Women's waterproof backpack

The waterproof women’s backpack, from the city to the hills

This selection brings together backpacks whose product page states a waterproof, watertight or water-repellent fabric: waterproof nylon, waterproof Oxford, waterproof PU, high-density polyester. Uses range from the urban commute with a laptop to a multi-day trek, with foldable models for travel. The exact word matters: a water-repellent fabric makes the water bead up in a shower, while a waterproof or waterproof bag is stated to resist rain better. Read the material on each product page.

In town and at work: waterproof urban women’s backpack

The Waterproof Travel Backpack, Large Capacity & Anti-Theft (£44.90) is a stylish women’s backpack in waterproof nylon, in purple, grey, pink or black. For a laptop, the Women's Stylish Oxford 15-Inch Backpack (£109.90, black or beige) and the stylish 15.6-inch waterproof Oxford model (£79.90 in 28 × 38 × 12 cm, £84.90 in 31 × 45 × 13 cm, in pink, apricot or black) are designed for women. Simpler, the 15.6-inch waterproof nylon laptop backpack with a USB port costs £29.90.

For work, the waterproof PU business bag for 15-inch laptops (£74.90) has a USB port, the anti-theft business bag in water-repellent nylon (£69.90) is described as connected, and the 17.3-inch waterproof Oxford business bag comes in 37 L (£99.90) or 45 L (£109.90). For long trips, two vacuum compression bags in waterproof Oxford take a 17-inch laptop, at £139.90 and £191.90.

Travel and cabin

In waterproof nylon, the 44 cm large-capacity (£34.90) and 45 cm multifunction (£39.90) travel backpacks multiply the compartments. The 40 × 25 × 20 cm (£59.90) and 40 × 30 × 20 cm (£67.90, with shoe compartment) cabin backpacks take a 14-inch laptop. The dimensions are those on the product pages: baggage rules change from flight to flight, so check them before you go.

Hiking and outdoors: waterproof women’s backpack

For walking in the rain, the choice runs from the 32 L waterproof hiking backpack (£29.90) to the large volumes: 50 L multifunction (£60.90), 50 L waterproof with rain cover (£74.90), 35 L waterproof from £79.90, 90 L for trekking and camping (£59.90). The 75 L (£89.90) is in tough nylon with an integrated rain cover. The 40 L (£70.90) is in water-repellent nylon. For cycling, the 20 L hydration pack in waterproof nylon (£48.90) holds a water bladder and a helmet. The 40 L tactical backpack in waterproof Oxford (£59.90) has a Molle system.

Foldable and ultralight

The 20 L ultra-light foldable backpack weighs 85 g according to its product page and folds into its own pocket, from £22.90. The ultralight 20 L foldable hiking bag (from £32.90) and the 31 L foldable in waterproof nylon (£33.90) pack away in a suitcase for a day of walking, cycling or camping.

Which waterproof women’s backpack should you choose?

• Daily commutes: the anti-theft bag at £44.90 or a model with a USB port at £29.90 or £74.90.
• Laptop: the 14, 15, 15.6 and 17-inch models above, and our whole selection of women’s laptop backpacks.
• Day hikes: 20 to 40 L; several days: 50 to 90 L, with a rain cover if possible.
• Light travel: a foldable one in the suitcase.
• Relaxed look: see the stylish sporty-chic women’s backpack selection.

Frequently asked questions about waterproof women’s backpacks

What is the best waterproof backpack?

The one that fits your use, and whose product page really says waterproof or watertight. A water-repellent fabric lets water run off in a short shower; a waterproof fabric copes better with rain that lasts, but seams and zips remain points of entry. For hiking in the rain, a bag with a rain cover, like the 50 L and 75 L on this page, protects the contents better.

Which backpack is waterproof enough to go in the water?

None of the backpacks in this selection is stated to be submersible. For kayaking or water sports, the range offers a waterproof dry bag in 210T polyester, in 6, 12 or 24 L, from £9.90 to £11.90.

Looking after your waterproof backpack

After rain or mud, clean the outside with a soft cloth and clean water, without strong detergent that would damage the coating, then let it air-dry, away from a heat source, before putting it away.

Other backpacks

This section is part of our women's backpacks. For the mountains, see also the Women's hiking backpack; for setting off, the women's holiday travel backpack. All the unisex models are gathered in the waterproof backpack. For men: men's travel backpack and men's work backpack.