Whether you're commuting, traveling internationally, or heading outdoors, a waterproof backpack can protect your belongings from rain, spills, and splashes. Here's a summary of four top options, their features, and what makes each one stand out:
- Titantrek Atlas Vault: 40L capacity, expandable with a vacuum compression system, TSA-approved lock, and anti-theft pocket. Price: $179–$199.
- Ortlieb Atrack 35: Fully waterproof with IP67 rating, 35L capacity, durable PU-coated nylon, and theft-resistant back zipper. Ideal for rugged conditions.
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: Water-resistant TPU-coated polyester, smart internal organization, 35L capacity, and includes a rain cover. Price: $215.
- Mountain Hardwear Simcoe 28: Lightweight (1 lb 14.1 oz), 28L capacity, fully waterproof TPU-coated nylon, and taped seams. Price: $180 (often $107.98 on sale).
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Titantrek Atlas Vault | Ortlieb Atrack 35 | Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | Mountain Hardwear Simcoe 28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Waterproof fabric | IP67 rated | Water-resistant | Fully waterproof |
| Capacity | 40L (expandable) | 35L | 35L | 28L |
| Weight | Heavier (with pump) | Heavy | Moderate | 1 lb 14.1 oz |
| Security Features | TSA lock, anti-theft | Back zipper | Standard zippers | YKK AquaGuard zippers |
| Price (USD) | $179–$199 | Not specified | $215 | $180 (often $107.98) |
Choose the Titantrek Atlas Vault for maximum packing efficiency and security, the Ortlieb Atrack 35 for extreme waterproofing, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L for smart organization, or the Mountain Hardwear Simcoe 28 for a lightweight, minimalist option. Each backpack caters to different needs, so pick the one that fits your travel style.
11 Best Water Resistant Backpacks of 2025- We put them to the test!
1. Titantrek Atlas Vault Backpack
The Titantrek Atlas Vault Backpack combines waterproof protection with a vacuum compression system to help you pack smarter and keep your belongings safe, no matter the weather. Here’s a closer look at what makes this backpack a must-have for travelers looking for both durability and efficiency.
Waterproof Design
Built with tough, waterproof fabric, the Atlas Vault is designed to handle even the harshest weather conditions. Whether you're caught in a downpour or dealing with splashes during an outdoor adventure, this material creates a solid barrier against moisture. Plus, it resists wear and tear, making it a dependable choice for frequent travelers navigating everything from rugged trails to busy airports.
"Yes, our backpacks are made with waterproof fabric to keep your gear safe and dry, even in the toughest weather conditions." - Titantrekstore.com [2]
Spacious and Flexible Capacity
With a 40-liter capacity, the Atlas Vault offers plenty of room for a 3–5 day trip. What makes it stand out is its expandable design, which adds an extra 2 inches (around 5 cm) of space - perfect for packing souvenirs or extra gear. The included vacuum compression pump takes efficiency to the next level, shrinking 40 liters of packed items in just 90 seconds.
Lightweight and Comfortable
Despite its sturdy build, this backpack remains lightweight, ensuring it’s easy to carry whether you're navigating airport terminals or strolling through city streets. The ergonomic, padded straps add to the comfort, making it suitable for long journeys.
Built-In Security
The Atlas Vault is equipped with a TSA-approved lock, allowing for secure inspections without compromising your belongings. There’s also an anti-theft pocket to keep valuables safe, so you can travel with peace of mind.
Pricing Options
The Atlas Vault is available in two configurations:
- Complete Package: Includes the backpack and vacuum pump for $199.00, giving you the full compression system for maximum packing efficiency.
- Backpack Only: Priced at $179.00, this option delivers the same waterproof protection, expandable design, and security features - just without the pump.
Both options come with a 30-day return policy and ship within 14 days, making it a risk-free investment for your next adventure.
2. Ortlieb Atrack 35
The Ortlieb Atrack 35 is a German-designed backpack that takes waterproofing to the next level, offering protection far beyond what typical rain covers can provide.
Waterproof Materials
This backpack is built with PU-coated nylon fabric, free from PVC, PFC, and BPA, making it both durable and eco-conscious. It carries an impressive IP67 waterproof rating, which means it’s completely dustproof and can handle being submerged in water up to 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) for 30 minutes[3][5]. To ensure a watertight seal, it uses a TIZIP zipper - the same kind found in professional dry suits - eliminating the need for any additional rain covers[4][6].
With materials and design this robust, the Atrack 35 is ready to handle even the toughest weather conditions.
Capacity
The backpack offers 35 liters of space, making it a great choice for trekking through rainy trails, biking tough routes, or navigating a busy city. Its duffel-style opening lets you easily access your gear, while internal compression straps keep everything secure, even when the bag isn’t fully packed[4][7].
Security Features
The Atrack 35 is designed with security in mind. Its main zipper runs along the back panel, keeping your belongings snug against your body and making it harder for anyone to access without you noticing. Plus, the lack of external pockets reduces potential targets for theft, giving you extra confidence while traveling[5]. This thoughtful design ensures your essentials stay safe, no matter where your adventures take you.
3. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a travel backpack built for those who value water resistance and smart internal organization, making it ideal for packing with precision.
Waterproof Materials
This pack is made with durable materials, including a 1,000-denier TPU-coated polyester front panel and 840-denier nylon for the rest of the bag, along with a reinforced 840-denier ballistic ripstop nylon bottom [8][9]. These materials, combined with the TPU coating, help repel water effectively. However, during heavy rain, water might seep through the main zipper - though the laptop compartment stays dry [10]. For added protection, a rain cover is included. These features make it a reliable choice for most weather conditions.
Capacity
With a 35-liter capacity, the Allpa 35L is designed to comply with most airline carry-on size limits, measuring 22 x 12 x 10 inches (55.9 x 30.5 x 25.4 cm) [9]. Its clamshell-style opening reveals a well-thought-out interior, featuring mesh pockets of various sizes to accommodate both larger items and smaller accessories [10]. This clever design eliminates the need for extra packing cubes, keeping your belongings neatly organized and secure [11].
Weight
At approximately 2.93 pounds (1.3 kg), the Allpa 35L strikes a balance between being lightweight and durable [9]. Its harness system, complete with top, side, and bottom handles as well as tuck-away shoulder straps, ensures versatility and comfort for most users. However, some with larger frames have noted that the hip belt can feel less comfortable, and the bag may feel heavy when fully packed [9][12].
Price
The Allpa 35L earns a rating of 7.7 out of 10 from Pack Hacker, reflecting its sturdy construction and excellent organizational features [9]. While it may not offer complete waterproofing, its thoughtful design and practicality make it a solid choice for travelers who value efficient packing. As Caroline Hsu from Melanin Base Camp notes:
"The Allpa 35L is a comfortable, thoughtfully-designed travel pack that makes it easy to organize your belongings on trips." [12]
4. Mountain Hardwear Simcoe 28
The Mountain Hardwear Simcoe 28 is a compact, waterproof backpack designed for minimalist travelers who prioritize weather protection. Let’s break down its materials, capacity, weight, and pricing.
Waterproof Materials
The Simcoe 28 is built with a kiss-coated TPU Nylon shell that offers excellent waterproofing. Fully taped seams and a durable TPU coating ensure moisture stays out, while low-profile YKK AquaGuard zippers add an extra layer of protection. According to Mountain Hardwear:
"Fully waterproof, TPU-coated shell fabric with fully taped seams" – Mountain Hardwear [14]
This combination of materials makes it both functional and easy to clean.
Capacity
With a 28-liter capacity, this backpack strikes a balance between daily use and short travel needs. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a business trip, the Simcoe 28’s main compartment is cleverly designed to maximize storage while maintaining a slim, streamlined look.
Weight
Weighing just 1 lb 14.1 oz (854 g), the Simcoe 28 is impressively lightweight. It’s comfortable for extended use, whether you’re navigating city streets or heading out on a trail. The pack is also designed to fit torso sizes ranging from 16 to 22 inches (41 to 56 cm) [14].
Price
The Simcoe 28 is priced at $180.00, but it’s often available on sale for around $107.98 [14]. Pack Hacker rates its overall performance at 7.6 out of 10, with a value score of 77 out of 100 [13]. However, there are a few compromises: the thin TPU shell offers little padding for electronics, the removable laptop sleeve lacks added security, and the pack doesn’t stand upright on its own [13].
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Pros and Cons
Each backpack brings its own set of strengths and challenges, helping you decide which one suits your travel needs best.
The Titantrek Atlas Vault shines with its vacuum compression system, which maximizes packing space while staying within carry-on limits. It also includes a TSA-approved lock and anti-theft pocket for added security. However, the integrated pump adds to the bag's weight and requires extra time to operate.
The Ortlieb Atrack 35 earns high marks for its waterproofing and practical organization, making it a great choice for longer trips. That said, its bulky design and rear zippered opening can make accessing items tricky when the bag is fully packed.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is celebrated for its thoughtful design, which includes an integrated mesh system and a detachable waist belt for comfort during extended use. Priced at $215.00, it offers good value, though some users feel the laptop sleeve could be better and note that the internal mesh structure limits how much you can pack [1].
Mountain Hardwear's Simcoe 28 stands out for its lightweight build - just 1 lb 14.1 oz (854 g) - and a sleek profile with dependable waterproofing.
