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re you an all-terrain adventurer looking for a suitable means of carrying everything you need for your various expeditions? Like most, you want to avoid your essentials getting soaked when traveling up the Rockies. Far from being just inconvenient, it’d be like being up a creek without a paddle. This is why most waterproof backpacks for men have become so important lately.
Perhaps kayaking or other water-based sports is more your thing due to the wetness that comes with it. Kayaking and other water-based sports are unpredictable. You’ll do your best to avoid dropping in the water, but you cannot be certain. Do you want to fun halted to check your soaked bag?
You’ll have to hang every single item in your backpack up because it’s all dripping wet!
Even if you’re just a guy who commutes to work through all manner of weather conditions, you’ll need a waterproof back or at the very least, a water-resistant backpack. Obviously, you need something to keep your laptop and other work gear dry.
It’s likely that one of the above scenarios and reasons has brought you here. You knew you needed better. That means our buying guide for the top 16 waterproof backpacks for men is clearly going to be of use to you.
We’re glad to have you on board and hope it’ll help you find the best backpack for your own specific needs. Backpacks aren’t inferior to each other. Rather, it’s more that, some are better suited to specific scenarios, situations, and uses than others.
We didn’t restrict our list to just waterproof backpacks. In fact, some are water-resistant. Before we actually look at the bags themselves, we’ll need to answer some FAQs.
What Are the Benefits of Buying Waterproof Backpacks For Men?
You may actually still be wondering why it’s important to invest in water-resistant or waterproof backpacks for men. As we’ve noted, normal bags don’t necessarily provide the same protection against the elements as these do.
They certainly don’t provide the same protection of your equipment, gear, and whatever you’re carrying if they are dropped and submerged in water.
Sometimes the benefits of these kinds of bags can be life or death. we’re not even kidding. For example, you’re on the side of a mountain, like the imposing but popular K2. You’re caught in a rainstorm, and that is when water-resistance and waterproof backpacks come in handy.
In this case, your equipment, gear, spare clothes, and anything else you’ve got packed away will come out dry. Due to this, you’ll be in a good place.
Obviously, that’s an extreme example, so we’ll give another more common scenario. Your commute to work involves a lot of walking through lots of torrential rain. Without investing in a backpack with sufficient protection, you may as well not have any backpack at all. Go ahead and just carry your stuff in the rain.
That’s how unprotected your stuff would be. We all know what a few splashes of rain can do to paper documents and folders, or even your laptop.
It’s clear that the main benefits of waterproof backpacks are. The protection they provide is simply not offered by run-of-the-mill standard backpacks.
What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof backpacks for men?
As established in our answer to the above question, water-resistant backpacks and waterproof backpacks for men are different because the terms themselves mean different things. Therefore, they have very different uses.
Waterproof backpacks, for instance, can be submerged completely in bodies of water and will keep the contents dry. On the other hand, water-resistant backpacks do not offer the same complete protection. They are better used when splashing is expected, or the weather is moderate, but not too bad.
Although this makes it easy to define the difference between waterproof and water-resistant, it doesn’t actually set a standard for water-resistance. All backpacks and other items with water-resistance have wildly different degrees of protection levels.
Waterproof backpacks are best suited to situations such as:
- Camping overnight
- Any activity, sporting or otherwise, where it’s possible the bag will be submerged in water
- Hiking and other activities in extreme conditions such as torrential rainfall or on snowy mountainsides
While backpacks that are classed as being water-resistant are best suited to activities such as:
- Sessions at a local swimming pool or gym
- Commuting or traveling through different levels of snow or rain
- Activities, sporting or otherwise, where water is likely to splash but submersion is unlikely
What is the average weight and capacity of waterproof backpacks?
When designers were making waterproof backpacks for men, the weight was something they had to keep in mind. There’s a wide array of different sized backpacks out there as a result. Some are measured in pounds, others a few ounces. It really depends on what you’re looking for.
You’ll find some as light as 2.05lbs and as heavy as 3, 4 or even 5lbs. It’s best to choose a bag that fulfills your needs and gives you the crucial storage you need. However, you also need to find a bag that you can actually carry.
If you’re not blessed with the strength of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson or even Jason Statham, you may struggle with the heavier bags when fully loaded.
