Waterproof backpacks for cycling, hiking, etc.
A waterproof backpack sounds like a good purchase. Whether you're cycling, hiking or in everyday life, a waterproof backpack keeps your things dry and clean. But are waterproof backpacks really 100% waterproof? And is it really necessary or rather a “nice to have”? As is often the case in life, it depends. We definitely recommend a waterproof backpack, especially for real outdoor athletes. No matter where and what weather you are traveling in, a wet backpack should be the last reason why your entire trip falls apart. Backpacks with a roll-top opening are particularly suitable. These are waterproof and protect your belongings.
What use are waterproof backpacks suitable for?
For many purposes, a rain cover is often enough to keep the contents of your backpack dry. This either covers the entire backpack or is used to protect particularly sensitive items such as a camera. But a rain cover is not always enough. A waterproof backpack is more reliable, especially for many outdoor activities such as multi-day tours or water sports such as SUP. Even on bike tours you are on the safe side with a waterproof backpack. The wind and the pressure it creates make it easier for water to penetrate through the fabric. Suitable for bike tours, the vegan bike helmets from the Thousand brand offer the perfect complement for a safe ride.
Water-repellent or waterproof?
Whether a backpack is water-repellent or waterproof makes a big difference. The terms are often confused or equated.
Short rain showers are no problem for a water-repellent backpack such as the one from pinqponq and the contents will certainly stay dry. However, if the backpack is exposed to water for a longer period of time, the fabric will soak up water and the contents can also become wet.
A waterproof backpack, on the other hand, can withstand heavy rain. In these cases, the contents are well protected from water. This means you can transport water-sensitive items such as cell phones or laptops.
What characterizes a waterproof backpack?
Basically, waterproof backpacks use tear- and abrasion-resistant nylon fabric or PVC (truck tarpaulin). However, the seams and fasteners are critical points. What is crucial here is how the workmanship is done and whether a backpack is only water-repellent or really waterproof. Brands with waterproof backpacks such as Ortlieb , Vaude , 7clouds , Vargu , Got Bag , AEVOR or Ucon Acrobatics continue to use materials such as tarpaulin, recycled marine plastic or waterproof polyester fabric and use various measures to protect a backpack and its contents from water. However, even waterproof backpacks do not offer 100 percent protection against water. You should not completely submerge your bag or backpack in water. In everyday life and on your adventures where you are exposed to heavy rain or water, these backpacks reliably keep the contents dry.
If you are not entirely sure whether the backpack is really waterproof, you can also use waterproofing spray. This ensures that the water rolls off and does not soak into the surface. In sensitive areas such as seams or zippers, the waterproofing sprays can provide support but cannot completely seal them. Depending on what the backpack is used for, the degree of waterproofing also plays a crucial role. How waterproof a backpack is is measured using the so-called IPX classes . In order for a backpack to receive an appropriate IPX certification, a series of tests must be carried out.
The IPX6 class is particularly suitable for hiking trips, cycling tours or in everyday life. However, if you want to take your sustainable backpack with you on a kayak tour or need it for SUP sports, you should choose a model with at least IPX7 class.
Fair Couture makes a statement for sustainable bags
In the Fair Couture Shop you will find a large selection of waterproof backpacks. The models range from small backpacks for short trips to backpacks for trips lasting several days or even water sports. If you have any questions about the products or the purchase process, you can contact our Fair Couture online shop customer service at any time.
