April 2, 2020
Getting soaked in the rain sucks. Especially when you’re traveling or hiking. Even more so – when everything in your backpack gets wet, and it’s not the last day of the trip.
That’s why a rain cover is an absolute essential for every traveler.
It will keep your backpack and your belongings dry.
But how to choose the one for your needs? How to choose a rain cover for your backpack? What are the best backpack rain covers in 2020?
Read on to find out!
Best Backpack Rain Covers 2020
Take a look at the some of the best backpack rain covers in 2020!
Scroll down to read about each rain cover.
For all the options, latest price and user reviews check them out on Amazon – just click on the image of the rain cover!
NAME | IMAGE | SIZE | MATERIAL | PRICE ON AMAZON |
---|---|---|---|---|
Joy Walker *** | 15 – 90L | Coated 300D nylon | Check the price! | |
Gryps | 15 – 80L | Silver coating-lined 190T polyester | Check the price! | |
Frelaxy *** | 15 – 90L | High quality external waterproof coating, 190T high-density scratch-resistant nylon and extra internal silver PU coating | Check the price! | |
Deuter | One size: 45 – 90L | Coated Taffeta nylon | Check the price! | |
Kelty | M: up to 49L; L: up to 110L. | 190T Nylon Taffeta Ripstop | Check the price! | |
Osprey Ultralight | 30 – 110L | 40D Rip-stop Nylon | Check the price! | |
Osprey Hi-Visibility | 10 – 35L | 70D Nylon Ripstop | Check the price! | |
Sea to Summit *** | 15 – 95L | Siliconized 30D Ultra-Sil Nylon | Check the price! | |
Unigear | 10 – 90L | 70D and 210T Nylon | Check the price! | |
CamelBak | 16 – 38L | Coated nylon | Check the price! | |
*** – our favorites |
Rain Cover Basics
What you should keep in mind when looking for a new backpack rain cover?
Here are a few basic things you should know about rain covers.
Waterproof Rating
Rain covers must be waterproof in order to protect your backpack from the rain.
How waterproof a rain cover is will depend on its waterproof rating. Mostly rain covers are waterproof up to 5000 mm water pressure.
- Less than 1500mm: Very light rain;
- 1500mm – 5000mm: Light to average rain;
- 5000mm: Moderate to heavy rain;
- More than 5000mm: Heavy rain.
Construction and Features
- Taped seams. Many rain covers have taped seams that offer extra protection from the rain.
- No seam construction. Some of the best backpack rain covers don’t have seams at all. It provides complete waterproofness.
- Buckled straps (or strap). There are different ways how a rain cover can be attached to your backpack. Buckled straps are one of the best ways to attach a rain cover to the backpack. They will keep the rain cover in place and prevent it from shifting.
- Cinch system. However, not all rain covers feature buckled straps. Some rain covers have a cinch system / drawstring instead.
- The elastic rim. Sewn to the rain cover’s outside edge, it allows the rain cover to conform to the shape of your backpack. Rain covers with buckled straps usually have an elastic rim.
- Hook and loop closure. If there’s a drawstring closure, there may be additional features, like, hook and loop closure.
Multi-Layer Fabric
Often backpack rain covers are constructed of multiple layer fabric. The outer fabric being rip-proof, whereas the inner – waterproof.
Some of the best rain covers even feature a triple layer design. Usually it’s high quality external waterproof coating, durable scratch-resistant nylon and extra internal silver PU coating.
Uses of a Rain Cover
A rain cover is like an umbrella for a backpack. It protects the backpack from the rain. The higher the waterproof rating, the better protection for your backpack.
Other Uses of a Rain Cover
Rain covers can also be used for protection from wear and tear (if durable), and dirt during the transportation process.
In order to be used as a protective cover for your backpack, the rain cover must be constructed of a durbale, rip-stop material. Otherwise, it can be easily torn while transporting, and it will be useless for its main purpose – protecting your pack from the rain.
