If you’re on the lookout for the best waterproof backpack for college then it’s a given that some carry features are essential to your bag, a padded laptop case, plenty of internal pockets for personal items. Yet such features aren’t as popular in the world of completely waterproof backpacks as you would like to believe. In fact, that is because most waterproof backpacks are designed for specific sports and events such as surfing and fishing. Therefore, you need to get the best waterproof backpack for college. For a college student, it may be a difficult task to find the best waterproof backpacks on the market.
Waterproof backpacks are the best protection for your laptop and other electronics. A waterproof backpack should be fully immersed in the water without water coming into it. Many backpacks are not watertight. Some are made of nylon coated with urethane where water may pass through the seams and cracks. Waterproof packs are used for different sports, such as hiking, walking, transportation, education, military, and other activities. Getting a secure backpack is very necessary for safeguarding your books, laptops, and other items.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 9 hrs of research
A-LAB | Model D | Waterproof Backpack for College – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Really sleek and functional
- Tons of space in the main pocket
- Surprisingly comfortable
- Extremely waterproof
Gysan Waterpoof College Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- The straps are very comfortable
- Two bottle pockets on the side
- The backpack looks professional and stylish
- Lots of pockets inside and three pockets on the outside
Best Waterproof Backpacks for College – Overview
It can spoil your day if your gadgets or even document gets soaked when you’re outside. That’s why a proper waterproof pack is a necessity for someone who makes regular use of a pack and depends on it to keep their equipment secure and dry. You may think waterproof backpacks aren’t that simple to find or can be very costly, but that’s not true. You just need to learn what you’re searching for, because most packs already have some form of a weather-resistant coating.
Best Waterproof Backpacks for College Reviews
1. A-LAB | Model D | Waterproof Backpack for College – Premium Pick
A-LAB products are designed with pure simplicity in mind. They aim for a minimalist and urban look by using durable materials that withstand any kind of weather on your daily commute. The beauty of the product is in its simple form and the application of details. A-LAB | Model D | Waterproof Backpack for College is extremely waterproof due to high-frequency welding (as opposed to sewn or glued products).
Made of 500D tarpaulin material, phthalate-free PVC coating, waterproof, durable & matte finish. There is also a high-quality neoprene laptop sleeve (up to 15.4 “), removable, can be fixed inside with velcro. It also features variable shoulder strap lengths with strong nylon buckle and reinforced opening. Our handy guide to the best minimalist backpacks features more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Horizontal pocket with water repellent zipper
- Additional carrying handle on the side
- Push buttons to reduce the volume
- Variable shoulder strap lengths with strong nylon buckle
Specifications:
- Brand: A-Lab
- Capacity: 26L
- Dimensions: 23.2″ H x 13″ W x 5.1″ D
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
- Really sleek and functional
- Tons of space in the main pocket
- Surprisingly comfortable
- Extremely waterproof
- The matte finish on the bag can show some signs of scratching at the seams after a bit of use
2. Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 Backpack
The Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 Backpack will get you and your belongings from point A to point B, and everywhere in between safely! Made of durable 210D nylon FD hitra. Adjustable padded shoulder straps with padded carry handle. Zippered main and front compartments with organization for cards, phone, and passport. Quilted back panel. YKK zippers with zipper pullers that can be attached to discreet security hooks or placed under & through a secure tab to prevent pickpockets from reaching into your bag.
Bottom front zippered compartment with slip and organization pockets. Flexible, lightweight, stainless steel wire is integrated into the adjustable Carrysafe® straps making it invisible to the eye, yet very effective at preventing bag slashers from slicing through and running off with your gear. Easy and intuitive to use, the Lockabout™ security clip offers 3 levels of security to prevent pickpockets from sneaking their way into your bag and running off with your valuables.
