Summer’s drought couldn’t last forever. To welcome the return of the rain, here is our pick of the best waterproof backpacks for wet-weather walking and aquatic adventures
Reviews: Patrick Kinsella
Ortlieb Atrack 25, £185, ortlieb.com
With a waterproof (and dustproof) rating of IP67, the Atrack pack is an impressive piece of kit that will keep contents safe and dry even if fully submerged. This unusual and highly technical bag opens via a waterproof TIZIP zipper that runs vertically down the rear of the pack, ensuring it remains mud free. It isn’t a pack designed for repeated mid-activity opening, but positioned immediately behind the main opening are two baffles with four zipped sub compartments, so you can organise smaller items and keep them handy. The back panel has a lightweight metal frame for rigidity and is kept proud of your body by comfortable ventilating pads. The harness is excellent, with an easily adjustable chest strap and a substantial waist belt with large hip wings, each with a zipped pocket for snacks and essentials. There are compression straps across the exterior and multiple hoops and loops for attaching everything from skis and helmets to bike lights. There’s no hydration bladder, but there are two mesh pockets for water bottles on the sides.
VERDICT: A superhero, submergible backpack for serious aquatic adventurers. 9/10
Montane Trailblazer LT 20L Backpack, £100, montane.com
Made with ultralight ‘Raptor Fly Lite’ siliconised nylon ripstop fabric, this pack weighs just 300g and is designed for adventure racers and runners. The pack shuts with a roll-down system, clipped into place with cords and tiny buckles, which feel fiddly and flimsy. There are two adjustable cross-chest straps, plus a small waist belt. It has no internal pockets, but on the outside there are plenty of storage pockets plus a bungee. VERDICT: 7/10
Columbia OutDry Extreme 28L, £110, columbiasportswear.co.uk
This tough, seam-sealed pack boasts a large zipped mouth, which isn’t waterproof but is protected by a hood overbite. The capacity seems larger than 28L, and the extra-wide lid makes finding what you’re looking for easy. Inside, there are multiple pouches and pockets including laptop compartments, two mesh pockets, one zipped and fleece-lined pocket, and a bottle holder. The harness isn’t breathable and it lacks a waist belt. VERDICT: 7/10
Exped Typhoon 15, £55, exped.com
This lightweight (380g) roll-top pack is an excellent cheaper option. Made with tough ripstop nylon, it’s relatively small, with a 15L interior and no hydration blad
