WomenActive
Written By Morgan Scott
The good news is that today there are more great waterproof backpack options than ever before!
The bad news is that for many women, finding a stylish waterproof backpack that actually fits can still be a challenge. Let's face it: a lot of backpacks are either too big and bulky or just not cute.
In this buying guide, we'll test and review the best waterproof backpacks for women based on specific criteria of fit, style and performance - you know, the stuff that really matters. Whether you are looking for the water resistant backpack for college, a go-to beach backpack or a dry bag for your next outdoor adventure, these backpacks will keep your important items safe no matter the weather forecast that day.
Our favorite waterproof backpacks for women:
Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack - Stylish water resistant laptop backpack for work and daily carry
Got Bag Rolltop Lite - Most versatile. Cute waterproof backpack for laptop, travel and outdoor activities
Skog A Kust Backsack - Best compact dry bag for outdoor activities
How We Picked
Waterproof and Water Resistant Construction
In this list we included a mix water resistant and waterproof backpacks for women to allow you to choose your level of protection based on your needs. For everyday use, water-resistant bags may be more than enough for commuting on rainy days. Yet those who plan on using their backpacks for outdoor activities like kayaking, conoing and fishing may may want to upgrade to a bag with waterproof fabric and technical features such as a sternum strap and attachment loops for accessories.
Water Resistant Backpacks - These backpacks are usually made with coated water repellent exterior fabric that allows water to roll off the exterior. Some advanced features include water resistant zippers, taped waterproof seams and special water resistant designs. Most people looking for a daily laptop backpack that can occasionally double as an outdoor pack would fare best here.
The features we look for:
Stylish design for work or travel
Treated water repellent fabrics
Water resistant zippers
Laptop compartments, interior pockets for daily organization
Waterproof Backpacks - Made of waterproof textiles with welded or taped seams and waterproof zippers or roll-top closures. These backpacks often have few zippers or access points for water to get into the interior of the bag and are the backpacks you want for outdoor activities near water or for heavy rain.
The features we look for:
Fully waterproof fabrics or materials
Waterproof zippers or roll-top closures
Taped or welded seams (instead of regular stitching)
Chest strap, waist straps and other technical features
Women’s Specific Fit
Although there are tons of great waterproof backpack options on the market, some women may still find them too large. That’s why, in this buying guide, we take special consideration of water resistant and waterproof backpacks that either have a women’s specific fit or were designed to comfortably fit those with smaller frames.
Rest assured that we won’t be recommending the same unisex backpacks in the color pink - we went out of our way to pick bags that will accommodate people with smaller shoulders and shorter torsos.
Best Women's Waterproof Laptop Backpacks
Troubadour Bivy Tote
If we had to choose our favorite women's water-resistant bag, this would be it! Each Bivy Tote Backpack is made with waterproof fabric and water-resistant zippers for peace of mind during daily commutes. Plus, its convertible design makes it perfect for everyday use.
Unlike other waterproof backpacks that look more at home on the trail, you won't shy away from wearing the Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack into the office or on travel days when you want to look your best. The fabric feels robust without looking too sporty, and accents like the faux-leather handles and slim shoulder straps really elevate the look.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: 21L
Convertible: can be worn as a backpack or tote bag
17" Padded laptop sleeve
Lots of smaller pockets for organization!
Got Bag Daypack
Available in almost a dozen cute colors, the Got Bag Daypack is a water-resistant laptop backpack that will give you peace of mind on rainy commutes and beach days alike.
Each Got Bag Daypack is made from recycled Ocean Impact Plastic with an eco-friendly waterproof coating that is free from harmful PFC and PVC, while water-resistant zippers give the Daypack additional moisture protection. Inside, you'll find a 13" padded laptop sleeve and 11L of packing room that's perfect for daily essentials or to use on fun weekend adventures.
Its compact dimensions make the Got Bag Daypack perfect for petite women who usually find most backpacks too "tall" on the back, while the adjustable padded shoulder straps make this backpack a sure fit for a large variety of body types.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: 11L
13" laptop sleeve
Available in lots of different fun colors to match your style
Compact profile for a perfect fit on shorter torsos
WANDRD PRVKE Lite
The WANDRD PRVKE Lite is a versatile camera, laptop, and travel bag with a compact footprint to better fit smaller people. Not only is it one of our favorite water-resistant backpacks for women, but it's also one of our top camera bags for women, thanks to its built-in camera cube. The waterproof tarpaulin exterior and water-resistant zippers also make it ridiculously water-resistant.
Watch this WANDRD PRVKE Lite backpack walkthrough video
What we love about the WANDRD PRVKE Lite is that it's packed with technical features for photographers and travelers alike. The exterior attachment points allow you to carry extra items like a tripod, jacket, or blanket, while the inside is equipped with a generously padded 14" laptop sleeve, lots of space, plus a built-in camera cube that can be removed on the days you want to use the PRVKE Lite as a regular daypack.