Remember to consider the weight of the bag plus a whole load of equipment. You must also consider accessories and whatever else you crazy fools tend to pack when you’re out and about. While the weight is important, we also feel that the capacity is a noteworthy measurement that you should be aware of.
The capacity is ultimately what will determine how much you can actually fit into your backpack.
This also can truly determine the weight. Generally speaking though, they run from 20L up to 50L. Our list of waterproof backpacks for men, we feel, is the best of the best. We’ve deliberately gone for a wide an array of options, so don’t dare shout at us. Or we’ll tell your mom.
1) FE Active 30L Cloudbreak Eco-Friendly Waterproof Dry Bag
First up is the awesome and incredibly affordable FE Active Waterproof Bag. FE Active, if you’re unfamiliar with the brand, is known for designing and manufacturing some of the highest quality outdoor accessories. That includes some of the best dry bags available on the market.
The 30L capacity Cloudbreak backpack has been constructed using specialist marine-grade PVC tarpaulin that’s fully tested and certified as eco-friendly. It’s been finished and held together with welded stitching that’s highly durable and capable of withstanding even the most punishing activities.
Despite its durability and toughness, it’s still a fairly lightweight bag, weighing under the 2lbs mark. It benefits from padded strapping for your shoulders, ensuring you’ll never feel too weighed down or fatigued. Meanwhile, the mesh vented lining provides adequate air flow to stop sweating.
Provided padding offers comfort and additional support for short and long treks. Whenever making waterproof backpacks for men, you must consider protection. This is incredibly important.
The Cloudbreak has side mesh pockets for accessories like water bottles as well as bungee cording on the exterior. This can be used for things like carrying camping equipment, yoga mats, or even a skateboard.
The features and level of protection are tremendous. The weight of this bag surpasses what would be expected of something at its price point too. It’s hard to find perfect waterproof backpacks for men to use in all forms, but we feel this can withstand a lot.
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2) Hikpro 20L Durable Lightweight Daypack
It’s worth noting straight away that this particular backpack is only water-resistant. That said if you’re looking for true waterproof backpacks for men, several are listed. However, if you’re aren’t going to do anything too extreme this might be a great lightweight and affordable option.
The fact that this has a capacity of 20-liters and weighs only 6.5-ounces is remarkable. It can be folded down into a small pocket that is roughly the same size as a sandwich with accompanied padded and breathable shoulder straps. That’s even if you’ve got this packed to the very top.
It’ll never feel too heavy on your shoulders or neck, and your back will be protected too.
Proper organization is always key when you’re backpacking. Hikpro has you covered with three different compartments, all zippable. The largest is big enough for all your heftier sized items like laptops and clothing. Meanwhile, the other two are perfect for your camera and other traveling essentials like guidebooks and maps.
There’s also an inner pocket with a zip that can be used to keep your passport, credit cards, and cash. This is also where the bag folds into when you’re not using it.
There’s a couple of handy mesh pockets at either side for umbrellas and bottles. Though not the best when it comes to waterproof backpacks for men to enjoy, the water-resistant nature of this pack is top notch.
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3) Zomake Ultra Lightweight Packable Water-Resistant Backpack
The Zomake is another 20-liter daypack that’s as handy as it’s water-resistant. It contains a main compartment for all your larger items. In addition to this, there’s also a smaller pocket with zipper to the front for more compact items. In addition, the inner zippered pocket is ideal for storing away documents and other key items.
There are two side pockets with meshing that allow you to have easy access to your camera, water bottles, umbrella, or those guide and translation books. This is a great bag for when you need one that’s lightweight, but you aren’t interested in anything too robust or durable.
It’ll last you a long time, but don’t expect it to survive long periods in harsh rainstorms or snowstorms due to not being among the waterproof backpacks for men on the market.
You need to consider what you need it for, of course. For all commuting and other activities in lighter, dryer weather, this would be fine though. Water-resistant backpacks are essential in many areas, and backpacks like these are clearly some of the best among them.
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4) Sak Gear BackSak Waterproof Backpack
The Sak Gear BackSak is right at home if you’re white water rafting or hiking those exciting trails where the weather is ever-changing.
