You’re halfway up the trail when the sky opens up. That’s the moment you truly appreciate a reliable waterproof hiking backpack. It’s not just about keeping your sandwich dry; it’s about peace of mind knowing your gear—and maybe your phone—are safe from a sudden downpour or an accidental stream crossing.
But not all packs are created equal. We took one of the top-rated models out for a serious test, from relentless rain to being set down in wet grass, to see if it’s promises hold up. Here’s what we discovered about its real-world performance.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Waterproof Hiking Backpack
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Maelstrom Hiking Backpack,Camping Backpack,40L Waterproof Hiking Daypack with Rain…
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9.5 |
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MIYCOO Backpack – Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack for Travel…
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9.3 |
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Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Camping Essentials Bag with…
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9.2 |
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Bseash 40L Waterproof Hiking Backpack with Rain Cover, Outdoor…
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9.0 |
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Maelstrom Hiking Backpack,40L Waterproof Camping Backpack,Men Women Packable Hiking…
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8.8 |
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IGOLUMON Hiking Backpack 40L Packable Lightweight Camping Backpack Men…
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8.7 |
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Seektop 20L Foldable Waterproof Hiking Backpack, Ultralight Small Lightweight…
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8.5 |
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Seektop 15L Small Hiking Backpack for Women Men, Lightweight…
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8.3 |
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ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack 25L – Foldable Hiking…
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8.2 |
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G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Travel Daypack
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8.0 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Waterproof Hiking Backpack
Maelstrom Hiking Backpack,Camping Backpack,40L Waterproof Hiking Daypack with Rain Cover,Lightweight Travel Backpack,Blue
The Maelstrom Hiking Backpack is a versatile 40L pack designed to be your reliable companion for day hikes, travel, and outdoor adventures. Its core purpose is to combine practical organization with durable comfort, so you can focus on your journey rather than your gear.
Constructed from high-quality 210d rip-stop nylon, this backpack is built to handle the rigors of the trail.
The material is water-resistant, tear-resistant, and anti-scratch, offering solid protection for your belongings. For added security in wet weather, a included rain cover with reflective detailing tucks neatly into a bottom pocket. This ensures your essentials stay dry, giving you confidence no matter the forecast.
Comfort is a key focus. The backpack features a thicker, padded back panel with an ergonomic, breathable design.
This is paired with adjustable, padded shoulder straps that help distribute weight effectively and reduce fatigue. An adjustable chest buckle further stabilizes the load and incorporates a built-in survival whistle for emergencies. The pack also includes a sturdy, ergonomic top handle for easy lifting and carrying when your not wearing it on your shoulders.
With a 40-liter capacity, organization is straightforward.
MIYCOO Backpack – Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack for Travel Camping, Hiking Back Pack Waterproof Foldable Daypack for Men Women Black
The MIYCOO Backpack is an ultra-lightweight packable backpack designed to be your go-anywhere companion. It’s core idea is simplicity and preparedness, offering a full-sized daypack that starts its journey tucked away in your pocket or suitcase until you truly need it.
Let’s talk about weight first. This backpack is remarkably light, coming in at about half the weight of a typical mobile phone.
It folds neatly into its own built-in inner pocket, shrinking down to a compact 4.5 x 3.9 x 7.8 inches. When you need a proper bag—maybe you’ve picked up souvenirs or need extra gear for a day hike—it quickly unfolds to a generous 12.5 x 8.5 x 20.9 inches. This transformability is it’s main advantage, ensuring you’re never caught without extra storage.
Durability is key for any pack. The MIYCOO is constructed from a waterproof fabric with an IPX4 rating.
This means it offers solid protection against splashes and light rain, perfect for a sudden shower or a damp environment. The zippers are heavy-duty and upgraded, and major stress points are reinforced to handle the wear and tear of daily adventures, from city exploring to trail walking.
Inside, the backpack offers a practical 35-liter capacity organized into three compartments.
Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Camping Essentials Bag with Rain Cover, 45+5 Liter Lightweight Backpacking Back Pack
The Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack is a thoughtfully designed pack built for versatility and comfort on multi-day adventures. This comprehensive upgraded version focuses on durability and user experience, with reinforced materials, stronger straps, and more reliable zippers than previous iterations. It’s a popular choice for a reason, balancing robust construction with a lightweight feel. A key feature for any outdoor excursion is weather protection.