Best Backpack Rain Covers: Reviews
1. Joy Walker Backpack Rain Cover Review
A cheap rain cover, that is durable and comes in various sizes and colors.
Each backpack rain cover comes with a velvet pouch.
Specs:
- Size: 15-90L.
- Material: coated 300D nylon.
- Waterproof up to 5000 mm water pressure.
- External fabric is rip-resistant.
- The Joy Walker rain cover is snow-proof. Even in the harshest weather conditions the rain cover still will remain flexible.
Features:
- Buckled straps that keep the rain cover in place and prevents it from shifting.
- The elastic around the rain cover’s outside edge allows it to conform to the shape of your backpack.
Best for:Â Hikers and backpackers on a budget.
Pros:Â Inexpensive yet durable and rip-resistant.
Cons:Â Make sure you order one size larger.
2. Gryps Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover Review
A cheap and durable backpack rain cover available in several sizes and colors.
Comes with a pouch with a carabiner.
Specs:
- Size: 15-80L.
- Material: heavy-duty silver coating-lined 190T polyester fabric that is waterproof and tear-resistant.
- Snow and dust proof.
Features:
- A buckled strap at the top that keeps rain cover in place and prevents it from shifting.
- The elastic rim around the rain cover’s outside edge allows it to conform to the shape of your backpack.
Best for:Â Hikers and backpackers on a budget.
Pros:Â Inexpensive yet durable and rip-resistant.
Cons:Â
- Only one strap – at the top of the cover. There’s no strap at the bottom. The cover may not stay on the backpack if there’s strong wind.
- The pouch is not that great – it’s not very durable. And it’s not that easy to put the cover back in it due to the shape of the pouch.
3. Frelaxy Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover Review
Very durable and waterproof rain cover with a triple layer waterproofing design.
It’s inexpensive, and comes in several colors. Comes with a rainproof storage pouch with a clip.
Specs:
- Size: 15-90L.
- Triple layer design: High quality external waterproof coating, 190T high-density scratch-resistant nylon and extra internal silver PU coating.
- Waterproof up to 5000 mm water pressure.
- Weight: 2.2 – 3.6 oz (62 – 102 grams).
Features:
- Two adjustable, buckled straps (vertical and horizontal) that keep the rain cover in place.
- The elastic rim around the rain cover’s outside edge allows it to conform to the shape of your backpack.
Best for:Â Hikers and backpackers on a budget.
Pros:
- Inexpensive yet durable and rip-resistant.
- Triple layer design.
Cons:Â It’s on the small side. So, order bigger.
4. Deuter Rain Cover III Review
A quality backpack rain cover from a popular backpack brand – Deuter.
Specs:
- One size: fits most 45-90L backpacks.
- Material: Taffeta Nylon, high quality PU coating and taped seams.
- Dirt repelling properties.
- Drawstring closure.
- Waterproof.
- Weight: 4.5 oz (128 grams).
Features:
- Brightly colored, ideal for low-visibility conditions.
- Reflective elements for added safety in low light conditions.
Best for:Â Large backpacks; low visibility conditions.
Pros: The Deuter Rain Cover III is comes in bright colors (bright blue and neon green), so it’s ideal for low-visibility conditions.
Cons:
- Drawstring closure may not be the best type of closure for rain covers.
- As it is “one-size”, it will be slightly too big for 45-60L backpacks. And it certainly is not for even smaller backpacks.
A smaller version (20-35L) of this rain cover is available, too. Check it out on Amazon!
5. Kelty Rain Cover Review
A quality backpack rain cover from Kelty – a manufacturer of high-end backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags.
Specs:
- Size: medium size fits 49 liter and smaller backpacks, and large size fits 50 liter and bigger, up to 110 liter backpacks.
- Weight: 5 oz (0.1 kg).
- Material: 190T Nylon Taffeta Ripstop.
- Waterproof.
Features:
- Drawstring closure.
