Kayaking is a water sport and you need everything waterproof when you’re on the water. By owning the best waterproof backpack for kayaking, you can keep your gears from being wet no matter if there are few splashes or you fall into the water.
And today, we are happy to help you find one with this detailed guide.
Here are the best waterproof backpacks for kayaking (May 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Piscifun Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack
- Best for Multi-Day Trips: Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack
- Minimalist Design: Skog Å Kust BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack
- Best for Day Trips: IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack
- Eco-Friendly: FE Active Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack
- Compact: Chaos Ready Waterproof Backpack
| 6 Best Waterproof Backpacks for Kayaking | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Piscifun Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack | |
Best for Multi-Day Trips | Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack | |
Minimalist Design | Skog Å Kust BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack | |
Best for Day Trips | IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack | |
Eco-Friendly | FE Active Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack | |
Compact | Chaos Ready Waterproof Backpack | |
Best Overall: Piscifun Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack
- Versatile to fit different specific needs – various volume options
- Durable and heavy-duty - fully waterproof 500D PVC, sturdy roll-top closure & welded seams
- Ultra-protective - a 6.6” IPX8 certified phone case
- Extra convenience - an elastic rope, an outer mesh pocket, and an adjustable padded strap
- The straps are way too long
There are many good reasons that we choose this waterproof backpack as the best overall for kayaking. The very first of them is various volume options, including 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 liters, to choose from for specific needs.
Whichever one you pick, it’s all made of fully waterproof 500D PVC, as well as features a sturdy roll-top closure and welded seams for enhanced durability and waterproof properties.
The best part is a 6.6” IPX8 certified phone case with an emphasis on touch-friendly design, HD window, and 100% secure seal lock. It accommodates a 6.5” of diagonal screen size like a breeze.
Last but not least, there is an elastic rope for holding accessories and clothing, an outer mesh pocket for non-dry storage, and an adjustable padded strap for carrying. For the price of around $15 to $35, what else to ask?
| Piscifun Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | <1 pound |
Dimension | 10L: 15*7.8inch 20L: 15.75in 30L & 40L: 17.7inch * 11inch. |
Material | 500D PVC |
Capacity | 5L 10L 20L 30L 40L |
Highlight Features | various volume options; fully waterproof 500D PVC, sturdy roll-top closure & welded seams; a 6.6” IPX8 certified phone case; an elastic rope, an outer mesh pocket, and an adjustable padded strap |
For all the basic needs of the best overall kayaking waterproof backpack, we think this model has a lot of peace of mind to offer.
Best for Multi-Day Trips: Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack
- Flexible and versatile – 35-liter volume capacity & roll-down design for more compact size
- Well-organized & neat – include a key ring, mesh compartment, zippered pocket, a big splash-proof zippered pocket for quick access and many MOLLE system loops
- Good support – padded shoulder straps, a heavy-duty waist-belt and low-profile sternum strap with an ergonomic padded back panel
- The front pocket is not as waterproof as other storage spaces
This is one of the most versatile kayaking waterproof backpacks that we’ve tested.
While the stock volume is 35 liters, which is perfect for trips up to 1.5 weeks, you can roll it down 3 to 4 times for a neater silhouette to use as a dry bag if wanted. Going to the inside, there are lots of extra storage to keep your stuff well-organized.
It includes a key ring, mesh compartment, zippered pocket, and on the outside, there’s a big splash-proof zippered pocket for quick access and many MOLLE system loops.
Rest the heart that it is 100% waterproof combined with singe reinforced strip and a roll-top closure to keep water stay out.
On those days carrying hefty loads, it has a heavy-duty waist-belt and low-profile sternum strap with an ergonomic padded back panel to support your back. For the shoulders, there are reinforced contoured shoulder straps.
| Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | < 2.5 pounds |
Dimension | 14” x 19” x 9” |
Material | 500D PVC |
Capacity | 35L |
Highlight Features | 35-liter volume capacity & roll-down design for more compact size; padded shoulder straps, a heavy-duty waist-belt and low-profile sternum strap with an ergonomic padded back panel; includes lots of pockets and compartments |
If you plan for multiple-day trips, the Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack is most likely to get the job done and save you significant cash.
