How to Choose A Best Waterproof Camera Backpack

Posted on Jul 23, 2021

The importance of a fully waterproof camera backpack becomes very clear once you’re out and about with you valuable gear during heavy rains. Even when you’re not shooting in the rain, but trekking across brooks or misty mountains, is it important to wear a waterproof backpack to avoid your camera from malfunctioning due to the very humid environment.

waterproof camera backpack full storage

This is why we create our high-end backpacks, which are all waterproof and have thoughtful design choices from the fabric we use to the zippers we install.

Waterproof fabrics

One of the most important aspects of shopping for a quality camera backpack is that the materials used are water repellent. What follows are waterproof backpacks that are all made from different materials.

Waxed canvas camera backpack

Advantages of a waxed canvas camera backpack

Canvas backpacks attract people who like a vintage look. These days, there are many different variations on the traditional canvas backpacks. A waxed canvas backpack uses cotton that is dipped in wax or oil to increase their water repellent properties.

Disadvantages of a Waxed Canvas Camera Backpack

The downside to waxed canvas backpacks is that they’re hardly completely waterproof. They slow down moisture, but it’s a temporary solution. Also, the bags are usually hard to clean and not equipped for rugged use as an outdoor camera bag.

Leather camera backpacks

Advantages of a leather camera backpack

A good quality leather camera backpack is built to last and is almost like an antique. It’s stylish, expresses your aesthetic taste, but it also requires a lot of time to keep it in great condition. Unlike canvas, leather is a lot more durable and water repellent.

leather camera bag

Disadvantages of a leather camera backpack

The main disadvantage to a leather camera backpack is the incredibly amount of maintenance it needs. Different type of leathers require different type of maintenance and they scratch easily. Because of the material, the price is usually much higher compared to other bags and animal lovers probably aren’t too comfortable wearing a leather bag.

Polyester with high-performance coatings

Advantages of a polyester camera backpack

Polyester is the most popular material for a camera backpack. To protect your valuable gear, it has high performance coatings to become scratch, wear and water resistant. Polyester camera bags usually look a bit more modern and urban.

Disadvantages of a polyester camera backpack

Polyester camera bags may look nice, but they’re usually a lot heavier than other camera bags. Color consistency is usually also a huge problem with polyester bags.

Waterproof zippers

Most zippers are somewhat water resistant, but if you would like to stay dry during heavy rainstorms, you’d better choose a backpack with a fully waterproof zipper. There are a couple of ways to increase the water repellent properties of your zipper:

Use wax to cover your zipper teeth to better repel rain.
Use a fabric rain cover to protect your zipper from the rain.
Cover your zipper with a rubber or PVC coating to make it waterproof when zipped up. Some brands, like YKK, provide these kinds of waterproof zippers.

Detailed waterproof design

Even though many manufactures are aware of using waterproof fabric to construct a camera backpack, there are still some easy-to-overlook parts (like the bottom or the top of your backpack) that might allow the rain to enter your bag.

Adding leather to the bottom

A camera backpack with a leather bottom will last longer and be much more waterproof. Many outdoors camera backpacks also add more padding on the bottom to make it more protective when your bag hits the ground.

Rain cover on top

Even though the fabrics are waterproof, the back panel remains fragile. The back panel is usually designed with a honeycomb structure and made of breathable materials. This makes the back panel very vulnerable to rain. To combat this, a rain cover on top is the perfect solution.

Backpack rain cover

If you still worry about whether your camera backpack can withstand heavy rains, the backpack rain cover will give it extra protection. A camera backpack with built-in rain cover is a great option, but you can also buy a rain cover separately. PGYTECH has a very effective rain cover that is perfect for bags of up to 25L.

Professional waterproof grade

Rain covers have different waterproof ratings (mm), which means they can only be used in specific conditions. PGYTECH's Backpack Rain Cover 25 L has a waterproof rating of 8000 mm, which means it is rainproof and waterproof and can withstand light pressure.

Foldable & compact

Rain covers can be rolled up compactly for easy storage. Keep it in its own built-in pouch and use the lanyard to attach it to your backpack.

