Ever been caught in a sudden downpour, only to discover your precious gear is soaked? We’ve all been there! Whether you’re a student heading to class, a hiker exploring new trails, or a commuter braving the elements, protecting your backpack from rain is a big deal. But with so many different covers out there, how do you pick the one that’s actually going to keep your stuff dry?
Finding the perfect waterproof backpack cover can feel like a quest. You want something that fits your bag just right, doesn’t rip easily, and truly keeps water out. It’s frustrating when a cover claims to be waterproof, but then your books or electronics get damp anyway! This can ruin your day, your belongings, and even your plans.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’re going to break down what makes a great waterproof backpack cover and what to look for. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to choose a cover that will give you peace of mind, no matter what the weather throws at you. Get ready to say goodbye to soggy surprises!
Our Top 5 Waterproof Backpack Cover Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Waterproof Backpack Cover Detailed Reviews
1. Joy Walker Backpack Rain Cover Waterproof Breathable Suitable for Hiking/Camping/Traveling (black
Rating: 9.2/10
Don’t let a sudden downpour ruin your adventure! The Joy Walker Backpack Rain Cover is your backpack’s best friend, keeping your gear dry and protected on hikes, camping trips, or any journey. This small, black cover is designed for backpacks holding 15-25 liters, offering a snug and secure fit.
What We Like:
- The upgraded buckle strap keeps the cover firmly in place, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping off.
- It’s made with a high-level waterproof material that can handle up to 10000 mm of water pressure, meaning serious rain won’t get through.
- The 4-layer construction is tough! The outside resists scratches and dirt, while the inside layers are double-coated to block rain, fog, and snow.
- It’s super compact and comes with its own pouch, making it easy to store in your backpack without taking up much space.
- You get VIP customer service, including free size exchanges if it doesn’t fit and free replacements if it rips.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the material is durable, some users might prefer an even lighter option for ultra-light backpacking.
- The “small” size is specifically for 15-25L packs, so if your backpack is slightly larger or smaller, you’ll need to check the dimensions carefully.
This rain cover offers excellent protection and peace of mind. It’s a smart buy for anyone who loves the outdoors.
2. LAMA 2pcs Waterproof Rain Cover for Backpack
Rating: 9.4/10
Protect your gear from the elements with the LAMA 2pcs Waterproof Rain Cover for Backpack. This black, medium-sized cover is designed for backpacks between 30L and 40L, making it a versatile choice for many adventures. It promises to keep your belongings dry, dust-free, and even offers some anti-theft features thanks to its reflective design.
What We Like:
- Superior Waterproofing: It can handle up to 2000mpa of water pressure, so your backpack stays dry even in heavy rain.
- Secure Fit: The strap around the middle of the bag is a great feature. It keeps the cover from blowing off in windy conditions.
- Durable Dual-Layer Design: The outside layer resists scratches and dirt. The inside layer has a waterproof coating for extra protection against rain and snow.
- Adjustable for a Perfect Fit: The adjustable buckle ensures the cover stays tightly wrapped around your backpack, preventing it from slipping off.
- Easy to Carry and Store: It comes with a storage bag, making it simple to fold up and put in your backpack when not in use.
- Great Value: You get two covers for a reasonable price, which is perfect for having a spare or sharing with a friend.
- Ideal for Outdoor Fun: This cover is perfect for hiking, climbing, riding, and any other outdoor activity where your backpack might get wet or dirty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Size Range: While it fits 30L-40L backpacks, it might not work for larger or smaller packs.
- Reflective Feature Clarity: While it mentions reflective elements, the exact placement and brightness aren’t detailed, which might be important for some users.
Overall, this LAMA backpack rain cover set offers excellent protection and value. It’s a smart investment for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.
3. Frelaxy Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover
Rating: 9.3/10
Don’t let a sudden downpour ruin your adventure! The Frelaxy Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover is your ultimate shield against the elements. Designed for hikers, campers, and travelers, this cover promises to keep your gear bone dry, no matter how heavy the rain. Its tough construction and smart features make it an essential companion for any outdoor enthusiast.
What We Like:
- Super waterproof protection with an 8000mm rating keeps everything dry.
- The upgraded silver coating makes it last longer by protecting it from sun and wear.
