The Girl Outdoors founder, Sian Lewis, reveals her top list of waterproof backpacks, which offer plenty of room on the inside and the outside and are designed to keep your essentials safe and dryFinding luggage solutions for your next trip that do it all can be quite a challenge. No two adventures will ever be the same, so shouldn\u2019t the same principle be applied to the best waterproof backpack? We think so.
\nWhen it comes to keeping your kit dry on or near the water, then you have several options in terms of the best waterproof bags. At the most basic end, you might want to pick up a roll-top drybag, which usually come in a tube design and may or may not have straps. These are best used for quick trips to the beach and have the advantage of folding down into a very small space. But they are not great to carry long distance or if you have a lot of kit.
\nIf you have a lot of kit that you want to keep dry, you will probably want to consider picking the best waterproof duffle bag that you can afford \u2013 though these are often pretty expensive.
\nBut by far the most popular waterproof bags are waterproof backpacks, which will keep all your kit nice and dry, but should also be comfortable on your shoulders for carrying you kit any distance. These also usually have the advantage of looking like a normal backpack, so (usually) looks at home around town as well as on the beach.
\nWe\u2019ve pulled together a list of six of the best waterproof backpacks that boast features spanning from waterproof zippers to 10 lash loops so that whatever your bag requirements might be, we\u2019ve got it covered.
\nThe best waterproof backpack 2025<\/p>\n
1 Sea to Summit Big River Dry Backpack 50 Litre
\nSpecifications:\u00a0Material: nylon, Capacity: 50 litres, Colour: black, red, Lash loops: 10, Weight: 760g
\nWhat I like ab0ut it: it\u2019s waterproof, it has great padded straps and has tons of room
\nSomething to be aware of: it\u2019s heavier than a simple dry bag
\nWhat it\u2019s like to use\u2026
\nThe Sea to Summit Big River Dry Backpack\u2018s design is minimalist compared to other waterproof backpacks used by watersports enthusiasts. While the main aim is for use on dry land, unlike traditional backpacks the Big River is fully waterproofed with a nylon shell.
\nIt\u2019s the perfect waterproof backpack to take to the beach, because your stuff will stay dry even if you\u2019re in the heaviest rain. On the outside the backpack has 10 lash loops in two daisy chains, making it easy to attach to a board, boat or bike. The plentiful loops are also useful for fastening wet kit to the outside of your backpack when you\u2019re on the go.
\nUnlike many waterproof backpacks, it has comfortable padded straps, which is a good feature if you need to wear it for a while. There\u2019s also a hip strap, but it\u2019s a pity it\u2019s not padded for extra support. While we can\u2019t predict the weather, just roll this bag three times to seal it and the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Backpack should cover you for most terrain.
\nThe white interior makes it easy to see what kit you\u2019ve packed. The downside is that the bag does get dirty and stained easily. A field repair buckle is included, and the Big River waterproof backpack is available in black and dark red\/orange \u2013 I prefer the latter as it makes you a tad more visible on the water, although the black version is neutral enough that you could use it for commuting to work.
\nThis waterproof backpack weighs 760 grams so it\u2019s quite heavy compared to other more simple roll top dry bag designs. It does mean you\u2019re getting a proper backpack for your money (and if you need even more room, there\u2019s also a 75-litre version available). This design is expensive but worth it if you need a dry bag-meets-backpack your next trip.<\/p>\n
2 Red Adventure Waterproof Backpack 30 Litre
\nSpecifications:\u00a0Material: recycled nylon,Capacity: 30 litres, Colour: blue, green, black, Lash Loops: 1, Weight: 1.57g
\nReasons to buy: good straps, great internal organiser, tough waterproof fabric
\nReasons to avoid: heavy, limited lash loops
\nRed is a really great watersports brand \u2013 delivering some of the best inflatable stand up paddleboards on the market. Their Red Adventure Waterproof Backpack is a fully waterproof backpack that is also comfortable enough to travel long distances \u2013 where do we sign up?
\nRed Equipment have cracked it with this adventure waterproof backpack and it\u2019s why many watersports enthusiasts can be seen sporting it. You\u2019ll find everything you need from a decent backpack \u2013 well-padded shoulder straps and a chest strap are comfortable to wear, and mesh panels wick away sweat. Plus, there are plenty of external pockets including stretchy water bottle pockets and a zipped external compartment ideal for stashing wet kit in.