Key Features:
- Quick access front pocket
- Comfortable adjustable shoulder straps
- Lockable zippers
- Lockabout security clip
Specifications:
- Brand: Pacsafe
- Dimensions: 18.9″ H x 11.8″ W x 6.7″ D
- Weight: 1.84 lbs
- Pretty lightweight
- Laptop pocket stops before it gets to the bottom of the bag
- Zippers not only lock but also tuck neatly out of sight
- Lots of handy little side pockets tucked into the bag’s interior
- No waist strap for support when you’re wearing it all day long
3. Tigernu College Laptop Backpack
The Tigernu College Laptop Backpack is a multi-purpose backpack, there are multiple storage compartments including one iPad bin and one separate laptop compartment with cassette + Glasses suspension design. Perfect for men, women, or students’ daily use at business, school, college, and travel. Features durable tear-resistant water-repellent nylon. Anti-scratch, wear-resistant, and fabric, wipes in 5 minutes without any trace left.
With a comfortable back support system, it is ergonomically designed with padded shoulder straps and back. Made from high-elasticity and breathable sponge and fabric. Equipped with adjustable chest buckle and adjustable ring hasp, enables you to control the strap length freely and reduces the burden of weight. Provides extra support and comfort to your back and shoulders. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best backpacks for college students with laptops.
Key Features:
- Dual-layer zipper
- Hidden laptop compartment
- Well organized pockets
- Comfortable back padding
Specifications:
- Brand: uoobag
- Dimensions: 19.29″ H x 12.99″ W x 6.69″ D
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
- Multiple dividers and pouches
- Great construction
- Very comfortable on your back and has lots of padding
- Able to lock the padded back compartment and bigger compartment
- Laptop pocket resides under the arm straps, which requires a bit more effort to remove and replace your computer
4. Gysan Waterpoof College Backpack – Best Value
Gysan is the brand for active and casual. With the motto to keep things simple and neat, Gysan offers an assortment of accessories and bags for everyday use. The Gysan Waterpoof College Backpack is made of superior quality nylon. Nylon is a popular and ideal lightweight material for ultra-strong and heavy-duty backpacks.
Reinforced bottom and high detailing. This ensures that the base of the school backpack is durably covered. The added reinforcement protects the backpack. Padded back and shoulder straps give you a comfortable experience. It’s a considerate design for the zipper with a quality and comfy PU pull tab.
Key Features:
- Waterproof nylon fabric
- Multiple pockets
- Padded back and shoulder straps
- Extra padded bottom
Specifications:
- Brand: Gysan
- Capacity: 21L
- Dimensions: 16.92″ H x 11.81″ W x 6.29″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- The straps are very comfortable
- Two bottle pockets on the side
- The backpack looks professional and stylish
- Lots of pockets inside and three pockets on the outside
- The zipper tabs look cheap and tacky
5. OUTJOY College Backpack
OUTJOY College Backpack offers a specially and professionally shockproof protective airbag technology with extra bubble type padding that adds a lot of protection for your laptops and the gaps created by the “bubbles” allow your laptop to cool off after use by passive venting through these channels. This backpack has water-resistant outer fabric and waterproof rain cover for double protection of your inside objects from getting wet.
This large backpack has roomy space with organized pockets for your daily need. The pockets’ construction is improved deeper to contain more gadgets at the most front compartment. There is a headphone hole at the reasonable top position connecting cable through in case that your phone is stolen or gets lost or gets dropping when you enjoy your music or have a phone call talk or run in a hurry. Make sure you also check our selection of the best college backpacks for guys.
Key Features:
- Breathable mesh-covered back panel
- External USB port
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps
- Net pockets for bottle
Specifications:
- Brand: OUTJOY
- Dimensions: 19″ H x 12″ W x 9.8″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Decent water bottle size holders
- Key ring attachment within pocket is a life saver
- A lot of pockets
- Has a cool design
- Not the most comfortable
6. ZBRO DRY2 Waterproof Backpack
Searching for a high-quality PVC free waterproof backpack for college? Whether you’re planning to do some boating, kayaking, hiking, exploring, or traveling, the ZBRO DRY2 Waterproof Backpack is just what you need to protect your gear! Upgraded with a splash-proof front pocket, the waterproof backpack has plenty of room to stow away all of those survival accessories that can get wet, including small tarps, knives, tools & utensils.