Minimalist Design: Skog Å Kust BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack
- Good organizing - one IPX6 waterproof major compartments and some small pouches
- Neat and compact - two closing ways and foldable design down to 3 times smaller
- Simple and minimalist design - no garish logos or tacky slogans
- The sternum strap is a bit small
- Wish the reflective material is more down to the middle
We love this bag, and if you’re a minimal kayaker looking for simple waterproof backpacks to protect your essentials from the water, try it.
Aside from its sleek, straightforward design with no garish logos or tacky slogans, it features two volume options (25 liters and 35 liters) and a very simple interior, including one IPX6 waterproof major compartments and some small pouches for organizing.
On the outside, there are a splash-proof pocket for IDs, keys, and wallets, along with side clips and D-rings.
What we like the most about it is the two closing ways and foldable design down to 3 times smaller to fit snugly specific loads, ensuring its most compact silhouette.
| Skog Å Kust BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.5 lbs |
Dimension | 25L: 11.5” x 16” x 6” 35L: 12.5” x 19” x 6” |
Material | 500-denier PVC |
Capacity | 25L & 35L |
Highlight Features | one IPX6 waterproof major compartments and some small pouches; two closing ways and foldable design down to 3 times smaller; no garish logos or tacky slogans |
We highly recommend the Skog Å Kust BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack for anyone who needs a minimalist design.
Best for Day Trips: IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack
- Compact and easy to carry – two carrying ways, measured by 9.8inch x 7.1inch x 17.7inch, and the roll-down construction
- Able to customize the fit for different specific loads - stretched strap and buckle
- Easy to maintain – smooth surface
- The front pocket is not waterproof
- No padding in the back for ventilation
- The zip and the water evacuation ring at the bottom is not seawater-resistant
Measured by 9.8inch x 7.1inch x 17.7inch and providing 20-liter volume capacity, the IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack is ideal for day trips, especially those people who prefer ultralight travel.
And, you can carry it as either a backpack (with two shoulder straps added) or a dry bag during the daylight (using the handle). The roll-down construction combined with stretched strap and buckle allows you to customize the bag’s size to fit most of your loads without feeling bulky.
A notable thing about this bag, aside from its reflective strip and completely waterproof materials, is the smooth surface for easy maintenance. If it has dirt, just simply wipe clean.
About the construction, we’ve got no complaint about this model. It has almost everything we need to store and organize our kayaking gear and essentials with very good protection and easy access ability.
Just one note is the front pocket is not completely waterproof as other parts so don’t put your non-waterproof stuff in there.
| IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | < 2.2 pounds |
Dimension | 9.8inch x 7.1inch x 17.7inch 23.8” x 9.8” x 7.1” |
Material | 500D outdoor waterproof fabric |
Capacity | 20L/30L |
Highlight Features | two carrying ways, measured by 9.8inch x 7.1inch x 17.7inch, and the roll-down construction; stretched strap and buckle; smooth surface |
The IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack is a reliable option for day trips and also one of the bestselling on the market.
Eco-Friendly: FE Active Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack
- Ideal to work in very wet condition - a roll-top waterproof construction and high-frequency welded stitching
- Eco-friendly – thick, environment-safe marine-grade 5mm vinyl tarpaulin and PVC material
- Good air ventilation - built-in padded support in the back and padded shoulder straps with mesh lining
- Its bungee cord is loose
- The plastic adjusters for the drawstring water bottle pouches are not durable
The FE Active Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack is specifically created to work in very wet conditions. It boasts a roll-top waterproof construction and high-frequency welded stitching. The volume is 30 liters, which works flawlessly during long-term trips or day trips.
Making it outstanding is the thick marine-grade 5mm vinyl tarpaulin and PVC material. These materials are all tested and certified to be eco-friendly and environment-safe.
Besides, it is added with built-in padded support for your back comfort as well as padded shoulder straps with mesh lining for both fatigue relief and air ventilation.
Compared to other counterparts at the same volume, it is superior in terms of breathability.
| FE Active Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | < 2 pounds |
Dimension | 21” x 13” x 7” |
Material | 5mm ecofriendly Vinyl Tarpaulin |
Capacity | 30L |
Highlight Features | a roll-top waterproof construction and high-frequency welded stitching; thick, environment-safe marine-grade 5mm vinyl tarpaulin and PVC material; built-in padded support in the back and padded shoulder straps with mesh lining |
Made of tested environment-safe marine-grade 5mm vinyl tarpaulin and PVC material, FE Active Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack is the eco-friendliest option here.
