Dry bag backpacks keep gear dry on boats, kayaks and in heavy rain.
These are the best waterproof roll-top picks.
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Quick Picks
- Best roll-top hiking: Haimont 40+15L Roll-Top
- Best tarpaulin duffel: MIER 40L Duffel Backpack
- Best laminate duffel: Thule Chasm Duffel
- Best water resistant: Maelstrom 40L Waterproof Backpack
- Best waterproof camera: RAINSMORE Waterproof Camera Backpack
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Standout feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haimont 40+15L Roll-Top | Best roll-top hiking | 40-55L | Roll-top expands to 55L | View |
| MIER 40L Duffel Backpack | Best tarpaulin duffel | 40L | Tarpaulin, stowable straps | View |
| Thule Chasm Duffel | Best laminate duffel | 40L size | 840D waterproof laminate | View |
| Maelstrom 40L Waterproof Backpack | Best water resistant | 40L | 9 pockets, water-resistant fabric | View |
| RAINSMORE Waterproof Camera Backpack | Best waterproof camera | 15.6″ laptop | 6 dividers, rain cover | View |
Detailed Reviews
1Haimont’s roll-top pack starts at 40 liters and expands to 55 liters, so one bag covers fast summer overnights and bulkier shoulder-season trips. Vertical compression straps shrink it down when it is not full.
A dual-density foam hip belt, shaped shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap and a breathable back panel make it carry more like a backpacking pack than a big daypack. It is a newer listing, so long-term durability data is still thin.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Expands from 40L to 55L
- Roll-top keeps rain out of the top
- Dual-density hip belt
Watch out for
- Newer listing, few reviews
- Roll-top is slower to open
Key Specs
- Capacity: 40L, expands to 55L
- Closure: roll-top
- Hip belt: dual-density foam
- Rain cover: included
2The MIER duffel backpack is a heavy-duty, water-resistant tarpaulin duffel with padded backpack straps that tuck into a side pocket when you do not need them. It comes in 40L, 60L and 90L sizes.
Two haul handles and four grab handles make it easy to throw into a truck bed or boat, and the reinforced double bottom handles wet ground. It is our pick for gear-hauling trips where a zippered backpack would get soaked or scuffed.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Tough, wipe-clean tarpaulin
- Straps stow away
- Many grab handles
Watch out for
- Simple interior
- Tarpaulin is stiff when cold
Key Specs
- Capacity: 40 liters (also 60L, 90L)
- Fabric: water-resistant tarpaulin
- Carry: backpack, duffel, grab handles
- Base: reinforced double bottom
3Thule’s Chasm is a rugged, weather-resistant duffel made from 840D nylon with a waterproof laminate. It has a wide-mouth opening and converts from duffel to backpack in seconds.
Internal mesh pockets organize small items. The Chasm comes in several sizes; choose the 40L version for carry-on and long-weekend trips. It is the duffel we would trust on a rainy boat dock or a dusty truck bed.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Very tough 840D laminate
- Wide-mouth opening
- Converts to backpack
Watch out for
- Backpack straps are basic
- Pick the size carefully
Key Specs
- Capacity: choose the 40L size
- Fabric: 840D nylon, waterproof laminate
- Carry: duffel or backpack
- Organization: internal mesh pockets
4This version of the Maelstrom swaps to a more water-resistant fabric and spreads storage across nine pockets: the main compartment, two front zip pockets, two hip-belt pockets, two side pockets and two mesh pockets.
The brand lists the pack at about 13.4 x 8.6 x 22 inches, a tall and narrow shape that stays close to your back on narrow trails and in crowded train aisles. Hip-belt pockets are the standout here; snacks, a phone and a map stay reachable without stopping. Like the standard Maelstrom it has no real frame, so treat it as a big daypack rather than an overnight hauler.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Two hip-belt pockets for snacks and phone
- Water-resistant fabric
- Slim profile for trails and transit
Watch out for
- No frame for heavy loads
- Back panel runs warm in summer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 40 liters
- Size: about 13.4 x 8.6 x 22 in (brand listing)
- Pockets: 9 including 2 hip-belt pockets
- Fabric: water-resistant nylon
- Frame: none
5. RAINSMORE Waterproof Camera Backpack
5RAINSMORE’s waterproof camera backpack has thick padded dividers, six adjustable sections, a 15.6-inch laptop slot, a rain cover and tripod straps.
