Are you searching for the best waterproof backpack to accompany you on outdoor adventures or be your sturdy companion during commutes and travels? We understand why! The last thing you want is for the rain, snow, mud, or other elements to ruin your belongings. Waterproof backpacks are designed to weather through downpours, making them a lifesaving item for many people.
To help you decide on what backpack to purchase, we’ve done the research for you with this list of the 10 best small waterproof backpacks. Whether you’re a SUP paddler, bike commuter, or frequent traveler, you’ll be covered to enjoy your day.
10 of The Best Small Waterproof Backpacks
When deciding on the best waterproof backpack, you’ll want to consider how you plan to use it. Do you need a laptop compartment? Also, what level of comfort, weight, and number of pockets do you need. Explore our list to find the best backpack for your needs!
YETI Panga Airtight Bag
The YETI Panga Airtight bag offers style and reliability packaged in one with its durable material. This bag is made of high-density nylon and thickly laminated to be puncture- and abrasion-resistant. It also has Metallock hardware and Hydrolok zippers that secure your belongings with an airtight seal. Aka, it can take on smacks and water without flinching.
This backpack is also designed for comfort with dry haul straps as well as detachable chest straps and belts. The interior has a sleeve compartment and zippered mesh pocket.
Key Features:
- Material | Nylon and TPU Lamination
- Dimensions | 12.5 x 7 x 20 inches
- Weight | 3.9 pounds
- Capacity | 28L
- Pockets | 2
- Laptop Compartment | No
Pros:
- Very durable
- Submersible in water
- Stylish design
- Comfortable to carry
- Has detachable chest straps and belts
Cons:
- The high-end design makes it expensive
- No exterior pockets or water bottle compartment
Friendly Swede Dry Bag
Whether you seek outdoor adventures or often commute to work in rainy conditions, the Friendly Swede dry bag is a great daypack. This lightweight backpack also comes with waterproof features such as a roll-top design and high-frequency glue-welded seams.
On top of the three external pockets with splash-resistant zippers and an internal zippered pocket, this bag has a laptop compartment for devices up to 13 inches. It also has ergonomic straps and comes with a 3-year warranty.
Key Features:
- Material | 500D PVC tarpaulin
- Dimensions | 11.4 x 5.1 x 19 inches
- Weight | 1.5 pounds
- Capacity | 15L
- Pockets | 5
- Laptop Compartment | Yes
Pros:
- Has ergonomic straps
- Super lightweight
- Durable fabric and seams
- Multiple pockets for organization
- Includes a padded 13-inch laptop
Cons:
- Backpack straps don’t have as much padding
- Zippered exterior pockets aren’t waterproof, just splashproof
FE Active Cloudbreak Dry Bag
If you’re considering a backpack that’s environmentally conscious, you’ll want to consider the FE Active Cloudbreak dry bag. This sleek product is lightweight and made from fully certified eco-friendly marine-grade 5mm Vinyl Tarpaulin. It also has padded straps for added comfort and a mesh lining for airflow circulation to help you feel sweat-free when on the move.
The interior has a pouch for valuables and the exterior has mesh pockets for your water bottle. There’s also a bungee webbing to hold yoga mats, extra clothes, or camping gear. This bag’s IPX8 rating also makes it submersible and suitable as a dive bag.
Key Features:
- Material | 5mm PVC Tarpaulin
- Dimensions | 2.91 x 19.09 x 11.61 inches
- Weight | 2.2 pounds
- Capacity | 30L
- Pockets | 3
- Laptop Compartment | No
Pros:
- Made from eco-friendly material
- Submersible
- Lightweight for capacity
- Has comfortable shoulder straps
- Bungee webbing is useful for attaching wet gear
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a waist strap for carrying heavier loads
- Not a lot of pocket options
Miggo Agua Stormproof Versa Backpack
If you love traveling and are tech-savvy, you’ll want a backpack with multiple compartments to fit your tech pieces. The Miggo Agua Stormproof Versa backpack comes with padded inserts so you can turn it into a camera bag that fits large DSLRs. The interior has a 14.5-inch laptop sleeve, a compartment for an iPad, and a place to put pens or small items. On the exterior, there’s a zippered pocket as well.
