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If you're a keen hiker who has to cope with a wide range of weather conditions, or who has to cross wetlands, a waterproof bag is essential equipment. This type of bag protects your electronics, spare clothing and survival gear from water, dust and sand. This guide will provide you with the essential criteria to consider when choosing the best waterproof bag for your hiking needs. See our best waterproof hiking bags and other hiking equipment.
1. Type of waterproof hiking bag
Waterproof backpacks: Designed for long hikes, these bags offer both the waterproofing and carrying comfort of a traditional backpack. They are generally equipped with padded shoulder straps, a lumbar belt and sometimes a frame for better weight distribution.
Watertight compression bags: Ideal for minimizing the space occupied by clothing or sleeping bags, these bags expel air to reduce their volume while remaining watertight.
Waterproof pouches: Perfect for smaller or sensitive items such as smartphones, cameras and documents. They are often worn around the neck or attached to a larger bag.
2. Materials and construction
The quality of the material is crucial to the bag's performance and durability. Waterproof bags are mainly made of PVC or nylon coated with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane):
PVC: Highly resistant and ideal for extreme activities, PVC is often used for bags designed for water sports or very wet environments.
TPU-coated nylon: Lightweight and flexible, this material is commonly used for waterproof backpacks for hiking. It offers good resistance to abrasion while remaining waterproof.
3. Closing the waterproof bag
The closing method is crucial to the watertightness of the bag. The two most common types are :
Roll-up closure: the most common, this involves folding the top of the bag several times before securing it with a buckle or strap. This system is highly reliable for keeping contents dry.
Zippered closure: Some waterproof bags use watertight zippers. These models are easier to use, but may be less reliable in the event of complete immersion.
4. Waterproof bag size and capacity
The bag's capacity should correspond to your use. Waterproof bags are available in a wide range of sizes, measured in liters:
- Small bags (10-20 liters): Suitable for short outings or as additional waterproof storage inside a larger backpack.
- Medium bags (30-40 liters): Ideal for day hikes or water activities.
- Large bags (50+ liters): Perfect for longer expeditions requiring more equipment.
5 Key tips for a waterproof bag
- Watertight external pockets: Useful for quick access to small items without opening the main compartment.
- Carrying systems: For added comfort, some bags offer sophisticated harness systems, similar to those found on trekking backpacks.
- External attachment points: Convenient for attaching additional equipment to the outside of the bag.
Choosing a waterproof hiking bag means taking into account the environment you'll be working in, the duration of your outings and the type of equipment you plan to carry. Selecting a bag with the right type of closure, the right size, and the right construction materials is key to hiking of any kind.