\nRed then add in extras to make this waterproof backpack ideal for adventures, including waterproof zippers, a tough, abrasion-resistant base so you can stand the pack upright and a roll-down top to keep everything water resistant. Inside the pack is roomy and there\u2019s a clever removable organiser which you can take out completely and hang up or keep in the pack \u2013 it\u2019ll store a small laptop, toiletries and plenty of other bits and bobs. There\u2019s also a small, zipped pocket inside the main bag that\u2019s ideal for stashing away your phone.
\nIt\u2019s a pity there\u2019s just one lash loop on a backpack with so many other bells and whistles. The outside is thick and tough yet easy to keep clean and feels like it could withstand all types of conditions. The nylon is made from recycled materials including plastic bottles, so this is a more eco-conscious pick than most.
\nWe tested the smart but muted blue version, which features reflective details that make you more visible when hiking and cycling after dark.<\/p>\n
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3 Mustang Survival Highwater Backpack 22 Litre
\nSpecifications:\u00a0Material: nylon, Capacity: 22 litres, Colour: black, Lash Loops: 0, Weight: 567g
\nReasons to buy: good size, handy mesh pockets, shoulder straps, lightweight
\nReasons to avoid: straps have limited padding, pricy for such a simple design
\nIf you\u2019re searching for a waterproof backpack that is simple in design and use, look no further than the Mustang Survival Highwater Backpack. I thought this waterproof backpack is a good choice for paddleboarding excursions, walking to a wild swim spot or popping a weekend\u2019s worth of clothes in for a boat trip.
\nThe roll top entry makes it quick to stash your items and quick to reseal thereafter. When we tested this waterproof backpack, the watertight seams stopped any splashes from getting through. This backpack has more external features than most dry bags, including three stretchy mesh pockets.
\nThe interior is black, which does make it hard to see what you\u2019ve squirrelled away. The shoulder straps are foam padded and there\u2019s a sternum clip \u2013 they\u2019re comfortable for a few miles but not structured enough for a proper trek (despite Mustang\u2019s claim of \u2018all-day comfort\u2019).
\nWhere this design does stand out compared to other backpack designs is for its lightweight \u2013 at under 600g, it won\u2019t weigh you down. There are no dedicated lash loops but you can use the straps to cinch this pack to a board or a bike.<\/p>\n
4 Sea to Summit Big River Dry Backpack 75 Litre
\nSpecification:\u00a0Material: nylon, Capacity: 75 litres, Colour: dark red, black, Lash loops: 10, Weight: 820g
\nReasons to buy: great colour, water repellent, plenty of lash loops
\nReasons to avoid: heavy
\nIf you are all about the maximum packing space for your next voyage, this massive waterproof backpack takes a whopping 75 litres of kit. Yes, this is enough for carrying all your adventurous needs kit such as a tent and sleeping bag or for packing for a week-long adventure.
\nThe Sea to Summit Big River is as waterproof and durable as it looks. When testing, we got the impression that it would withstand rough treatment on wild waters without turning a hair \u2013 which is good news to thrill seekers looking for a backpack.
\nWe love that the design is minimalist compared to proper hiking backpacks designed for dry land, but unlike traditional rucksacks the Big River is fully waterproofed with a nylon shell, so your stuff will stay dry in the heaviest rain. On the outside the pack sports a whopping 10 lash loops in two daisy chains, making it easy to attach to a board, boat or bike. The plentiful loops are also useful for tying wet kit to the outside of your backpack when you\u2019re on the go.
\nThat said, unlike many waterproof backpacks, this bag sports comfy padded straps, so you can still hike long distances while wearing it. There\u2019s also a hip strap, but it\u2019s not padded so you won\u2019t get that extra support.\u00a0 This pack weighs 820 grams so it\u2019s quite heavy compared to simpler dry bag designs, but you\u2019re getting a proper backpack for your money.
