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Expecting rain on your next trip? We’ve rounded up the best women’s water resistant backpack options to keep your essentials safe and sound—check them out!
Top Waterproof Backpack Women Travel With
Table Of Contents
Every traveler needs a great backpack to carry their essentials—whether it’s for beach days, sightseeing, or long-haul flights.
But if you’re headed to a rainy destination, traveling during shoulder season, or doing outdoor adventures, a regular bag won’t cut it. You’ll want a waterproof or water-resistant backpack that keeps your gear safe and dry, without compromising on style or function.
The good news? You no longer have to choose between cute travel backpacks and technical waterproof gear. Today’s best options combine sleek design with smart features so that you can explore confidently in any climate.
These are the best waterproof backpacks for women, featuring lightweight, stylish, and durable options for city trips, outdoor adventures, and everything in between.
Best Waterproof Backpacks for Travel
Shop: Nordstrom
Best Overall Waterproof Backpack for Sightseeing
Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack
This Kånken water-resistant backpack is a long-standing bestseller for a reason. Made with durable, dirt- and water-resistant Vinylon F fabric, it’s lightweight yet tough enough to handle travel days, rainy afternoons, and spontaneous hikes.
The square silhouette is iconic, and the wide-opening main compartment, padded laptop sleeve (on select models), and ergonomic shoulder straps make it ideal for all-day wear.
TFG readers love how well it holds up to daily use while still looking timeless. Whether you’re navigating European cities or trekking through misty coastlines, this cute waterproof backpack checks all the boxes.
Shop: Nordstrom | Macy’s | Bloomingdales
Best Waterproof Backpack for Style
Rains Waterproof Backpack
Minimalist, modern, and fully waterproof, the Rains Backpack is one of the most stylish and functional picks on this list. With a matte, rubbery finish and sleek flap design, it’s a fashion-forward option that still protects your belongings.
The roomy interior fits a laptop, a change of clothes, and travel essentials, making it a favorite for rainy-day commutes, weekend trips, or city sightseeing.
Despite its minimalist design, it offers practical features like a magnetic flap, carabiner closure, and a hidden back zip pocket for valuables. It’s available in a wide range of colors, so you can go classic or bold.
Best Roll Top Waterproof Backpack for City + Outdoor Travel
Osprey Arcane Waterproof Backpack
The Osprey Arcane Roll Top Backpack blends urban style with outdoor performance. With its sleek roll-top closure and rugged weather-resistant build, it offers serious protection from the elements while maintaining a minimalist silhouette that’s perfect for city breaks or everyday use.
Made from recycled nylon and featuring padded straps, a laptop sleeve, and reflective accents, it’s one of the best waterproof laptop backpacks that transitions easily from trail to terminal.
The breathable back panel adds comfort on long travel days, and the slim profile makes it a smart pick for light packers.
Shop: Backcountry | Dillard’s
Best Waterproof Backpack for Adventure Travel
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
If you’re heading out on an active adventure—whether it’s hiking, backpacking, or slow traveling across continents—the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is your go-to.
Made from water-resistant, durable TPU-coated polyester, this lightweight waterproof backpack is built to last and designed for ultimate organization.
It opens like a suitcase for easy access, fits most carry-on requirements, and includes zippered mesh compartments, a padded laptop sleeve, and theft-proof webbing.
It’s available in multiple sizes (28L, 35L, 42L) to suit your trip length. TFG readers love that it handles rain, sweat, and rough terrain—without ever looking sloppy.
Shop: The North Face
Best All-Around Waterproof Backpack
The North Face Jester
A favorite among students and travelers alike, The North Face Jester Backpack offers a perfect mix of function and durability. Its water-resistant fabric and padded laptop sleeve make it a reliable travel companion in any weather, while the FlexVent suspension system keeps it comfortable on your back, even when fully loaded.
It features side water bottle holders, an organized front pocket, and a sleek, unisex design that works from plane rides to trail walks.
Readers praise its thoughtful compartments and ability to withstand heavy rain without letting moisture in, making it a rainproof backpack that doesn’t compromise on comfort or organization.
Shop: Backcountry | Dick’s Sporting Goods
Most Sustainable Waterproof Backpack
Patagonia Fieldsmith Roll Top Backpack
Eco-conscious travelers, this one’s for you. The Patagonia Fieldsmith Roll Top Backpack is sustainably constructed with 100% recycled polyester and treated with a DWR finish to repel light rain and moisture. The roll-top closure offers flexible packing space, while the padded internal compartment and front zip pocket keep things neat and secure.
This minimalist waterproof backpack is super packable and surprisingly durable. It’s Fair Trade Certified™, sewn, lightweight, and fits easily into a carry-on or daypack setup. It’s a thoughtful choice for travel that’s light on your back and the planet.
Shop: Amazon
Most Durable Waterproof Backpack
Carhartt Single Compartment Defender Backpack
For a rugged and ready-for-anything feel, the Carhartt Backpack brings serious durability in a classic canvas package. Built with heavy-duty polyester and finished with a Rain Defender DWR coating, it keeps your gear dry while standing up to tough conditions.
It includes a padded laptop compartment, water bottle pocket, and a large front compartment for easy access to essentials. Whether wandering through alpine towns or weathering drizzle in the city, this heavy-duty waterproof backpack is dependable, practical, and surprisingly stylish.
