Best Waterproof Backpack for College

You might think that a waterproof backpack for college isn’t that easy to find or will be expensive, but you just need to know what kind of waterproof school backpack suits your needs. Additionally most packs already feature some weather-resistant coating, so all it takes is to find one with good reviews and matching features!

​​I had a great backpack when I was in college, and it was big enough to fit my laptop, textbooks, and everything else I needed for the day. Subsequently, the best part is that it never got wet from rain or snow!

However I used to worry about what would happen if my bag got soaked with water on the way to class, but then one semester, it happened, and all my books, papers, and iPad got wet! After that, I always went with a waterproof schoolbag, and my bag did not get soggy after making the switch. That’s because I went with a waterproof backpack!   

Additionally, it has been through years of carrying heavy books around without any damage at all, that I can say a waterproof bag is a must! Finally, these bags are for you if you want to ensure that your textbooks and laptop never get soaked!

Furthermore, you will want to find a waterproof bookbag with an affordable price tag and durable, water-resistant material throughout its seams. A good one will keep the rain out no matter how severe Mother Nature may get during your school day. Whether you want an all black backpack or some other color, there are many options.

The  Best Waterproof Backpack for College

#1 Chrome Industries Hondo 15 Inch Waterproof Backpack for College

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This bag is perfect for anyone wanting a high-quality waterproof backpack for college that will last for years. It’s functional and spacious; I would recommend this to anyone looking for a rugged bag that can carry heavy loads with access to quick and easy-to-find items. Additionally, they make it with abrasion-resistant 1050d nylon, water-resistant 300d tarpaulin liner, which will help protect your belongings from spills or rain damage. As a result, it’s also designed with ergonomic shoulder straps, EVA foam back panel for comfort and breathability, stabilizing strap, and an adjustable two-strap harness. It contains a padded interior 15″ laptop sleeve, which provides some protection from bumps or drops. It also has a padded bottom panel to improve the security of items placed inside.

The zipper is solid and sturdy on this great waterproof schoolbag. I used this one day to go on a shopping spree, and I stuffed it with many items. However the zipper did get caught once or twice because of how much stuff was there, but it is roomier than I thought it would be, which is excellent! Furthermore, it has an access pocket near the top where you can put car keys, an ID badge for work or school, etc…

Manufacturers Specs of the Chrome Industries Hondo Waterproof Backpack for College

• It holds a 15″ laptop
• Waterproof tarp liner
• Nylon outer shell
• Reflective Straps

What We Like

• The waterproof school backpack will last a lifetime.
• I love the minimalist design.
• A cushion on the back.

What We Don’t Like

• The pockets are too small.
• It doesn’t have a lot of organization compartments.

#2 Timbuk2 Clark Pack – Waterproof Backpack for College

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Firstly the Clark Pack is a well-built backpack that will withstand the harshest weather conditions. The design of the back panel is comfortable, and it will keep you cool when you are in the suffocating summer heat. More importantly, it has a lifetime warranty which is very hard to beat. This backpack has many compartments, including an internal pocket for your laptop, which will keep it secure when you are on the move. However, it also features an external side access zipper that will add convenience when you need to grab something out of your bag in a rush.

Secondly, the Clark Pack is versatile and can be used for college, commuting, or traveling around town. In addition, it has reflective elements, so you will be seen in low light conditions, making the Clark Pack one of the best waterproof backpacks for college students.

Moreover, the Clark Pack is an affordable choice that will last you a long time. They make it out of good-quality materials that are guaranteed to make this backpack weatherproof. This waterproof backpack for college can withstand any type of weather, perfect for those days when the temperature changes drastically. With a lifetime warranty, you will never have to worry about repurchasing another backpack. You can’t go wrong with this choice if you want a simple but functional bag that will keep your things organized.

Manufacturers Specs – Timbuk2 Clark Pack – Waterproof Backpack for College

• It holds a 17″ laptop
• Waterproof tarp liner
• Nylon outer shell
• Reflective Straps

What We Like

• The bag has a slim minimalist profile.
• Side pockets for a water bottle.
• The roll-top helps keep the rain out without using the rain fly.

