Hedging against inclement weather (and accidents; like coffee spills or puddle drops) is an important consideration when you’re in search of a new bag, backpack, or duffel. Who wants to deal with wet clothes, soaked documents, or worst of all… damaged electronics? While you might not anticipate foul weather, adventure travel brings with it a degree of risk and exposure to the elements.
The degree of protection varies from one product to another, so consider your intended use, and just how waterproof your bag should be before choosing a bag. When it comes to levels of protection think water resistant, waterproof, and 100% waterproof. Water resistant bags will work in 80 percent of the conditions we encounter. Light rain, a bit of snow, or a splash from a mishandled Americano; a water resistant bag will do its job and keep its contents dry. If you’ll be exposed to a downpour, persistent showers, or a brief dunk in the river we recommend going for something waterproof. However, if you’re whitewater rafting, strapping a drybag to your roof, or canoeing… you’ll want something 100 percent waterproof (i.e. something that floats).
Below, we’ve made your search a bit easier by laying out some of our favorites…
Patagonia Backpacks and Duffels
Patagonia Black Hole® duffels and backpacks are our go to luggage. Whether we’re in a Jeep traversing the Oregon backcountry or racking up Italian traffic violations in a rented Fiat; we trust a Patagonia bag to keep our stuff dry.
Granted they aren’t true dry bags… but they will shrug off rain, spills, and a brief drop in a puddle. Plus those dry bags with backpack straps don’t make the best travel companion. If you’re white water rafting or fishing they’re a solid choice, but for 95 percent of the time something like the Black Hole® is a much better option.
Topo Designs Water-Resistant Backpack
Topo Designs’ Rover Pack is a great looking, made in the USA rucksack. Granted, it is not a waterproof backpack, but the Rover Pack offers just enough protection to keep things pretty dry while avoiding the “I’m going whitewater rafting” appearance. The Rover Pack features a 1000D Cordura® base for durability and abrasion resistance. Up top… a lightweight, water-resistant pack cloth upper and a cinch closure. Open the Colorado made bag and you’ll find a coated liner and enough room (16.2 Liters) for a laptop, camera, and clothes for an overnight excursion.
Timbuk2 100% Waterproof Backpack
Timbuk2’s Especial Primo waterproof backpack is completely waterproof, just like its messenger bag sibling; the Especial Primo Messenger. Both bags, the backpack and messenger, are fully welded and entirely (aka 100%) waterproof. Even in the worst conditions they claim that no water will touch your stuff inside. We think it’s a great option for overland adventures, Seattle winters, and anytime where your waterproof backpack must be, without a doubt, completely waterproof.
Flofold Conductor Water-Resistant Duffel
We love duffels. We also love durable US made goods. So recommending the Conductor from Flofold is a no-brainer. Its constructed from a crazy strong, yet lightweight material called X-Pac. Oh, and did we mention that it’s backed by a lifetime warranty? It is, and Flofold also pointed out that it’s 100% vegan. We think it’s an amazingly well designed product that will serve you well as a carry on and on overland adventures. It might even be good enough to replace one of our Patagonia Black Hole duffels.. our reigning favorite piece of luggage.
SealLine Waterproof Duffel
SealLine’s Widemouth duffel is not only a super durable barrier to H2O; it’s a great value. It even had D-rings you can use as tie downs. Made from the same material as SealLine’s legendary dry bags, the duffel will keep your gear dry in all but the worst circumstances… and for those times when you need a submersible duffel; SealLine offers the Zip Duffel. The easy to pack, Widemouth duffel is even assembled right here in the USA. So if you’re looking for a roll top highly waterproof bag; we definitely recommend checking out SealLine.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack
Sea to Summit’s Ultra-Sil Dry Sack is an awesome way to hedge against inclement weather. It’s not a waterproof backpack or duffel, but we take one or two everywhere we go. They’re made of Siliconized Cordura; in other words they’re very lightweight, strong, and waterproof. We even use them as a travel hampers. Actually, that’s what we use them for about 90 percent of the time. They take up hardly any room in a suitcase or carry on and the Hypalon roll top closure allows you to take up even less room by pushing out the air and closing the bag (kind of like a vacuum sealer).
Outside of killing it as a travel accessory, they also work well as a tradition dry bag. Although, not as bulletproof as their rubberized counterparts. However, for medium to lighter-duty activities like backpacking, air travel, or inside your adventure vehicle these are perfect. However, if you want something that you can tie to a roof rack or throw in a self-bailing raft; look to something a little more puncture and abrasion resistant.
More Overlanding Guides, Skills & Resources.
- Overland Essentials – Our picks for the skills and gear you must have to get started.
- Handheld Radios – Skip the CB, check out our page on choosing the right communication tool.
- Basic Gear – Things you’ll want and need beyond the items that will keep you safe and out of trouble.
- Camp and Kitchen – Gear to improve meal prep, sleep, and time spent in the overland campsite.
- Choosing a Vehicle – Information on popular adventure vehicles
