Best Waterproof Camera Backpacks For Outdoor Shoots

Picture this: You’re halfway up a muddy trail when the clouds burst. Your heart sinks as you remember your camera is tucked inside your pack.

A waterproof camera backpack can save the day, keeping your gear dry and within easy reach.

Today, we’re diving into the best waterproof camera backpacks for outdoor shoots.

We’ve rounded up eight top-rated models, tested for durability, water protection, and comfort, so you can focus on your shot, not soggy gear.

By the end, you’ll know which pack has your back, rain or shine.

How We Chose Our Picks

Selecting a pack that stands up to rain, mud, and dust means looking beyond price and style. We considered:

• Waterproofing Features: sealed seams, waterproof zippers, water-repellent fabrics
• Durability: high-denier materials, reinforced stitching, reliable hardware
• Comfort: padded shoulder straps, adjustable waist belt, breathable back panel
• Organization: modular dividers, quick-access pockets, laptop or tablet sleeves
• Real-World Testing: hours on the trail, rain simulation, full-loaded carry

Every backpack here passed our rain tests and trail hikes with flying colors.

Why Waterproof Backpacks Matter

A sudden downpour or splash from a creek can spell disaster for your camera gear. A truly waterproof camera backpack keeps moisture out, seals your lenses and bodies in a dry zone, and lets you focus on composition instead of constantly checking if your gear is safe. It’s like having a personal raincoat for all your equipment, complete with pockets and dividers built to shrug off wet weather. Ready to see which pack handles storms and spritz best?

Atlas Adventure Pack Review

The Atlas Adventure Pack sets a new bar for versatility. Its Origami fold system in the main camera compartment adjusts to fit mirrorless kits or full-frame DSLRs with pro lenses. The expandable design ranges from a carry-on–friendly 35 L to a full 60 L when you need extra layers or a drone.

Key Features

• Origami fold inserts adapt to different gear setups
• Expandable 35 L to 60 L main compartment
• Water-resistant shell fabric and taped seams
• Padded harness, sternum strap, and waist belt
• Dedicated laptop sleeve up to 16 in

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Incredible capacity flexibility
• Solid weather resistance in light rain
• Excellent weight distribution for long hauls
• Cons
• Bulky when fully expanded
• Premium price point

Who It’s Best For
Landscape and travel photographers who switch between day trips and multiday hikes. If you need tips on organizing lenses in tight spaces, check out our guide on the best ways to organize lenses inside a camera backpack.

F-Stop Tilopa DuraDiamond Review

F-Stop’s Tilopa DuraDiamond packs high-end durability into a sleek hiking camera pack. The removable ICU (internal camera unit) lets you prepack your kit, then slide it into any compatible backpack. The DuraDiamond fabric stands up to abrasion, dust, and light moisture, though heavy downpours call for an extra rain cover.

Key Features

• Removable camera inserts for modular storage
• DuraDiamond fabric resists tears and abrasions
• Integrated hydration bladder pocket
• Padded hip belt and shoulder straps
• 20-year warranty

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• The modular system adapts to different missions
• Top-tier build quality
• Generous hip belt padding
• Cons
• No dedicated rain cover included
• Higher learning curve for the insert configuration

Who It’s Best For
Adventure shooters who swap lenses and bodies on the go and value a customizable layout.

Nomatic McKinnon 35L Review

The Nomatic McKinnon 35 L is built for serious weather resistance. Its film-laminated TPU65 coating and waterproof zippers make it extremely water-resistant, so you can confidently tackle rainy days or snowy peaks. The sleek exterior hides a highly organized interior with folding dividers, mesh pockets, and laptop storage.

Key Features

• Film-laminated TPU65 coating for water resistance
• Fully waterproof zippers on all compartments
• Folding removable dividers for easy customization
• Padded laptop pocket fits up to 16-inch MacBook Pro
• Exterior carry straps for tripod or jacket

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Exceptional weather protection
• Stylish, low-profile design
• Lifetime warranty on materials
• Cons
• Slightly heavier than similar packs
• Pricey for hobbyists

Who It’s Best For
Photographers who shoot in heavy rain or snow need full waterproof confidence.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Review

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L balances everyday carry with rugged outdoor use. Its DWR-coated 400D nylon canvas shell and weatherproof zippers shrug off mist and light rain. A clamshell opening and multiple access points make it a breeze to grab gear on the fly.

Key Features

• 400D nylon canvas shell with DWR (durable water repellent) coating
• Clamshell and quick-side access via wrap-around zipper
• Customizable FlexFold dividers
• Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves
• Side handles and strap garage

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Versatile access for travel and hikes
• Durable, weatherproof exterior
• Sleek urban look doubles as an office bag
• Cons
• Zippers can be stiff when new
• May feel bulky when not fully loaded

Who It’s Best For
Travel photographers who need a single pack for flights, city streets, and light outdoor adventures. Pair it with your tripod using this quick guide on how to carry a tripod using a camera backpack.

Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II Review

Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II is the ideal companion for photographers on the move. It converts from a backpack to a roller bag, and its all-weather AW cover stashes in a dedicated pocket to seal out heavy rain. Inside, you’ll find customizable dividers and plenty of space for bodies, lenses, and accessories.

Key Features

• Converts to a roller bag with low-profile wheels
• All-weather (AW) rain cover included
• Recycled fabrics for an eco-friendly build
• Padded camera compartment with velcro dividers
• Laptop compartment up to 15 in

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Roller bag option eases airport navigation
• Built-in rain cover for instant weather protection
• Eco-friendly shell materials
• Cons
• Velcro dividers can loosen over time
• Heavier empty weight than most backpacks

Who It’s Best For
Travel shooters who want backpack and roller functionality in one kit.