Showcasing a chest safety strap that is equipped with UTX-buckles as well as a pair of contoured shoulder straps, the fit of the Dry2 Urban Pack protective waterproof outdoor backpack can be adjusted as needed. the ergonomic shoulder straps & the back panel with padding relieves pressure points & effectively balances your load, thus making the backpacks comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Key Features:
- Inner zip pocket and 2 mesh pockets
- Removable multi-pocket organizer
- Breathable neoprene back
- Adjustable shoulder strap
Specifications:
- Brand: ZBRO
- Capacity: 25L
- Dimensions: 16.8″ H x 12.2″ W x 8.8″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- The laptop compartment is removable
- The zipper is a specialized one to keep out dust and water
- Back is well padded
- Fully waterproof
- Reinforce the bottom of the the bag with some padding
7. HotStyle College Backpack
Tired of those skimpy backpacks that quickly fall apart at the seams? Upgrade to this HotStyle College Backpack, ideal for school, college, work, travel, gym, hiking, camping, commuting, sports, day trips, and more. With 9 pockets inside plus 3 outside, your well-designed laptop backpack keeps all your gear neatly organized. Holds 15.6″ laptop, bulky binders, notepads & more.
From its water-resistant shell to its rugged faux-leather bottom, this heavy-duty student backpack withstands anything kids can dish out. Shrugs off rain & snow. Its classic vintage design is just the beginning. This stylish school backpack boasts super-strong stitching, premium YKK zippers, thick padded straps & more. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best college backpacks for girls.
Key Features:
- Hidden zippered side pocket
- Handy exterior port for earbuds
- 9 pockets inside and 3 outside pockets
- YKK zippers
Specifications:
- Brand: HotStyle
- Capacity: 26L
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12.6″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Has a lot of compartments
- The base of the backpack is very strong
- Waterproof
- Has two net holders
- The leather strap on the zippers can easily fall off
8. CLELO Waterproof Laptop Backpack
Th CLELO Waterproof Laptop Backpack is made of waterproof oxford fabric with excellent stitching technic which makes the backpack strong and durable. This backpack can fit 15.6″ laptops, with enough room to accommodate your additional accessories. Moisture-wicking Vapel mesh material and deep air channels create maximum airflow between your back and the pack.
Large main compartments and multiple pockets allow you to keep all of your gear secure and organized. Multiple pockets including a zippered mesh pocket, pen pockets, lidded media pocket, and key fob hook are perfect for keeping all of your smaller items secure.
Key Features:
- Airflow padded back panel
- Mesh water bottle pockets at side
- Adjustable side compression straps
- Padded bottom panel
Specifications:
- Brand: CLELO
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12.6″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- The smaller zippered areas in the front are great to keep smaller items
- The side pockets are also great for keeping a water bottle
- The handle at the top looks like it is built to last forever
- The “knobby” padding on the shoulder straps seems to make the straps more comfortable
- The zippers on the side pockets were a little stiff or sticky in spots and just needed to be loosened up a little
9. DRYCASE Masonboro Waterproof Adventure Backpack
Wherever your adventure takes you, the DRYCASE Masonboro Waterproof Adventure Backpack has your back. This waterproof bag keeps your belongings dry and protected from the elements. Waterproof main compartment, keeping your valuables dry all day long. Whether you’re paddling out for the day or boating, no matter the destination, this bag is guaranteed to keep your things out of the elements.
With a whopping 35 liters of storage, this bag has plenty of space. Featuring 3 stitched loop daisy chains, a durable coated mesh front pocket, mesh side water bottle pocket, and two adjustable length utility cords. Use this bag as a cooler, or fill with water for a shower. The two-way valve works as a drain. Use the valve to fill with air to give the bag extra flotation, no worries if it falls in the water.
