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College students are regularly carrying their laptops, phones, and textbooks around campus with them all day. These items are not cheap. Even textbooks can cost hundreds of dollars, so you will want the best waterproof backpack for college to protect all your expensive school supplies. This guide reviews everything you need to know to choose the best waterproof school backpack.
The Top 3 Waterproof Backpacks for College – Quick Picks
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
OUTJOY Backpack for Men and Women
If you are a college student looking for the best waterproof backpack, look no further! The OUTJOY Backpack for Men and Women is water-resistant and has a built-in waterproof rain cover. It also has a large padded, shockproof laptop pocket and a padded cell phone pocket. Stay connected to your devices all day with the headphone port and the built-in USB charger.
Chrome Urban Ex Rolltop Backpack
The Chrome Urban Ex Rolltop is the best waterproof school backpack for commuters. It uses a roll-down closure, so it’s 100% watertight. It has loops on the front to lock it onto your bike or add a light for safety. It’s also extra large which makes it the best waterproof backpack for college students who need to carry big, bulky supplies.
ZBRO Dry2 Waterproof Backpack
The Dry2 Waterproof Backpack by ZBRO protects your belongings from rain, snow, and dirt. It has reflectors on the front and on the shoulder straps, so it’s the best waterproof school backpack for students who take night classes. It includes a removable laptop sleeve that is also 100% waterproof.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof School Backpack
A high-quality backpack is an essential piece of gear for college. To choose the best waterproof school backpack, you will want to consider many different factors. We have outlined those factors below to help you find the ideal college backpack for you.
Waterproof vs. Water-resistant
Many backpacks use water-resistant material rather than waterproof material. A water-resistant backpack may be good enough if you live in a place where it doesn’t rain much. However, water-resistant backpacks should never be fully submerged in water or exposed to heavy rains as your items will not stay dry in these conditions. Always read the reviews when shopping for your backpack because some backpacks are advertised as waterproof when they are actually water-resistant. A backpack that is 100% waterproof often has a roll-down closure to ensure it is watertight.
Size
The number and size of books you will need to carry will vary each semester depending on your class schedule. It’s usually best to avoid small backpacks for college. You will want to ensure that your backpack is large enough to carry everything you need for any given day at school. This includes your laptop, books, water bottle, and lunch.
Laptop Sleeve
When shopping for a backpack for college, you will certainly want one with a laptop sleeve. Some of the laptop sleeves are small and will only fit tablets or laptops up to 11 inches. Others are large and will fit bigger laptops up to 17 inches. If you don’t know what size your laptop is, it’s a good idea to measure it before you buy your backpack for college. To ensure your laptop is fully protected, look for a waterproof backpack with a padded laptop compartment.
Other Pockets
It’s beneficial for your backpack to have an exterior side pocket that’s large enough to hold a water bottle. This way you can stay hydrated all day without worrying about your water bottle leaking inside your backpack. To keep all your smaller items organized, you may want a backpack with several interior pockets of different sizes. Many of the best waterproof backpacks for college have specific pockets for your phone, notebook, and pens.
Comfort
You may have to walk a lot each day during college especially if you live on a big campus. If so, you will appreciate a comfortable backpack. Features to look for include padded, adjustable shoulder straps, and a padded breathable back panel.
The weight of the backpack also plays a role in your comfort level. A lightweight backpack that’s still sturdy and durable is ideal for college. If the backpack weighs several pounds on its own, it may feel very heavy and uncomfortable when loaded with all your school supplies.
FAQs About the Best Waterproof Backpacks for College
Do I Need a Waterproof Backpack?
We highly recommend a waterproof backpack for college. While it’s not a requirement, it could save you from costly accidents – especially considering the cost of books and electronic devices you are likely carrying with you. You never know when a classmate is going to accidentally spill their water bottle. Also, if you forget your umbrella on a rainy day, you can walk across campus without worrying about your things being ruined. A waterproof backpack is a worthwhile investment.
Will My Devices Be Safe in a Waterproof Backpack?
One of the main benefits of a waterproof backpack is that it will keep your electronic devices safe in rainy and snowy weather. However, it’s a good idea to test the waterproofness of the backpack before you use it. Some backpacks are only water-resistant which means they will protect your devices from outside spills and light rain but not heavy rain. To help keep your devices safe at all times, make sure all the openings are completely closed anytime you aren’t packing or unpacking the backpack.
The 8 Best Waterproof Backpacks for College
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This OUTJOY backpack has it all! It’s by far the best waterproof backpack for college. It’s made of water-resistant polyester and has a built-in rain cover that’s 100% waterproof. This means that you can keep your stuff protected in all types of weather. The rain cover tucks into a hidden pocket on the bottom of the backpack, so it’s out of the way when you don’t need it.
This large backpack has three zippered compartments. In the rear compartment, there is a padded laptop sleeve. The sleeve is lined with shockproof material to keep your laptop protected from drops. It can hold laptops up to 17 inches. In the middle compartment, there is a padded phone pocket with a hole for your headphones. The front compartment has eight total pockets and a ring for your keys. With this backpack, you can keep all your school supplies organized.
Another noteworthy feature of this OUTJOY backpack is a USB charging port. This gives you easy access to your phone while charging it with a power bank inside the backpack. The power bank is not included. The backpack also has a padded, breathable back panel and padded straps, so it’s comfortable to wear around campus all day.
