Dry Bags For Every Occasion

Not all dry bags are created equally!  Design features and various levels of waterproofness (IP ratings) make particular bags better suited to some activities than others

Pocket Sized

Waterproof

Eco Friendly

Sand Proof

Dry Bags For Every Occasion

Not all dry bags are created equally. Design features and various levels of waterproofness (IP ratings) make particular bags better suited to some activities than others

Pocket Sized

Waterproof

Eco Friendly

Sand Proof

Waterproof Backpacks

The Best Waterproof Backpacks for All Occasions

Your mind is made up! It's time to get out there this weekend. You are going outdoors whatever the weather. Top on the list you need a waterproof backpack.

All your previous backpacks fell short on their promises, and your stuff got wet. An ordeal you wish to forget.

How do you ensure you get the best waterproof backpack that will not only protect your stuff but will also last this time?

Features to Look out for in Identifying the Best Waterproof Backpack

1. Waterproof design 

A waterproof backpack ought to be made of highly impermeable materials. It ensures that the water doesn't penetrate through the bag damaging the contents.

In evaluating a waterproof backpack's permeability, we use the Ingress Protection (IP) official standards.

Several IP standards are applied in the bags we stock:

 

  • IP65- Foul Weatherproof
  • IP66- Briefly submersible and floats
  • IP68- Submersible to 6M for 60 Mins

 

The different standards dictate your waterproof backpack porosity level. Look out for the IP rating icons on the product pages.

 

  • IP65- Foul Weatherproof

 

These dry bag backpacks are lighter-weight materials making them ideal for city breaks, trips to the beach and carrying light loads. 

The IP65 will keep the rain off, and your contents will remain dry for a while; however, they aren't strictly submersible.

The waterproof rucksacks that fall under this category are 100% impermeable to water and briefly submersible.

Made from durable tarpaulin, these waterproof rucksacks can be hauled on and off boats. Due to the roll top of sealing applicable to many of these bags, ensure you don't submerge them in water for too long. With time the rolled top can potentially let water through.

IP68

This category of dry bag backpack is known for its impermeability level. All the Watershed bags are designed for white water rafting and aquatic adventure sports. The bag can be submerged for at least 60 minutes to a depth of up to 91 meters without the contents getting soaked.

Use this bag to keep your valuables completely protected from water. It's the right standard bag for your phone, laptops, and other treasures you wish to take downstream.

The seal used on these bags is kept intact by the water pressure making it possible to retain the ziplock closed while in water.

2. Material Composition to protect from Wet Weather

The rate at which a waterproof backpack can restrict water absorption is influenced by its material composition. For this reason, as you plan on buying the backpack, get to know the material composition.

Light weight waterproof backpacks, such as the EXPED Cloudburst25, are made from Taffeta nylon and PU coated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR), are the best in keeping your valuables dry from rain and spray. This signature waterproof feature allows for protection for every personal item you carry.

With time the DWR film wears off, but the good thing is that it can be replaced with Nikwax to allow your backpack to serve you for longer. To see if your pack is still protected a quick spray in the shower to see if water beads up and rolls off. 

OverBoard's heavier weight PVC tarpaulin is 100% waterproof and harder wearing, but slightly heavier to carry. OverBoard bags come in four weights of material:

 

  • Classic
  • Pro-Sport
  • Pro-Vis
  • Pro-Light

3.   A range of sizes for Hikes to everyday life

Go for a bag that suits you in terms of size. Your bag size will be influenced by the number of valuables you intend to carry.

You could get a 20 litres backpack for a day out cycling as it's medium size and not too heavy to carry around. For hiking, get a rucksack of between 20-30 litres and 45 litres and above for an extended adventure outdoors. Check the product details to see if the pack comes with compression straps to reduce bulk.

If you want internal pockets or plan on carrying your laptop with you, consider adding the OverBoard laptop tidy to create more space for your valuables. Many of our packs come with internal storage giving you that peace of mind that you can carry and access everything you need on your trip.

4.   Light Weight Waterproof Fabric

Weight matters call for an act of balancing depending on the valuables you intend to carry.

You want to ensure you avoid carrying excessive weight in the pack alone so we use only lightweight fabric and a durable material.

