Rain shouldn’t ruin your adventure or soak your electronics. Whether you’re navigating a sudden downpour in Amsterdam or paddling between islands in Thailand, keeping your gear dry can make or break a trip. Waterproof backpacks have evolved far beyond flimsy rain covers—today’s best options offer submersible protection, comfortable carry systems, and smart organization that serious travelers depend on.
1. Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L — Submersible travel workhorse
Few backpacks can actually survive a full dunking and emerge victorious. Patagonia built the Guidewater 29L for exactly that scenario—it’s genuinely submersible, not just water-resistant.
The 29-liter capacity strikes a sweet spot for day trips or as a carry-on companion. Its burly construction handles boat decks, fishing excursions, and tropical storms without breaking a sweat.
If your travels regularly involve water crossings or unpredictable weather, this workhorse won’t let you down. Electronics, passports, and clothing stay bone-dry even when conditions turn ugly.
2. YETI Panga 28 — Dry-bag tough in backpack form
YETI’s reputation for indestructible coolers translates beautifully to the Panga 28. This 28-liter beast uses the HydroLok airtight zipper—a serious piece of engineering that seals out water even during full submersion.
The laminated shell laughs at baggage handlers and river shuttles alike. Weight and dimensions are clearly listed, making it easy to plan your packing strategy for flights.
Rugged travelers who check bags or navigate rough transport will appreciate how this pack shrugs off abuse. It’s built like a tank but carries surprisingly well for its toughness.
3. ORTLIEB Atrack BP — IP67, zipper-back opening for security
Security meets storm protection in this clever design. The Atrack’s TIZIP waterproof zipper opens against your back panel, making it nearly impossible for pickpockets to access while you’re wearing it.
An IP67 rating means temporary immersion won’t harm your belongings—perfect for unexpected weather or water crossings. Bikepackers and urban explorers love this feature combo.
Rainy city explorations become stress-free adventures when your valuables are both secure and dry. The back-opening design adds peace of mind in crowded metro stations or busy markets where light-fingered thieves operate.
4. Osprey Transporter Waterproof 25 — IPX6 with real carry comfort
Roll-top dry bags often sacrifice comfort for protection. Osprey refused that compromise, pairing genuine IPX6 storm defense with their plush AirScape backpanel.
Your shoulders and back will thank you during long walking days in Seattle or Bergen. The 25-liter size works perfectly as a carry-on daypack that transitions from airport to trail.
Storm clouds rolling in? No worries—this pack handles sustained heavy rain without breaking stride. It’s rare to find this level of weather protection combined with all-day wearing comfort, making it ideal for travelers who hate choosing between features.
5. Chrome Industries Urban Ex 30L — Welded, city-proof waterproofing
Bike messengers helped Chrome perfect this urban warrior. The Urban Ex 30L features 100% interior-welded waterproof construction—no weak points where rain can sneak through.
A dedicated laptop sleeve protects your tech during rainy commutes or coffee-shop sprints. Independent cycling testers consistently praise its wet-weather performance in real-world conditions.
Camera gear, documents, and electronics stay protected during urban exploration in notoriously rainy cities. The 30-liter capacity handles daily essentials plus extras, while the messenger-inspired design looks sharp whether you’re on a bike or on foot through London’s drizzle.
6. Sea to Summit Hydraulic Pro Dry Pack — Expedition-grade dry pack
Serious expeditions demand serious gear. Sea to Summit engineered the Hydraulic Pro with fully airtight dry-bag construction plus a supportive harness system that doesn’t compromise on comfort.
Ports, paddling legs, and overland routes through monsoon regions become manageable challenges rather than gear-destroying nightmares. The design balances expedition toughness with practical carrying ergonomics.
When your itinerary regularly mixes boats and land travel, this pack becomes essential. It’s built for travelers who venture beyond typical tourist routes into environments where keeping gear dry isn’t optional—it’s survival.
7. Filson Dry Backpack 28L — Fully waterproof, submersible roll-top
Filson’s heritage of building gear for Pacific Northwest loggers and fishermen shines through here. This welded, TPU-coated 28-liter roll-top has been field-tested in punishing conditions and called fully submersible.
Floatplane transfers and fishing lodge stays present unique challenges—spray, splashes, and unpredictable weather. This pack handles all of it without complaint.
Alaskan weather is legendary for its fickleness, and this backpack was practically designed for those conditions. The construction quality reflects Filson’s no-nonsense approach: build it right once, use it for decades. Abuse only makes it look better.
8. Matador Freerain28 — Packable and waterproof (rare combo)
Ultralight and waterproof rarely appear in the same sentence. Matador cracked the code with the Freerain28, a 28-liter pack that packs down incredibly small yet delivers sealed seams and roll-top protection.
The PU coating ensures the main compartment stays fully waterproof during surprise storms. Toss it in your main luggage as backup protection for day trips in questionable weather.
Minimalist travelers appreciate gear that pulls double duty without adding bulk. This just-in-case storm pack weighs almost nothing but provides serious peace of mind during multi-city trips where weather forecasts prove unreliable.
9. SealLine Urban Dry Daypack 26L — Fully waterproof commuter for travelers
Cities famous for downpours—think Dublin, Portland, or Singapore during monsoon—demand specialized gear. SealLine designed this 26-liter commuter with welded seams and a QuickClip flap closure that seals tight.
A laptop sleeve means your tech stays protected during museum-to-cafe days when clouds suddenly open up. The urban-focused design doesn’t scream outdoor gear, fitting naturally in city environments.
Euro city-hopping during wet seasons becomes infinitely more pleasant when you’re not constantly worrying about soaked electronics. The fully waterproof construction handles sustained rain that would defeat ordinary daypacks.
10. ORTLIEB Commuter Daypack — Waterproof city pack with laptop sleeve
ORTLIEB earned their reputation as waterproof specialists over decades of refining bicycle panniers. That expertise transferred directly into this welded roll-closure daypack built specifically for urban use.
Documents, electronics, and business essentials stay protected during meeting-to-meeting days when weather refuses to cooperate. Reviewers consistently praise its wet-weather commuting performance.
Business travelers navigating rainy European capitals appreciate the professional appearance combined with bulletproof weather protection. The laptop sleeve accommodates modern work gear while the roll closure ensures nothing gets damp during those inevitable sprints between metro stops and client offices.
11. Patagonia Stormsurge Roll-Top Pack — Waterproof (non-submersible)
Honesty matters in gear descriptions. Patagonia clearly labels the Stormsurge as waterproof but non-submersible—setting realistic expectations while delivering fully welded construction that handles sustained rain and spray.
Coastal trips and wet bus transfers between accommodations present constant moisture challenges without full immersion. This pack targets exactly those scenarios.
Rainy treks between stays become manageable when your clothing and gear arrive dry at each destination. The roll-top design allows volume adjustment depending on daily needs, while the welded construction ensures rain simply rolls off rather than soaking through like traditional backpacks.
12. ORTLIEB Velocity PS — Iconic courier style, IP64 protection
The Velocity PS carries serious street credibility among bike couriers who’ve tested it through countless rainy commutes. Its IP64 waterproof rating means splash-proof protection from any direction—though not designed for immersion.
The welded courier style combines function with urban aesthetics that don’t look out of place in city environments. Multiple retailers and reviewers consistently note its waterproof build quality.
Everyday travel and bike commutes with frequent heavy rain demand gear that simply works without fuss. This classic design has proven itself over years of real-world use, earning loyalty from riders who depend on their gear daily.
