Best High-Quality Backpack Rain Covers

The backpack or the rucksack, knapsack, or packsack is something practically everyone uses. I have used it to carry books since I went to school, trekking, camping, and even now for my laptop.

You could say that I pretty much depend on it to take practically anything vital that I can’t bear for long in my hands. I even depend on it to carry clothes for a short trip.

I must say that knapsacks are indeed durably built,  and are somewhat water-resistant. However, they cannot withstand most weather and heavy rain. In fact, the rains ended up ruining most of my college notes because rucksacks aren’t 100% waterproof.

Best Backpack Rain Covers – Comparison Table

IMAGE	RAIN COVERS	FEATURES
	Joy Walker Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover	Material: 300D Nylon Colours: 10 Price: $$	Check Price
	Mountainsmith Backpack Rain Cover	Material: 190t Taffeta Nylon Colours: Black Price: $$	Check Price
	Osprey Ultralight Rain cover	Material: 40D Nylon Available Colours: 3 Price: $$	Check Price
	OUTAD Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover	Material: Rip-resistant Polyester Comes with: Water-tight Protection Price: $	Check Price
	CamelBak Unisex Adult Pack Rain Cover	Material: Polyester Comes with: Cinch System Price: $$	Check Price
	Kelty Rain Cover	Material: 100% Nylon Dimensions: 9 by 9 Price: $$	Check Price
	Salzmann 3M Reflective Backpack Cover	Material: 3M Scotchlite Great For: Hiking, Cycling, Camping Price: $$	Check Price
	Jepeak Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover	Material: Nylon Available Colors: 3 Price: $	Check Price
	Osprey Hi-Visibility Raincover	Material: 40D Nylon Ripstop Closure Style: Cinch Price: $$	Check Price
	Terra Hiker Backpack Rain Cover	Material: 300D Oxford Fabric Great For: Cycling, Hiking Price: $	Check Price

However, there now is a solution. You can safely carry whatever you want in your backpack without worrying about it getting wet. It’s all thanks to the best backpack rain covers.

Backpack covers give your knapsack the extra durability it needs to keep your gear dry in heavy downpours. But, like everything else, there are so many brands claiming to be the best backpack rain covers that you have to search for the best.

I had to spend a lot of time trying out a few before I could invariably get the best backpack rain covers for my bag. I decided that I can at least make sure things are easier for you through this buying guide I’ve compiled, and the few backpack cover rating reviews.

How to choose a top backpack cover

With so many sizes and types of knapsack covers around, I had to list out the features to look out for the best backpack rain covers. They include:

1. Size

Size is most important because the cover should adequately cover your bag. Only then will it be able to protect it, and the contents in it from the rain. So it has to:

2. Material

Material is also essential to ensure the rucksack cover is waterproof, scratchproof, weather-resistant, and more. Here’s a brief explanation of the type of material to look out for.

The material should be:

• Something waterproof and prevent water from reaching the bag and its contents.
• At least water repellent if not water-resistant. Water repellent covers let most of the rainwater roll off the cover. However, there is always the risk of water leaking through the seams and fabric. The chances are higher during a prolonged and torrential downpour.

Nylon

Most covers are made of coated nylon as it’s durable,  tear-resistant, and stretches well. Some bags are made of siliconized nylon which is nylon with added silicone, for perfect water resistance. Always look for a seamless rain cover because they don’t have gaps for water to flow through.

3. Weight

4. Mode of attachment

The way the cover attaches to backpacks is another crucial point to consider. The common options for the best backpacks are:

• Adjustable attachments for adjusting the cover while carrying light or heavy loads. Covers that fit the best allow less water into the backpack.
• Bungee loop cords that stretch over or around the backpack.
• A pull cord that pulls tight across the knapsack.
• Toggles that fasten into loops found on other cover parts.

5. Usage

You may have various backpacks, to use for different occasions and reasons. For example, you may use one for urban use like your school or laptop bag, or you may have bags for outside use.

You don’t need too large or too strong a cover for city use because the bag won’t be big or bulky. However, you’ll need a bigger cover for your bigger or heavier hiking or backpacking bag.

6. Straps

It’s always better to search for a model with at least one chord or drawstring to keep your knapsack cover in place.

