Whether you’re navigating a rainy college campus or embarking on an adventurous weekend getaway, having a reliable waterproof backpack can make all the difference. From protecting your tech and textbooks to keeping your travel essentials safe and dry, the right backpack offers both peace of mind and practical style. In this article, we’ve rounded up the 10 best waterproof backpacks that are perfect for college students, travelers, and anyone who needs durability without sacrificing design. Read on…
Best Waterproof Backpacks for Travel/College
What sets a great waterproof backpack apart is more than just water resistance — it’s a combination of smart design, durable materials, and user-focused features. Look for backpacks made with high-quality fabrics like TPU-coated nylon or PVC that offer genuine waterproof protection, not just splash resistance. Sealed or roll-top closures are crucial for keeping out moisture, while water-resistant zippers and reinforced seams add extra security.
Comfort also matters, so padded straps and breathable back panels are a plus, especially for long days on campus or travel. Add in organized compartments, laptop sleeves, and sleek styling, and you’ve got a backpack that performs well in any environment.
1. Breakwater Supply
Conquer every environment with the Fogland 25L Backpack — a fully submersible, 100% waterproof bag built to protect your gear from water, dust, and rough weather. Made with ultra-tough Hydrowall TPU and welded seams, it’s designed to float and endure the elements. Two airtight compartments keep items like laptops and phones dry and secure.
The main compartment fits a 16″ laptop, while the front pocket offers quick access to essentials. With non-corrosive hardware, gear loops, side bottle pockets, and padded S-curve straps, this backpack is perfect for kayaking, hiking, travel, and everyday use. Whether you’re on land or water, your gear stays dry, safe, and ready for the next adventure.
2. Bange
Bange laptop backpack is crafted from high-density coated oxford fabric, offering waterproof, scratch-resistant, and durable protection for your gear. With a 180° opening pocket, it easily accommodates essentials like shoes, a kettle, umbrella, and more. The main compartment fits 4-5 clothes, while the dedicated laptop pocket can hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop.
The backpack features five pockets in total for optimal organization, including two front pockets for easy access to small items like your wallet or pens. Sized at 12.2″L x 18.9″H x 5.5″W and weighing 2.65 lbs, it’s perfect for business, travel, or daily use. The ergonomic design includes a durable YKK zipper and multifunctional shoulder straps with a card pocket and glasses hang buckle for added convenience.
3. Swissdigital
Swissdigital men’s travel backpack is designed for ultimate organization with 20 independent storage compartments. It features three spacious main compartments and several hidden pockets to store essentials like college supplies, clothes, travel accessories, and stationery. A deep zipper pocket and side elastic net pockets offer quick access to your travel gear, umbrellas, and water bottles.
TSA-approved, the backpack unzips 90-180 degrees for smooth security checks and fits laptops up to 15.6 inches. It also includes an integrated USB-C charging port and RFID protection pocket to safeguard your personal information from theft. Ideal for both work and travel, it’s a versatile and secure carry-on backpack.
4. LOVEVOOK
LOVEVOOK laptop backpack features a wide-opening design for easy access to all your essentials. Its spacious main compartment fits A4 folders, magazines, and tech accessories, while the padded sleeve securely holds laptops up to 15.6 inches.
With 18 well-organized pockets, you can keep everything neatly arranged—from stationery to personal items. Perfect for daily work, college, or short trips, it includes a hidden anti-theft pocket for valuables and a built-in USB charging port (power bank not included). Comfortable shoulder straps and a luggage strap make it ideal for travel, especially for teachers, nurses, and professionals on the go.
5. Nomatic
This sleek, multifunctional backpack easily converts from a briefcase to a backpack with hidden straps. Expandable from 20L to 30L, it adapts to workdays or travel needs. Ideal as a carry-on, it features a luggage strap for easy transport.
Stay organized with a dedicated 16-inch laptop sleeve, RFID lockable pocket, mesh zipper pouches, and notebook compartment. Designed for both men and women, it’s the perfect everyday backpack—whether for business, commuting, or tech gear.
6. Carhartt
Built tough for everyday use, this no-nonsense backpack keeps your gear secure and dry. Made from durable 600-denier polyester with Rain Defender water repellent, it’s ready for both city commutes and outdoor trips.
The main compartment includes a padded sleeve that fits laptops up to 15 inches. A front zippered compartment features four mesh pockets and a key clip to organize your essentials. With a padded mesh back panel and contour-fit shoulder straps, Carhartt offers a comfortable, adjustable fit for all-day wear.
7. The North Face
Vault Classic Backpack – With a sleek, modern design and a water-repellent finish, The North Face stands on its own and is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association. The FlexVent suspension system includes flexible shoulder straps, a padded mesh back, and a breathable lumbar panel for all-day comfort.
A spacious main compartment includes a padded 15″ laptop sleeve, while the front pocket features a tablet sleeve, zip pockets, and a key clip for easy organization. Two side water bottle pockets and an external daisy chain add extra storage options. Top handles and a sternum strap make it easy to carry and secure on the go.
8. Light Flight
Designed for everyday ease, the Light Flight backpack features a separate padded compartment that fits up to a 15.6″ laptop. The spacious main compartment holds A4 folders, clothes, magazines, chargers, and more. A front zip pocket keeps small items organized, while a hidden back pocket protects valuables like your phone. Side pockets offer space for water bottles or umbrellas.
Built-in charging hole lets you charge your phone on the go without removing your power bank. Mesh-padded shoulder straps reduce pressure for lasting comfort, and a back luggage strap makes travel easier. With its sleek, minimal design, this backpack is ideal for work, college, travel, or daily use.
9. SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart
Primed for travel and tech, SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart boasts a TSA-friendly lay-flat design for 17″ laptops, speeding up airport security checks. It includes a padded TabletSafe pocket and an RFID-protected organizer with divider pockets and a removable key/fob clip. The main compartment has an accordion-style file holder, while quick-access front and side pockets keep essentials within reach.
Two mesh side pockets fit water bottles or umbrellas. Built for comfort, it features padded, contoured shoulder straps, compression straps, airflow back padding, and a molded top handle. A trolley strap slides over luggage handles for convenient travel. Perfect for commuters, professionals, and frequent flyers.
10. Tumi Alpha Brief
Tumi Alpha Brief’s sleek and spacious profile is perfect for the professional on the go. It comes with a dedicated padded 15″ laptop compartment, a tablet pocket, and multiple storage pockets for your essentials. Designed for comfort, the adjustable, padded straps provide a personalized fit.
The backpack also includes a fabric sleeve for easy attachment to carry-on luggage handles, making travel a breeze. Made from durable ballistic nylon, it’s built to withstand daily wear. TUMI offers a comprehensive warranty: five years for travel and business bags and two years for wallets and accessories. Since 1975, TUMI has been committed to providing an exceptional ownership experience for every customer.
Disclaimer: Having thoroughly taken a close look at products, we review and recommend them without any bias or strings attached. When you buy any item through our affiliate or sponsored links, we earn a small commission, which helps manage the ever-growing team and the site. Read more…
Signing off…
There you go! Choosing the right waterproof backpack is all about finding the perfect balance between function, comfort, and style. Whether you prioritize sleek design, extra compartments, or rugged protection, the options above offer something for every type of user.
Investing in a quality waterproof backpack not only keeps your belongings safe but also adds convenience and confidence to your daily routine or travel plans. We hope this guide helps you find the ideal companion for your journey, rain or shine.