Protection was the main goal for Sak Gear as they created these 100% waterproof backpacks for men. This keeps your gear clean, safe, and especially dry. Specially vinyl-coating with woven polyester used along with the welded seams provide this.
It’s not recommended you leave it submerged for more than a few minutes, despite waterproofness. Sadly, it hasn’t been rated for that yet. The inner compartment will stay completely dry even if it is, however.
Adjustable padded strapping for the shoulders allows more comfort in carrying the backpack. There’s even a couple of outer pockets that are splash proof and ideal for ID and keys. It’s even great for things you want separate from the bulkier gear for ease of access.
Duraflex branded hardware and clips are utilized greatly throughout the bag, ensuring everything that isn’t zipped is closed properly. Thanks to the D-rings you’ll also have places to clip water bottles and other essentials.
Sak Gear even added reflective trim and patch, allowing for more night visibility. The waterproof nature and excellent features this has makes it the most expensive bag on the list. Finding good waterproof backpacks for men can be difficult, so despite the price, Sak Gear’s bag is amazing.
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5) Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack
This Earth Pak backpack is another mid-range priced product like the one featured directly above it. It too offers an amazing 500 Denier PVC waterproofing.
With its roll-top style closure system and one easy-to-use reinforced strip, you can prevent water from getting inside the bag. This will help from water potentially ruining your stuff while you’re fishing, boating, or even kayaking down those twisting and turning river rapids.
Along with the spacious main compartment, there’s also an excellent phone case with IPX8 waterproofing. On top of this, there’s a large pocket at the front and further pocket on the inside. The front pocket is only splash proof but gives you easy access to items like wallets and keys.
While the hidden internal pocket is great for organizing important documents and safety essentials.
As is standard for backpacks these days, there’s a good amount of support on the back in the form of the ergonomic padding, The sternum buckle and adjustable shoulder straps (also featuring padding) further ensure this is a comfortable bag to carry and use.
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6) OUTJOY Waterproof Shockproof Backpack
Despite the confusing information about this bag, we still think the OUTJOY Waterproof Shockproof backpack is a great investment. Rather than being waterproof, it’s actually made from water-resistant fabrics and has a rain cover that adds an extra level of protection when necessary.
The main compartment offers a lot of room to store plenty of clothes, equipment, and gear. While there’s also a compartment to the rear of the bag and to the front. The front compartment has a keychain and has numerous pockets to keep all your smaller items organized.
For example, there’s the big main pocket in that compartment, the 2 wall compartments, and 1 zippered mesh pocket. Then there’s a couple of pen pockets and three card pockets.
The rear compartment is ideal for keeping your laptop and will fit both 15.6″ and even 17″ computers in nice and secure
It has a nice addition to the side strapping, and sternum straps that you’d expect. If that wasn’t enough, this bag even features a headphone hole. This will allow you to have your smartphone or device tucked away inside, but still get to enjoy your tunes.
Though not among the great waterproof backpacks for men on this list, it’s still a tremendous water-resistant backpack worthy of your consideration.
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7) Chaos Ready Waterproof Backpack
Chaos Ready’s 100% waterproof backpack is waterproof by name. Waterproof by nature, this is a great cost-effective addition to your travel and adventure equipment and accessories.
It’s made from the same heavy-duty 500 denier PVC tarpaulin and this ensures that the main compartment at the very least is waterproof, to Class 3. It’ll also keep dirt, sand, and other debris out.
Whether you’re traversing the sand dunes of Egypt, safariing in the Serengeti, or hiking up the Rockies it’ll protect your stuff. Waterproof backpacks for men like this may seem simple in comparison to others on the list. However, that is often what makes them so special, to begin with. Simple yet effective, this bag lives up to its name.
It’s Chaos Ready for sure.
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8) S & P Safe and Perfect Water-Resistant Lightweight Backpack
You may never have heard of the name S & P. Given their history, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable backpack, you probably should learn more about the brand. Founded by a former Special Operations engineer, he took his skills and know-how and created this great bag.
He had a real passion for simple and functional designs. He incorporated specialized engineering techniques, fabrics, and materials. What makes this bag stand out beyond these facts? The water-resistant, durable, and extra density nylon-based fabric provides it with enhanced strength.
