From the clear waters of the Maldives to the wild coasts of the Philippines, here’s how to pick the right waterproof roll-top backpack for your island-hopping trip.
Imagine this: You’re on a dock in Bali, watching the boat driver load up for a ride to a few small islands. The sun’s hot, but clouds are coming. Your camera, phone, passport, and dry clothes are in your backpack – and you’re happy you got a waterproof roll-top.
Island-hopping is a fun way to see tropical places, but it’s not always easy. Your stuff can get wet from boat spray, rain, river crossings, and sandy beaches. Keeping your gear safe is a must, especially when you’re moving between islands and can’t just buy new stuff.
Why Roll-Top Waterproof Backpacks Rock for Island-Hopping
Staying Dry: How It Works
A waterproof backpack keeps your gear dry, but some are better than others. Roll-top bags are great because they don’t have zippers, which are where water usually gets in. Instead, you roll the top down a few times and clip it shut to make a tight seal.
Why They’re Good for Islands
Easy Access on Boats: Unlike backpacks with lots of pockets, roll-tops have one big space that’s easy to get into when the boat’s moving.
Sand and Salt Proof: Most waterproof stuff is smooth, so sand brushes off easily, and you can rinse off salt.
Easy to Pack: Roll-tops can get smaller when they’re not full. This is good if you buy souvenirs or leave things on different islands.
Carry It Your Way: You can carry most roll-tops as a backpack, over your shoulder, or even strap them to a kayak.
The 12 Best Waterproof Roll-Top Backpacks (Tried and Tested)
We tested the best waterproof roll top backpacks for everything from city commutes to outdoor trips, using these waterproof backpacks in autumn storms.
Top Performers
1. YETI Panga Backpack 28L
Test Notes: Survived three weeks of island-hopping in the Philippines, including river crossings and a typhoon.
What We Like:
- Can be fully underwater
- Very strong
- Comfy straps
- Places to attach wet gear
Good For: People who really need something tough
Price: \$300-\$350
Size: 28L (also comes in 50L)
2. Sea to Summit Flow 35L Drypack
Test Notes: Worked great in Bali’s rainy season, kept electronics dry during boat trips and hikes.
What We Like:
- Waterproof but still breathes
- Comfy back
- Place to attach gear
- Strong bottom
Good For: Long island trips with lots to do
Price: \$200-\$250
Size: 35L (also comes in 20L)
3. Ortlieb Velocity 29L
Test Notes: German-made, kept water out after six months of use in Southeast Asia.
What We Like:
- Can attach to bikes
- Place for a laptop
- Reflective parts
- Warranty
Good For: Seeing islands by bike
Price: \$180-\$220
Size: 29L
Best Value
4. Stubble & Co. Roll Top 20L
Test Notes: Strong, comfy, and roomy. Made from waterproof recycled stuff.
What We Like:
- Made from recycled items
- Laptop spot with waterproof access
- Comfy padding
- Good price
Good For: People who care about the environment and saving money
Price: \$120-\$150
Size: 20L
5. Patagonia Nine Trails Pack 28L
Test Notes: Great for hiking, swimming, and boat trips.
What We Like:
- Fair Trade
- Comfy straps
- Easy to get into
- Can be repaired
Good For: Active people who want something sustainable
Price: \$200-\$230
Size: 28L
6. NRS Tuff Sack 40L
Test Notes: Made for river trips, works well for island boat rides.
What We Like:
- Strong material
- Waterproof closure
- Places to attach things
- Can be a pillow
Good For: People who like water sports
Price: \$90-\$110
Size: 40L
Small and Light
7. SealLine Urban 18L
Test Notes: Good for day trips when you just need to keep a few things dry.
What We Like:
- Looks good
- Padded back
- Pocket on the outside
- Easy to open
Good For: Day trips and seeing cities
Price: \$80-\$100
Size: 18L
8. Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack 25L
Test Notes: A good first backpack that works well in normal weather.
What We Like:
- Waterproof
- Pocket with a zipper
- Straps for your waist and chest
- Warranty
Good For: People new to island-hopping
Price: \$60-\$80
Size: 25L (also comes in 35L and 40L)
For Serious Adventures
9. Watershed Futa Stowfloat 25L
Test Notes: The only pack that floats – great for cliff jumping.
What We Like:
- Floats
- Waterproof zipper
- Comfy back
- Made in the USA
Good For: Water sports and wild trips
Price: \$350-\$400
Size: 25L
10. RTIC Waterproof Backpack 30L
Test Notes: Works well for the price, but not as good as the more expensive ones.
What We Like:
- Strong seams
- Places to attach things
- Padded straps
- Good value
Good For: People watching their budget
Price: \$100-\$120
Size: 30L
Long Trips
11. Aqua Quest Himal 40L
Test Notes: Good for long island trips when you need to carry a lot.