With its sternum straps, you can also carry the bag in three different ways: a regular backpack, X backpack, or shoulder sling. This bag also meets the IPX3 rain-proof standards and features water-repellent zippers.
Key Features:
- Material | Tarpaulin, Neoprene, Lycra, and Polyester
- Dimensions | 11.5 x 18.8 x 6.2 inches
- Weight | 4.1 pounds
- Capacity | 18L
- Pockets | 4
- Laptop Compartment | Yes
Pros:
- IPX3 storm-proof protection
- Has 3 different carrying options on your back
- Multiple pockets for technology storage
- Has a thermo-forming reinforced bottom
- Includes a chargeable power bank for electronics
Cons:
- On the heavier side
- Quite pricey since it comes with multiple features
IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack
Not only is this backpack waterproof, but it also floats and can handle being submerged up to 6m deep. It has three layers of waterproof materials, including 500D vinyl-coated woven polyester with heavy-duty watertight and welded seals. This material is also easy to wipe clean after roughing it in the outdoors.
The main compartment seals through a roll-top, woven tape, and plug buckle. You can also use the strap to compress the bag and make it smaller. There is a deep zippered pocket in the interior and, on the exterior, a foldable side pouch for water bottles and a splash-proof front pocket.
Key Features:
- Material | 500D Polyester
- Dimensions | 15.63 x 10.63 x 2.13 inches
- Weight | 2.27 pounds
- Capacity | 20L
- Pockets | 3
- Laptop Compartment | No
Pros:
- IP68 certified waterproof
- Has a 6m waterproof depth
- Can be carried as a backpack or by the handle
- Has reflector strips for safety at night
- Great customer service
Cons:
- The front pocket isn’t waterproof, only splash-proof
- No back padding for added comfort
Outlander Foldable Outdoor Mini Backpack
The most budget-friendly on this list is the Outlander foldable outdoor mini backpack that weighs less than a pound and fits up to 33 liters of belongings. The foldable feature lets you compress it into the zippered inner pocket for easy packing and unfold it to a backpack when you’re ready to use it. It also comes in 11 different colors, including orange, red, purple, green and blue.
This backpack also comes with enhanced bar-tacks, a reinforced top handle, and breathable padded mesh shoulder straps that are adjustable. There’s also plenty of organizational options with the internal zippered pocket, two front zippered pockets, and two side pockets for umbrellas or water bottles.
Key Features:
- Material | Nylon
- Dimensions | 6.92 x 10.63 x 7.08 inches
- Weight | 0.5 pounds
- Capacity | 33L
- Pockets | 5
- Laptop Compartment | No
Pros:
- Under $20
- Very lightweight and foldable for easy-packing
- Has durable 2-way abrasion resistant SBS zipper
- Multiple pocket options
- Has padded shoulder straps
Cons:
- Not very stylish design
- Material and seams are less durable
Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop
Chrome Industries is committed to constructing quality products that stand the test of time. For their Urban Ex 2.0 rolltop waterproof backpack, they’ve used 600D Polyester as well as PU and TPU backing with a 70D inside liner. This backpack also has comfort in mind, with ergonomic straps and a yoke for load distribution.
When it comes to organizing your belongings, you can easily fit a 15-inch laptop in the interior padded sleeve. It also has a zip closure pocket for quick-access items, a sleeve for tablets, and a different sleeve for smaller notebooks and pens. On the exterior, there are storage loops for gear and bike locks.
