Essential Must Have Gear for Waterproof Backpacks: Top Picks

Waterproof Backpack Essentials

A waterproof backpack is an essential piece of gear for outdoor adventures, providing protection from rain, snow, and wet conditions. However, not all waterproof backpacks are created equal, so it's crucial to choose the right one for your needs. To maximize your backpack’s functionality and enhance your experience, it’s important to carry the right accessories and gear. From organizational tools to additional waterproofing essentials, these items can help you stay organized, keep your gear dry, and ensure you’re prepared for any situation. Here’s a list of must-have gear to pack along with your waterproof backpack.

Dry Bags or Packing Cubes

Purpose: Helps keep your items organized and adds an extra layer of waterproof protection.

Benefits: Packing cubes make it easy to organize clothing and gear, while dry bags keep essentials like electronics, clothes, and food safe from water even if your backpack is opened in wet conditions.

Recommendation: Use a variety of sizes to organize items and ensure quick access to essential gear.

Waterproof Phone Case

• Purpose: Protects your phone from water, mud, and other environmental factors.

• Benefits: Waterproof phone cases offer peace of mind, especially if you rely on your phone for navigation, photography, or emergency contacts.

• Recommendation: Look for a case with a lanyard attachment for easy access and security, and ensure it’s compatible with your phone model.

Rain Cover for Extra Protection

• Purpose: Provides additional waterproof protection in heavy downpours. Waterproof zippers are essential for ensuring that the contents of the backpack remain dry even in heavy downpours.

• Benefits: While your backpack is already waterproof, a rain cover adds another layer of defense against moisture, especially in extreme conditions.

• Recommendation: Choose a rain cover that fits snugly over your backpack and has adjustable straps to secure it in windy weather.

Compression Sacks

• Purpose: Compress bulky items, like clothing or sleeping bags, to save space in your backpack.

• Benefits: Compression sacks help reduce the volume of large items, allowing you to pack more efficiently. They’re often made from water-resistant materials, which also protects items from minor moisture exposure. However, it's important to understand the distinction between water-resistant and fully waterproof backpacks, as water-resistant backpacks offer limited protection against light rain but may not withstand heavy moisture or prolonged exposure to water.

• Recommendation: Choose waterproof or water-resistant compression sacks to keep items dry even if they’re packed near the outside of the bag.

Portable Power Bank

• Purpose: Keeps electronic devices charged on long trips.

• Benefits: A power bank allows you to charge essential devices like your phone, GPS, or camera, which can be critical in emergency situations or for navigation. Additionally, having a waterproof packable backpack ensures that your power bank and other essentials stay dry and protected, especially in unpredictable weather.

• Recommendation: Look for a rugged, waterproof power bank with multiple USB ports to charge multiple devices.

First Aid Kit

• Purpose: Provides immediate access to medical supplies for injuries or emergencies. Having a mesh pocket in your backpack ensures easy access to these supplies when needed.

• Benefits: A compact, waterproof first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries on the go, such as cuts, scrapes, or insect bites.

• Recommendation: Opt for a lightweight, waterproof first aid kit with essential supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and tweezers.

Hydration Bladder or Water Bottle

• Purpose: Ensures you stay hydrated during outdoor activities.

• Benefits: Hydration bladders fit neatly inside most backpacks, with a drinking tube for easy access while on the move. Comfortable and adjustable backpack straps are crucial for carrying hydration bladders or water bottles, providing support during activities like hiking and commuting. Alternatively, durable, reusable water bottles are ideal for quick refills.

• Recommendation: Choose a hydration bladder with an insulated tube to prevent water from freezing in cold weather or a collapsible water bottle to save space.

Multi-Tool

Purpose: Provides versatile functionality for various tasks, repairs, and emergencies.

Benefits: A multi-tool with features like a knife, scissors, screwdriver, and pliers can help with everything from gear repair to food preparation. Waist straps on your backpack can offer added support and flexibility when carrying a multi-tool and other gear.

Recommendation: Opt for a lightweight, rust-resistant multi-tool that fits comfortably in a side pocket or attachment loop for quick access.

Weatherproof Flashlight or Headlamp with Waterproof Zippers

• Purpose: Provides hands-free lighting for low-light conditions.

• Benefits: Headlamps allow for hands-free lighting, ideal for setting up camp, navigating in the dark, or reading maps. A waterproof flashlight is also useful for illuminating specific areas or signaling in emergencies. Padded shoulder straps are essential for comfort during prolonged use of a backpack, especially when carrying items like a weatherproof flashlight or headlamp.