Like the look of the WANDRD PRVKE Lite but want to go a little bigger? Check out the full-sized WANDRD PRVKE.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: 11-16L (expandable roll-top)
14" padded laptop sleeve
Built-in camera cube with removable dividers
Compact design to better fit narrow shoulders and shorter torsos
Chrome Urban Ex
Chrome offers a fantastic waterproof backpack for city explorers who need a tough and reliable bag for daily use with the Urban Ex. Trust us, its heavy-duty waterproof exterior and welded waterproof seams will be an absolute lifesaver if you are ever get caught in a heavy rain during a commute (plus, it makes a great backpack for groceries and other errands).
The inside of the Chrome Urban Ex is equipped with a padded 15” laptop sleeve and extra pockets to keep you organized. The reflective attachment loops on the outside of the bag allow for storage of bike u-locks and gear while providing additional safety when commuting in low light.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: 20L
Fully waterproof rolltop construction
15” padded laptop sleeve
Rains Rucksack
Rains is a brand that makes rain jackets and bags to survive stormy weather and their Rucksack not only will keep you dry during rainy commutes but its cute design will make sure you look great even when the weather gets bad. The 11-liter main compartment makes the Rains Rucksack a great small daypack for those who want the protection of a waterproof backpack without the bulk a large bag.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: 11L
Compact profile is great for shorter torsos
Made of waterproof PU coated fabric
Internal 13” padded laptop compartment
Ortlieb Velocity PS
Heavy rain is no match for the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack! This waterproof daypack was originally designed for bike commuting but it can used by anyone for work, school, and running errands in the city thanks to its waterproof materials and sealed seams for ultimate protection from the weather.
One of the best features of the Velocity PS is its removable laptop sleeve, which you can keep in on work/school days or take out for beach or trail trips. The backpack's roll-top closure allows you to adjust its size, making the Velocity perfect for any activity.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: 17L
Made of waterproof materials with taped seams for ultimate protection against moisture
Lightweight construction (one of the lightest waterproof backpacks available!)
Slim shoulder straps and small profile gives it a female-friendly fit.
Able Carry Thirteen Daypack
The Able Carry Thirteen Daypack is perfect for women looking for a high quality water resistant laptop backpack that means business. Rainy days ahead? No problem! Each pack is made with waterproof Ripstop Nylon and is equipped with water resistant zippers for extra protection.
In addition to a 13-inch padded laptop sleeve and plenty of easy access front pockets, the Thirteen Daypack also offers a couple of sneaky secret compartments that are perfect for busy days on the metro or while traveling. The compact size of the Thirteen Daypack is also great for women who are tired of bulky laptop backpacks. In addition to a small size, the Thirteen Daypack has s-curve shaped shoulder straps for a more comfortable female fit.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: 13L
Compact design to better fit shorter torsos
Made of durable ripstop nylon with water resistant zippers
13" laptop compartment
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Best Outdoor Waterproof Backpacks for Women
Got Bag Rolltop Lite
It can be tough to find a cute waterproof backpack, but the Got Bag Rolltop Lite gives us hope with its minimalist design and fun color options.
What makes this backpack special is its removable 15-inch laptop compartment. This allows you to use the Got Bag Rolltop Lite as a laptop backpack on the weekdays and a waterproof adventure pack on the weekends. Other great features include a chest strap for helping with weight distribution and a large-capacity roll-top closure that can be expanded as needed.
The Got Bag Rolltop Lite is the little sister to the full-sized Got Bag Rolltop and has been redesigned with slimmer shoulder straps and a more compact profile making it the perfect waterproof backpack for women.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: Up to 26L when expanded
Removable 15" laptop sleeve
Made of recycled materials
Womens fit: Narrower shoulder straps to better fit smaller shoulders
Skog Å Kust BackSåk
Skog Å Kust, a Swedish brand renowned for their tough waterproof bags, offers the BackSåk as an ideal option for women seeking a waterproof backpack specifically for outdoor sports and activities. It features heavy-duty PVC construction, a spacious main compartment for bulky gear, and the ability to float if accidentally dropped in the water.
The 25L version of the BackSåk has a height of 16 inches, perfect for most women with shorter torsos. We found the shoulder straps to be suitable for those with narrower shoulders. If you often find most dry bags to be too large, we recommend trying the 25L Skog Å Kust BackSåk.
Available in almost a dozen colors and patterns, the Skog Å Kust BackSåk offers plenty of options to choose from.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: 25L
Interior pockets for organizing important items
Tough as nails - made with a heavy 500D PVC material with welded seams that’s completely waterproof
Breakwater Supply Fogland Lite 15L
Breakwater Supply offers a high-quality, fully waterproof backpack in a small size. This dry bag uses heavy-duty, waterproof zippers to create an airtight seal, meaning it can float on water and even be submerged!
Other awesome features include interior pockets for organization, a laptop pocket, and a fully waterproof front pocket for easy access to important items. The Fogland wouldn't be complete without some technical features, too. Each pack is equipped with d-rings on the shoulder straps and reflective accents to keep you visible in low light.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: 15L
Airtight and 100% waterproof: can float on water!
