When you’re out hiking, unexpected rain or water crossings can quickly turn your adventure into a miserable experience.
Not only can wet gear be uncomfortable to wear, but it can also pose serious risks to your health and safety, particularly if you’re hiking in cold or wet conditions.
That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that your hiking backpack and your items stay dry, no matter what.
In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether or not hiking backpacks are waterproof and what type of backpacks are more likely to keep your gear dry.
Contents
Are hiking backpacks waterproof?
The short answer is that not all hiking backpacks are waterproof. Some are, and some are not. It all depends on the materials used in the construction of the backpack.
Hiking backpacks can be made from a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, and even leather.
And while some of these materials are naturally more water-resistant than others, none of them are completely waterproof on their own.
However, many hiking backpacks are treated with a waterproof coating or come with a rain cover to help protect the contents from getting wet.
This is particularly important for hikers who may encounter rain, snow, or other types of wet weather while out on the trail.
So, what type of hiking backpacks are waterproof?
Generally, backpacks made from materials that are naturally water-resistant, like nylon, are a good place to start. But even then, it’s important to look for a backpack that has been treated with a waterproof coating or comes with a rain cover.
Also, nowadays, many manufacturers have added waterproof pockets to hiking backpacks in case you need to store some important electronic items.
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
On the other hand, hiking backpacks made from materials like cotton or canvas are not waterproof and should not be relied upon to keep your gear dry in wet conditions.
These types of backpacks may be more durable, but they are not designed to be waterproof.
My Story:
I learned this lesson the hard way on a backpacking trip in the Pacific Northwest.
I had packed all of my gear into a canvas backpack, thinking that it would be tough enough to handle the rigors of the trail.
But on the second day of the trip, we encountered a heavy rainstorm that lasted for hours. By the time we reached our campsite, my backpack was soaked through, and all of my gear was wet.
I spent the rest of the trip trying to dry out my clothes and sleeping bag, and it was not a fun experience.
Lesson learned: always make sure your hiking backpack is waterproof or has a rain cover if you’re going to be hiking in wet conditions.
Some things about waterproofing a hiking backpack you should know
As we discussed above, while some hiking backpacks are designed to be waterproof, others may only offer water resistance to a certain degree.
However, there are several ways to make your backpack more waterproof.
One option is to use a waterproof backpack cover, which can be purchased separately and will provide an extra layer of protection against rain and moisture.
- UPGRADED BUCKLE STRAP: Keep backpack rain cover in position, Prevent backpack cover from sliding...
- HIGH-LEVEL WATERPROOF: Our backpack cover is made of 210t TAFFETA mixed material features...
- 4-LAYER CONSTRUCTION: External fabric of backpack cover is rip-resistant that protecting backpack...
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another option is to apply a waterproofing spray, such as Nikwax or Scotchgard, to the backpack fabric.
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This spray will help repel water and prevent it from seeping through the material. Additionally, you can consider packing your items in dry bags or plastic bags before placing them in your backpack to keep them dry in case of any water infiltration.
Overall, taking these precautions can help you keep your hiking gear safe and dry during your outdoor adventures.
Last words
In conclusion, not all hiking backpacks are waterproof, but many are treated with a waterproof coating or come with a rain cover to help protect your gear from getting wet.
When shopping for a hiking backpack, look for materials that are naturally water-resistant and make sure the backpack has some sort of waterproofing feature.
And always remember to check the weather forecast before heading out on a hike, so you can be prepared for any type of weather that may come your way.