The backpack itself is made from high-quality, tear-resistant polyester and nylon fabric that resists scratches and general wear. More importantly, it includes a dedicated waterproof rain cover stored in it’s own bottom pouch. This cover is your first line of defense, shielding your gear from sudden downpours and dust to keep everything inside secure and dry. Comfort is paramount, and this pack achieves it through smart, breathable design.
It utilizes a no-internal-frame structure, making it flexible and light. The widened, S-type shoulder straps and high-elastic back panel are generously padded with sponge and breathable mesh. This system promotes air flow to reduce sweat and effectively distributes weight to ease the burden on your shoulders and back, even on long treks. Organization is where this 45+5 liter bag truly excels.
Bseash 40L Waterproof Hiking Backpack with Rain Cover, Outdoor Sport Travel Bag Daypack for Camping Climbing Skiing Cycling (Milk Green)
The Bseash 40L Waterproof Hiking Backpack is a versatile and thoughtfully designed pack built to handle your outdoor adventures. Its 40-liter capacity provides ample space for multi-day trips, with dimensions that typically meet airline carry-on requirements, making it a reliable travel companion. Weighing just 1.76 pounds, its ultralight foundation means you’re carrying your gear, not the bag itself.
Organization is a key strength of this backpack.
The generous main compartment easily swallows bulkier items like a sleeping bag or several days worth of cloths. Internally, a dedicated sleeve holds a water bladder for hands-free hydration. Multiple external pockets keep your essentials sorted and accessible. You’ve got a front zippered pocket, two side pockets perfect for a water bottle or umbrella, and an elastic cord on the front to quickly stash a jacket or hat.
Nothing gets lost in the bottom of this pack.
Made from high-quality, tear-resistant rip-stop polyester, the bag itself is highly water-resistant and durable. For added protection in downpours, an included rain cover tucks into it’s own bottom pouch. You can pull it out during a sudden storm to shield your valuables from heavy rain and dust, ensuring everything inside stays dry.
Maelstrom Hiking Backpack,40L Waterproof Camping Backpack,Men Women Packable Hiking Daypack with Rain Cover,Lightweight Travel Backpack-Green
The Maelstrom Hiking Backpack, 40L, is designed to be a reliable and versatile companion for your outdoor adventures and daily travels. Its core purpose is to offer organized, durable, and comfortable carry, whether you’re on a day hike, a weekend camping trip, or navigating a busy airport.
Starting with storage, this 40-liter pack provides a thoughtfully organized space. The main compartment is large and zippered, flanked by two front zippered pockets for quick-grab items.
You also get two waist pockets, two side pockets, and two mesh pockets, helping you catagorize everything from snacks to electronics efficiently. No more digging around for your keys or a water bottle.
Durability is key, and the backpack is constructed from high-quality, tear-resistant nylon fabric. It features a waterproof coating, and an included rain cover is cleverly stored in its own bottom pocket.
This double layer of protection helps ensure your gear stays dry and safe from the elements, which is a huge relief in sudden downpours. The fabric is also scratch and wear-resistant, built to handle rough use.
Functionality shines in the details. Internally, the main pocket has a Velcro strap and a hose port for setting up a hydration bladder system.
IGOLUMON Hiking Backpack 40L Packable Lightweight Camping Backpack Men Women Waterproof Hiking Daypack Outdoor Travel Daypack,Black
The IGOLUMON Hiking Backpack 40L is designed to be a versatile and reliable partner for your outdoor adventures and daily travels. Its thoughtful construction focuses on organization, comfort, and durability, making it a practical choice for a wide range of activities.
With 40 liters of space, this backpack offers ample room for your essentials. The multi-compartment design helps you stay organized, featuring a main zipper compartment, two front pockets, and two side pockets.
Inside, smaller slip pockets and a pen pocket keep smaller items from getting lost. A standout feature is the upgraded waterproof wet pocket located on the back. Accessed by its own zipper, this compartment lets you seperate sweaty gym clothes or a damp towel from the rest of your gear, keeping everything else dry and fresh.
Weighing only about one pound, this pack is impressively lightweight.
It can be folded into a compact size for easy storage in a suitcase or drawer, then quickly unfolded when you need it. Comfort is enhanced by the breathable mesh shoulder straps, which have ample foam padding to reduce pressure. An adjustable chest strap helps distribute weight evenly and keeps the backpack stable during movement; this buckle also doubles as an emergency whistle, adding a smart safety touch.
