There’s nothing more annoying than getting a downpour in the middle of a pleasant bike ride. It’s just not a good look, and the first thing you think about are usually your possessions, all the little knick-knacks that you bring with you when biking. That’s why you need to invest in one of the best waterproof biking backpacks featured below.
We spared no expense testing these out, to make sure that they’re suitable for everyday use as well as rugged enough for trail biking.
Best Waterproof Bicycle Backpacks
Waterproof bicycle backpacks are great for everyday use as they keep you prepared for any and all eventualities.
Here are our picks of the best waterproof biking backpacks for you to consider.
1. Thule Pack-n-Pedal Commuter Backpack
When it comes to waterproof cycle backpack manufacturers, they don’t get better than Thule, one of the most well-known makers of high-quality adventure and endurance sports products.
It comes with a waterproof main compartment that closes with a roll-top and a high-visibility rain cover for extra protection.
In addition to making sure that nothing ever gets wet, this backpack sports a crush-proof design to ensure that none of your valuables ever get damaged upon impact.
The padded laptop compartment is removable and can comfortably fit a 15-inch laptop. It’s definitely one of the best waterproof biking backpacks that money can buy.
2. Skog A Kust Waterproof Floating Backpack
Skog A Kust are masters when it comes to manufacturing waterproof bicycle backpacks. After testing this backpack ourselves, we can confirm that they’ve still got it.
This brand has managed to create a backpack that’s completely waterproof, affordable, and stylish at the same time.
It also comes in 8 different colors and two sizes, a 25L, 16-inch-tall model, and a 35L, 19 inches tall one. Both options are pretty big and can fit a lot of gear due to how much room they are inside. Plus, it comes with a lot of internal compartments to help keep everything neat and organized.
They’re also made from a durable material called 500 Denier PVC which is known for its waterproof qualities. But, this bag isn’t all about durability. It’s built for comfort too, as evidenced by features such as its thick and adjustable shoulder straps and sternum clip.
3. IDRYBAG Waterproof Dry Bag
As the name implies, the IDRYBAG is undefeated at keeping biking accessories and items dry.
It’s built for the great outdoors with an emphasis on keeping the contents inside safe from whatever you might encounter out there. This is achieved through a special design that keeps water from coming in through the top.
It comes in four different colors and it comes with a waist strap and back padding for comfortability. The internal components are designed to help you organize all of your gear, and overall, this could be the best waterproof backpack for biking.
4. Timbuk2 Especial Medio Cycling Laptop Backpack
The Timbuk2 Especial certainly deserves to be on a list of the best waterproof biking backpacks on the market for many reasons. For one, this is a massive bag with a huge main compartment and several internal components to make sure that you don’t run out of storage space for your cycling gear.
In fact, the compartments are so deep that some people have complained about how it can feel like your stuff is lost inside a black hole once you throw it inside the bag. But, this is a small price to pay for being able to organize a lot of stuff in a seemingly small bag.
The best part is that this bag comes complete with an internal waterproof drop liner which is guaranteed to keep your stuff dry even when you’re riding in a downpour. It’s nice to have peace of mind knowing that your stuff won’t get soaked from cycling in the rain.
All in all, this is a super durable waterproof biking bag that’s built for safety with reflective strips that glow in the dark. It’s also very comfortable with flexible cooling panels and breathable shoulder straps and internal attachments for your phone or iPhone.
5. Chaos Ready Waterproof Backpack
Next up in our quest for the best waterproof biking backpacks we have the Chaos Ready Waterproof biking bag.
This bag is made for the outdoor lifestyle and it can handle everything that Mother Nature can throw at it. You can submerge it in water or wear it in heavy rain and the stuff inside will stay drier than the Sahara desert.
This is all thanks to the bag’s unique construction which includes a 100% waterproof 500 PVC tarpaulin exterior and polyethylene lining on the inside with a buckle closure system. It’s durable yet lightweight and it simply won’t let you down.
Not only that, but Chaos Ready is so confident about the quality of this bag that they offer a lifetime warranty, making it the best waterproof cycling backpack for the money.
6. The Friendly Swede Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack
Here we have a beautifully designed dry bag from The Friendly Swede, which is designed for the daily commuter. It’s large enough to fit a 13-inch laptop and there are dedicated compartments for things like your smartphone, wallet, and even a camera.
This waterproof bag is available in three main colors with the most popular one being white and black. It’s a classic and timeless design that works perfectly for formal and casual settings alike.
This unisex bag is constructed from durable 500D PVC tarpaulin which is a lightweight yet functional material that only weighs about one and a half pounds.
It features three pockets on the outside which provide extra storage and detailing. For us, it’s the best waterproof commuting backpack.
7. HIKPRO Lightweight Packable Backpack
One of the most highly rated backpacks, the HIKPRO is built to last with a large 20L carrying capacity and a lightweight 6.5 Oz weight.
