As a college student or commuter, staying organized and protected from unexpected weather is crucial. A waterproof backpack can be a game-changer, keeping your books, electronics, and other essentials safe from rain and spills. Here are the five best waterproof backpacks for college students and commuters, each with its own set of pros and cons.
Breakwater Supply Fogland 25L CORDURA Goshen Gray
We’ve highlighted the Breakwater Supply Fogland Backpack before, and it’s made this list again. We love the CORDURA ripstop on this one because it makes for a rugged, professional look, and it’s IP68 waterproof. The Fogland Backpack is very well made and we like that the shoulder straps and back padding are non-absorbent with a high-quality look and finish. This bag may look like a regular backpack, but the welded seams and airtight zippers allow it to handle anything you throw at it, from torrential, non-stop rain or snow to marine science research excursions in high seas. The Fogland CORDURA Backpack is the best waterproof backpack for school, college, commuting, and for field research.
- Made with high-quality CORDURA fabric for durability
- Fully waterproof IP68 (submersible) and weatherproof capability
- Advanced construction with welded seams and airtight zippers
- Lightweight (2lbs) and comfortable to carry
- Includes 16″ internal dedicated laptop compartment and side water bottle pockets on the exterior
- Reflective sternum strap and additional reflective elements for safety when walking or commuting via bicycle
- Dries quickly when wet
- Slightly higher price point
- Limited color options
RAINS Waterproof Backpack
RAINS has been making backpacks advertised as waterproof for a while now, and they usually feature a fold-top, flap closure and PU-coated water-resistant material. This backpack from RAINS is a good choice to keep essentials dry in short rain showers, but keep in mind this not a weatherproof backpack for rugged use.
- Sleek, minimalist design with waterproof fabric
- Dedicated laptop sleeve fits up to a 15″ laptop
- Adjustable shoulder straps for comfort
- Hidden phone pocket on the backside
- Durable hardware and magnetic flap closure
- Premium price point
- Stitched seams (not welded)
- No reflective elements
- Smaller storage capacity
Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack
A good budget backpack with a fold-top closure. Though not made for harsh elements, the Timbuk2 Spire utilizes water-resistant materials to withstand one-off rain showers for ducking to class or the gym, but be careful in prolonged exposure to water.
- Waterproof TPU liner and water-resistant exterior
- Dedicated laptop compartment fits up to a 15″ laptop
- Ample storage with multiple pockets and compartments
- Ventilated back panel
- Includes a sternum strap for added stability
- Will only hold off rain for a limited time
- Straps and back panel take a long time to dry when wet
- No reflective elements
- Zippers are not waterproof
BANGE Business Smart Waterproof Backpack
This larger-capacity business backpack has about 30 liters of storage space and is made from water-resistant material. It’s a good choice for business commuters and travelers who don’t expect rugged use, but who want some waterproof protection. Keep in mind the non-waterproof zippers and stitched seams will not keep water out in the event of sustained rain. There are some anti-theft features and a USB relay port for charging.
- Water-resistant and scratch-resistant material
- Dedicated laptop compartment fits up to a 15.6″ laptop
- Anti-theft design with double zippers
- Multiple compartments and pockets for organization
- USB charging port and headphone jack
- Slightly bulkier design, weighing 2.6lbs empty
- Not actually waterproof
MATEIN Waterproof College Backpack
The MATEIN Waterproof College Backpack is an extremely popular, larger-capacity everyday backpack mainly due to the affordable price point. There are two versions of this bag: one that fits up to a 17.3″ laptop, and one that fits a 15.6″ laptop. There’s plenty of internal organization, a USB relay port for charging, and it’s fairly lightweight for its bulkiness, weighing just over 2lbs. Zippers on each side allow the backpack to expand to 37L of capacity.
While advertised as waterproof, the MATEIN College Backpack offers no waterproof features outside of the water-resistant polyester material. The zippers, stitched seams, and shoulder straps will leak heavily in the event of a downpour.
- Water-resistant polyester fabric
- Padded laptop compartment fits up to a 15.6″ or 17.3″ laptop
- Multiple compartments and pockets for organization
- USB charging port for on-the-go charging
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps and back panel
- Least waterproof backpack on this list
- Quality is hit-or-miss, with some people reporting that the internal pockets are prone to tearing
With any of these top rated waterproof backpacks, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever college or work life throws your way, rain, shine, or snow. Each option offers unique features to suit different needs and preferences, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your academic and business adventures, whether commuting by train, bus, or bike, doing research in the field, or just tackling your daily routine.