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
What many backpackers do for a quasi-BIFL approach is to just buy a non, waterproof bag that’s durable, and use a garbage bag on the inside (typically bags designed for trash compactor or nylofume which are much more durable than normal bags).
The problem is no coatings last forever, so you might as well have your waterproof layer be a replaceable wear item.
If you do want something that doesnt require an extra bag, avoid anything that has a coating on the outside, because that is inherently sensitive to abrasion. This especially includes DWR, which mainly serves to shed water and prevent water from getting into the fibers, not preventing water from getting inside.
Also, avoid gore tex or similar. Those are good for on your body, because you are generating heat (and sweat) so it needs to be breathable, but a bag does not need to be.
I prefer coatings to be on the interior of the fabric for durability. Some people like it on the outside so water gets shed instead of getting the fabric wet (even though whatever is on the inside will be dry). Coatings like polyurethane are actually waterproof, though they will break down over time if they are kept hot and humid, so just make sure you take care of your gear.
Alternatively, a waxed cotton canvas may be the best bet for you since it can be retreated as necessary.
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).
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