This also ensures it will last for longer than others at the same price point.
All of this is possible without the bag being overly bulky or heavy. The bar tacking gives it even great durability than a normal bag. It provides adequate reinforcement for the most common stress points. Plus, the bag has a lot of compartments.
There’s eight in total, including a main large one with a zipper and two smaller pockets at the front. Both with zipper closure and two to the side.
The shoulder straps have comfortable and adjustable padding as standard. Meanwhile, there’s a chest strap that gives you that extra level of security at all times. It has an impressive price and great online reviews. This makes it a solid investment.
While not among the waterproof backpacks for men on the list, it is one of the most incredibly made backpacks on the entire market today.
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9) ProEtrade Backpack with USB Charging Port
ProEtrade is another company you probably haven’t come across, but that doesn’t mean this is not a great backpack. Constructed from scratch-resistant, high-quality, water-resistant material with splash proof zippers too, this is a very robust and durable choice for commuters.
Though not among the waterproof backpacks for men on our list, its incredible water resistance may fool you into thinking that it is.
One of the biggest selling points, besides the top-quality water-resistance, is the fact that it has a total of 9 pockets. This includes two spacious main compartments. It also includes a pocket for your laptop, 2 pockets at the front with zipper closure, and 2 on the sides for smaller items like umbrellas and water bottles.
If that wasn’t enough, it offers an inner pocket for other even smaller items like pens and keys and a pocket with anti-theft protection for valuables. This bag is designed to keep all of your gear well-organized so that everything has a place.
Did you notice we said there’s a USB-charging port? This isn’t some elaborate Impractical Jokers-style joke. This bag can actually charge your devices, which is a great accessory to have if you’re out and about and low on battery charge. It also sports an air flow system, chest straps, and sleeve straps so will always feel comfortable.
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10) Vaschy Water Resistant Drawstring Backpack
Vaschy is widely known as being behind some well-made and robust waterproof backpacks for men on the market today. This fetching number, however, is more water-resistant than waterproof. Yet it is no less impressive.
It features a main compartment with a double zipper, water bottles or umbrella pockets at either side and even has the obligatory laptop/iPad/tablet pocket.
Additionally, it also has 4 separate pockets on the inside and a secret zippered back pocket. That means there’s no shortage of space to store things in this great backpack. It has reinforced strapping that can be easily adjusted with nice comfortable padding so that your shoulders are never put under too much pressure.
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11) OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack 50L
OutdoorMaster’s backpack is slightly more expensive than some of the previous bags, but this is not surprising when you consider the capacity. At 50L it’s easily the biggest backpack on this list and has lots of extra features and space.
OutdoorMaster really knew what they were doing when they created waterproof backpacks for men to enjoy.
That is even the case for the water-resistant backpacks they make too.
Like others, this isn’t part of the waterproof backpacks for men you might come across. However, the included rain cover for the bag actually is waterproof. The bag itself is made from water-resistant materials though.
Those materials are lightweight and comfortable to use, and the strapping is padded and adjustable. This means you can make it fit your body frame. There are also points alongside the pockets where you can attach other equipment and accessories, freeing your hands up further.
Hiking backpack by name, hiking backpack by nature. This will see you right.
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12) OUTXE 100% Waterproof PVC-Free Backpack
OUTXE have taken a different step from most of the other companies on this list and chosen to construct this amazing backpack from TPU rather than PVC. The reasons for the change are that it’s easier to degrade compared to PVC. The bag has great heat and cold resistance and is much lighter in weight.
Further to the great materials used, it also benefits from having a number of different compartments. That includes a spacious main storage area, two side pockets, and one frontal pocket. For comfort and versatility, it features adjustable straps for carrying on your shoulder.
You can even remove them if you fancy holding it a different way.
The seal of the bag is also important, as it differs from others on this list. It seemingly seals with a ziplock fashion. Ultimately, this is a terrific product at an amazing price. We cannot help but love these waterproof backpacks for men, as this model is too cool to pass up.
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13) ArcEnCiel Water-Resistant Military Backpack
ArcEnCiel has made a truly great backpack in this military-style 1000 denier waterproof product. The nylon used is not only highly water-resistant but scratch-resistant and incredibly lightweight too. Waterproof backpacks for men seem easy to come across. However, finding one that is also scratch-resistant as well can be quite a task.