A drainage hole to keep items dry

When not in use, it helps expel excess moisture to keep the inner part dry.

A Lifetime warranty

Recommendation of Waterproof camera backpacks

OneMo Backpack 25-35L

A modular camera backpack compacts dual bags in one and fits multiple occasions. The built-in pouch inside can be used as a shoulder bag, which fits a Mavic combo or a camera and lens. The customizable dividers can be arranged based on your needs and gear. Also the expandable space extends the capacity from 25L to 35L. It can store your gimbal without having to dismount it.

The fabric is scratch resistant and the shoulder straps contain a waterproof cover. It also comes with a professional rain cover.

OneGo Backpack 18L

OneGo backpack uses high-performance fabrics that are entirely waterproof. The zippers have been manufactured by YKK and contain a waterproof coating to block out rain. It’s compatible with the PGYTECH Backpack Rain Cover.

The clamshell design and side pockets allow you to easily take out your camera gear. Updated customizable dividers offer increased security and organizational capabilities. The straps and back panel use innovative materials that create a ventilated experience.

Both enjoy a lifetime warranty.

OneMo 2 Backpack

OneMo Sling

OneMo Lite Backpack

OneMo FPV Backpack

DJI Ronin 4D Backpack

OneGo Solo V2

OneGo Cloud Bag

OneGo Drawstring Bag

OneGo Backpack

OneGo Air Backpack

OneGo Shoulder Bag

OneGo Solo

Mini Tech Organizer & Tech Organizer

Wash Pouch

Protective Wrap

Memory Card Wallet

DJI Avata 2 Carrying Case

DJI RS 3 Carrying Case

DJI Avata Carrying Case

DJI Mavic 3 Carrying Case

DJI Air 2S / Mavic Air 2 Carrying case

Action Camera Carrying Case

Carrying Case Mini

MAVIC Mini 2 / MAVIC Mini Carrying case

Carrying Case for MAVIC 2

Mini Carrying Case for MAVIC 2

Carrying Case for TELLO

DJI Avata 2 Safety Carrying Case

DJI AVATA Safety Carrying Case

DJI Mini 3 Safety Carrying Case

DJI Mavic 3 Safety Carrying Case

Safety Carrying Case for DJI Air 2S & Mavic Air 2

Safety Case for MAVIC 2

DJI Mavic Air 2 / DJI Air 2S Safety Carrying Case

Action Camera Hard-shell Protective Case

Waterproof Cover

OneGo Backpack Partitions

OneMo Backpack Waist Strap

OneGo Backpack Waist Strap

OneGo Backpack Magnetic Battery Power Indicator

CapLock MantisPod Z

MantisPod Vlogging Tripod

MantisPod 2.0

CapLock Action Camera Extension Pole Tripod

PGYTECH Phone Extension Pole Tripod Set

Action Camera Extension Pole Tripod Mini

VLOG Phone Extension Pole Tripod

Camera Wrist Straps

Professional / Master Photography Gloves

Beetle Camera Clip

CapLock Action Camera Neck Mount

Camera Shoulder Straps

Backpack Camera Strap

Fingerless Photography Gloves

Action Camera Hand and Wrist Strap

Action Camera Strap Holder

CapLock MantisPod Z

96cm Extendable Selfie Stick

CapLock Action Camera Extension Pole Tripod

Versatile Smartphone Holder

Phone Extension Pole Tripod Set

Cold Shoe Phone Holder

VLOG Phone Extension Pole Tripod

Action Camera Extension Pole Tripod Mini

96cm Extendable Selfie Stick

U-Bolt Mount

Super Clamp Mount

CapLock Rearview Mirror Mount

CapLock Three-arm Suction Mount

CapLock Action Camera Magnetic Mount

CapLock Action Camera Suction Cup Mount

CapLock Action Camera Helmet Mount

CapLock Action Camera Handlebar Mount

Action Camera Adhesive Mount

Smartphone Handlebar Mount

Smartphone Adhesive Mount

Smartphone Suction Cup Mount

CFexpress CreateMate Card Reader Case

CreateMate Card Reader Case

CapLock Action Camera Quick Release Set