Morgan Scott September 27, 2021 Outdoor & Tactical

12 Best Roll Top Waterproof Backpacks – Outdoor, Commuting, EDC

Morgan Scott September 27, 2021 Outdoor & Tactical

Whether you need a daily backpack for commuting or a rugged dry bag for camping, kayaking and other outdoor adventures – a waterproof roll top backpack is a great choice thanks to their versatility, reliability and naturally waterproof design.

In this buying guide we review some of our top choices as well as tips on how to pick out the best waterproof roll top backpack based on your needs and the details you need to know to make the right choice.

Chrome Barrage Cargo

Chrome

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City

Ortlieb

Earth Pak Summit

Buy on Amazon

Best Roll Top Waterproof Backpacks

Chrome Barrage Cargo Roll Top Waterproof backpack

Chrome Barrage Cargo Backpack

Chrome Industries

The Chrome Barrage Cargo is one of the best roll top waterproof bags on the market right now for commuting, traveling and more thanks to its rugged construction and ergonomic comfort features.

Where the Barrage Cargo shines is with its great pocket and compartment placement. Along with an interior laptop sleeve, there are exterior pockets for water bottles, smaller items and an exterior adjustable cargo net for holding bulky gear.

Built like a tank – durable 1050D Nylon exterior
Welded-waterproof Tarpaulin liner
Special adjustable cargo net system for extra storage
Guaranteed for Life

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City

Ortlieb

The Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City is a clear runner up for best roll top waterproof backpack for commuting and daily carry thanks to its padded laptop compartment, waterproof exterior quick-stash pocket and a quick-drying design that allows you to comfortably wear the pack no matter how bad the weather gets.

Unlike most dry bags, the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City was designed for city life on the move. As a result you have a backpack that’s made from durable nylon fabric with a sleek design that’s perfect for the daily grind.

Earth Pak Summit Waterproof Roll Top Backpack

Buy on Amazon

It’s no secret that a quality waterproof backpack can be pricey yet Earth Pak offers a great dry bag option under $100 that gives you the protection you need for outdoor exploration, traveling and commuting.

The Earth Pak Summit is made with 500D PVC material for maximum waterproof protection and an ergonomic back panel and shoulder straps for comfortable hauls. Other great features include a waterproof exterior pocket and MOLLE webbing for attaching additional carry.

Available in 35L and 55L sizes
Additional side cinching straps keep rolltop in place creating a waterproof seal
Internal pockets for keys, phone and other small items

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Patagonia Disperser large roll top waterproof backpack

Patagonia Disperser Roll Top Pack

Patagonia

With a 40 liter carrying capacity, the Patagonia Disperser gives you the flexibility to carry small and large loads as needed thanks to its adjustable rolltop design. This bag was designed to keep water out and your gear protected. The bag is completely watertight up to the roll top opening and the back panel and shoulder straps were designed to not absorb or retain water for comfortable and dry carry in the elements. If you are looking for a large waterproof roll top backpack then we recommend giving the Patagonia Disperser a closer look.

Made from recycled materials
Shoulder straps and back panel do not absorb or retain water
Large 40L carrying capacity

Db Sømløs Rolltop Backpack

Db Jounrey

Db offers a waterproof rolltop backpack for those who want a technical pack with a sleek modern design. The Sømløs features a waterproof construction made of waterproof ripstop fabric, zippers and taped seems. With a 32 liter main compartment, this pack is versatile enough for days outdoors, travel and daily hauls.

One of our favorite features of the Sømløs is its external sealed laptop compartment that gives you easy access to your tech without having to unroll the top. Discrete exterior zippered pockets also makes grabbing small items a breeze.

Roomy 32L main compartment
Plenty of exterior zippered pockets for easy-access
Sealed side-access laptop compartment

Filson Dry Backpack

Filson

Built to industrial standards out of high performance waterproof materials, the Filson Dry Backpack was built to protect your gear in the toughest of conditions. Each Filson Dry Backpack gives you 28 liters of internal carrying capacity plus interior and exterior zippered pockets adds organization for smaller items. D-rings on the shoulder straps also allow for secure attachment of additional gear when you need it most.

