Having a waterproof commuter bag will allow you to be certain that your electronics, papers, and other items will be safe even if bad weather catches you unprepared. Check out our list of the 10 best waterproof commuter bags and decide which design fits your lifestyle needs the best.
Rains Field Bag
The Rains Field Bag has a simple design, with one outside pocket and a padded inside pocket, which is perfect for your laptop. The material is completely waterproof, as proven in multiple tests. The padded shoulder straps are a positive thing as well, as you can carry your backpack for hours without feeling uncomfortable. It comes in a variety of colors, and it’s very fashionable. This will allow you to bring it to any type of event without feeling out of place for carrying a backpack that’s too sporty.
The zipper is also designed to stop any water from getting through. This is something that is sometimes overlooked in certain bags, but not this one. One downside is that the part that’s in contact with your back has no pores. For hot, humid days, this might cause some discomfort, as there’s not much ventilation. Price-wise, it is very affordable, especially when compared with the products offered by other brands.
Thule Paramount 24L Daypack
This waterproof backpack is one of the best in regards to durability. However, if you’re planning on bringing it to the office, this is not your best choice. While it has a very useful roll-top compartment that will extend your available space when needed, it deeply impacts the look of the bag as a whole. The material of the bag is sturdy nylon, which guarantees the durability of your purchase. This is a backpack destined for heavy outdoor use. This might explain why the internal compartments are not as secure as one might expect.
Putting your laptop or your tablet inside might not feel as secure as you would want it. However, whatever you store inside will be protected not only from rain but also from impacts. This bag features a padded interior that’s protected by the use of foam and rubber. The shoulder straps are perfectly padded, which makes it comfortable to carry around even with a lot of weight on your back. One final yet important consideration is that this backpack comes with a lifetime warranty. This is definitely a plus because this backpack is a bit pricier.
Timbuk2 Especial Raider Pack
One of the characteristics that might be a downside or a benefit for you is this bag’s size. It’s much smaller than the other backpacks on this list. Therefore, you’ll only be able to carry the things you absolutely need. Despite this, you can still fit a laptop in there. In addition, the whole backpack is completely insulated, which protects it from adverse weather. Due to its small size, it’s also very light. This is perfect for bikers and people with a long commute.
This bag has an upper pocket that makes it perfect for storing the small things you’ll constantly need during the day. This easy access to your keys, wallet, or cell phone might make things a lot simpler for you. One of the positive things of this bag is that it has meshing that makes it more breathable. This is placed both on the straps and on the part that’s in contact with your back. However, some users have found that the material is a bit rough on the shoulders.
A very interesting feature is that the bag has internal pockets for your shoes, which you can also use safely for water bottles and the like. Lastly, this is a very affordable bag, which might make it worth it to sacrifice a bit of space for the price.
Patagonia Black Hole 32L
One of the features that makes this backpack so practical is that you can access it from the top or the side. This is very useful, and there’s a third option in which you can open both zippers and have the entire space of the bag available to you. The foam back panel makes it very comfortable to carry around, even with a full load. And thanks to the material used for this backpack, it’s very lightweight but also very durable. This laptop has a front pocket and a laptop sleeve. A cool feature is a water reservoir that has a tube that goes to a shoulder strap. This is why it makes a perfect hiking backpack.
While there are no external bottle holders, there is an internal one. There, you can safely place your water bottle or your thermos. And thanks to the anatomical design of the shoulder straps, you can comfortably carry a lot of weight. A downside is that if you pack the bag to the brim, the entire size makes the bag go over your head, which can be a bit uncomfortable.
Lastly, in regards to style, this pack is far from being the most fashionable. However, its great practicality makes it very useful for any outdoor activities and even your day-to-day if you’re the type of person to put function over form.
Brooks Pickwick Day Pack
This backpack is an example of how to add a roll top to a bag without sacrificing style. In fact, this is one of the most stylish backpacks on the market. This effect is partially achieved thanks to the press-studs present on the upper part of the main pocket of the bag. The material is coated canvas, and it comes in different colors. It’s great for organizing as it has one laptop sleeve, an external zip pocket, and a bottom compartment with a separate zipper.
Despite the lack of padding on the shoulder straps or the back, this backpack is very comfortable to carry around. The thing we love the most about this backpack is how stylish it is. This makes it perfect for the office as well as any after-office event. It would even work as a travel backpack. Despite this, is very spacious, which allows you to carry everything you need. When placed correctly, the roll-top protects your backpack entirely.