Compact: Chaos Ready Waterproof Backpack
- Unparalleled compactness - opening dimensions of 16.93” x 20.87”
- Functional - two-sided mesh pockets & a 22-liter volume capacity
- Able to float if accidentally dropped into the water
- No dividers
The Chaos Ready Waterproof Backpack might not the smallest choice in our list but it’s the most compact with opening dimensions of 16.93” x 20.87”. The weight is 1.35 pounds.
Its petite silhouette enhances the bag’s flexibility a lot without compromising its functionality. A good proof is its two-sided mesh pockets on the outside to keep you stay hydrated all the time, or the 22-liter volume capacity.
We personally love the completely waterproof main compartment which can hold up well against any water damage, such as downpour or rain. For maximum water repellant capabilities, the bag is also added with watertight zippers.
If the bag accidentally is dropped into the water, don’t fret, it is floatable.
| Chaos Ready Waterproof Backpack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.35 pounds |
Dimension | 16.93” x 20.87” |
Material | 500 PVC TARPAULIN |
Capacity | 22L |
Highlight Features | opening dimensions of 16.93” x 20.87”; two-sided mesh pockets & a 22-liter volume capacity; floatable design |
For those who are seeking the most compact kayaking waterproof backpack, look no further.
How To Choose The Best Waterproof Backpack for Kayaking?
Waterproof Levels
The most important feature of a waterproof backpack is, of course, how resistant to water it is. A backpack for kayaking can be labeled as water-resistant or waterproof.
The difference is, a water-resistant backpack protects your things from rains but a waterproof backpack allows for submerging underwater and your stuff remains dry. Therefore, you should pay attention to this label when choosing backpacks for kayaking.
Size
Backpacks come in various volumes, which can be as large as 120 liters and as small as 2 liters. In terms of the size, you should think about how many things you will stack in the backpack and choose the suitable size in correspondence.
Color Combo
The choice of color can be based on your own interest, but a bright color is useful when you’re kayaking in darker conditions. It helps others see you more clearly in low-light environments.
Which Brands Make The Best Waterproof Backpack for Kayaking?
Piscifun
Since its foundation in 2013, Piscifun has become a trusted brand for kayaking backpacks. It’s loved for meeting customers’ needs, especially in upgrading design. Even better, its products are currently the most cost-effective on the market, meaning more affordability for you.
Earth Pak
With five years of experience in the business, Earth Pak has got a lot of positive reviews on its products for water activities. The brand takes pride in its continuous effort to develop better and better products to keep your stuff dry.
Skog Å Kust BackSåk
This Swedish brand is a strong brand on the market. It guarantees 100% satisfaction for you by optimizing the design and maximizing utility.
FE Active
This brand has a dedicated Research and Development department, including experienced professionals and enthusiasts, which aims at improving every product to enhancing its usability.
Chaos Ready
With this brand, you will find a kayaking backpack that gets you ready for any kind of chaos in the water. It’s trusted for extensive content and competitive pricing compared with rivals.
FAQs
Why use a waterproof backpack?
There are several reasons why you should use waterproof backpacks:
Complete gear protection: keep your stuff dry in the rain or under the water.
Built to last: they are often more durable and last for a long time, hence save you money in the long term.
Enhanced comfort: keep you worry-free during your outdoor activities and advanced technology make them more and more comfortable to carry around.
Are all backpacks waterproof?
No, they aren’t. Whether a backpack is waterproof depends on its material and design. A backpack can be made of waterproof material but is not waterproof at all. It also needs waterproof zippers and seals.
What's better waterproof or water-resistant?
Waterproof is definitely better. Water-resistance means a piece of gear can resist a certain level of wetness, like the rain, but waterproof means the gear can be submerged completely in the water.
What is the most waterproof material?
The most waterproof material is PUL (or polyurethane laminate). It’s a polyester fabric coated, featuring a plastic backing with a thin waterproof coating. The material is 100% waterproof, durable, and breathable.
Other waterproof materials include TPU, nylon and polyester, laminated cotton/poplin, oilcloth, polyester fleece.
How do I make my backpack water-resistant?
Use a rain cover
Line the backpack with a plastic bag or liner
Put the gear in dry bags
Use zip lock bags
Conclusion
Remember that when shopping for a kayaking backpack, the level of waterproof is the key factor. We hope that this guide will help you find the best waterproof backpack for kayaking quickly to use on your next trip.