Here’s a quick comparison of key features and trade-offs for these models:
| Feature | Titantrek Atlas Vault | Ortlieb Atrack 35 | Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | Mountain Hardwear Simcoe 28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Materials | Waterproof fabric with sealed seams | TPU-laminated fabric, fully waterproof | Water-resistant 1000D recycled polyester | Kiss-coated TPU Nylon with taped seams |
| Storage Capacity | Expandable with compression system | 35 liters | 35 liters | 28 liters |
| Weight | Heavier due to compression system | Heavy and bulky | Moderate weight | 1 lb 14.1 oz (854 g) |
| Security Features | TSA lock, anti-theft pocket | Basic security | Standard zippers | YKK AquaGuard zippers |
| Price (USD) | $179.00 - $199.00 | Not specified | $215.00 | $180.00 (often $107.98 on sale) |
When it comes to balancing weight and comfort, there's a clear trade-off. As one expert explained, "A lower weight makes a pack easier to carry and leaves more of your baggage allowance free to use" [16]. The Simcoe 28 excels in this regard, while the Ortlieb Atrack 35 prioritizes durability and waterproofing over portability.
The Titantrek Atlas Vault offers strong security features like TSA-approved locks and anti-theft pockets but comes with added weight. Meanwhile, the Cotopaxi and Ortlieb models focus on durability and waterproofing, making them great for outdoor adventures.
For durability, the Ortlieb Atrack 35 stands out as "indestructible" with its "excellent waterproofing", though some users find it "quite heavy and bulky" [15]. On the other hand, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L provides a balanced option with its "integrated mesh organization system", which is "comfortable" but slightly limits packing flexibility [1].
Ultimately, your choice will depend on what matters most to you - whether it's compression efficiency, waterproof reliability, smart organization, or a lightweight design.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect waterproof travel backpack comes down to matching its features with how you like to travel. Each of the options we’ve reviewed caters to different needs, so it’s all about what works best for you.
For most travelers, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a standout choice. With a price tag of $215 and weighing 2 lb 15 oz, it strikes a great balance between organization, durability, and carry-on compatibility. Whether you’re navigating city streets or heading into the great outdoors, this backpack has you covered.
If security is your top priority, the Titantrek Atlas Vault is worth a look. Priced between $179 and $199, it features a vacuum compression system, TSA-approved lock, and an anti-theft pocket. These features make it a smart pick for international travelers who want to keep their belongings safe while maximizing packing space.
For those who value traveling light, the Mountain Hardwear Simcoe 28 is an excellent choice. It offers reliable waterproofing and weighs just 1 lb 14.1 oz (854 g). At $180 (and often available on sale for $107.98), it’s ideal for ultralight travelers who want to stay protected from the elements without adding unnecessary weight.
If your adventures take you into rugged, wet conditions, the Ortlieb Atrack 35 is built for the challenge. It provides exceptional waterproof protection and durability, though its heftier weight and bulk make it better suited for outdoor expeditions where performance matters more than packability.
When choosing your backpack, think about what matters most to you: capacity (35 liters is a common carry-on limit), intended use (urban or outdoor), and comfort features like padded straps or hip belts. By prioritizing your needs, you’ll find a backpack that fits your travel style perfectly.
FAQs
What should I look for when choosing the best waterproof travel backpack?
When choosing a waterproof travel backpack, pay attention to the materials - nylon and polyester are excellent options for keeping your belongings dry while offering solid durability. Make sure the backpack has sealed zippers, as they help block water from sneaking in, especially during heavy downpours. If you’re heading into extreme conditions, look for a bag with a high waterproof rating (like IPX7), which can protect your gear from both rain and brief submersion.
You’ll also want a bag that’s built to last. Durability is key for handling the bumps and scrapes of travel. Opt for a backpack with well-organized compartments to keep your packing efficient and make it easier to find what you need on the go. And don’t overlook comfort - a design with proper weight distribution and ergonomic straps can make a world of difference on long trips, reducing strain on your shoulders and back.
How does the vacuum compression system in the Titantrek Atlas Vault backpack help you pack more efficiently?
How the Vacuum Compression System in the Titantrek Atlas Vault Backpack Works
The Titantrek Atlas Vault backpack takes packing to a whole new level with its vacuum compression system. This clever feature uses a high-powered pump to remove air from a dedicated compression compartment, creating extra room inside the bag - without making it bulkier.
This smart design isn't just about saving space. It also keeps your items secure and neatly arranged, making it ideal for travelers who want their gear compact and well-organized. Whether you're gearing up for a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure, this backpack ensures you're ready to pack efficiently and travel with ease.
Why is the Ortlieb Atrack 35 considered a great choice for extreme weather conditions?
The Ortlieb Atrack 35: Built for Extreme Weather
The Ortlieb Atrack 35 is a go-to backpack for those braving extreme weather, thanks to its fully waterproof construction. Crafted from tough PU-coated nylon fabric and featuring a waterproof TiZip zipper, it boasts an IP67 rating. In simple terms, this means it can withstand brief water immersion and will keep your belongings dry even during a downpour.
What sets this pack apart is its unique back panel opening, which not only makes accessing your gear a breeze but also shields the zipper from rain and dirt. Inside, you'll find multiple compartments to keep everything organized, while the padded shoulder straps ensure comfort during long treks. Add to that its rugged, wear-resistant design, and you've got a backpack that's ready to tackle harsh and unpredictable conditions with ease.
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