One downside of this backpack is that the closing latch is not the most secure, which might add some risk to your daily commute. Another thing to consider is that this is one of the most expensive bags on the market.
Assynt 17 Backpack
This backpack is made of waxed canvas and is built by hand to make sure it will have maximum durability. The main opening is very spacious, with a laptop sleeve. There are two additional pockets, which are ideal for storing smaller items. Despite how durable it is, this backpack manages to remain lightweight. Additionally, you’ll find that the shoulder straps and overall harness are very solid. Therefore, if you’re cycling, you can go as fast as you want without any danger of your backpack sliding off.
Another positive characteristic of this commuter backpack for cyclists is that the design is very simple. Therefore, if you choose a neutral color, it’s versatile enough that you can bring it to the office or wear it when you go hiking. Furthermore, the closing lid is very secure, with stainless steel buckles. This might make you feel safer while in a crowded commute, although it doesn’t make your backpack 100% secure.
Master-Piece Slick Series Ballistic Backpack
The materials of this model makes it stand out instantly. It’s made with Italian polyester combined with German resin. This makes it completely waterproof. Furthermore, the external part of this bag feels very rubbery. However, this doesn’t add more weight to it. On the contrary, it’s a very comfortable backpack to carry, reinforced with padded shoulder straps.
Durability is guaranteed by a strong nylon backing. The clean design of this bag makes it perfect for almost any situation. Also, it has an asymmetrical pocket that’s both functional and fashionable. These bags are manufactured in Japan, and with this level of quality comes a hefty price. The Master-Piece is one of the most expensive backpacks on the market.
If you are looking for bags made of materials that ensure extreme durability, be sure to invest in a reliable military backpack from our list.
Pelican Mobile Protect Backpack
One of the features you’ll love the most about this backpack is its great storage capacity. Not only that, but it also has numerous inside pockets. This allows you to find the smaller items easily, without getting them lost among all the other things you are sure to carry in this spacious bag. With a loop and lock feature, you can make sure your things will be extra safe, even during your commute. Also, there’s a separate pocket for your laptop. And thanks to the molded back, you’ll find this large backpack very comfortable to carry. The padding also protects it in case you drop it.
You also have a smaller side pocket. This is perfect for accessing the things you might need to keep handy. All of these features make it perfect for going outdoors or for heading into the urban jungle. This is especially true with its minimalistic external design, which adds to how stylish your overall look will be. Even the bottle holders on the side are smartly cut to be almost imperceptible when empty.
Incase ICON Backpack
This backpack has one of the simplest external designs you’ll see. However, don’t let the simplicity fool you because it’s also one of the most durable models. It’s made out of nylon and has internal reinforcements to prevent it from losing its shape. A downside of this is that you won’t be able to store the bag easily if you need to. There’s a great number of pockets, including one lined with faux fur, which is especially useful for putting delicate things inside, including your phone. This is perfect to ensure nothing will be scratched.
Furthermore, it has five external pockets that go practically unnoticed when not used. The molded back has the necessary breathability to make sure you’ll be comfortable throughout the day. Besides, the shoulder straps are very comfortable as well. This is an amazing work backpack; however, it comes with a considerable price tag. Although it is worth the investment considering its durability and features, it’s not the best option if you’re on a tight budget.
Cote&Ciel Nile Rucksack
If you’re looking for something so stylish that it might even be a conversation starter, then you should go for Cote&Ciel’s backpack. It has a futuristic design that’s bound to make a statement wherever you go. It’s made out of coated polyester, and the manufacturers mostly allow for the material to follow its natural shape instead of molding it into a more traditional one. Although the padding is thin, the backpack as a whole is very comfortable to wear. A unique feature is that the upper handle and the shoulder straps are attached, again marking a difference in the design area.
There’s a laptop sleeve as well as three internal pockets for better organization. The bag is very spacious, and it’s accessed by the upper part where there are two buckles and a zipper. While this might be great during your commute, it is very impractical for when you need to access something quickly. Once opened, the bag tends to lose its already loose shape. An additional feature of this backpack is that it comes with a rain hood made out of military-grade material.
Overall, this backpack is very durable, and it’s surely fashion-forward. However, it’s also very expensive, and if you like a more conservative style, then this is not the right bag for you.
You may also be interested in these cool college backpacks from our list. Check them out.