Seektop 20L Foldable Waterproof Hiking Backpack, Ultralight Small Lightweight Daypack Packable Backpack for Men Woman
The Seektop 20L Foldable Waterproof Hiking Backpack is designed for the active individual who values preparedness and simplicity. This ultralight daypack tackles the core needs of day hikes, travel, and daily commutes with a thoughtful focus on practical, reliable features. Starting with its construction, the backpack is made from a high-density nylon fabric that is both waterproof and wear-resistant.
The seams and zippers are specifically designed to keep moisture out, protecting your essentials like your phone, wallet, and extra layers from sudden rain or splashes. All the stress points and straps are reinforced with strong stitching, which means this pack is built to handle regular use without falling apart on you. A key highlight is its incredibly lightweight and foldable design.
When you’re done using it, the backpack compresses down to a very compact size, roughly the dimensions of a small book. This makes it effortless to tuck into a larger suitcase for travel, keep in your car for impromptu needs, or store in a drawer without taking up space. It’s always ready to be pulled out and deployed to its full 20-liter capacity. Comfort hasn’t been overlooked.
Seektop 15L Small Hiking Backpack for Women Men, Lightweight Hiking Packable Daypack with Phone Pocket for Travel Camping (Beige, 15L)
The Seektop 15L Small Hiking Backpack is designed for the adventurer who values simplicity and smart organization. This lightweight packable daypack focuses on providing practical solutions for your day trips, travel, and daily commute without weighing you down.
Weighing just 0.76 lbs, this backpack is remarkably light for its 15-liter capacity. It’s built for those who prefer a minimalist approach, carrying just the essentials for a hike or a day of sightseeing.
A key feature is its packability; the entire backpack folds neatly into its own built-in zippered pocket, shrinking to a compact 7.48″x7.87″ pouch. This makes it incredibly easy to tuck into your larger luggage as a spare bag, ready for any spontaneous adventure that comes your way during travels.
The shoulder strap design showcases thoughtful innovation.
On the left strap, a zippered pocket securely holds a phone up to 7 inches, keeping it visable and accessible without needing to remove the pack. The right strap features an anti-theft pocket with a elastic cord closure, perfect for small, important items like a wallet or keys.
ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack 25L – Foldable Hiking Backpacks Water Resistant Small Folding Daypack for Travel(Navy Blue)
The ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack 25L is designed to be your go-anywhere companion, offering a surprising amount of utility in a package that practically disappears when your not using it. Its core idea is simple: be ready for anything without adding bulk to your load, making it a perfect secondary bag for travelers, commuters, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Let’s talk organization.
The backpack features a reasonable and orderly layout that helps you keep your essentials sorted. The main compartment is spacious enough for a lunchbox or A4-sized files, while a separate inner pocket keeps important documents like a passport secure. You also get two front pockets for quick-access items like a travel guide or sunglasses, plus two side pockets that are ideal for carrying a water bottle or an umbrella.
Everything has its place, which saves you from digging around when you need something quickly.
Flexibility is where this bag truly shines. Weighing only 0.64 pounds, its incredibly light. When expanded, it offers a generous 25 liters of space. When your done, it folds down to a compact size, roughly that of a sandwich, which can tuck into a coat pocket, a larger suitcase, or a handbag.
G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Travel Daypack
The G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack is a versatile daypack designed to simplify your adventures. Its core idea is convenience, packing down into its own pocket for easy storage and then expanding to a full 40-liter capacity when you need it. This makes it an ideal grab-and-go bag, whether your planning a day hike, a weekend trip, or just need extra space while shopping. One of it’s standout features is the dedicated waterproof wet pocket located on the back panel.
This compartment is completely sealed, allowing you to safely stow wet swimwear, a damp towel, or sweaty clothes after a workout. More importantly, it protects essential items like your phone, wallet, or map from sudden rain or splashes. You can keep everything organized and dry without needing separate plastic bags. Organization is a key strength of this backpack.
Beyond the main compartment, you’ll find multiple external pockets including a large zippered front pocket, a hidden zippered pouch for valuables, and two side mesh pockets for a water bottle or umbrella. Inside the main space, a separator and a small zippered pocket help you sort smaller items, so you’re not left digging around for your keys or sunglasses. Everything has a place. Despite its generous volume, the backpack is remarkably light, weighing just about one pound.