What We Don’t Like 

• The bag does not stand up on its own.
• No pen organizer within the front pocket.
• The front pockets will get tight when the bag is full.

#3 Matein Travel Water Resistant School Backpack 

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The backpack has polyester fabric with metal zippers, so it is water-resistant and durable. It has many different compartments for the storage of books, laptops, and other necessities, as well as many pockets for storing your pens, keys, and phone. There is a convenient built-in USB charger to charge your phone as you walk from point to point.

However it is a comfortable backpack, so it will be easier to go on long trips with this backpack. The fact that this is a water-resistant school backpack with plenty of organizing compartments makes it one of our top picks. This bag will keep it all dry and organized whether you have your heavy animal behavior books or your veterinary stethoscope. Moreover, the Matein is one of those vast water-resistant backpacks that you will come to love.

Manufacturers Specs for the Matein Travel Water Resistant School Backpack 

• It holds a 15″ laptop
• Water-resistant polyester
• adjustable straps

What We Like

• It has padding on the back for support.
• There is a secret pocket in the back – for anti-theft.
• Mesh water bottle pocket on the side.
• It distributes weight very well.
• Lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like

• The bottom does not have padding.
• Unfortunately the strap stitching comes undone after a few months; luckily, the manufacturer has a lifetime guarantee.

#4 TIMBUK2 Robin Waterproof Backpack for College

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When purchasing a waterproof school backpack, it’s best to go with a known brand specializing in waterproof school bags. TIMBUK2 is a San Franciscan company that knows how to make a quality backpack; they put a lot of thought, care, and design into each line of bags. Although they may be a bit more expensive than your standard no-name backpack, you at least know they have a lifetime guarantee.

Primarily Timbuk2 is a San Franciscan company that provides the best quality products and customer service. Chiefly the backpack has many different compartments and many pockets for those who like to keep their school supplies organized.

Therefore a waterproof backpack like this is undoubtedly one of the best backpacks you can buy. There are reinforced drain holes in the side pockets and a reflective strap on the back, which will make it easy for you to see when you’re out at night or in low-light environments. More importantly, there’s also a lifetime warranty included with the purchase of this product because Timbuk2 stands behind all their products.

Great for college semester where you only need to take your laptop, lunch, and a few small books. To illustrate the waterproof school backpack will not fit all of that, plus large textbooks. Lastly, if you need to take significant texts that go back and forth to class, go with a larger pack like Chrome.

Manufacturers Specs Matein Travel Water Resistant School Backpack 

• It holds a 15″ laptop
• Waterproof tarp liner + extra waterproof rainfly
• Nylon outer shell
• Reflective Straps

What We Like

• If you catch yourself in a massive downpour, the pack has an extra removable rain guard.
• Two bottle holders.
• The bag closes with magnetic hooks.
• It has Reflective material on the front panel and shoulder straps.
• Air mesh padding in the back.

What We Don’t Like

• Although the bag has a lot of room, it is too small for large textbooks.
• The magnetic closures take time to figure out for some people.
• The bag may be smaller than it looks.

#5 Ridge The Commuter – Waterproof Backpack | for College

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The Ridge Commuter is the perfect backpack for somebody looking for a waterproof school bag. This backpack will keep everything inside of it dry, with YKK zippers to keep everything in the pack safe. For example, this backpack also has some extra features like a luggage strap and water bottle holder, and a power bank pocket with an external USB port to ensure that you stay charged while in class. The Ridge Commuter has a special compartment for your laptop to help protect it, whether you are heading to school, working, or on a road trip. However, there’s even an anti-theft design hidden RFID pocket to cover all your valuables.

Manufacturers Specs for Ridge The Commuter Waterproof School Backpack

• It holds a 17″ laptop
•  600D nylon shell
• Reflective Straps

What We Like

• The waterproof backpack comes with a luggage strap so that you can attach it to another piece.
• It’s padded well on each side, so your laptop will be safe.
• Unlike some of the other bags, this one tends to sit upright.
• When you have to carry heavy textbooks, a chest strap provides additional support.
• The laptop pocket has an extra padded lining.