As you’d expect for the price point it features a number of spacious compartments. That includes a special middle pocket designed for a 10-inch iPad. The main compartment can hold your clothes, paperwork, magazines, and a 14-inch laptop.
The front pocket has a design seemingly meant for either an iPad Mini in mind or another, similar 7.9-inch tablet, pens, cards, or cell phone. There are also the obligatory side pockets suitable for water bottles or umbrellas.
For comfortable use, there’s both an adjustable chest belt and adjustable shoulder straps too. It also features padding in the shoulder straps and back paneling. 2-D rings come with the purchase, allowing you can hang additional stuff you couldn’t fit inside the bag.
These are great for tents, hiking poles, and sunglasses.
This is an ideal price on a bag with the features and quality that makes it suitable for travel, a hike, and or any tactical activities.
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14) Luck Route Waterproof Dry Backpack
Luck route’s entry into this list of the best waterproof backpacks for men is obvious to those who have enjoyed using their packs. It is 100% waterproof and has a tight seal that has been achieved with welded stitches. It’s spacious considering it’s not very big.
It allows for 20-liters and features a roll-top closure with a buckle and fix lock bag.
The bag also benefits from the incorporated and zippered hydro lock tactical pockets. These provide protection against compression and scratching while making it very easy to organize so your stuff is all in its own neat and tidy place. This bag is able to float when it’s properly sealed.
This means you’ll be able to take this along camping, surfing, sailing, and kayaking among many other activities.
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15) Vitchelo 30L Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack
We have one of the best available backpacks right here, right now. Vitchelo has proven they truly know how to make proper waterproof backpacks for men to use. It’s always a little unpredictable when you’re having fun in the great outdoors.
Whether it’s that hike up Table Mountain or kayaking through treacherous river rapids, you always need to be prepared for the worst, so you can enjoy the best.
With this 30L fully waterproof backpack we’re sure you’ll be as prepared as you need to be. You’ll certainly be able to concentrate more on having a rip-roaring fun time. That’s better than worrying about whether or not your stuff is going to end up a soggy mess at the end.
30L is nice and roomy enough to fit everything you need, without adding too much bulk to your gear and equipment, whatever that may be. Incredibly, when full, it’ll apparently float. It could possibly even maneuver across some fast-moving water.
Of course, you can simply push it along the surface of the water and don’t have to attempt ridiculous hands in the air shenanigans. We’re thoroughly head over heels with this one.
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16) Big Horn Products 30L Roll Top Dry Bag Backpack
Big Horn Product has made one of the most affordable and high-quality water-resistant and waterproof backpacks for men on the market right now. The last we’ve got to discuss is the Big Horn Products’ own 30L roll-top dry bag.
Ridiculously inexpensive, this is ideal for all those outdoor exploits you love. Even if you’re not as regularly scaling the side of a mountain like Mount Robson, Mount Evans or Mount Elbert. Perhaps you’ve still to find the time to whitewater raft down Colorado River or Rio Upano.
Now might be the time to get out there and not leave it ’til tomorrow anymore.
The backpack includes an airflow system and padded back panel, so it’ll also stay well ventilated and not cause chafing or excessive sweat. The sternum strap is adjustable as are the shoulder straps, so you can adjust it to fit your perfectly Adonis-like frame.
You’ll even be safer with this than alternatives when the day turns to night, thanks to the reflective strips to the back. The bag is made from heavy-quality, robust PVC. This ensures your valuable and all that important kit, gear, and equipment you have stored in your bag stays safe and secure in one piece and most importantly dry.
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Home and Dry
What do you know buddies, we made it and we’re all still dry, aren’t we? Well, apart from you who forgot to invest in one of these crazy-priced and highly efficient backpacks. That’s always going to be your problem, you do realize that, don’t you?
If you don’t make wise purchasing decisions or neglect to buy waterproof backpacks for men somewhere in your life completely, it could be costly.
For men, we recommend you buy one for yourself as you’ll need it for that big adventure we all know you’ll go on soon. We hope this guide has been as fun for you to read as it was for us to write. Until next time gentlemen, wild and adventurous!