The 23 Best Waterproof Backpacks to Buy in 2023

• Pros: Durable, functional, nice design
• Cons: Hard to fit water bottle

This backpack from Lululemon is definitely a waterproof backpack to add to your shopping list. There's no frills or fancy business to be had here, only a solid backpack at great value. It's not strictly waterproof, but is coated in a water resistant fabric that will shield your belongings from the elements. Great for those looking for a high quality backpack without having to spend too much money.

• Pros: Functional and versatile
• Cons: Causes discomfort after a few hours

Similar to the Lululemon bag, this backpack comes at a very reasonable price, with the added benefit of full waterproofing. It's worth noting that the main cavity of the backpack is a single compartment. This bag is great as a commuter or travel bag, or for light camping. Reviews mentioned discomfort after hours of wear when hiking, so maybe this isn't your best bet if you're looking to get outdoorsy.

• Pros: Has multiple compartments and is comfortable
• Cons: Gets heavy after a while

This backpack from Mountain Warehouse features a foldable top common with waterproof bags, with the addition of a laptop compartment inside. It's fully waterproof, but has a soft and breathable mesh on the back to ensure a comfortable wear. Combined with the reflective strip, this is a great option for someone commuting on a bike.

• Pros: Durable, has four zip pockets, adjustable shoulder straps
• Cons: Bag only comes in one size

Gymshark is well known for their sports apparel, and their entry into the backpack market is everything a gymrat could want. The polyurethane shell will keep all the sweat and grime off of your precious meal prep, which has its own pocket. the super clean design paired with the contrasting zipper pulls is sure to turn heads next time you go in for a pump.

• Pros: Smaller alternative to bigger backs, lightweight material, good quality
• Cons: Not as durable as other bags

As one of the premier climbing brands, you can count on Black Diamond to put out a quality backpack. At just 20 liters, it's smaller than most of the roster, but holds just enough for your next alpine trip. The material is ultra lightweight but maintains its durability, and the pack features a one-handed closure for easy access. It's also hydration compatible, so should you have a bladder to bring with you it'll fit right in.

• Pros: Has more than one compartment and an external pocket, is comfortable, versatile, and durable
• Cons: Small volume

This pack from Osprey is the perfect option for a day bag when you need some extra carrying capacity, but space is at a premium. With a roll-top main compartment, external pocket, and chest strap it has just enough to take you to where you need to go. As an added bonus, once you're there you can simply pack the backpack into its own pocket for easy carry.

• Pros: Durable with comfortable shoulder straps, effective at keeping out water, has multiple compartments for storage
• Cons: On the expensive side

Planning on getting drenched? This is the bag for you. With just the main compartment in a super waterproof shell, this backpack is exactly what you want for a day at the beach, paddle boarding, or some jungle exploration. With a cool design, the YETI bag will provide you with everything needed for your upcoming water adventure.

• Pros: Sturdy construction, features a laptop sleeve, comfortable shoulder straps
• Cons: Not as spacious as other backpacks

If the Stingray is the perfect beach bag, then this is its urban counterpart. With much the same construction, the Chrome Industries bag tones it down on the reflections and neon, bringing you a sleek look with nothing extraneous. It features a laptop sleeve on the inside that can fit up to a 15" computer, as well as D-rings on the shoulder straps for your keys and a padded bike panel.

• Pros: Can hold up to a 17" laptop, comes with more than one pocket
• Cons: Isn't as spacious as other backpacks

Timbuk2 just upgraded one of their best-selling bags ever, and the results are fantastic. It has plenty of storage, fitting up to at 17" computer. The bag also comes with two front pockets to stash anything from your phone to your sunglasses, so you have everything you need for your daily grind. The attached daisy chain on the outside is also extra convenient for U-locks and carabiners.

• Pros: Filled with technical features, has shoulder pads, side pockets, eco-friendly
• Cons: Only comes in one size

Fear not hipsters, your beloved Fjällräven has made a waterproof bag that even you can enjoy. Known for their classic Kanken backpack (which is also quite water resistant I might add), the Swedish company has been committed to quality since the 1960's. This bag comes with all the usual trimmings from a roll-top to a nicely padded back and shoulders, but has the added bonus of being made from recycled nylon, so your mind can rest as easy as your traps.

• Pros: Has a lot of space, comfortable to wear, multiple compartments
• Cons: Can get bulky when fully packed up

This is the quintessential backpack from the all-American classic that is L.L. Bean. Made from 100% waterproof TPU with taped seams to boot, there's no way water is going to be interrupting your day. the pack comes with an additional shove pocket on the outside as well as two daisy chains on either side for maximum utility.

• Pros: Nice design, affordable, minimalist style, small and easy to carry
• Cons: Not practical for outdoors

If all of these bags are looking a little too hiking forward or you're bored of black, Rains has got you covered. Their waterproof backpack matches the smooth and minimal style of the rest of their catalog, made from a similar polyurethane material. The clasp on this one may not be the most practical for outdoor applications, but the signature carabiner and pull strap make the backpack instantly recognizable. Great for a commuter with a focus on aesthetics.