It is a solid outdoor-ready budget pack.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Thick dividers
- Rain cover
- Laptop slot
Watch out for
- Newer brand
- Generic harness
Key Specs
- Laptop: 15.6 in
- Dividers: 6
- Extras: rain cover, tripod straps
How We Chose
We compared capacity, fit range, weight, carry system, materials, pockets and carry-on dimensions across dozens of backpacks, then read verified owner feedback to find comfort and durability problems that spec sheets miss. We did not receive free products, and we do not claim hands-on testing. TOR Scores combine published specs, verified owner feedback and overall value. You may also find our guide to the best 40L camping backpack helpful.
Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Backpacks
Waterproof backpacks use roll-top closures, welded seams and coated fabrics, so they keep gear dry in heavy rain and spray. Water-resistant packs shed light rain but can leak at zippers and seams. For boating, kayaking and heavy rain, choose a roll-top dry bag backpack or add a rain cover and liner. Related: our shortlist of the best 40L camera backpack.
Duffel Backpack vs Travel Backpack
A duffel backpack is a duffel bag first and a backpack second. It has a big, simple main compartment, tough fabric and straps that stow away. A travel backpack has a harness built for walking and more organization. If you are comparing options, our guide to the best camera backpack vs camera bag is worth a look.
- Choose a duffel for road trips, boat trips, gym bags, gear hauling and any trip where you mostly carry the bag from car to room.
- Choose a travel backpack if you will walk more than 15 minutes with your bag, take trains and buses, or move between hostels.
- Fabric. Tarpaulin and laminated fabrics, like the MIER and Thule Chasm, shrug off rain, mud and boat spray.
- Straps. Padded, contoured straps (Osprey Daylite Duffel) are comfortable for longer carries; thin webbing straps are only for short walks.
What Fits in a 40L Pack
A 40-liter pack is enough for a fast overnight in summer, a hut trip, or a week of travel if you pack light. A typical summer overnight load looks like this:
- Ultralight one-person tent or hammock (2 to 4 liters packed)
- Compressible sleeping bag rated for the season (5 to 8 liters)
- Inflatable sleeping pad (1 to 2 liters)
- Stove, fuel and small pot (2 liters)
- Food for one to two days (3 to 5 liters)
- Rain jacket, warm layer and spare socks (5 liters)
- Water: 2 to 3 liters in bottles or a bladder
- Ten Essentials: navigation, headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire, emergency shelter
If your sleeping bag is bulky synthetic, or you hike in shoulder season with heavier layers, step up to a pack with an extension collar or roll-top, like the Naturehike Rock 40+5 or Haimont 40+15. For travel, 40 liters holds about five to seven days of clothes with packing cubes. For a closer look, see our guide to the best 40L backpack travel picks.
Related guides: best 40l waterproof backpack, best 40l travel backpack waterproof, best 40l backpack duffel. Browse every pick in our Backpacks category.
Sources and further reading: National Park Service: the Ten Essentials, Leave No Trace: the 7 Principles and National Park Service: camping basics. Product specs come from brand listings on Amazon; always check your airline’s current carry-on size rules before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 40L backpacks waterproof?
Most are water resistant; use a rain cover or liner, or choose a roll-top waterproof pack.
How do I clean a backpack?
Empty it, brush out dirt, hand wash with mild soap and air dry; avoid machine washing unless allowed.
Is 40L big enough for an overnight trip?
Yes for summer overnights with compact gear; cold-weather trips usually need 50L or more.
How much should a 40L pack weigh?
Frameless packs can be about 1 to 2 lb; framed hiking and travel packs often weigh 2.5 to 4 lb.
Is a 40L backpack carry-on size?
Many are designed around common carry-on limits, but airlines differ; check dimensions and your airline’s rules.
Final Verdict
The Haimont 40+15L roll-top is our dry bag backpack pick.
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