It’s made from waterproof fabric that’s complemented by equally durable SBS metal zippers. This is the perfect waterproof backpack for outdoor adventure sports and activities.
It’s also reinforced in multiple spots and it’ll go down as a high-quality waterproof biking bag that’s perfect for long-term use.
8. LOCALLION Cycling Backpack
This waterproof bike backpack from LOCALLION is one of the most comfortable models that we’ve come across. It’s made from breathable materials and features comfortable and adjustable shoulder pads which are complemented by a customized waist strap to make sure that the bag doesn’t move while you’re cycling.
This budget-friendly backpack is completely waterproof and we can vouch for this after carrying it in heavy rain.
However, if you stay out for too long in the rain, it’s possible for the water to start seeping in through the zippers. The nylon fabric also can’t handle too much water exposure, especially in a downpour.
But, this bag does come with a lot of other great features, such as a myriad of storage compartments both inside and outside, including side mesh pockets and internal pockets. It also comes with an emergency whistle, and it’s a great deal overall considering the price.
How to Pick the Best Waterproof Biking Backpacks
As you can see, many of the best waterproof biking backpacks have a lot of features in common, such as the following:
Waterproofing
If you plan to commute with your bike on a daily basis then it’s important to make sure that your bike backpack is made from waterproof or water-resistant materials because you’ll find yourself in the rain one day.
A lot of backpacks are constructed with removable waterproof covers while others are made from waterproof fabric all over.
If you really want peace of mind knowing that your motorcycle backpack is completely waterproof, then you should invest in one that has taped seams because that will prevent any drops of water from coming through. It’ll be sealed tight.
Padded Straps
You should also try and look for a backpack that’s designed to minimize backpressure and strain. Features like padded straps will help to achieve that.
Chest Straps
Having additional straps on the hips or straps will go a long way to making sure that the bag doesn’t move around while you’re cycling. These straps are usually adjustable which is great.
Brands like Osprey take it a step further by customizing each bag according to gender silhouette needs. For instance, their women’s waterproof bike backpacks fasten under the bust instead of across the chest.
Breathability
Cycling is often used as a form of exercise by most people because it’s a great way to get your sweat on and burn calories, so you know you’re going to sweat at some point during your journey.
That’s why it’s important to ensure that your backpack is breathable. Some brands use mesh fabric on the back or other breathable fabrics.
Pockets
You want your backpack to have multiple pockets so that you can organize your things appropriately and some models even have different sections with different types of pockets for different items.
Some sections are designed for electronics, others for a pump, tubes, and tire levers. There might even be zipped compartments and side pockets that allow you to access your items effortlessly.
A dedicated laptop compartment or pocket is also worth considering if you’re going to use your backpack to commute to work, and it should ideally be padded so that it’s effective at protecting your electronics.
Hydration
It’s important to make sure that your backpack has some sort of hydration system, especially if you’re into mountain biking, gravel biking, cyclocross, and off-road biking.
A lot of backpacks that are designed specifically for mountain bikes come with a bladder or a bladder and shoulder loop that can be used to attach a drinking tube.
Reflectivity
Reflective detailing on a waterproof bag helps to increase its safety and it could come in the form of reflective strips, which can be used in conjunction with bike lights to maintain low-light visibility.
How to Keep Everything Dry
If you don’t yet have a waterproof backpack or your backpack is only partially waterproof, consider the following tips to keep your accessories and valuables dry.
Get a Rain Cover
If you don’t have a waterproof backpack, one way to protect your belongings is to invest in some sort of rain cover which you can attach on top of your pack before you head out.
It will prevent any moisture build-up inside the bag while keeping out water coming from external conditions such as rain or splashes from the side of the road.
Wear a Rain Jacket
One way to make your backpack waterproof is to place an old raincoat on top of it. You can also use the raincoat as ground covering if you decide to stop by a park somewhere and notice that the ground is wet.
Buy a Dry Bag
If you don’t have a raincoat, you could also use a dry bag instead. Basically, you’d put all of your valuables in the dry bag, seal it up and then put it into your backpack.
This is a budget-friendly way to keep your belongings dry, safe, and protected. But, it won’t do much for your actual backpack and it will still get wet, but at least your belongings will be safe. You can even get tiny dry bags for small electronics like your smartphone or iPod.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you know exactly what it takes to find the best waterproof biking backpacks and what your options are. If we were to choose a single option, it would be the Thule Pack-n-Pedal Commuter Backpack.
Like most Thule products, this backpack is built for outdoor adventure and endurance sports, with a crush-proof design, a waterproof internal compartment, a roll-top enclosure, and high visibility rain cover for added protection.
It’s large enough to fit a 15-inch laptop as well as other valuables and it even comes with a handy hidden helmet attachment system to make sure that all of your belongings are well taken care of.