Summer’s drought couldn’t last forever. To welcome the return of the rain, here is our pick of the best waterproof backpacks for wet-weather walking and aquatic adventures
Ortlieb Atrack 25, £185
With a waterproof (and dustproof) rating of IP67, the Atrack pack is an impressive piece of kit that will keep contents safe and dry even if fully submerged. This unusual and highly technical bag opens via a waterproof TIZIP zipper that runs vertically down the rear of the pack, ensuring it remains mud free. It isn’t a pack designed for repeated mid-activity opening, but positioned immediately behind the main opening are two baffles with four zipped sub compartments, so you can organise smaller items and keep them handy. The back panel has a lightweight metal frame for rigidity and is kept proud of your body by comfortable ventilating pads. The harness is excellent, with an easily adjustable chest strap and a substantial waist belt with large hip wings, each with a zipped pocket for snacks and essentials. There are compression straps across the exterior and multiple hoops and loops for attaching everything from skis and helmets to bike lights. There’s no hydration bladder, but there are two mesh pockets for water bottles on the sides.
VERDICT: A superhero, submergible backpack for serious aquatic adventurers. 9/10
Montane Trailblazer LT 20L Backpack, £100
Made with ultralight ‘Raptor Fly Lite’ siliconised nylon ripstop fabric, this pack weighs just 300g and is designed for adventure racers and runners. The pack shuts with a roll-down system, clipped into place with cords and tiny buckles, which feel fiddly and flimsy. There are two adjustable cross-chest straps, plus a small waist belt. It has no internal pockets, but on the outside there are plenty of storage pockets plus a bungee.
VERDICT: 7/10
Columbia Out Dry Extreme 28L, £110
This tough, seam-sealed pack boasts a large zipped mouth, which isn’t waterproof but is protected by a hood overbite. The capacity seems larger than 28L, and the extra-wide lid makes finding what you’re looking for easy. Inside, there are multiple pouches and pockets including laptop compartments, two mesh pockets, one zipped and fleece-lined pocket, and a bottle holder. The harness isn’t breathable and it lacks a waist belt.
VERDICT: 7/10
Best: Budget option
Exped Typhoon 15, £55
This lightweight (380g) roll-top pack is an excellent cheaper option. Made with tough ripstop nylon, it’s relatively small, with a 15L interior and no hydration bladder, but there are two pockets on the sides, plus twin lines of daisy chain hoops, a pair of hiking pole attachment loops and a light attachment on the front. Inside there’s a zipped pocket, and the main compartment is large enough to take a laptop. The mesh back panel is comfy and it has an adjustable sternum strap and waist belt.
VERDICT: 8/10
Best: For travelling light
Lifeventure Packable 22L Waterproof Backpack, £35
This clever little compressible Cordura backpack weighs just 150g and crushes down into a stuff sack that fits into the palm of your hand or a jacket pocket. With a nifty roll-top design, this bag has a Tardis-like capacity that belies its tiny size, and it can easily be used to carry a fleece, lunch, books and more. Pockets on either side hold water bottles and the bungee web on the front can take more layers. The harness is surprisingly comfortable and there’s a waist belt, too.
VERDICT: 6/10
Best: For everyday use
Sea to Summit Flow 35 Dry Pack, £185
This is an excellent and durable roll-top pack, which works like a dry bag, made with tough TPU laminated 420-denier nylon and with sealed seams. The harness and waist belt is substantial, comfortable, breathable and easy to adjust. There are two mesh water-bottle pockets and a front pocket protected by a showerproof zip. The pack has a pouch for a hydration bladder, a grab handle on the top, two compression straps on either side and myriad loops for fixing things to the outside.
VERDICT: 9/10
Best: For cycling and commuting
Chrome Urban Ex2 Rolltop 20L Backpack, £147
Designed for cyclists who venture out in all conditions, this waterproof backpack is ideal for commuting. The roll-top closure system compresses the main compartment to cut down on wobble when in motion. The rear panel sits proud of your back to reduce sweatiness and the harness has breathable foam. There’s a chest strap, but no waist belt, which makes it more comfortable when in a riding position. The hoops on the front hold a D-lock. Inside you’ll find a pouch for a laptop, plus other pockets.
VERDICT: 7/10
For more reviews of outdoor gear, go to countryfile.com/country-kit