- Can be stored in a mesh pouch.
Best for:Â Hiking and backpacking.
Pros: Durable and waterproof.
Cons:Â
- Only 2 sizes.
- The price is steep.
6. Osprey Ultralight Raincover Review
A quality backpack rain cover from a popular backpack brand – Osprey.
Specs:
- Size: Medium, Large, X-Large (30-110L).
- Weight: 2.8 – 3.5 oz (80 – 100 grams).
- Material: 40D Rip-stop Nylon.
- Waterproof, and features taped seams.
Features:
- Drawstring closure.
- The rain cover folds up into its own case.
Best for:Â Backpacking and vacations.
Pros: Lightweight, yet waterproof.
Cons:Â
- Not the most durable rain cover. So it’s not the best option for rough transportation conditions.
- The price is rather steep.
7. Osprey Hi-Visibility Raincover Review
A quality rucksack rain cover from a popular backpack brand – Osprey.
As the name suggests, this rain cover is highly visible and distinctive. So, it’s a great option for low-visibility conditions.
Specs:
- Size: XS, S. 10 – 35L.
- Weight: 2.6 oz – 3 oz (73 – 85 g).
- Material: 70D Nylon Ripstop.
Features:
- Drawstring closure.
- The rain cover folds up into its own case.
- Reflective elements for added safety in low light conditions.
Best for: Small backpacks. Vacations, short trips and day trips.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Brightly colored, ideal for low-visibility conditions.
Cons:Â
- Not the most durable rain cover. So it’s not the best option for rough transportation conditions.
- The price is rather steep.
8. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover Review
Great waterproof backpack rain cover for avid hikers and backpackers. Comes with a mini siliconized nylon stuff sack.
Specs:
- Size: XS-L. 15 – 95L.
- Weight: 2 oz – 4.6 oz (57 – 130 g).
- Material: Siliconized 30D Ultra-Sil Nylon.
- No seam construction provides complete waterproofness.
Features:
- Keeper strap (sizes S-L) pulls the rain cover tight across the backpack harness.
- The rain cover folds up into its own siliconized nylon stuff sack.
Best for:Â Avid hikers, hiking in the heavy rain.
Pros:
- Comes in several sizes.
- No seam construction provides complete waterproofness.
Cons:Â
- The price is rather steep.
9. Unigear Backpack Rain Cover Review
An inexpensive yet durable and waterproof backpack rain cover available in several sizes and colors. It can be packed down into its own nylon pouch which attached to the rain cover.
Specs:
- Size: 10-90L.
- Material: 70D and 210T Nylon.
- Waterproof up to 5000 mm water pressure.
Features:
- Two adjustable, buckled straps that keep the rain cover in place.
- The elastic rim around the rain cover’s outside edge allows it to conform to the shape of your backpack.
- Small hole at the bottom that prevents the water from pooling at the bottom of the rain cover.
- Reflective elements for added safety in low light conditions.
Best for:Â Hikers and backpackers on a budget.
Pros:
- Inexpensive yet durable.
- Fits even the smallest of backpacks (10-20L).
Cons: Make sure you order one size larger.
10. CamelBak Backpack Rain Cover Review
An inexpensive pack rain cover for small backpacks.
Compatible with CamelBak hydration packs.
Specs:
- Size: S/M, M/L. 16 – 25L; 25 – 38L.
- Material: coated nylon.
- Weight: 1.76 oz (50 g).
Features:
- Cinch system for secure fit.
- Hook and loop closure.
- Due to its bright color, the rain cover is highly visible and distinctive.
Best for:Â Small backpacks. Day trips and short trips.
Pros:
- The rain cover is highly visible and distinctive. So, it’s a great option for low-visibility conditions.
- Fits the smallest of backpacks (16-25L).
Cons:Â Not designed for heavy downpour. More like for a light or moderate rainfall.
Do you use a rain cover when traveling? What is your favorite?
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