- It covers your backpack completely and stays put with strong straps, even in wind.
- It’s very light and folds up small, so it’s easy to carry anywhere.
- Comes with a handy pouch for storage.
- You get a free size exchange if it doesn’t fit, and a 12-month warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for stability, extremely high winds might still pose a slight challenge for some backpack shapes.
- The “ultra-strong multilayer structure” could be more detailed for users who want to understand the exact materials and construction.
Overall, the Frelaxy Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover offers excellent protection and convenience for outdoor activities. It’s a reliable choice for anyone who wants to keep their belongings safe and dry.
4. sheelokhwui Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover
Rating: 8.7/10
Don’t let a sudden downpour ruin your adventure! The Sheelokhwui Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover is your trusty sidekick for keeping your gear dry. Whether you’re hitting the trails, cycling through the city, or camping under the stars, this cover offers serious protection. It’s designed to fit backpacks from 25 to 45 liters, so it’s a great option for many types of packs.
What We Like:
- Excellent waterproofing thanks to its special fabric coating. It can handle up to 3000mm of water pressure, keeping your belongings safe from rain, snow, and even dirt.
- It’s built tough with ripstop nylon, making it strong and resistant to tears and wear, but it’s still lightweight and easy to carry.
- The upgraded closure system with two buckle straps and an elastic drawstring makes it super easy to put on and adjust. It stays put, even in strong winds.
- A reflective graphic on the cover increases your visibility in low light conditions, which is a great safety feature.
- It comes with its own small pouch, so you can fold it up and take it anywhere without it taking up much space.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s made of heavy-duty nylon, the availability of specific colors or sizes might be limited at times.
This rain cover is a smart investment for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. It’s reliable, easy to use, and provides peace of mind when the weather turns unpredictable.
5. LAMA 2pcs Waterproof Rain Cover for Backpack
Rating: 9.2/10
Keep your gear dry and safe with the LAMA 2pcs Waterproof Rain Cover for Backpack. This black, medium-sized cover is designed for backpacks between 30L and 40L. It’s perfect for protecting your belongings from rain, dust, and even helping to prevent theft. Plus, the reflective details add an extra layer of safety when you’re out and about.
What We Like:
- It completely keeps water out, resisting up to 2000mpa of water pressure.
- The strap around the middle of the bag really holds it tight, even in windy conditions.
- The dual-layer design uses tough nylon on the outside to stop scratches and dirt, and a waterproof coating inside to block rain and snow.
- You can easily adjust the cover to fit your backpack snugly with the adjustable buckle, so it won’t slip off.
- It comes with its own storage bag, making it super easy to carry around.
- You can fold it up small and tuck it into your backpack’s side pocket to save space.
- Getting a pack of two at a good price is a great deal.
- It’s ideal for all sorts of outdoor adventures like hiking, climbing, and bike riding.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for rain, we haven’t tested its anti-theft features extensively.
- The “M” size might not fit all backpacks exactly, so double-check your backpack’s dimensions.
Overall, this LAMA backpack rain cover set offers excellent protection and practicality for any outdoor enthusiast. It’s a smart investment to keep your essentials safe and dry on your adventures.
Your Backpack’s Best Friend: The Ultimate Waterproof Cover Buying Guide
Don’t let a sudden downpour ruin your adventure! A waterproof backpack cover is a game-changer for anyone who loves the outdoors, travels frequently, or simply wants to keep their gear dry. This guide will help you choose the perfect cover for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Size Matters
The most important feature is the size. Your cover needs to fit your backpack snugly. Most covers are designed for specific liter capacities (e.g., 20-35L, 40-55L). Check the product description carefully and measure your backpack if you’re unsure.
Adjustability and Fit
Look for covers with adjustable straps, buckles, or elastic drawcords. These allow you to cinch the cover tight around your backpack, preventing it from flapping in the wind or slipping off. A good fit means better protection.
Secure Fastening
A reliable closure system is crucial. Many covers use buckles, Velcro, or drawstring closures. Ensure the closure is easy to use and stays securely fastened, even in windy conditions.
Compactness and Portability
You want a cover that’s easy to store when not in use. Most good covers fold down small and can be stuffed into their own attached pouch or a small stuff sack. This makes it convenient to carry in your backpack or pocket.