• Recommendation: Look for a headlamp or flashlight with an adjustable beam, multiple brightness settings, and a waterproof rating to ensure it holds up in wet conditions.

Fire-Starting Kit

• Purpose: Enables you to start a fire in case of emergency or for cooking.

• Benefits: Having a fire-starting kit provides the means to start a fire for warmth, cooking, or signaling. Waterproof matches, a lighter, and fire-starters are essential for reliable fire-building in damp conditions.

• Recommendation: Use a waterproof case for your matches and include a small pack of fire starters to ensure they’ll work even if exposed to moisture.

Repair Tape

• Purpose: Allows for quick fixes to gear, clothing, and even your backpack.

• Benefits: Waterproof repair tape can be a lifesaver for patching holes in your backpack, rain gear, or tent, helping to keep water out and prevent further damage.

• Recommendation: Bring a small roll of durable, waterproof repair tape and keep it accessible for on-the-go fixes.

Small Microfiber Towel

• Purpose: Useful for drying off gear, cleaning up, or drying yourself.

• Benefits: Microfiber towels are quick-drying, lightweight, and take up minimal space, making them ideal for wiping off condensation, mud, or rain from your gear.

• Recommendation: Choose a towel with antimicrobial properties to keep it fresh between washes.

Navigation Tools (Map, Compass, or GPS)

• Purpose: Ensures you stay on track, especially in unfamiliar terrain.

• Benefits: A compass or map is crucial for navigation in remote areas. A GPS device provides extra assurance, especially in low-visibility situations or where trails are unclear.

• Recommendation: Keep maps and printed guides in a waterproof sleeve, and consider a GPS device with a weatherproof design for durability.

Extra Layers in Waterproof Bags

• Purpose: Provides additional warmth in case of unexpected weather changes.

• Benefits: Packing an extra layer, such as a jacket or fleece, in a waterproof bag ensures you’re prepared for sudden temperature drops or wet conditions.

• Recommendation: Store these layers in a dry bag to ensure they remain dry and readily accessible.

Paracord or Utility Rope

• Purpose: Useful for setting up shelter, securing gear, or emergency repairs.

• Benefits: Paracord is strong, lightweight, and versatile, making it a must-have for tying down items, setting up a tarp, or even assisting in first aid.

• Recommendation: Keep at least 10-15 feet of paracord coiled and stored in an easy-to-access part of your backpack.

Whistle and Signal Mirror

• Purpose: Provides a way to signal for help if needed.

• Benefits: A whistle and signal mirror are essential for emergencies, allowing you to alert others or signal for help from a distance.

• Recommendation: Attach the whistle to the outside of your backpack for quick access and keep the mirror in a waterproof pouch.

Anti-Bacterial Wipes and Hygiene Items

• Purpose: Helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene in remote areas.

• Benefits: Antibacterial wipes are lightweight and versatile, useful for handwashing, cleaning gear, or sanitizing surfaces.

• Recommendation: Store wipes in a sealed bag or container to prevent them from drying out.

Conclusion

Packing the right gear with your waterproof backpack is essential to ensure that you’re prepared for any conditions, keep your items organized, and make your outdoor adventure more enjoyable. From additional waterproofing options to essential safety and navigation tools, these must-have items will enhance the functionality of your waterproof backpack and help you make the most of your time outdoors.

FAQs

Do I need a rain cover for a waterproof backpack?

While not always necessary, a rain cover provides an additional layer of protection in extreme rain or wet conditions, which is helpful if you’ll be outside for extended periods.

It's important to note that while a rain cover adds protection, a water resistant backpack can handle light rain but may not be suitable for heavy downpours or submersion. For activities like hiking and water sports, a fully waterproof backpack is recommended.

How do I keep my electronics safe in a waterproof backpack?

Use dry bags or waterproof pouches within your backpack for added protection, especially for electronics like phones, GPS devices, or cameras.

What’s the best way to organize gear in a waterproof backpack?

Use packing cubes or dry bags to keep items organized by type, making it easy to access what you need quickly and ensuring delicate items are protected.

Why should I carry a fire-starting kit in a waterproof backpack?

Fire-starting kits are essential for emergency situations, warmth, and cooking. Waterproof matches or a lighter will ensure you can start a fire even in wet conditions.

Is a multi-tool necessary for outdoor adventures?

Yes, a multi-tool is highly versatile and useful for gear repair, first aid, food preparation, and other tasks, making it a practical addition to your backpack essentials.