Lightweight bags Exped bags have taped seams to ensure they remain watertight. The lightweights also hit a lower price point and pack down easily for transport and storage.

The mid-weight water-proof backpacks are made from strong tarpaulin material and the seams are RF (radio frequency) welded to make them completely leakproof.

Some waterproof backpacks will be heavier due to the thicker materials and abundance of extra features including; sternum and waist straps, external side pockets and bungee cord.

The weight of the pack you choose will be influenced by the purpose you intend to use it for and your personal preference.

We have a wide range of waterproof backpacks under all the weight categories to choose from.

5. Sealing

The type of seal on your waterproof backpack matters a lot as it will influence how long it stays intact before cracking from the water pressure.

Most of the bags will have a simple 2-way roll-top sealing system that you tightly roll three to four times after pinching the top together, then secure with the buckle to keep the seal watertight.

To test whether you have properly secured the seal, dip the bag in a bath before heading out for a real wet adventure and see the two-way sealing system in action.

Some backpacks in the OverBoard range (Pro-Sport, Pro-Vis and Pro-Light) have additional buckles to enable you to clip the top flat as opposed to a loop. These can be removed to declutter the rucksack.  Internal zippered pockets are another important feature that is included in all the OverBoard backpacks. Some of our backpacks like the Watershed rucksacks have a zip-lock-style seal that runs across the top. There is a simple  technique to learn that makes opening and closing a breeze. The Ziplock seal ensures your Watershed backpack can be submerged to a depth of 91 metres (300 feet - they’re American) and remain waterproof. Internal zippered pockets are another important feature that is included in all the OverBoard backpacks.

Lubricate the seal on these bags regularly with the lube included to ensure it remains functional. In case you miss the lube while outdoors, use your saliva; it works perfectly.

Why Get Your Waterproof Backpack from us?

1. Quality Products in every Pack

We only deal with the best quality waterproof backpacks. We always ensure that you get the best bag that firmly secures your content by only using high-quality materials.

2. Variety of Water-Resistant Backpacks for any Weather

We have a wide variety of dry bag backpacks for every occasion. You can choose the one that suits you best in terms of colour, purpose, size, weight, and accessories you wish to have on your bag. So whether you are looking for a hiking backpack, lightweight backpack or are browsing travel backpacks we have the solution for you

3. A Pocket Friendly Rucksack for all your Storage Needs

We aim to provide you with quality backpacks at affordable prices. We go the extra mile to ensure you get value for your money. Exterior pockets are key to be able to access what you need on the go while having features such as a hidden, anti-theft pockets to keep your valuables safe is a must for some. If you are sporty then water bottle pockets or waterproof pockets may be on the essential features list. Whatever you need, our bags have plenty of pockets to meet your needs and provide a range of storage options.

4. Comfort is Key for any Trip

To carry a heavy load  on your back, a good backpack must be comfortable and durable, besides being a good fit for you. The load of a backpack should be distributed evenly on your back, and not concentrated on one area of your back and ideally be made using padded straps. Padded shoulder straps provide extra comfort and to reduce the weight on shoulders. A chest strap is important for holding the shoulder straps in place and it helps to keep the backpack from swaying from side to side as you walk. A padded hip belt is also important for holding the backpack from swaying from side to side as you walk. It also helps you to carry a heavier load on your back.

5. A Laptop Backpack in your Price Range

A laptop compartment is a key feature in any modern backpack. The laptop compartment is the perfect place to keep your laptop, phone, wallet, accessories and more. When choosing a laptop compartment, you need to be sure that it’s padded to protect your laptop.   Our laptop tidy is the perfect padded laptop sleeve to add to your existing rucksack and comes as a 14-inch and 15-inch laptop sleeve. These attach via Velcro to the inside of the OverBoard backpacks. 

6. Fast Delivery on your items

If you are within the UK in a day or two, you will have received your backpack.

7. Free Delivery for your Dry Bag Backpack

Yes, you read that right, for purchases above £50 we guarantee free delivery. We also offer 30 day free returns to ensure our customers get the best products possible.

Plan your outdoor adventure by getting the right waterproof backpack from us in good time. Prevent your valuables from being damaged by getting the right dry bag backpack.

Enjoy your outdoor activities without having to worry about your gear and valuables getting ruined.

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