High quality construction
Internal laptop pocket
Exped Typhoon 15 Pack
Whether you want to be ready for the next rain storm or like to spend your weekends on the water, the Exped Typhoon 15 is the perfect option for women who need a waterproof daypack they can take on any adventure.
What we like the most about the Typhoon 15 are all of the great features on the outside of the pack. Unlike other dry bags, the Typhoon 15 includes stretchy mesh side pockets for easy access to water bottles or other smaller items. Daisy chain loops also allow you to attach additional gear during outdoor activities, while a front attachment point allows you to clip on a bike light for safety.
Features at a glance:
Capacity: 15L
Fully waterproof thanks to roll-top closure and taped seams
Compact design for a better women’s fit
Made of lightweight waterproof materials for less bulk
Waterproof Backpack Features Explained
Choosing the right waterproof backpack is simple when you know which features to look out for. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through your next backpack purchase!
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Rolltop Backpacks
Rolltop designs offer the best waterproof protection thanks to their unique “rolltop” enclosure that creates a natural seal to protect the main compartment from moisture and dust. Usually the more you can roll down the top, the tighter the seal and the better the protection.
This is why most dry bags are designed as rolltop backpacks! When coupled with waterproof fabrics a rolltop backpack is by far the best waterproofing option.
Zipper Backpacks
Most zippers that come equipped on “waterproof backpacks” are only really water resistant. This means that they can protect against light rain or splashes but are still susceptible to water seeping through in the event of heavy exposure.
When shopping for a zippered backpack make sure that the pack is constructed with special water resistant zippers over regular zippers for that added protection.
Which is better?
For everyday carry a zippered backpack may be simpler to use as there is less fiddling with extra material and buckles to access the main compartment. Simple actions like quickly grabbing a laptop in class or at the office are much easier with a single zipper.
But few zippered backpacks can match the level of waterproof protection a rolltop backpack can provide. If you are looking for a women’s waterproof backpack that will mainly used outdoors (sports, hiking, bike commuting) then we recommend with going with a rolltop for the peace of mind.
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The first line of defense for waterproofing a backpack is with its exterior material since it is the largest surface area and where the bag is most likely to encounter moisture.
With water resistant backpacks you’ll mostly find fabrics that are coated with a waterproofing treatment so that the fabric can repel water. Dry bags and other highly waterproof backpacks may use naturally waterproof materials to make their bags watertight.
Coated Fabrics
Polyester and nylon are the two most common materials found in backpack construction. On their own they do naturally provide a little bit of protection against moisture but not nearly enough for them to offer serious protection.
As a result you’ll often see these fabrics treated with a waterproofing coating like DWR (durable water resistant), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane plastic) or PU (polyurethane) to add additional moisture protection to the fabric. These treatments act as a barrier between the fabric and the elements allowing water to bead and roll off before it has a chance to penetrate.
Waterproof Materials
Waterproof materials are any material that is itself waterproof without the need for extra treatment. The most common are materials like TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). By the way, those are just fancy terms for plastic and rubber.
Materials like TPE and PVC are usually heavier and thicker than a coated fabric. In fact, they feel more like plastic than an actual fabric but these materials are great for anyone who does activities near water and absolutely needs the protection of a dry bag. But for people who need a reliable everyday backpack, the extra weight and bulk can be overkill.
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Even if a backpack is constructed with highly water resistant or waterproof materials there are still usually a few “weak points” that can compromise how waterproof a backpack really is. These weak points are usually found in the zippers and seams.
Zippers and seams are traditionally sewed into place leaving small holes that can lead to moisture penetration. The main difference between a “water resistant” backpack and a “waterproof” one is with their treatment of zippers and seams. The problems you’ll encounter with moisture penetration isn’t with the fabric itself (that’s usually waterproofed) but with water finding its way through the stitching.
A good waterproof backpack will mitigate these weak spots by either taping or stitching their seams to add that extra layer of protection. This is the main difference between a “water resistant” backpack (that’s usually just a regular backpack with some DWR coating sprayed on on the fabric) and an actual waterproof one.
Taped Seams
Taping a seam is a simple waterproofing method that involves fusing a waterproof tape to the sewed seams to create a waterproof seal. When coupled with waterproof fabrics this seam treatment eliminates a way for moisture to sneak into the bag.
Welded Seams
Welded seams are a step up from taped seams and can be usually be found in high end waterproof backpacks. Instead of stitching the seam and taping them to create a seal, the fabric is instead fused together with heat to create a watertight bond.
Since no thread is used in this method there are no stitching holes for water to penetrate - leaving you with a 100% waterproof seam.
More Waterproof Backpack Guides
Best Waterproof Backpacks for College
Best Rolltop Waterproof Laptop Backpacks
Best Backpacks for the Beach
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Got BagTroubadourSkog A KustWANDRDChromeOrtliebExpedRainsAble CarryBreakwater Supply
Morgan Scotthttps://backpackies.com