If you are looking for a best-in-class roll top waterproof backpack then look no further than the Filson Dry Backpack. Backed by Filson’s lifetime guarantee.

High-vis orange for easy spotting in outdoor conditions
RF (radio-frequency) welded seams for the ultimate waterproof protection
Breathable back panel and shoulder straps that curve to match the shape of your body

Chrome Urban Ex 2.0

Chrome Industries

The Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 is a tough-as-nails waterproof roll top backpack for those who need a dependable urban dry bag for daily use. The minimalist exterior is made from a durable 600D Poly outer shell with TPU backing while the welded seams allow for maximum waterproof protection. Inside the bag you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets for daily essentials.

The Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 is available in 20L and 30L sizes for the perfect fit.

Knomo Kew Commuter waterproof roll top backpack

Knomo Kew Commuter Backpack

Knomo London

The Knomo Kew offers a roll top waterproof backpack with thermoplastic welded construction and premium organization features for commuters and travelers alike. Those who are serious about keeping their daily gear organized will love the quick-stash outer pockets and a the small pockets and pen holders that line the inside. A padded side zip compartment gives you easy access to your laptop.

Reflective touch points along the front and shoulder straps for extra visibility
Lots of internal and external pockets for organization
Waterproof welded construction for ultimate protection

Unigear Trop-Storm BP waterproof roll top backpack

Unigear Trop-Storm BP Waterproof Backpack

Buy on Amazon

The Unigear Trop-Storm BP is a budget adventure pack for those who want a reliable waterproof roll top backpack that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The 35 liter capacity is perfect for hauling gear while a padded laptop sleeve and smaller pockets make internal organization a breeze. Each Unigear Trop-Storm BP is constructed with waterproof high-density PVC with fused seams that can protect your gear from brief immersion.

Budget price: Under $50
Quick-dry foam shoulder straps and back panel
Web attachments on the side for additional storage

Ortlieb Velocity roll top waterproof backpack

Ortlieb Velocity Waterproof Pack

Ortlieb

The Ortlieb Velocity is one of the brand’s most popular waterproof bags for work, school and outdoor adventures and it’s easy to see why. This versatile backpack features a removable padded laptop sleeve for easy transitions from work to play. An ergonomically optimized carriage system gives breathable and quick-drying comfort while 3 different sizes offer the perfect fit based on your body type.

Available in 17L, 23L and 29L sizes
Removable padded laptop sleeve for easy transitions from work/school to play
Reflective touch points for additional commuter safety

Rains Rolltop Rucksack

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Made from Rain’s signature waterproof fabric, the Rolltop Rucksack is a modern take on traditional cycling backpacks. If you are looking for a smaller waterproof rolltop backpack for daily carry then you’ll love the 13 liter capacity that gives you enough room for daily essentials without the bulk for a clean and sleek look. Each Rains Rolltop Rucksack features a 15” laptop sleeve, front zippered pocket for smaller items and bike lock loops for external attachment.

Sleek design without the bulk – 13 liter capacity
Available in multiple colors
15-inch laptop sleeve

SealLine Urban roll top waterproof backpack

SealLine Urban Pack

Buy on REI

The SealLine Urban Pack is a waterproof roll top backpack designed for commuters to use as a daily driver. Each pack is constructed with 100% waterproof materials and welded seams for extreme wet weather protection. Inside you’ll find a 15” laptop sleeve and an internal pocket for organization.

Special features such as a ventilated back panel, bike light attachment points and reflective hits for better visibility makes the SealLine Urban Pack a top choice for those who are searching for that sweet spot between comfort, safety and daily organization all in one bag.

