The Best Backpack Rain Covers Will Give You Peace of Mind Against the Rain
When you’re out and about hustling, the last thing you want to deal with is rain. Rain soaks and rain sucks, especially if you’ve got gear in tow. Though they won’t save your clothes, the best backpack rain covers will at least keep valuable gear like computers, phones and books safe and dry from their liquid archnemesis.
The best backpack rain covers are pretty self-explanatory, but here’s the low-down if you’re not familiar: they’re backpack-shaped sheets, typically made from a water-resistant material such as nylon or polyester, that stretch around a backpack and cinch closed, effectively creating a sealed waterproof layer around the entire bag. Some backpack rain covers have buckles to minimize slippage but others do not, so you’ll want to think about the size and kind of backpack you intend to cover to make sure you get the right size and best-fitting rain cover.
But truly, that’s all there is to it. Whether you’re going camping or hitting the mean city streets, if you just pack one of the best backpack rain covers, you’ll never have to worry about drenched gear.
So check out our picks below for the best backpack rain covers and, for once, have some peace of mind about spontaneous downpours.
1. Osprey Ultralight Raincover
BEST OVERALL
Osprey is a mainstay in hiking and backpacking circles, so you can count on the Osprey Ultralight Raincover to protect your gear from rain. It’s made from strong ripstop nylon and features a cinch attachment to secure the cover to your hiking backpack. It’s also lightweight and the most highly rated rain cover we found on Amazon, with nearly 90% five-star reviews.
Buy: Osprey Ultralight Raincover $25.25
2. REI Co-op Duck’s Back Rain Cover
RUNNER-UP
There’s not a piece of camping gear or equipment that we wouldn’t trust from REI, including the REI Co-op Duck’s Back Rain Cover. A silicone-coated ripstop polyester and taped seams keep the rain out and the extra small size is perfect for most casual backpacks.
Buy: REI Co-op Duck’s Back Rain Cover $24.95
3. The North Face Backpack Rain Cover
HONORABLE MENTION
Nylon taffeta fabric, a polyurethane coating, fully taped seams and a cinchable elastic binding all play their parts in The North Face Backpack Rain Cover to protect your gear. The nylon is durable, the PU coating and taped seams keep the water out and the elastic binding ensures the rain cover stays tight and locked onto the backpack.
Buy: The North Face Backpack Rain Cover $22.95
4. Frelaxy Hi-Visibility Backpack Rain Cover
GREAT VALUE
There’s a lot to love about the Frelaxy Hi-Visibility Backpack Rain Cover. Not only is it clearly designed with casual backpacks, as opposed to hiking packs, in mind, but it also comes in five different sizes, multiple colors and won’t break the bank across the board. That’s all the more impressive when you consider the features: An extra-long reflective strap for personal visibility, tear-resistant nylon, waterproof coatings inside and out and, perhaps most usefully, the elastic binding and cross-adjustable buckle straps to secure the bag.
Buy: Frelaxy Hi-Visibility Backpack Rain Cover $10.99
5. Salzmann 3M Reflective Backpack Cover
MOST REFLECTIVE
If you’re walking or cycling in the rain, personal visibility is critical for your safety. The Salzmann 3M Reflective Backpack Cover is waterproof, weatherproof and highly reflective whether you’re being hit with a flashlight, headlights or a damn helicopter spotlight. Plus, it features an elastic binding and two adjustable straps to secure the cover around the backpack.
Buy: Salzmann 3M Reflective Backpack Cover $12.90
6. Adventure World Globotrekker Lightweight Backpack Poncho
BEST BACKPACK COVER + PONCHO
If you’re looking to cover your entire backpack and practically your entire body too, you want the Adventure World Globotrekker Lightweight Backpack Poncho. It’s made from a strong waterproof polyester, Terylene, and even features a drawstring hood and zipped neck to keep you as dry as your backpack.
Buy: Adventure World Globotrekker Lightweight Backpack Poncho $41.95
7. Joy Walker Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover
AMAZON BEST-SELLER
It’s never a bad idea to go with the people’s choice on Amazon and the Joy Walker Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover is Amazon’s best-selling backpack rain cover.
It’s made from rip-resistant and water-resistant materials and you can purchase it in multiple sizes depending on the size of your backpack. But what really puts this backpack rain cover over the top is the cinch system. Rather than just relying on the strength of the elastic material, this cover actually features straps and buckles. Just lock the buckles after stretching the cover over the bag to prevent slippage and guarantee your gear stays covered and protected.
Buy: Joy Walker Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover $12.99
8. Badlands Rain Cover for Hunting Packs
BEST FOR HUNTING
Wet gear is a surefire way to end your hunting trip before it’s even begun. The Badlands Rain Cover for Hunting Packs will keep the water out and, importantly, it features a camouflage design. The last thing you want is to be safe from rain only for your bright orange or neon yellow backpack rain cover to give away your position. Though it’s not ideal for casual backpacks, it’ll work great with hunting backpacks and hiking packs. And if you’re on the fence, buy knowing the rain cover is backed up by an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Buy: Badlands Rain Cover for Hunting Packs $29.99
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