What We Don’t Like

• It has no side pocket for a water bottle.
• The waterproof lining doesn’t have a ventilation panel, so your back can get moist.

#6  Mancro Water Resistant College School Bookbag

 

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This backpack is inexpensive yet waterproof. More importantly, one freshman in college and his brother, who is a senior, love this waterproof bookbag. They both love the slim (yet roomy) design of this backpack, but I like it more because it is water-resistant. It also has 10+ compartments to hold all of his 15.6 inches, 15 inch, or 14-inch laptop, files, passport, pen, keys, wallet, binders, folders, books, clothes, and other travel or school accessories. Therefore any college student taking a full course load will benefit from this backpack.

Even if you walk in the rain for 30 minutes, your stuff will stay dry.

Manufacturers Specs for the Mancro Water Resistant College School Bookbag

• It fits a 15″ laptop
• Plenty of compartments
• Water-resistant polyester fabric

What We Like

• The material feels strong.
• The zippers are solid and well made.
• USB charging port.
• Comfortable, even if you have back problems.
• Low price point.

What We Don’t Like

• Sometimes the straps fall out of place. Meaning however you adjust them, they may loosen.
• The bottom of the backpack has no padding, and the material is thin.
• Although the bag is water-resistant, the bottom may soak up water. So do not sit the bag down in a wet puddle.

Why Do You Need A Waterproof School Backpack?

• No more worries about your books getting wet!
• Furthermore If you forgot to pack an umbrella for college, no worries, your books would stay dry.
• Companies design them who specialize in backpacks, so they will also have all kinds of unique features.
• You can use it for camping trips; its water-resistant attributes also make it ideal for camping trips or outdoor excursions in damp environments.
• You live in a rainy city like Portland or attend the University of Florida veterinary program to shower every day.

The Different Types of Waterproof Backpacks for College

• The roll-top waterproof backpack has a unique way that it closes on the top. Instead of a traditional zipper, it has a top that rolls down to keep the rain out.
• A standard backpack with a rain guard feature. The rain fly is an extra waterproof “raincoat” for your pack. Its usually kept in its pocket on the underside of the bag.
• A hardshell waterproof backpack.
• Polyurethane-coated backpack with welded seams.

 5 Benefits Of Using A Waterproof School Backpack

1. You won’t worry about your backpack getting wet.  There’s nothing worse than getting into class with a wet bag, and it’s on your first day.

2. Your textbooks will stay dry and in tip-top shape. Since university books are expensive, you should do everything you can to keep them clean and dry.

3. Your laptop will stay dry. Since laptops for college are so expensive, it would be unfortunate for them to get wet.
4. If you forget your umbrella, at least your backpack will stay dry.
5. You can use it for camping or other outdoor activities. You don’t have to worry about bringing a rain jacket with you when hiking if you have a waterproof backpack!

What To Look For In A Great Waterproof Backpack for College

 

• Padding: This is the essential part of a waterproof backpack. You need to make sure that it has high-quality padding on the laptop compartment, as well as on your back. Make sure that there are no exposed zippers anywhere.
• Zippers: Make sure to look for a backpack with waterproof zippers. They will keep water out of your bag while you are at school.
• Ample Space: You don’t want a small pack that can’t hold all of your books and papers, so make sure to get the right size!
• Shoulder Straps: Make sure to check the shoulder straps before purchasing. A good bag will have thick, well-padded straps that you can adjust to suit your needs.
• Waterproof Lining: Specifically this is usually an added layer of waterproof protection in the laptop section.

FAQ on Waterproof School Bookbags

Conclusion 

It’s essential to consider the different types of waterproof backpacks for college and what they offer. A standard backpack with a rain guard is an extra protective “raincoat” that fits over your school bag. The roll-top pack features a unique way to close on top rather than zipping closed as other bags do. Polyurethane-coated backpacks will also keep things dry; these are usually welded seams! We hope this article has helped narrow down some choices if you’re trying to find the best waterproof backpack for college so you can prepare adequately for school.