7. Colour

You can choose your color based on your personal preferences. However, I suggest looking for covers with a highly visible or light-reflective color if you will be hiking in remote or dangerous areas.

8. Durability

Look for the more heavy duty covers because you can use them for a longer time. Besides, the material is less likely to tear under strain.

9. Possible additional features

Some covers have some useful other features worth considering. Examples are:

Top Backpack Rain Covers FAQs

Do I have to buy a backpack rain cover?

Anyone who has and uses backpacks should choose to buy a rain cover. Why? Well, it’s because supposing you are in a city and are traveling from one place to another with your bag.

You never know when you may get caught in wet weather. Instead of risking damaging your valuable property in the bag, covering it with a rain cover helps prevent water from entering the bag.

Those who use a backpack while outside like hiking, camping, or backpacking have a greater need for covers. However, nature is also unpredictable. You never know which summer shower ends up potentially heavy.

Having a backpack cover handy ensures your knapsack and your expensive clothes, food and phone remain dry through the hiking trip.

What is the best-sized rain cover?

You should minimally get the best backpack rain cover that’s the same size as your knapsack. But it’s better to select a cover that’s a size larger than small. You this way know that it will cover even something protruding from the rucksack.

Do I have to buy the same brand rain cover as my backpack?

Should the cover be waterproof or water-repellent?

While water repellent and waterproof covers both don’t let water permeate through the fabric, the water repellent models are only effective against light rain. It’s the waterproof covers that can withstand heavy rain.

Backpack rain cover reviews:

1. Joy Walker Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover – Most waterproof backpack cover

The Joy Walker waterproof backpack rain cover is, in my opinion, the ideal waterproof back pack cover. It’s all thanks to its material, and its triple-layer, ultrathin construction.

This nylon-fibred backpack protection cover is reliable and super-durable to keep out the rain and sustain the wear and tear of time. I also liked its upgraded buckle strap that prevents the rucksack from moving while hiking.

There’s even a choice of colors and sizes to choose from for some personalization. The Joy Walker cover has a triple-layer, but ultrathin construction with three different materials providing for optimal protection.

2. Mountainsmith Backpack Rain Cover – Best budget backpack rain cover

 In my opinion, the Mountansmith backpack rain cover is the most affordable in this list. However, its affordability hasn’t led to any compromise in its features. Most importantly, it’s available in four sizes. So you are sure of finding a closure cover for your knapsack, no matter how big or heavy it is.

It’s also a versatile cover that keeps your backpack dry in all weathers. No matter how heavy the rainfall may be. Despite its low price, the rucksack cover is of top quality materials. It comprises of 190T nylon taffeta fabric, making the rain sack both water-resistant and durable.

 3. Osprey Ultralight Rain cover – Best Ultralight backpack cover

You no longer have to dodge the rain or avoid trekking because of wet weather with the Osprey Ultralight Rain cover around. This knapsack cover is excellent for defending against any downpours.

It has everything to give your bag a secure and covered fit, with nothing exposed to the elements. It includes a secure hip belt, wrap-around cinch attachment, and harness attachments.

4. OUTAD Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover – Great backpack cover without seams

The Outad waterproof backpack cover is a product of excellent fabrics. It’s just right for protecting a rucksack, backpack, or laptop bag. It’s lightweight, weighing just 3.5ounces, and easily fits into its inclusive carry bag.

I liked that there are no seams in the cover, making it entirely waterproof without any gaps for water to leak through. Its double-sided bottom provides for extra protection from the elements. It’s also available in various sizes and colors to choose from.

 5. CamelBak Unisex Adult Pack Rain Cover – Best Unisex backpack cover

It was the unisex design of this waterproof backpack rain cover that attracted my attention. Besides, there’s no slipping or need of re-adjusting once the rain cover is in place thanks to its drawstring, hook and loop closures, cinch system, and three easy-to-use attachment points.

The backpack cover waterproof is a bright reflective yellow color, assuring improved visibility, even in low light. It’s water-resistant enough to protect your bag and its contents in most conditions. I also liked that the cover is cheap and available in various sizes.

