Top 10 Waterproof Trekking Backpacks

Are you tired of your items soaking wet after trekking on a rainy day? If yes, then you should opt for a water-resistant or waterproof backpack that will keep your items dry throughout your trekking adventure.

Waterproof backpacks tend to have fewer features than water-resistant ones, so you’ll need to choose the one that works best for your needs.

With so many options available in the market, it can be confusing to choose the best backpack. In this article, we’ll give you a complete guide for choosing a waterproof trekking backpack and some of the best options available in the market.

Things To Look For in a Waterproof Trekking Backpack

Here are some of the most important things to look for when you’re shopping for trekking backpacks:

1. Build Quality and Durability

Durability is one of the most important things to look for when purchasing a trekking backpack. Your backpack will be your companion through your entire trekking journey. You will carry it for hours, toss it around, stuff it with all of your gear, etc. So, making sure it has a good build quality is essential.

You’ll need to take a look at the materials used, the quality of the zippers, and the stitching. For instance, nylon is a great material and it’s much more durable than polyester.

2. Outer Pockets

When you’re out on your trekking adventure, there are certain things that you’ll need quick access to – that’s why outer pockets are important. For example, you can use them to store your water bottle, snacks, maps, toilet paper, batteries, etc.

So, make sure you pick a trekking backpack with plenty of pockets. This can help you organize your things and have better accessibility anytime you need them.

Usually, waterproof backpacks have fewer pockets than water-resistant or regular ones.

3. Suspension System

Your trekking backpack should have an adjustable suspension system that fits all types of bodies. When the suspension system is properly adjusted to fit your body, the weight on your shoulder will feel significantly less.

You should check the shoulder straps, the sternum strap, and the hip belt and make sure they fit your upper body and back. The suspension system will also help you maintain balance during your trek and make it much easier for you.

4. Capacity

Capacity is subjective to everyone. You should get a backpack with the capacity that suits your own needs. If you frequently go on treks for several days, then you should get a large one that can accommodate all of your items. However, if you only trek occasionally for fewer days, then you should get a smaller one.

Personally, I prefer larger backpacks because it’s always better to have more space for things that I might need in the future – you never know the circumstances.

5. Straps and Loops

Straps and loops can come in handy when you want to hang your wet clothes and let them dry while you’re trekking. You’ll realize how useful they are after trekking on a rainy day and wanting to dry your socks and t-shirt quickly.

You can also use them to hang the reusable rubbish that you might need again instead of putting them inside your backpack.

6. Hip Belt Pocket

The hip belt should be spacious enough to keep all of your essential and frequently used items like your phone, wallet, sunscreen, sunglasses, earphones, etc. It is the easiest outer pocket to access so you should make sure it is big enough to hold all of your essentials.

Some backpacks come with very small hip belts that cannot even accommodate your phone. You should avoid these if you want to keep your essentials right at your hips.

7. Hydration Compartment

Your trekking backpack should have a separate compartment or pocket for your hydration system. This will keep it safe from rupturing or popping open and soaking all your items. It is also easier to access this way.

You should also find an opening from the apartment to allow the tube to come over your shoulder so you can easily drink whenever you want.

8. Water Resistance

Your backpack should be waterproof or water-resistant at the very least if you hike in wet areas. If not, you will risk your gear getting water-damaged. So, invest in a high-quality waterproof backpack that will protect your gear in any weather condition.

Best Waterproof Trekking Backpack

After thorough research, here are the best 10 waterproof trekking backpacks you can purchase on Amazon.

1. Vitchelo Waterproof Backpack 30L

The Vitchelo Waterproof Backpack is a great option that will protect all of your items from water. It is suitable for trekking, camping, and even water sports like boating and kayaking. It has an excellent roll-top closure system that gives a watertight seal that lasts for long.

The backpack is affordable, durable, lightweight, and breathable. Moreover, it comes with a separate waterproof phone case to protect your phone even further. It also has outer pockets to allow you to carry more gear.

Pros: Affordable, comfortable, excellent watertight seal, and good-looking design.

Cons: The outer pockets are small and they don’t carry water bottles properly (according to reviews).

2. Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack

If you are looking for maximum water protection, then the Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack is one of the best options. It comes with 3 different capacities to choose from – 35L, 55L, and 85L. It also comes in 5 different colors to choose from.

It is made of Polyvinyl Chloride which is a waterproof material with excellent properties. Moreover, it’s compact, lightweight, and has a padded back panel to ensure your comfort. The outer pockets can give you plenty of extra storage to carry more items.

The backpack also comes with an IPX8 waterproof phone case to keep your phone dry all the time.

Pros: Compact, comfortable, durable, and comes in different capacities and colors.

Cons: The seal between the inside part of the backpack and the front pocket may not be very durable.

3. Bseash 60L Waterproof Backpack

The Bseash 60L Waterproof Backpack is made for hiking and trekking. It has a large capacity and a lot of compartments to carry and organize anything that you might need during your trek. It also has 2 side pockets to carry your water bottle and extra gear.

The backpack is water-resistant and comes with a rain cover to ensure that your items don’t get wet on rainy days. It has a separate compartment for your hydration system so it wouldn’t rupture or break open and damage your gear. Moreover, it has a pouch for storing your shoes so they wouldn’t get your other items dirty.

It’s comfortable, lightweight, durable, breathable, and has everything you need for a trekking backpack.

Pros: Rain cover, many color options, and multiple compartments

Cons: According to a few reviews, stitching is bad and it cannot hold heavy gear.

4. Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack

The Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack is manufactured with high-quality materials to act as a heavy-duty, waterproof backpack in rough environments. Waterproof TPU-laminated 600D nylon is used for the design of this pack, which makes it suitable for trekking and all kinds of outdoor adventures.

The backpack comes in 3 different colors – black, blue, and yellow. It also comes in 4 different capacities to suit your needs – 35L, 65L, 90L, and 120L.

It’s durable, abrasion resistant, and waterproof. It can handle splashes and even short submersions in water. Another good feature of this backpack is that you can remove the harness to remove the extra weight and transform it into a simple waterproof handbag.

Pros: Sealed seams, abrasion-resistant, comfortable, and comes in different size options.

Cons: No side pockets or separate compartments, so it’s hard to organize your items.

5. Piscifun Dry Bag Waterproof Floating Backpack

If you are looking for a budget-friendly waterproof backpack, then the Piscifun Dry Bag is the right option for you. It is made from 500D PVC, which is a durable material that will protect your items during your trekking adventure.

The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable to be customized to your body. It also has an outer mesh pocket to keep the items that you are not worried about from getting wet.

The seams are fully sealed and the backpack even floats in water to ensure that your items stay dry for as long as possible. Moreover, the backpack comes with an IPX8 waterproof phone case to ensure that your phone doesn’t get wet.

The capacity options available are 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, and 40L. It’s also available in many colors to choose from.

Pros: Affordable, 9 different colors, waterproof phone case, and front bungees

Cons: The padded straps are not very comfortable

6. Acrodo Floating Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack

The Acrodo Floating Waterproof Backpack is only available in 15L. So, it’s a good option if you want to travel light or keep an extra waterproof backpack to keep your sensitive items dry.

It has a roll-down top design to keep its content dry all the time. Moreover, if you keep some air inside the backpack, it’ll float on top of the water. It’s also built to resist tear and both hot and cold weather, which makes it a great backpack for any kind of outdoor activity.

Another cool feature about this backpack is that it has side buckles that you can attach other Arcodo waterproof backpacks to. You can attach as many backpacks as you want and keep them located together. This feature can be useful when you want to keep your backpacks floating on the water in one place.

Pros: Comes in 3 different colors, removable straps, and roll-down top design.

Cons: Shoulder straps are not padded, so it’s not very comfortable.

7. Venture Pal 40L Backpack

The Venture Pal 40L Backpack is made of water-resistant nylon fabric. It can keep your items dry under wet weather conditions, however, it cannot handle heavy rain for a long period of time.

A pretty cool feature of this backpack is that it has a waterproof wet pocket inside the main compartment. It can keep your wet clothes or towels separate from your dry items so they don’t get wet. You can also use it to keep the items that you want to dry on a rainy day. It’s easily accessible with a zipper on the backside.

It has different compartments and 2 side pockets to help you organize your gear. Moreover, it has a double-layer bottom to allow you to carry heavy gear.

For maximum comfort, it comes with padded, breathable mesh shoulder straps. It also has a sunglasses holder on the straps, so you won’t have to keep them inside the backpack.

Pros: 13 colors available, multiple compartments, wet pocket, and padded shoulder straps.

Cons: Not the most durable backpack (according to reviews).

8. Diamond Candy Waterproof Hiking Backpack

Despite its name, the Diamond Candy backpack is only water-resistant and not fully waterproof. However, it comes with a rain cover for further protection to keep your items dry on rainy days.

It’s a roomy 40L backpack and has a lot of compartments to help you organize your gear. Moreover, it has 2 side pockets, 2 hip pockets, and a laptop sleeve. After considering customer feedback, they’ve made a new version of the backpack with a pouch for pens and zippered pockets for easy access to your items.

It’s a lightweight and comfortable backpack to make your trekking journey as convenient as possible. It has a padded back with breathable mesh and also padded shoulder straps.

In addition, it comes with a hydration system with a drinking hole and a hook to hold the bladder on your shoulder strap.

Pros: Multiple compartments and pockets, compression straps, a hydration system, and a whistle.

Cons: Basic design, and not fully waterproof.

9. Skog Å Kust BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack

If you’re looking for a stylish waterproof backpack, then the SKOG Å KUST Backpack is the right option for you. It comes in 11 different designs to choose from. You’ll surely find one that you like whether you’re a man or a woman.

It’s a fully waterproof backpack made of 500D PVC and has sealed seams to block out any water and keep your gear dry all the time. Additionally, it has a roll-down top design for further protection. According to their website, the main compartment has an IPX-6 waterproof rating.

The backpack comes in two different capacities – 25L and 35L. It features a protective pocket to keep your sensitive items away from wet towels or clothes. It also has a splash-proof zippered pocket on the front to keep your IDs, keys, etc.

It has a padded back and cushioned shoulder straps for maximum comfort during your trek.

Pros: Stylish designs, IPX-6 waterproof rating, padded back, and protective pockets.

Cons: No compartments for organizing your items.

10. YETI Panga Series Waterproof, Submersible Backpack

The Yeti Panga Series waterproof backpack is a premium option. It is suitable for those who carry expensive gear like photography equipment. It’s a heavy-duty backpack with excellent durability and protection for all your gear.

The backpack is puncture and abrasion-resistant as it is made of thick TPU lamination and high-density nylon. So, it can handle the most challenging trek. Moreover, it has a hydro-lock zipper that will keep your gear dry even in tropical weather.

It features DryHaul Shoulder Straps for added comfort. Moreover, it has a removable waist belt and chest straps to give you stability while you trek.

Pros: Durable, sleek design, DryHaul Shoulder Straps, stowaway mesh pocket, and interior sleeve.

Cons: Very expensive, and the zipper broke for a few reviewers.

Final Thoughts

Having a waterproof backpack while trekking gives you peace of mind and you won’t have to worry about your gear getting wet when it rains. So, I hope this buying guide helps you find just the right backpack for your next adventure.