43
Waterproof backpacks? (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by scutiger@lemmy.world to c/buyitforlife@slrpnk.net
20 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Back in 2008 I bought an Overboard waterproof backpack. That thing took a beating for almost 15 years before the straps started giving up. It's been through months-long trips and Canadian winters and saw near-daily use for the entire time. One thing that I loved is that I could take it on a plane, and it just fit as a carry-on, and it could comfortably squeeze underneath the seats on a plane. At the time, I heartily recommended it to everyone.

Unfortunately after 15 years, the original model was long discontinued, and they didn't offer repairs, so I decided to buy one of their newer models. The material is thinner and flimsier, and it only took about 6 months before it started cracking where the new design forces it to flex. It's also limited to either sealing it by clipping it where it rolls up or holding the roll with a weak piece of velcro, whereas my old one had clips at the bottom of the bag which allowed it to seal and pack much better. Anyway, the poor quality of my second purchase means I don't recommend their stuff anymore.

Anyway, does anyone have any recommendations for a good waterproof backpack? I don't necessarily need a dry bag as I don't expect to ever submerge it, but I would like to keep stuff dry under monsoon rains for example. I need something durable and packable, and ideally something carry-on size, about 30L.

I appreciate any help

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] Redkey@programming.dev 6 points 2 months ago

I second the "waterproofing a regular backpack" concept.

I commute by bicycle in a place that has a tropical summer rainy season. In fact, I'm looking at a storm brewing outside my window right now. Several years ago I started a hunt for a waterproof bag, but after a while I realized that a truly waterproof bag in the size I needed (40-50 l) was going to A) be very hard to find, and B) cost a small fortune, many times what a regular pack that size would cost.

So I decided to buy a regular, well-made and sturdy backpack, and to try using a waterproof backpack cover (outer) on it. At first it wasn't so good, but ever since I slightly modified the cover to stay snugly attached over the top of the backpack (the problem is where the shoulder straps attach) it's done a great job. The straps get soaked, and some parts of the pack that touch my back get damp in really heavy rain, but almost never enough to make it through to the inside.

I still keep some important things in plastic bags inside the bag, but it's very rarely necessary.

Another advantage of using a separate outer cover is that regular packs tend to be more serviceable, with pockets and straps and whatnot, which you can use freely when the weather's good, and will generally stay completely dry under the cover (although they will be less accessible obviously).

[-] evasive_chimpanzee@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago

I can't believe I didn't even mention pack covers. A bunch of packs even have little compartments for the cover, so you never have to even think about where it is

this post was submitted on 17 Jun 2026
43 points (100.0% liked)

Buy it for Life

9106 readers
1 users here now

A place to share practical, durable and quality made products that are made to last, with an emphasis on upcycled and sustainable products!

Guidelines:

Things that are well-made and durable (even if they won't last a lifetime) are A-Okay!

Unlike that other BIFL place, Home-made and DIY items are encouraged here, as long as some form of instruction is included in the body of the post.

Videos links are not allowed as post titles, but you may use them in a text post.

A limited amount of self-promotion is accepted, IF the item you are selling aligns with this criteria:

  1. The item must be made with sustainable or recycled materials.
  2. If electronic in some way, the item must be open-source.
  3. The item must be user-serviceable (if applicable).
  4. You cannot be a large corporation.
  5. The post must be clearly marked with a [Self Promotion] tag in your title.

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net
SolarMonkey@slrpnk.net