Waterproof Hiking Backpack Buying Guide
Keep your gear dry and secure in any weather. A reliable waterproof hiking backpack is essential for any adventurer who refuses to let a downpour cancel their plans. But not all packs are created equal. This guide will help you choose teh right one for your needs, focusing on the key factors that matter most when the skies open up.
Material & Construction
This is where true waterproofing begins. Look for packs made from laminated fabrics like TPU or PVC, which have welded seams instead of stitched ones. Stitched seams need sealed tape over them to prevent leaks. A pack made from durable, coated nylon might resist water for a while, but only fully seam-sealed construction will keep a deluge out for hours.
Closure System
How does the pack close? A roll-top closure, similar to a dry bag, is the gold standard. You roll the top down several times and buckle it shut, creating a long, tortuous path for water to follow. Zippered packs can be convenient, but ensure thay have large, durable storm flaps covering them. A simple zipper alone, even a “water-resistant” one, will eventually fail in heavy rain.
Capacity & Fit
Don’t just think about liters. Consider what you’ll carry. A 20-30L pack is great for day hikes, while multi-day trips require 50L or more. Crucially, a pack must fit your torso. An ill-fitting pack is uncomfortable and can throw off your balance. Look for adjustable shoulder straps and a ventilated hip belt—your hips should carry most of the weight, not your shoulders.
Drainage & Ventilation
Waterproof keeps water out, but what about moisture from inside? Look for breathable back panels to reduce sweat. Also, check if the pack has drainage grommets at the bottom. If some water gets in the main compartment (from snow melting off your jacket, for instance) or you need to rinse it out, these small holes let it escape easily, preventing a soggy, heavy load.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Hiking Backpack
What makes a backpack waterproof?
A truly waterproof backpack uses a sealed fabric like TPU or PVC. The seams are also taped or welded shut. This stops water from getting in at all, even in heavy rain or if you drop it in a stream. It’s different from water-resistant packs, which just repel light showers for a short while.
Do I really need a fully waterproof backpack?
It depends on your adventures. If you hike in very wet climates, cross streams, or need to keep gear absolutely dry (like a camera or sleeping bag), then yes. For most day hikes in fair weather, a water-resistant pack with a rain cover might be enough. But for real peace of mind, waterproof is best.
Are all waterproof backpacks stiff and heavy?
Not anymore! Modern materials are much more flexible and lighter than old rubberized canvas. They can still be a bit more structured than regular nylon packs, but the trade-off for dry gear is worth it for many hikers. The comfort has improved alot.
How do I clean my waterproof backpack?
Use lukewarm water and a mild soap. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or machine washing, as these can damage the waterproof coatings. Gently scrub with a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry completely. Never put it in a dryer.
Can I submerge it underwater?
Most are designed to withstand heavy rain and brief immersion, like if it falls off a boat dock. But thay’re not meant for prolonged submersion, like scuba diving. The zippers and closures are the weakest point, so check their waterproof rating too.
What about the zippers?
Look for roll-top closures or aquaguard zippers. Roll-tops create a watertight seal by folding the top down several times. Aquaguard zippers have a protective flap behind the zipper teeth. Both are great, but roll-tops are generally considered the most secure against water getting in.
Will it last a long time?
With proper care, a quality waterproof backpack can last for years. Avoid dragging it over sharp rocks and be mindful of abrasion. The fabrics are tough, but they can be punctured. Also, reapply a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment on the outer fabric if water stops beading up on the surface.
Our Verdict
Your gear stays protected from teh elements inside. That’s the simple, reliable promise of a good waterproof pack. It means you can focus on the trail ahead, not the weather report. No more frantic scrambling for pack covers or worrying about a sudden downpour soaking your spare layers and electronics. It’s about confidence, letting you enjoy your hike come rain or shine.
For any hiker who values dry gear and peace of mind, investing in a quality waterproof hiking backpack is a smart move. It removes a major variable from your trip planning. You’ll be ready for stream crossings, misty ridges, and those unexpected showers. Choose the right capacity and features for your needs, and you’ve got a trusty companion for countless adventures to come. Your stuff stays safe, and you stay comfortable.