This One Backpack Mistake Can Ruin Your Next Trek — According to Someone Who's Hiked all 7 Continents

I’m an avid hiker: some of my favorite treks have included Mount Everest in Asia, Deception Island in Antarctica, Pikes Peak in North America, Huayna Picchu in South America, the Larapinta Trail in Australia, and the Vintgar Gorge in Europe. I have long heard stories from other hikers who’ve dealt with soggy gear after freak rain showers in the mountains or thrown away expensive backpacks because they became mildewy after an unexpected leak. However, heading toward what would become my seventh continent to hike — I was going to Africa to hike the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park — I learned the hard way how important water-resistant backpacks are when it comes to hiking. 

Sitting on the plane with my non-weather-resistant backpack nestled by my feet, it took only 15 seconds to ruin my portable charger and turn everything I had brought with me into a sticky mess when the person next to me accidentally spilled their entire bottle of soda on my bag. I realized at that point how lucky I had been that I’d made it that long without incurring bigger damage on the trails; I finally made my first water-resistant backpack purchase soon after. I now exclusively hike (and travel) with a water-resistant or waterproof backpack. I love easily wiping off dirt and mud, and that everything inside is protected from rain, snow, and, yes, even the person with a soda on the airplane. 

Here, some of the best water-resistant backpacks for your next hike.

Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 25-pack

This roomy pack is great for overnight trips, but it does best as an all-elements daypack. The TPU-coated nylon material is fully waterproof and super light, which won’t add on weight and allows for more space for gear. Many users love that it comes with a removable lid that can float, while others can’t get over the comfortable straps, internal gear loops to keep items organized, and the effective protection it provides against rainy weather. 

Chrome Urban Ex 3.0 20L Backpack

I love a hiking backpack that can double as a commuter, and this waterproof pack is the gold standard for handling both environments well. It’s even equipped with a padded laptop sleeve and strap loops (great for attaching gear with carabiners) if you need further proof of its versatility. Of course, the most crucial feature is the interior-welded waterproof construction, which means everything you stash within the roll-top seal will stay dry.

Osprey UltraLight 20L

This entire 20L rolltop bag compresses down into a self-contained pouch, which could make it ideal for international hiking trips because you can store it until you need it. Its feather-light construction and waterproof-coated fabric mean that this bag is comfortable to wear and will keep your belongings safe.

Thule Chasm 40L Sport Duffel 

A duffel-backpack hybrid, like this water-resistant Thule pack, is my favorite pick for when I’m traveling for a long hike. It has room for everything I would want to keep with me in a backpack, including external “stash” pockets for passports, wallets, and snacks, and the duffel opens wide enough to easily access anything I need. This backpack is super versatile and even has external compression straps to keep everything from shifting around while on the trails or in transit.  

Earth Pak 55L Waterproof Backpack

This 100-percent waterproof bag even has external zippers designed to keep liquid out. The Hydrotec material and roll-top design allow it to function more like a dry bag than a backpack, and it is truly the best choice for any adventures that involve confirmed encounters with water, like kayaking or hiking in a rainy place.  

Fjallraven Ulvo 23 Pack

This smartly designed backpack can hold everything you need for a light hike in its protective, water-resistant shell. The front zippered pocket is great for storing snacks or guidebooks, while the wide-mouth main pocket can even fit a laptop for those looking for a truly remote work-from-anywhere experience. 

Delsey Paris Jeep Cylindrical Backpack

Delsey Paris is best known for their hyper-durable luggage, so you can only imagine how strong and capable this travel backpack collaboration with Jeep must be. The cylindrical design of this bag is intentional for accessibility on the trail, and the water-resistant coating makes it adaptable enough for any environment. 

Portland Gear 21L Cascade Backpack

This seemingly standard backpack from a Pacific Northwest-based brand is a sleeper hit among hikers, with a waterproof construction and truly multipurpose design. It has a wireframe top that makes it easy to access any essentials quickly and a luggage sleeve that helps out during travel. Hikers rave most about the dual XL water bottle sleeves, adjustable straps, and comfy chest buckle, all of which contribute to the versatility and comfort of this bag.  

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