect your valuables. Waterproof backpacks keep your belongings dry when fishing, kayaking, biking, hiking, and other watersports. They also will protect your gear from the rain when commuting or on a boat while you are snorkeling or scuba diving. Waterproof backpack technology has improved over the years, and many are now manufactured based on comfort and ergonomic designs to improve the user’s experience.

What is the best waterproof backpack for travel?

There are hundreds, maybe thousands of waterproof backpack designs currently on the market. These designs offer various colors, styles, and features on top of just being waterproof. Waterproof bags also come in different sizes, so choosing the best waterproof backpack for travel should be based on your needs. Be sure to read the waterproof backpack reviews before buying. If you are going on a day hike to a waterfall and have very few items to take along a small waterproof backpack that is 5L or 10L with one strap may be perfect for you. If you are planning to go on a scuba diving liveaboard and want to keep all of your belongings dry for the duration of your trip, you may want to consider a bigger bag with a padded bag and straps to help carry the heavier load.

What backpack materials are waterproof?

A 100% waterproof backpack means that it can be fully submerged in water, as opposed to being water-resistant. The type of materials used to construct a bag will play a big part in whether it is waterproof or water-resistant. Waterproof backpacks are usually built with welded stitching, where the material is melted to ensure a watertight seal. Most waterproof backpacks use coated vinyl, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and tarpaulin material. On both waterproof and water-resistant backpacks with outer zipper pockets, the zippers will be coated for extra protection. Some water-resistant bags can also be made of high-quality sail material.

Is a backpack considered a personal item on airlines?

In most cases, a backpack is considered a personal item on airlines, but it depends on the airline and their baggage policies. For the majority of airlines worldwide, a backpack or any personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Some airlines, primarily when operating smaller planes, have a weight limit for carry-on luggage and personal items. Many airlines also restrict the dimensions of carry-on luggage and personal items. The best bet is to check the airline’s baggage policies and restrictions before you load up a backpack for your next trip.

How to pack a waterproof backpack?

When packing a waterproof backpack, be sure to pack the items you will need to access at the top of the bag quickly, or plan to put them in a separate pocket within the waterproof bag. Start by making a list of the items you will need on your journey and put them out on a table or bed to be sure you have everything you need. Rolling clothing and towels will help save space in your backpack. If you are packing shoes, you can also store smaller items inside your shoes. When packing the backpack, start by putting the bulkier items to the bottom and then the more substantial items in the middle, with the lighter, easy-access items at the top. Be sure to save space at the top to roll down and secure the bag to ensure it is properly sealed to avoid any water leaking into the bag.

Where should the hip belt of a backpack sit?

The hip belt of a backpack should sit centered over your hipbones. The straps of a backpack can be adjusted up or down to be sure the hip belt of the backpack is resting correctly on the wearer’s hipbones. When a backpack is adjusted in the correct position, the weight of the bag will be distributed to the hips instead of the shoulders. The hips can carry more weight due to the larger muscle groups in the hips and legs.

How do you wash a waterproof backpack?

Every waterproof bag manufacturer takes into account the process of washing their bags when the product is being developed and tested for durability. Most waterproof bags will come with the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, so the best bet is to follow those instructions. Hand washing is recommended for most waterproof bags to avoid rips or tears in the washing machine. If you are planning to use the machine to wash your bag, use the gentle cycle, and first remove any straps or items that have been clipped to the bag. Also, remove any items inside the bag and leave zippers and pockets open. The straps should be hand-washed separately, so the clips do not break. For hand washing, use a mild, gentle soap with a brush or soap and lukewarm water, hot water can cause colors to fade or bleed. For a deep clean, the bag can be soaked in a bathtub. Avoid detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners.

Can you backpack while pregnant?

Backpacking while pregnant is possible. If you were a person who was backpacking before pregnancy, you should be able to continue when pregnant, although you may need to lessen the weight of your pack slightly. If you have concerns about wearing a backpack while pregnant, you should consult your doctor. You should always listen to your body if the weight feels too heavy, pack less in your bag, or rest frequently taking the backpack off. The weight of a baby can affect your spine, so it is important not to overdo it.

What stickers can stick to a waterproof polyester backpack?

Standard stickers will not stick to polyester material, so if you want to jazz up your waterproof polyester backpack, you will need to look for an iron-on vinyl decal if you want them to stay put. Depending on how much water you encounter, these style stickers may still become worn over time. Regular stickers are more suitable for waterproof bags that are made of vinyl material.

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!