Visibility
Brightly colored covers, especially those with reflective accents, can increase your visibility to others, particularly in low-light conditions or fog. This is a great safety feature for hikers and cyclists.
2. Important Materials
The material of your waterproof backpack cover directly impacts its durability and effectiveness.
Ripstop Nylon
This is a very popular choice. Ripstop nylon is strong and lightweight. It’s woven in a way that prevents tears from spreading, making it durable. Many ripstop nylon covers also have a polyurethane (PU) coating for waterproofing.
Polyester
Polyester is another common material. It’s generally strong and resistant to stretching and shrinking. Like nylon, it’s often coated with PU for water resistance.
Coated Fabrics
Look for materials with a waterproof coating, such as Polyurethane (PU) or Silicone. These coatings create a barrier that prevents water from seeping through the fabric. The higher the hydrostatic head rating (measured in millimeters), the more waterproof the material is.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Seam Sealing
This is a big one! Even the best waterproof fabric won’t keep your gear dry if the seams leak. High-quality covers have taped or sealed seams. This means a waterproof tape is applied over the stitching to block water entry.
Durability of Coatings
The waterproof coating can wear off over time, especially with heavy use or abrasion. Covers with thicker or more robust coatings tend to last longer.
Stitching Quality
Neatly done, strong stitching indicates a well-made product. Loose or uneven stitching can be a weak point for water entry.
Weight
While you want protection, you don’t want a cover that adds excessive weight to your pack. Lighter materials are generally preferred, but don’t sacrifice durability for a few grams.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Using a waterproof backpack cover is simple. You simply pull it over your packed backpack and secure it. It’s a quick process that can save your electronics, clothing, and other essentials from getting wet.
Travel
Essential for travelers visiting rainy climates or those who might encounter unexpected showers. It protects everything inside your backpack, from your passport to your camera.
Hiking and Camping
A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. It keeps your sleeping bag, extra clothes, and food dry, ensuring a comfortable and safe trip.
Cycling and Commuting
Cyclists and commuters can use them to protect their laptops, work documents, and change of clothes from rain on their daily journeys.
Everyday Use
Even for daily use, if you carry valuable items or are prone to getting caught in the rain, a waterproof cover offers peace of mind.
Choosing the right waterproof backpack cover ensures your belongings stay safe and dry, no matter the weather. Happy trails!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know what size cover to buy?
A: Check the backpack cover’s listed capacity range (e.g., 20-35 liters). Measure your backpack’s dimensions or its total volume in liters to find the best match.
Q: Are all waterproof covers truly waterproof?
A: Most good covers are highly water-resistant. True “waterproof” often depends on the material, seam sealing, and how well it’s secured. Look for taped seams and PU coatings for the best protection.
Q: How do I clean my waterproof backpack cover?
A: Gently hand wash with mild soap and cool water. Avoid harsh detergents or machine washing, as this can damage the waterproof coating.
Q: Can I use a cover that’s slightly larger than my backpack?
A: Yes, a slightly larger cover can work, especially if it has good adjustment features like drawcords and buckles to cinch it down. However, a cover that’s too small won’t fit properly.
Q: What is ripstop nylon?
A: Ripstop nylon is a strong fabric woven with a special technique to resist tearing. If a small tear occurs, the weave prevents it from spreading.
Q: How important are reflective elements?
A: Reflective elements are important for safety, especially if you’re hiking, cycling, or walking in low light or foggy conditions. They help you be seen by others.
Q: Will a backpack cover protect my bag from heavy rain?
A: A good quality cover with sealed seams and a robust coating will offer excellent protection against heavy rain for a reasonable amount of time. For prolonged submersion, it might not be fully waterproof.
Q: How should I store my cover when it’s not in use?
A: Ensure the cover is dry before storing it. Most covers fold into a small pouch or stuff sack, making them easy to carry in your backpack or pocket.
Q: Can I use a backpack cover for a duffel bag?
A: Yes, if the duffel bag’s dimensions are similar to the backpack size the cover is designed for, it can often work. Just ensure a snug fit.
Q: What does “hydrostatic head” mean?
A: Hydrostatic head is a measure of how waterproof a fabric is. It indicates the pressure of water a fabric can withstand before it starts to leak. A higher millimeter (mm) rating means greater waterproofing.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.