Thule Covert 32L Review

Thule Covert 32 L blends sleek design with solid organization. Its removable padded camera pod doubles as a sling bag, letting you grab a camera body or drone without unpacking the entire backpack. The exterior material is water-resistant, though you’ll need a rain cover in a downpour.

Key Features

• Removable padded camera pod that becomes a standalone sling
• Roll-top compartment for personal gear
• Dedicated laptop pocket for up to 15-inch devices
• Zippered pockets for memory cards and cables
• Luggage pass-through panel

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Innovative, quick-access camera pod
• Clean, minimalist aesthetic
• Thule’s build quality and warranty
• Cons
• Not fully waterproof under heavy rain
• Straps feel thin on long hikes

Who It’s Best For
Travel and street photographers who value style and fast access to gear.

Mountainsmith Parallax Review

If value is top of mind, the Mountainsmith Parallax delivers pro-level weather protection for under $200. Its expandable main compartment goes from 30 L to 40 L, and a built-in rain shield pops out to cover the pack in seconds. Internal dividers and a removable chest carrier keep things stable on rough terrain.

Key Features

• Built-in rain shield for quick weatherproofing
• Expandable 30 L to 40 L capacity
• Removable chest carrier for extra stability
• Padded shoulder straps and back panel
• Affordable price point

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Best value with reliable weather protection
• Lightweight empty weight
• Easy to expand and collapse
• Cons
• Fewer pockets than premium packs
• The rain shield is a single-use fabric

Who It’s Best For
Budget-conscious photographers who need solid weather defense without breaking the bank.

Backpack Comparison Table

Backpack	Capacity	Waterproofing	Weight (Empty)	Price Range	Best Feature
Atlas Adventure Pack	35 L–60 L	Water-resistant shell, taped seams	4.5 lb	$$$$	Origami fold system
F-Stop Tilopa DuraDiamond	35 L	Durable fabric (needs rain cover)	4.2 lb	$$$$	Modular removable inserts
Nomatic McKinnon 35L	35 L	TPU65 coating, waterproof zippers	5.2 lb	$$$$	Full waterproof confidence
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L	45 L	DWR coating, weatherproof zippers	4.6 lb	$$$	Clamshell design and access points
Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II	45 L	Built-in all-weather rain cover	6.0 lb	$$$	Backpack-to-roller conversion
Thule Covert 32L	32 L	Water-resistant fabric	3.8 lb	$$–$$$	Removable camera pod
Mountainsmith Parallax	30 L–40 L	Integrated rain shield	2.9 lb	$	Best value weather protection
Shimoda Action X50 V2	50 L	(water-resistant shell, add cover)	5.5 lb	$$$	Adjustable torso height settings

Backpack Buying Guide

Not sure which features really matter for your next shoot? Here’s what to look for when shopping for a waterproof camera backpack—you can dive deeper in our guide on what to look for in a waterproof camera backpack.

1. Waterproofing Level

• Waterproof vs water-resistant fabrics
• Taped seams and waterproof zippers
• Built-in rain covers vs removable shields

1. Capacity And Expandability

• Day-trip vs multiday volume
• Expandable sections for extra layers or drones
• Airline carry-on compliance

1. Comfort And Fit

• Padded shoulder straps and hip belt
• Breathable mesh back panels
• Adjustable torso height

1. Organization And Access

• Modular dividers or ICUs
• Clamshell or side-access panels
• Quick-access pockets for memory cards and batteries
• For lens setup tips, see our guide on the best ways to organize lenses inside a camera backpack

1. Additional Features

• Tripod or water bottle attachment points
• Laptop/tablet sleeves
• Anti-theft pockets
• Hydration bladder compatibility

Choosing the right blend of weatherproofing, capacity, and comfort will keep your gear safe and let you stay focused on the shot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How waterproof are these camera backpacks?

Most packs here feature water-resistant fabrics and taped seams. Nomatic’s TPU65 coating and waterproof zippers offer the highest protection in heavy rain.

Can I shoot in a downpour without extra gear?

Backpacks with built-in rain covers, like the Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX and Mountainsmith Parallax, handle sudden storms well. For packs without a cover, carry a dedicated rain shield.

Do these packs fit on a plane as carry-on?

Several models—Atlas Adventure Pack at 35 L, Peak Design 45 L, and Nomatic 35 L—meet most airline carry-on limits when not fully expanded.

Will a waterproof backpack protect my drone?

Yes, if your drone fits inside the main compartment. You can also secure it externally or pack it with your lenses. Check out tips for packing a drone and camera together safely.

How do I carry a tripod with these backpacks?

Most backpacks offer external straps or dedicated tripod mounts. For step-by-step help, see how to carry a tripod using a camera backpack.

Are waterproof backpacks hard to clean?

Cleaning is simple—wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. For full care instructions, visit our guide on how to clean and maintain a camera backpack.

Wrapping Up And Next Steps

Investing in a waterproof camera backpack is one of the best ways to protect your gear and keep shooting in unpredictable conditions. From the full-on waterproof confidence of the Nomatic McKinnon to the expandable versatility of the Atlas Adventure Pack, there’s an option for every style of outdoor photographer.

Got a favorite pick or another waterproof pack you love? Share your experience in the comments below and help fellow shooters stay dry on their next adventure.