15” padded laptop sleeve and internal zip pockets
Removable waist belt to prevent dangling straps while bicycling
Ergonomic shoulder straps and breathable back panel for comfort

How to Choose a Waterproof Backpack

Waterproof Materials

The easiest way to determine whether a backpack is water resistant or waterproof is by taking a look at the exterior materials used. When shopping for a waterproof roll top backpack you’ll notice that most bags use one of two types of main material:

PVC

One of the most common materials used in waterproof bags is PVC.

PVC is short for Polyvinyl Chloride – a widely used thermoplastic polymer. The important takeaway here is that PVC is plastic. And because it’s plastic it is much thicker and stiffer than a standard fabric.

The major pro to using PVC is that it is completely waterproof and many bags made out of PVC material can be submerged in water. This makes PVC roll top backpacks ideal for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing and boating where water submersion is likely.

Chrome Urban Ex backpack - Polyester fabric with PU coating — Chrome Urban Ex backpack – Polyester fabric with PU coating

Coated Fabrics

Although PVC is great for using in the outdoors, many people find PVC too rigid and cumbersome to use in a daily backpack. This is where coated fabrics come in.

Many waterproof roll top bags are made from common fabrics such as nylon or polyester and then coated with a waterproof seal. Common coatings include PU (polyurethane) and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

Coating a fabric has the advantage of allowing the bag to retain its flexibility and durability while giving it waterproof properties. We recommend roll top backpacks with coated fabrics if you are looking for a daily backpack for commuting, work, school or travel.

Waterproof Construction

Most backpacks are made from panels of fabric that are stitched together to form its shape. The nature of these stitches are what separates a normal backpack from waterproof one as moisture can seep through the seams if not addressed. If you want to make sure that a backpack is really waterproof than you have to pay attention to its seams!

Taped Seams

Taping the seams is a a basic waterproofing method that is usually found in high performance waterproof clothing but is sometimes used in bags as well. It’s basically just a waterproof tape that is fused into the seams to prevent water from getting through. Although effective, taped seams are far from the most waterproof method.

Welded Seams

Welded seams are used when manufacturers want to bring out the big guns. This is done by taking two pieces of material and fusing them together using heat to create a waterproof seal. Since no thread is used there are no holes for water to penetrate – leaving you with a 100% waterproof seam.

Roll Tops vs Zippers

Roll top backpacks are the backpacks of choice for many commuters, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. But why?

Unlike zippers where water can leak through the zipper teeth and stitching, roll top backpacks offer superior waterproof protection by design.

The nature of a roll top bag allows the top opening to roll into itself and create a natural waterproof seal. As long as the fabric itself is waterproof, your stuff will stay dry and protected when the bag is properly rolled together.

Roll top waterproof seal featuring the Chrome Urban Ex

Zippered backpacks can be waterproofed by using special water resistant zippers. If you want to take a look at some examples check out our list of Best Waterproof Backpacks for College where we showcase a few highly water resistant zippered bags. But unlike roll tops, zippers have the chance of failing over time which can cause trouble down the line.

If you want a foolproof waterproof backpack – go with a roll top!

Which Waterproof Roll Top Backpack is Right For Me?

Outdoor Activities

Features to look out for in a waterproof roll top backpack for activities like camping, kayaking, boating, surfing, and fishing:

Welded seams or unibody design (no seams)
Exterior hooks and loops for attaching for attaching bag onto boats, bikes and attaching additional gear onto the bag.
Submersible construction
High visibility colors for easy spotting

Shop Filson

Buy on Amazon

Commuting and Urban Carry

Features to look for in a waterproof roll top backpack for bike commutes, work, school, travel and daily carry:

Taped or welded seams
Constructed with coated fabric instead of PVC for flexibility and comfortable handling
Interior pockets for laptop, tablet and daily essentials
Exterior pockets for quick access to phone, wallet and smaller items
Reflective panels and touch points for added visibility at night

Shop Chrome

Shop Ortlieb

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12 Best Roll Top Waterproof Backpacks – Outdoor, Commuting, EDC

Chrome Barrage Cargo

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City

Earth Pak Summit