• Pros: More than one size, thick shoulder pads, spacious with room for all of your essentials, more than one color to choose from
• Cons: Too small for backpacking trips

There isn't really much to say about this backpack, because it really sells itself. It's got all the top side and interior pockets you could want, and has an additional laptop compartment. If this size feels a bit too small you can always bump up to the 32L variant. the only downside we can find is that the top pocket does get wet on occasion since the pack doesn't have a roll-top. Just don't keep any electronics or paper in there and you're good. Oh, and did we mention the backpack is made from 100% recycled materials?

• Pros: Multiple interior pockets, has a latch closure, mesh dividers, comfortable shoulder straps
• Cons: Straps run small compared to other backpacks

Made with work in mind, The North Face packed this backpack full of interior compartments and mesh dividers so you can stay as organized as possible on the go. Our favorite feature of this pack is the magnetic latch closure on the main compartment, which makes opening and closing easy as pie.

• Pros: Functional, durable, versatile, made with nylon tarpaulin fabric
• Cons: On the expensive side

Filson is based in Seattle, Washington, so you can bet your bottom dollar that they known how to make a waterproof backpack. This is a straightforward piece of equipment, made simply for water protection. The backpack is made from nylon tarpaulin fabric that's coated with thermoplastic polyurethane, and all of the seams are welded together so water simply can't get through. If you're planning on some whitewater rafting or fly fishing, this is your go to.

• Pros: Great for traveling and day trips, easy to access, more than one compartment
• Cons: On the expensive side

The Arc'teryx Granville backpack perfectly straddles the line between a utilitarian messenger bag and refined urban backpack to create an all-purpose bag that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. The flap to access the main compartment feat5ures a propriety one-handed latch for easy access, and underneath are secondary pockets to stash small items.

• Pros:Very spacious, can hold your laptops, chargers, and other smaller belongings, comfortable shoulder straps
• Cons: On the expensive side

You might be thinking to yourself, "Wait, that's not a cooler," and you would be right. Unbeknownst to many, however, Mission Workshop also makes some top of the line backpacks. This one is unique due to its rather rigid construction, which makes it ideal if you're carrying stuff that needs a little more safety.

• Pros: Stylish, easy to carry, more than one compartment
• Cons: On the pricey end, smaller than other backpacks

For those who have been bored to death by all of the backpacks thus far, this one's for you. While odds are its not the most practical, this backpack is easily one of the most sculptural and beautiful packs on the market. It's made from water resistant material, and the alien looking flap conceals the zipper to the main compartment.

• Pros: Lightweight, bag gets registered to you with an I.D., TSA friendly
• Cons: On the expensive side, only one size available

If you're in the market for luxury, Tumi has you squared away. This lightweight pack has everything you need, and a little more. The well placed pockets make it easy to use, and and included rain cover can easily slip over the pack when needed. On top of that, Tumi's bags all come with an I.D. etched on a metal plate inside the bag that is registered to you, so in the event that you lose your luggage you can easily be reunited with your belongings. The perfect backpack for a frequent flier.

• Pros: High fashion, great design, lightweight
• Cons: Only one size

Veilance is Arc'teryx's luxury division focused on form as well as function. Aesthetics reign supreme, though, with the subtle darts and seam lines adding visual interest points to the otherwise simple form. The ultra-clean pill shaped backpack is made from 100% waterproof nylon with taped seams, and holds a surprising amount of gear. The minimal straps may seem like cause for discomfort in the future, but based on reviews you can rest assured that you'll be fine.

• Pros: Good quality, affordable, nice design, versatile
• Cons: Runs small compared to other backpacks

Eddie Bauer's Stowaway Packable Backpack is a good bag that will get you from point A to point B. While it doesn't have a lot of storage space compared to the other we've listed, it is lightweight, has more than one pocket, and has padded mesh panel to provide comfort to your back while carrying. For just $20, this is definitely a great buy.

• Pros: Comfortable straps, durable, has interior pockets and a removable waist belt
• Cons: On the expensive side

There's really no going wrong with the SIMMS Dry Creek Z Backpack—especially if you're reason for searching for a waterproof backpack is because you plan on going on an outdoors trip. The bag is built for the long haul as it has a compression molded hydraphobic back panel, breathable shoulder straps, a removable waist belt, and more.

• Pros: Lots of pockets and storage room, easy to carry, affordable, more than one color
• Cons: Shoulder straps are a bit too loose according to some user reviews

Just throwing in another option from The North Face which has been a top seller of theirs. The Borealis Backpack comes equipped with a bungee cord system and large interior compartment to keep your items secure, along with a removable waistbelt and a laptop compartment in case that's needed as well. With university season starting back up soon, this is the perfect pick up.