What We Like:
- Waterproof
- Comfy like a hiking pack
- Lots of pockets
- Strong
Good For: Long island trips
Price: \$150-\$180
Size: 40L
12. OverBoard Pro-Sports Waterproof 30L
Test Notes: Well-made and waterproof.
What We Like:
- Shoulder strap system
- Pocket with waterproof zipper
- Padded back
- 5-year warranty
Good For: Guides and serious adventurers
Price: \$180-\$220
Size: 30L
How to Pack Your Roll-Top for Island-Hopping
Three Layers
Layer 1: Electronics
Put phones, cameras, and chargers in waterproof bags inside the main part of the backpack.
Layer 2: Clothes
Use packing cubes to keep clothes dry and organized.
Layer 3: Other Stuff
Things like snorkeling gear and flip-flops can go right in the backpack.
How to Stay Organized
Since there are no pockets inside:
- Use different colored dry bags
- Put heavy stuff near your back
- Keep things you need often near the top
- Attach wet stuff to the outside
Real Trips, Real Backpacks
Philippines: Palawan
How Long: 2 weeks
Weather: Boat rides, river crossings, storms
Best Backpack: YETI Panga 28L
The YETI kept gear dry when waves crashed over the boat.
Indonesia: Gili Islands and Lombok
How Long: 10 days
Weather: Snorkeling, motorbikes, rain
Best Backpack: Sea to Summit Flow 35L
The Flow’s back kept us from getting too sweaty.
Thailand: Koh Phi Phi
How Long: 1 week
Weather: Boats, beaches, kayaking
Best Backpack: Ortlieb Velocity 29L
The Ortlieb was easy to put on a motorbike.
Island Weather
Humidity
Waterproof backpacks can trap humidity inside. Look for ones with:
- Breathable backs
- Ways to let air in
Heat
Dark backpacks get hot. Choose light colors or ones with reflective material.
Salt Water
Rinse your backpack after each day. Salt can damage waterproof stuff.
How to Take Care of Your Backpack
Every Day
- Rinse with fresh water
- Let it dry
- Check for sand
- Wipe off salt
Every Week
- Turn it inside out and wash it
- Clean the corners
- Use waterproof lubricant on zippers
- Fix any damage
When Your Trip Is Over
- Clean and dry it
- Store it open
- Use UV protectant
What to Look For
Waterproof or Water-Resistant?
IPX Ratings:
- IPX4: Light rain
- IPX6: Boat spray
- IPX7: Dropped in water
- IPX8: Underwater
For island-hopping, get IPX7 or IPX8.
Quality
- Welded seams are better than sewn
- Strong seams
- Good clips
Comfort
- Padded straps
- Chest and waist belts
- Good back support
- Ways to carry it
Where to Go and Which Pack to Bring
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia)
Good Options: Sea to Summit Flow 35L or YETI Panga 28L
Why: Humid, lots of boat rides
Caribbean (Bahamas, Lesser Antilles)
Good Options: Ortlieb Velocity 29L or Patagonia Nine Trails
Why: Cycling, normal weather
Pacific Islands (Fiji, Vanuatu, Cook Islands)
Good Options: Watershed Futa Stowfloat 25L or NRS Tuff Sack 40L
Why: Water sports, remote places
Mediterranean (Greek Islands, Croatia)
Good Options: SealLine Urban 18L or Stubble & Co. Roll Top 20L
Why: Easy to get around, day trips
How Much to Spend
Budget (\$60-\$120)
For casual trips. Good water resistance, but not for tough trips.
Mid-Range (\$120-\$250)
Good for most people.
Premium (\$250-\$400)
For serious adventurers who need something that will last.
Is It Worth It?
A good backpack can last a long time. Think about how much it costs per trip.
What to Pack
Must-Have Waterproof Stuff
- Phone case
- Dry bags
- Action camera
- Quick-dry towel
- Headlamp
Other Gear
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkeling gear
- Water tablets
- Portable charger
- Cash
What’s Next for Backpacks
Sustainable Stuff
- Recycled plastic
- Waterproof coatings made from plants
- Repairable designs
- Recycling programs
Cool Features
- GPS
- Solar charging
- Water purification
- Bluetooth
Better Comfort
- Better airflow
- Lighter materials
- Better weight
Conclusion
The right backpack isn’t just about keeping your gear dry. It’s about making your trip better. Whether you’re seeing Indonesia, the Caribbean, or the Mediterranean, the right pack will help you enjoy your time on the water.
This guide helps you pick the best backpack for your trip. From the tough YETI Panga to the eco-friendly Stubble & Co., there’s a roll-top for your next trip.
The best backpack is the one you’ll use. Think about what you need and how much you want to spend. Get out there and see those islands.
Your backpack is your ticket to fun.
Pack smart, travel safe, and have a great time.
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