Key Features:
- Made of high quality marine grade waterproof vinyl
- 2 Way purge valve
- Padded shoulder and waist straps for added comfort
- External zippered mesh pocket for wet gear and mesh side pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: Dry Case
- Capacity: 35L
- Dimensions: 24″ H x 18″ W x 18″ D
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- The bag is durable
- The harness looks and feels good
- The straps and connectors are of good quality
- There are three ways to grab the bag from the top — a welded wide strap, the folded top seal, and a fabric loop
- This is not a padded laptop bag
10. 599s Floral School Backpack
599s Floral School Backpack will get your compliments among your mates. It is available for all types of occasions for students to use, casual daily use, or traveling. You will feel surprising how spacious this rucksack was. padded laptop pocket fits 15.6″ computer, multiple pockets, and main compartments carry your thick textbook & accessories.
Made by sturdy and high texture of polyester and water resistance can keep your belongings safe during bad weather. padded shoulder strap which makes carrying heavy loads comfortable. With 6 pockets inside that can fit every personal item. Front pocket can store all your tiny things, 2 side pockets fit 22oz bottle and umbrella to keep you going all day. Our guide to the best college backpacks offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Made by sturdy and high texture of polyester
- Padded shoulder straps
- 6 pockets inside
- 2 side pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: HotStyle
- Capacity: 24L
- Dimensions: 17.3″ H x 11.8″ W x 5.9″ D
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
- It’s very cute and looks exactly like the picture
- Has nice inner pockets and a large front pocket
- Comfortable to wear
- Feels very light
- The side pockets don’t stretch
Buying Guide
Laptop Sleeve
You are getting a waterproof pack to secure your precious laptop, right? Okay, you certainly ought to make sure your laptop will fit within the pack you’ve set your sights on. Many bags have a laptop sleeve that would accommodate nearly any size, and some can accommodate just an 11″ laptop. Thus, in any of your preferred college backpacks, you need to make sure it has the correct laptop sleeve size.
Organization
Make sure to not skip on organization, while looking for a durable college backpack. Many waterproof backpacks are made for specific events such as hiking, swimming, and fishing, so they won’t have all the pockets and organizing features you may need for education. Avoid waterproof style dry bags and then choose a backpack with more pockets for daily things such as markers, mobile phone, and laptops. Waterproof dry bags are perfect for a day on the beach but lack the functionality required for a full day on campus.
Size
You can certainly test backpacks’ measurements and capacities and equate them to those you already own. Because the number of things you ‘re bringing in your college bag is a single thing. So if you also bring in 5 separate textbooks and 5 different books, you’ll need a bigger-capacity bag than anyone who’s only bringing a laptop and a notebook. So, if your current backpack has only 25L of storage-you ‘re going to want to buy one with a comparable size.
Materials
To be waterproof, bags can either be water-resistant or coated. Water-resistant materials are knit closely to keep water from being consumed. High denier nylon, polyester, and canvas are a few instances of water-resistant fabrics. But you’ll still require more support when it comes to waterproofing a backpack than just the fabric itself. For this purpose, most waterproof backpacks are coated to avoid water from reaching the lining. TPU coating, DWR coating, and PU coating are some examples.
Zippers
Many school backpacks have a single zipper to get to the central compartment. You’ll want to pay attention to the sort of zipper that the bag uses for a waterproof or water-resistant college backpack. Most zippers are not waterproof so in case of a heavy downpour they provide no protection. If you want a zipper entry backpack you can stick with a backpack that includes waterproof zippers. Waterproof zippers are typically lined with polyurethane to avoid the intrusion of water and contaminants into the bag. Some waterproof zippers for the backpack include YKK AquaGuard and Aquaseal zippers.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best waterproof backpacks for college as well as our guide on features to look for in a waterproof backpack for college. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.