Key features:
- Built-in waterproof rain cover
- 3 zippered compartments with 12 total pockets
- Shockproof laptop sleeve
- Padded phone pocket with headphone hole
- USB charging port
Chrome Urban Ex Rolltop Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Chrome Urban Ex Rolltop Backpack is 100% waterproof. It rolls down twice and clips securely in place on both sides. This bag is safe to use in heavy rains. It’s also the best waterproof backpack for college students who ride their bikes to campus. The shoulder straps are designed for maximum comfort. It also includes an adjustable chest strap, so it will stay in place during long commutes to school.
This waterproof backpack has a 28-liter capacity and the dimensions 21 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches. Because of its large size, it’s great for art majors and other students who need to carry around a lot of bulky supplies. There are several storage pockets inside including a padded laptop sleeve. There is also a waterproof storage pocket on top for quick access to your phone, wallet, and keys. While this backpack is typically more expensive compared to other popular school bags, it provides good value. Invest in this backpack and you won’t be disappointed.
Key features:
- 100% waterproof
- Quick-access pocket
- 28L capacity
- Black and red color options
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The ZBRO Dry2 Waterproof Backpack is the best waterproof school backpack to keep you and your belongings safe in all situations. It’s made using 100% waterproof fabric and airtight zippers. It also has a slash-proof front pocket and slash-proof zippers to protect against theft. There are reflectors on the front and the shoulder straps to make you visible at night. This is great for students who take night classes.
In addition to keeping you safe from threats, this backpack is very comfortable. It has padded shoulder straps and a padded, breathable back panel. There is an adjustable chest strap for a snug fit. To help you keep your items organized, the backpack includes a removable laptop sleeve with several pockets on it. The laptop sleeve is waterproof too.
Key features:
- 100% waterproof
- Slash-proof front pocket
- Removable laptop sleeve/organizer
- Reflectors for night visibility
936Plus Casual Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 936Plus Casual Backpack is a high feature, water-resistant backpack. It has a classic backpack design. It comes in 13 color options, so you can choose one that matches your style. It has padded shoulder straps and only weighs 1.3 pounds, so it’s comfortable enough to carry around all day. It’s also one of the best waterproof school backpack for students on a budget.
What’s most impressive about this backpack is the number of pockets. It’s got nine interior pockets of varying sizes. You can have a designated place for your laptop, phone, notebook, pens, and water bottle. The side pockets are on the inside rather than the outside. On the outside, there is a traditional front pocket as well as a hidden pocket on the back panel.
Key features:
- Water-resistant
- Comes in 13 colors
- 11 pockets including a hidden pocket
- Weighs 1.3 pounds
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 Laptop Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 is another solid, water-resistant backpack. Its sleek design makes it the best waterproof school backpack to go with every outfit. With a 25-liter capacity, it can hold everything you need for long days on campus.
What makes this backpack stand out from the rest is its anti-theft features. The backpack and straps are reinforced with steel mesh to prevent thieves from being able to slash the bag open. The laptop sleeve has its own padded, zippered compartment. The compartment has a security clip for the zippers which makes it more difficult for others to open the pack. There is also a zippered RFID pocket in the compartment. This pocket can protect your phone, keys, and credit cards from being hacked.
Key features:
- Water-resistant
- Reinforced with steel mesh
- Security clip for the laptop compartment
- RFID pocket to protect you from hackers
Vaschy Waterproof Rucksack College Bookbag –
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Vaschy backpack is made of premium, water-resistant polyester. While it will repel light rain, it’s not recommended for use in heavy rain. The rucksack-style backpack comes in 12 colors. It’s an excellent choice for college students who want a functional and fashionable bag. It uses a unique drawstring closure and snaps shut with sturdy leather belts. This double-closure system helps to prevent water from getting inside.
On the outside of the pack, there are both a rucksack-style front pocket and two side pockets. It even has an anti-theft hidden pocket on the back panel to keep your phone and money safe.
Key features:
- Water-resistant
- Comes in 12 colors
- 26.5L capacity
- Anti-theft pocket
Ronyes Unisex College Bag –
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ronyes Unisex College Bag is another rucksack-style backpack. The water-resistance of this backpack shows mixed results. In order to be safe, it is probably best to avoid using this bag in heavy or sustained rains.
Beyond its water-resistance, this backpack has some features that college students will want. They include a padded laptop sleeve and a USB port with an internal charging cable.
Key features:
- Water-resistant
- Comes in 8 colors
- USB charging port with internal cable
Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Herschel brand is known for making high-quality backpacks. Their Pop Quiz Backpack uses a classic design. It’s made with a water-resistant lining and zipper. It comes in five stylish colors with a cute, striped interior lining. It has many great features that you want in a school bag including a padded laptop sleeve, phone pocket, and headphone port. It’s the best waterproof school backpack for college students looking for a simple, medium-sized backpack.
Key features:
- Water-resistant lining and zipper
- Comes in 5 colors
- Trusted brand
Summary
The No products found. is the best waterproof backpack for college. Many backpacks are advertised as waterproof, but this one holds up to the claim. The built-in rain cover will protect your laptop, books, and other school supplies from rain, snow, and spills. If you are looking for a completely waterproof backpack, this is the choice for you.
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