Key Features:
- Material | 600D Polyester
- Dimensions | 14 x 6 x 23.5 inches
- Weight | 1.83 pounds
- Capacity | 20L
- Pockets | 4
- Laptop Compartment | Yes
Pros:
- Durable build and lightweight design
- Has U-lock and gear storage loops
- Outside access pocket is waterproof
- Has reflective attachment loops
- Sleek and straightforward style
- Fits 15-inch laptop
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a full-size back panel
- On the pricier side
Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack
Earth Pak’s waterproof backpack is a great option for outdoor adventurers, especially for wet activities. Although a little on the bigger side, it’s still a compact design with a roll-top closure and reinforced strip to protect your belongings from getting wet. The interior has a zippered pocket and mesh compartment, while the exterior has a splash-proof zippered pocket for easy access to important gear. Every purchase also comes with a waterproof phone case.
Use the MOLLE system loops attached to the backpack if you want anchor points to latch onto when biking, boating, or kayaking. There’s also no need to worry about carrying heavy loads since it comes with a chest and waist belt as well as padded shoulder straps and back panels. You can use the 35L size for trips up to 1.5 weeks and, if you want to go bigger, the 55L size for trips up to 2.5 weeks. However, since the bags are designed to float, they shouldn’t be fully submerged underwater for over 5 to 10 seconds.
Key Features:
- Material | 500D PVC
- Dimensions | 17 x 9.5 inches
- Weight | 1.9 pounds
- Capacity | 20L
- Pockets | 3
- Laptop Compartment | No
Pros:
- Backpack floats
- Includes chest and waist belts to help carry heavy loads
- Has contoured padded shoulder straps
- Lightweight and compact design
- Comes with a waterproof phone case
- Has reflector strips for safety at night
Cons:
- The front pocket isn’t waterproof, only splash-proof
- Cant be submerged underwater for over 5 to 10 seconds
- Straps aren’t as durable
Skog Å Kust BackSåk
Skog Å Kust is a Swedish company that aims to manufacture high-functional products with all-weather protection. Their 25L BackSåk embodies this philosophy with its IPX-6 rating protecting your backpack from splashes, heavy rain, and quick, shallow submersions. This product also features a carrying handle, splash-proof exterior zipper pocket, 2 interior mesh pockets, and a large interior zippered pocket.
This backpack is also designed for comfort. It has cushioned straps, adjustable sternum straps, and padded back support to relieve pressure on your muscles. However, if you want to attach your gear or water bottle, you’ll have to use the D-rings on the sides.
Key Features:
- Material | 500D PVC
- Dimensions | 6 x 11.5 x 16 inches
- Weight | 2.3 pounds
- Capacity | 25L
- Pockets | 4
- Laptop Compartment | No
Pros:
- PX-6 waterproof rating
- Lightweight
- Comes in 9 different colors
- Added comfort with padded back and adjustable straps
- Includes high-frequency welded seams
- Has reflective trims for nighttime safety
Cons:
- The front pocket isn’t waterproof, only splash-proof
- Not suitable for prolonged submersions or underwater use
Overboard Waterproof Pro-Vis Backpack
This Overboard Pro-Vis backpack has a durable high visibility PVC tarpaulin so you can be seen day or night. It’s also constructed with welded seams and a roll-top sealing system. The exterior has 2 large elasticated mesh pockets on the side and the interior has a zippered pocket.
The backpack comes with an adjustable sternum strap as well as a removable and adjustable waist belt. This ensures added comfort when carrying heavy loads. Additionally, the straps are lightweight, buoyant, and feature a ventilation system.
Key Features:
- Material | PVC Tarpaulin
- Dimensions | 9.5 x 6.5 x 17 inches
- Weight | 2.3 pounds
- Capacity | 20L
- Pockets | 3
- Laptop Compartment | No
Pros:
- High visibility material
- Comfortable with good padding
- Has a ventilated back panel
- Comes with adjustable straps and waist belt
- Includes bungee webbing and D-rings for external attachments
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Can only handle short submersions
Final Thoughts
All the products listed above are great options, but still, make sure the one you choose is compatible with how you intend to use it and whether you need a laptop sleeve. With this guide of the best small waterproof backpacks, you have all the information you need to find one that fits your budget and usage needs. Whether you’re traveling or commuting, don’t let the weather ruin your day.
