Best waterproof daypacks for swimming trips

Haul your gear in dry over rivers and rain

When the walk to a swimming hole crosses streams, climbs over slick rock, or runs through a surprise downpour, a waterproof daypack keeps everything inside dry. We compared fully submersible roll-top packs and water-resistant daypacks built for hauling towels, snacks, and a change of clothes to the water.

Waterproof Daypacks comparison chart

Product PriceCapacityTypeWaterproofingBest for Buy
Best overall Waterproof Backpack Earth Pak $50 approx.35 / 55 LRoll-top dry packFully sealed (IPX6+)Wet adventures View on
Best value Waterproof Dry Backpack IDRYBAG $35 approx.30 LRoll-top dry packFully sealedBudget waterproof View on
Daylite Plus Pack Osprey $75 approx.20 LWater-resistant daypackResistant (needs rain cover)Comfort + organization View on
Premium Submersible Waterproof Backpack Trudave $90 approx.30 LSubmersible dry packFully sealed (airtight zip)Serious water days View on
Packable Lightweight Daypack Outlander $22 approx.35 LPackable daypackResistant onlyStowaway backup View on

Product details

Best overall

Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack

Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack
View on

The Earth Pak waterproof backpack is a true roll-top dry bag with comfortable straps, so you can ford a stream or get caught in rain and keep everything inside dry.

Features

  • Welded 500D PVC body with a roll-top closure
  • Padded, breathable shoulder straps and back panel
  • Included waterproof phone case
  • External mesh pocket for wet or quick-grab items

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Genuinely waterproof, not just resistant No internal organization
Comfortable to carry loaded PVC can feel stiff and warm on the back
Phone case included

Activities and environments best for

  • River crossings
  • Kayak and SUP
  • Rainy approach hikes

Overall

The best balance of true waterproofing and carry comfort for getting gear to the water dry.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5

9,352 global ratings

5 star 82%
4 star 12%
3 star 3%
2 star 1%
1 star 2%
Best value

IDRYBAG Waterproof Dry Backpack

IDRYBAG Waterproof Dry Backpack
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IDRYBAG delivers a fully sealed roll-top pack for noticeably less than the competition, with padded straps that make it comfortable enough for the trail in.

Features

  • Welded seams and roll-top buckle keep water out
  • Padded straps with a sternum strap for stability
  • Front zip pocket (water-resistant) for small items
  • Reflective accents for low light

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Affordable true dry pack Front pocket is not fully submersible
Comfortable straps Single main compartment
Useful front pocket

Activities and environments best for

  • Day trips to the water
  • Beach days
  • Light paddling

Overall

A great first waterproof pack if you want dry gear without the premium price.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

2,116 global ratings

5 star 81%
4 star 12%
3 star 4%
2 star 1%
1 star 2%

Osprey Daylite Plus Pack

Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
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The Osprey Daylite Plus is a comfortable everyday daypack with smart organization — pair it with a dry bag inside when the trail gets wet, and you get the best carry comfort in this comparison.

Features

  • Padded back panel and shoulder straps
  • Front panel zip and stretch side pockets
  • Internal hydration sleeve doubles as a laptop pocket
  • Compatible with Osprey rain covers

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Excellent comfort and fit Not fully waterproof without a liner
Great organization Rain cover sold separately
Light for its capacity

Activities and environments best for

  • Dry-trail approaches
  • Organized day hikes
  • Comfort-first carry

Overall

Choose this when comfort matters most and you will stash wet gear in a dry bag inside.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5

3,488 global ratings

5 star 83%
4 star 10%
3 star 4%
2 star 1%
1 star 2%
Premium

Trudave Submersible Waterproof Backpack

Trudave Submersible Waterproof Backpack
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Trudave’s submersible backpack uses a welded shell and airtight zipper to keep gear dry through full immersion — built for paddlers and swimmers who cannot risk a soaked pack.

Features

  • Fully welded TPU construction
  • Airtight zipper rated for submersion
  • Padded shoulder straps and sternum strap
  • External lash points for wet gear

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
True submersible protection Premium price
Comfortable straps for a dry pack Stiff shell limits flexibility
Tough build Few internal pockets

Activities and environments best for

  • Kayak and SUP trips
  • River crossings
  • All-day water exposure

Overall

Worth the upgrade when a splash-resistant pack is not enough.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5

154 global ratings

5 star 76%
4 star 11%
3 star 4%
2 star 0%
1 star 9%

Outlander Packable Lightweight Daypack

Outlander Packable Lightweight Daypack
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The Outlander packable daypack stuffs into its own pocket and weighs almost nothing — perfect as a backup bag for carrying towels and snacks on the walk back from the water.

Features

  • Packs into an attached pouch smaller than a water bottle
  • Lightweight nylon resists light splashes
  • Bottle pockets and a front zip pocket
  • Available in several sizes up to 35 L

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Extremely cheap and packable Not waterproof
Surprisingly roomy Thin straps on heavy loads
Handy as a spare bag Basic construction

Activities and environments best for

  • Car-accessible swimming holes
  • Backup day bag
  • Travel stowaway

Overall

Keep one in your trunk — you will reach for it more than you expect.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

14,078 global ratings

5 star 75%
4 star 15%
3 star 6%
2 star 2%
1 star 2%
Dry BagsKeep phones, keys, and clothes bone-dry on the waterCoolersCold drinks and snacks waiting when you climb outFirst Aid KitsBe ready for slips, cuts, and stings far from help

Waterproof Daypacks FAQ

What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant backpacks?

Waterproof roll-top packs keep gear dry through full splashes and brief submersion. Water-resistant daypacks shed light rain and splashes but will eventually let water in through zippers and seams during heavy exposure.

Do I need a fully waterproof pack for a swimming hole hike?

If your route crosses streams, involves paddling, or risks rain, a true roll-top dry pack is worth it. For a short dry-trail walk, a comfortable water-resistant daypack with a dry bag inside is enough.

How many liters should a waterproof daypack be?

20–25 L fits a day hike with water, snacks, towel, and a light layer. Go 30 L+ if you carry a cooler’s worth of food or shared group gear. Roll-top packs “lose” a few liters to the closure fold.

How do I keep a water-resistant pack dry inside?

Line it with a dry bag or use packing cubes plus a rain cover. Electronics should always go in their own waterproof pouch regardless of the pack.

Are waterproof backpacks comfortable for long hikes?

Roll-top dry packs prioritize sealing over ventilation — they can feel stiff and sweaty on long climbs. Many hikers use a breathable daypack plus an internal dry bag for the best of both worlds.