6. Kelty Rain Cover – Best rain cover for backpacking

Coming from a reputable brand, it’s not surprising that the Kelty rucksack cover is one of the best backpack rain covers available today. It comes in various sizes to choose from and is made from durable and waterproof top-quality products.

It’s a combination of all these features that produce the best backpack cover for any outside adventure like hiking. Besides, its internal adjustable drawstring gives an ideal fit. The cover is available in various sizes to accommodate knapsacks ranging between 3000 to 6000 cubic inches.

7. Salzmann 3M Reflective Backpack Cover – Best hi-visibility rain cover

The Salzmann 3M Reflective Backpack cover is just that you need to protect your rucksack from the rain. It’s not only waterproof but comprises of 3M Scotchbrite reflective material. The specialty of the material is that it can be seen up to 200m away at night and in low light conditions.

I found its elasticized edges with two adjustable fastening shoulder straps a plus point. The tips cover the bag entirely while the straps securely fasten your bag. The cover is available in three bright, fashionable colors and includes standard and XL sizes.

8. Jepeak Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover – Best Universal backpack cover

 The Jepeak Waterproof backpack cover seems to be one of the better waterproof backpack cover options in the market, thanks to its high-quality features. A feature worth mentioning is that it can be quickly attached, useful during sudden downpours.

The firm, stretchable elastic material on the edges, helps it protect different sized products. It folds and fits into the bag’s inside side pocket. Its PU coating is durable, scratch-resistant, and offers 3000mm of rain resistance.

9. Osprey Hi-Visibility Raincover – Best backpack cover for urban rides

If you are looking for the best backpack rain cover for urban, city use, then the Osprey Hi-Visibility rain cover needs checking out. It’s easy to use in unexpected showers, thanks to its easy wrap-around cinch attachment.

It is, however, small in size, thus making it an ideal choice for urban cycling and short cycling trips. It is not suited for more extended trekking and hiking sessions.

There’s also an LED bike light attachment provision on it. It’s easily seen in low light tor in darkness. Last but not least, the backpack cover has a little case to fold and neatly store the cover.

10. Terra Hiker Backpack Rain Cover – Best overall backpack cover

I found the Terra Hiker backpack rain cover to be the best option of the lot. Why? Well, it’s because of its features. It’s PU coating and fully seam-taped construction offers up to 3000mm water resistance. There’s no worry of any moisture seeping into the bag interiors through seams.

It’s heavy duty and comprises of long-lasting, lightweight, but scratch-resistant300D Oxford fabric. There’s even a reinforced bottom that prevents possible damage from repeatedly placing it harsh surfaces. The neat and sturdy stitches provide for added durability.

There are three different sizes of rucksack covers to select from, and they come in various colors, adding to its versatility. It’s the best backpack rain cover to use while hiking, cycling, or while exploring the outdoors.

11. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover – Best backpack cover for outside trips

The name Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil back cover aptly describes how good this rucksack waterproof cover is for all sorts of activities outside. No matter if it’s a camping, hiking,  or cycling trip.

The cover has your knapsack and belongings adequately covered! It’s the perfect option for serious nature enthusiasts looking for a top-quality product that comes with a case.

I like that it’s one of the several lighter products in the market, made from top materials. The smallest size weighs just 2 ounces and the XL size, 4.6 ounces. The backpack waterproof cover comprises of waterproof 30D diamond ripstop Sil Cordura material.

12. Deuter Waterproof Rain Cover for Backpacks – Best single-size rain cover

The highlight of the Deuter waterproof rain cover for backpacks to me is its one size fits all concept. There’s no worry about it not fitting your knapsack. It is a perfect fit for all rucksacks sized between 50 and 90 liters.

It comprises of waterproof PU coated threaded nylon with taped seams and reflective luminous strips for improved visibility. It is thus an ideal option for use in various outdoor lowlight or dark condition activities.

It’s available in blue or green colors, lightweight at just 4.5 ounces, and comes with a carry sack.

Conclusion

Whoever thought you had to put so much thought into a search for buying the best backpack rain cover? Well, I’ve had an enjoyable experience trying out so many different new covers and have reached a conclusion.

In my opinion, there is no single best backpack rain cover to get to keep your gear dry. It’s better to go through the buying guide and these reviews and choose one that fits your ratings, needs, and activities.

It accordingly means that if: