Waterproof backpack for school

January 10, 2016 6:05 AM

My stuff inside my backpack got soaked this morning as I walked the half mile it takes me to get to school. 😱 I need a sub $100 waterproof backpack to carry my 13" laptop, study materials, coffee mug, and water bottle.

I'd like at least one beverage pocket on the outside, but two would be ideal. An integrated laptop pocket inside the backpack would also be nice.

It needs to be big enough to hold a big textbook and some notebooks along with the laptop. I also need a pocket for pens and such.

posted by ocherdraco to Shopping (23 answers total)

Timbuk2 Rogue Laptop Backpack
posted by Karaage at 6:14 AM on January 10, 2016 [2 favorites]

If you otherwise like the backpack you have, a waterproof rain cover would be easily in your budget -- several here for instance, or this one which is more daypack-sized. You'd just want to check the size -- a lot of size ranges span from "mini camelbak" to "two weeks of backpacking gear", so the size for "laptop bookbag" may be XS or less.
posted by dorque at 6:52 AM on January 10, 2016 [10 favorites]

I love the Banjo Brother's ones. Super waterproof and much cheaper than most others. You should be able to find them at bike shops.
posted by advicepig at 6:53 AM on January 10, 2016

Seconding a rain cover! Especially if you've already got a backpack you like aside from the whole "Could destroy my electronics" thing.
posted by dondiego87 at 7:11 AM on January 10, 2016 [1 favorite]

I would third a rain cover. Aside from being cheaper, rain covers are more waterproof than any knapsack (the zippers are always a point of weakness).
posted by jb at 7:21 AM on January 10, 2016 [7 favorites]

Here are some examples of rain covers.
posted by jb at 7:24 AM on January 10, 2016

I thought rain cover too, or maybe a large waterproof bag for inside your bag . During a particularly rainy season I kept one rolled up in my backpack and popped it open as needed. It sometimes took a few minutes to transfer everything into it, but it seemed to be the only way to really protect papers and electronics during long bike rides home.
posted by eisforcool at 8:12 AM on January 10, 2016 [1 favorite]

Get a waterproof pancho, that compresses into a small baggie sized bag, and keep it in your backpack. Then you are completely covered in the event of rain, or a compact umbrella. These items are under $10.00.
posted by Oyéah at 9:03 AM on January 10, 2016

Response by poster: Unfortunately, neither of those things are super helpful when it's raining hard and sideways, like it was this morning. The backpack itself needs to be waterproof somehow (whether intrinsically or by using waterproof covers or bags).

Thanks for your helpful answers so far, everyone!
posted by ocherdraco at 9:28 AM on January 10, 2016

During the rainy season I would keep everything in my backpack in bags: garbage bags, freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc. It's a little awkward trying to fish things out but it actually works perfectly. The backpack may get soaked but the contents stay dry.

Rain covers always leave a point of entry which might be a problem and getting a good fit is tricky.

I also second using a pancho. I keep one with me now and find that I don't need the internal bags anymore.

There are actual water-proof backpacks but they tend not to be very convenient in terms of compartments and features.
posted by bfootdav at 9:56 AM on January 10, 2016 [3 favorites]

I agree with bfootdav - seal up the important items in plastic bags. Waterproof backpacks often have points of failure. If you're walking through a monsoon, take extra care with each item.
posted by heathrowga at 10:35 AM on January 10, 2016

You want a waterproof messenger bag, either the Timbuk2 linked above or something else. I have a Chrome bag and a Timbuk2 bag that I've used for years, and nothing inside has ever gotten soaked.
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 10:38 AM on January 10, 2016 [1 favorite]

Bike commuters use waterproof backpacks a lot. I have one by Chrome. Many feature roll-up closures and buckles.

Are there any bike gear shops near you? You might visit there to see some options in person.
posted by bluedaisy at 10:55 AM on January 10, 2016 [1 favorite]

I would keep everything in my backpack in bags: garbage bags, freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.

Thirding this, for your electronics, anyway; since rucksacks and backpacks are (in my experience) never actually waterproof.
posted by Rash at 11:40 AM on January 10, 2016

I was just admiring this one the other day: PKG rucksack.
posted by oneirodynia at 2:44 PM on January 10, 2016

Meant to add that it's not sub 100, but exactly 100. Otherwise it fits most of your requirements.
posted by oneirodynia at 2:45 PM on January 10, 2016

If it's raining that hard: dry bag rucksack
posted by TWinbrook8 at 3:16 PM on January 10, 2016

Have you checked out the backpacks from LLBean?
posted by oceano at 5:42 PM on January 10, 2016

Regardless of how waterproof I believe my pack & cover combination are, anything I can't afford to get wet gets its own bag for any exposure longer than a dash from vehicle to shelter.
posted by Homer42 at 7:32 PM on January 10, 2016

For reference (and/or if you're open to raising your budget at all), here's what a top-of-the-line bike commuter backpack looks like at $160: Thule Commuter Backpack. Has great pockets, helmet storage, computer storage, highly water resistant fabric + waterproof cover, and generally built very tough.
posted by danceswithlight at 9:44 PM on January 10, 2016

I've been really impressed by the waterproof-ness of Chrome bags, which I've subjected to Northeastern rainstorms without the inside getting wet. I currently have a version of this bag from Chrome, on sale now for a hundo; it lacks an external beverage holder but does have an integrated laptop compartment. If that's still a little spendy there are a couple of other bags in the sale section right now that are also made from that same weatherproof tarp material and that are $10-20 cheaper. (This guy looks near-perfect but is, alas, $120.)
posted by en forme de poire at 4:06 AM on January 11, 2016

My ful bag was about $40 at Target and it has a laptop sleeve and one beverage holder on the outside with another pocket that could hold a smaller can or bottle. It is "water resistant" - but it has never leaked either inwards or outwards - a soda bottle once leaked half its contents inside and I didn't know until I opened the bag.
posted by soelo at 7:29 AM on January 11, 2016

Best Waterproof Backpacks
posted by mlis at 9:08 PM on January 29, 2016