\nI think this backpack is well worth the spend if you need a dry bag-meets-backpack for big adventures. While colour isn\u2019t the most important factor when you\u2019re buying a dry bag, it doesn\u2019t hurt, and we thought the dark red hue of this drybag looked rather smart.<\/p>\n
5 Musto Evo Dry Backpack 40 Litre
\nSpecifications:\u00a0Material: Polyamide, Capacity: 40 litres, Colour: grey, Lash Loops: 0, Weight: 800g
\nReasons to buy: splashproof, light interior, laptop comportment, mesh pocket
\nReasons to avoid: looks grubby quickly, straps feel flimsy
\nI like a waterproof bag you can pop on your shoulders when needed, and this Musto design is a good bag-meets-backpack design. The main body of the bag is splashproof and the top features a rolltop closure, so you can quickly make things watertight.
\nOne of my favourite features was the roomy mesh front pocket, ideal for holding key items for easy access such as a water bottle, your keys or spare clothing. This pocket is deep enough to keep belongings secure when you\u2019re on the move and stretchy enough that you can pop things away on the go so you don\u2019t have to stop mid-bike or hike.
\nInside there\u2019s a padded compartment for a laptop \u2013 I would have liked this to be bigger, to take more kit such as your phone, and removable. The Dry Backpack has a pale grey interior and exterior \u2013 the latter is great for seeing what you\u2019ve packed but the former does look grubby easily.
\nThe solid bottom panel makes this pack stable and rip-resistant if you need to pop it down.<\/p>\n
The removable tote bag is a good feature
\n6 GroundTruth 25L Roll Top Dry Backpack
\nSpecifications:\u00a0Material: Recycled Nylon, Capacity: 25L litres, Colour: Turquoise, Lash Loops: 2, Weight: 900g (bag only)
\nReasons to buy: Genuine efforts to recycle waste plastic and reduce Co2; Tote inside gives a 2-for-1 feel to the bag
\nReasons to avoid: Fairly expensive for a waterproof backpack
\nThis bag hits all of my waterproof backpack preferences, with soft comfy straps, padded back panels, roll-top drybag closure to keep things dry and is just the right size to fit everything I need for a day of paddleboarding without being unwieldy. It\u2019s even been created in collaboration with PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) so it\u2019s waterproof levels (IP67 rating \u2013 essentially a very high level of water protection) can be trusted.
\nThe company have created their own zip type to try to reduce manufacturing emissions (the material is nattily called: GT-OCO-CO2 and has won awards). The zip material is almost irrelevant other than the fact that is shows what appear to be genuine efforts to create a product that is not harmful to the environment. They have created their own material to produce the backpack made using 100% recycled plastics recovered from the oceans, including post-consumer waste and ghost fishing nets.
\nThe GroundTruth has a neat little trick and internal padded tote bag that can be removed and used separately. Although the tote is handy to pull out and use at the beach I think the benefits are slightly broader. All roll top type backpacks suffer a certain floppyness when they are not full, but with the tote insert added the GroundTruth backpack feels really sturdy. But when removed the bag is lightweight and folds away up very small.
\nAs GroundTruth are fairly new to the waterproof backpack market purchasing options are limited so you can currently really only buy the GroundTruth 25L Roll Top Dry Backpack direct fromGroundTruth but i\u2019m told they are working on their network of suppliers. (Review by Toby Heppell)<\/p>\n
How I tested the waterproof rucksacks
\nWhen testing these rucksacks, I paid attention to features like their capacity to understand which options would be best for sailing the seven seas, paddleboarding, and even taking day on days out with loved ones. Here is what I examined:
\nCapacity
\nAll the rucksack bags are 75 litres \/ 16 US gallons or less capacity.
\nWeight
\nI chose bags that were as lightweight as possible to ensure they would be easy to carry.
\nWaterproofness
\nMost items are rarely 100% submersible due to their design. I made sure to list if the options we featured were splashproof or if they could withstand more exposure to water.
\nEase of use
\nWhile all singing and dancing items can be great, taking it back to basics is what you need with a rucksack. Having a bag that does not need instructions to use is ideal.
\nThe post Best Waterproof Backpack 2025: 6 Top Models Tested appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Girl Outdoors founder, Sian Lewis, reveals her top list of waterproof backpacks, which offer plenty of room on the inside and the outside and are designed to keep your essentials safe and dryFinding luggage solutions for your next trip … <\/p>\n