Shop: Lululemon
Best Compact Water-Repellent Backpack
Lululemon City Essentials Small Backpack
The Lululemon City Essentials Backpack is sleek, structured, and ready for any travel day. Though technically water-repellent (not fully waterproof), it holds up beautifully in drizzly conditions and dries fast. The compact size makes it a favorite small waterproof backpack for women—perfect for plane rides, museum days, or café hopping.
Made with recycled materials, it features a two-way zip closure, padded laptop pocket, and internal slip compartments to stay organized on the go. The modern silhouette makes it easy to pair with both sporty and dressy travel outfits. A favorite for lightweight, rain-resistant travel.
Shop: Nomatic
Best Expandable Water-Resistant Backpack for Minimalists
Nomatic Expandable Travel Backpack
The Nomatic Travel Backpack is a minimalist dream with a water-resistant exterior and expandable capacity that adapts to your travel needs. It expands from 20L to 24L, making it ideal for everything from day trips to short getaways. With durable, sleek materials and weather-resistant zippers, it’s built to handle wet climates while keeping your gear dry and organized.
Inside, you’ll find thoughtful compartments for a laptop, tablet, cords, and other essentials, plus an RFID-blocking pocket and hidden storage areas. For tech lovers and digital nomads looking for a modern waterproof backpack, this is one of the smartest options out there.
Shop: Herschel
Best Weather-Resistant Backpack With Style
Herschel City Backpack
The Herschel City Backpack offers a polished update to the brand’s classic design with water-resistant materials that help keep your things safe in light rain. Its flap-top silhouette, magnetic closure, and slim profile make it perfect for urban adventures or minimalist travel days.
This stylish waterproof backpack fits a tablet or slim laptop and a few small essentials, making it a favorite for sightseeing, café days, or quick errands while traveling. The variety of seasonal colors means you can go neutral or add a fun pop to your capsule wardrobe.
Shop: Away
Best Water-Repellent Travel Backpack for Versatility
Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack
The Away Everywhere Zip Backpack offers a water-repellent nylon exterior, smooth zippers, and a thoughtful design that easily fits under the seat as a personal item. With a padded laptop compartment, a trolley sleeve, and multiple internal compartments, this bag is perfect for organized, rainproof travel.
The minimalist shape and sleek hardware add a polished touch to your travel outfit, while the smart pocket layout makes it easy to keep things tidy. It’s an excellent pick for travelers who want a versatile, stylish, water-resistant backpack they can use both in-flight and at their destination.
Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack
Final Thoughts on the Best Waterproof Backpacks for Travel
Whether you’re exploring a misty European city, heading out for a hike in unpredictable weather, or navigating the rainy season abroad, a reliable waterproof travel backpack is one of the smartest things you can pack.
Today’s styles are sleek, lightweight, and thoughtfully designed—so you no longer have to choose between functionality and fashion.
From roll-top adventure bags to compact city-ready styles, these women’s waterproof backpacks offer protection from the elements without weighing you down. And with options ranging from minimalist to rugged, there’s a perfect fit for every destination, wardrobe, and travel style.
FAQs: Waterproof Travel Backpacks
What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant backpacks?
Waterproof backpacks are designed to keep contents completely dry—even in heavy rain or if submerged—using sealed seams, roll-top closures, and coated materials. Water-resistant backpacks repel water to a degree (like in light rain), but prolonged exposure may allow moisture in.
What is the best waterproof backpack for travel?
Top reader favorites include the Fjällräven Kånken, Rains Backpack, and Osprey Arcane, all of which offer excellent weather protection, comfort, and smart organization for various types of travel.
Are there stylish waterproof backpacks for city travel?
Yes! Brands like Rains, Herschel, and Away offer water-resistant backpacks for women that look chic but still handle unpredictable weather.
Can I use a waterproof backpack as my personal item on a flight?
Absolutely. Many options—like the Lululemon City Essentials, Away Zip Backpack, or Nomatic Travel Backpack—are compact enough to fit under a seat while still offering great storage and weather protection.
Do I need a waterproof backpack for everyday sightseeing?
If you’re traveling during the rainy season or visiting wet-weather destinations (like Ireland, Scotland, Southeast Asia, or the Pacific Northwest), a rainproof backpack is worth it. It keeps electronics, documents, and daily essentials dry and safe.
What do you think is the best outdoor waterproof backpack bags? Share with us in the comments!
For more travel bags, please read:
- Backpack Vs Suitcase: Which is Right for My Trip to Europe?
- Best Laptop Bags for Women Travelers On the Go
- Best Backpacks for Women With a Trolley Sleeve
- The Best Convertible Backpack Purse for Travel
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I am stuck between the Osprey and Cotopaxi! Both look great, and I love the idea of using one as my diaper bag for my toddler. I could fit a lot more than diaper things in them!
Love your content by the way, I’ve enjoyed it for the past few years when planning trips. Thank you!
Took my first carry on only trip recently! I won’t always travel that way but am so glad to know I can!!
All your posts are so great! I have been following you for a while now and you always have great ways to make travel easy!
I love all the destinations you have shared with us and although I don’t travel much I get to enjoy all your destinations!
Thank you