There's no denying that when it rains, it pours! Indian monsoons are heavy, there's rarely a light drizzle and often, even the winds are gusty. Going to work or college can be a bit worrisome, especially if you're carrying a laptop, essential wires and gadgets, and valuable books. Thank god for water-repellent backpacks that keep your gear safe and dry.
We've hunted down the best waterproof backpacks you can carry if you're going trekking this monsoon, or as your everyday backpack too.
If you're an adventurer, this waterproof bag by Decathalon is ideal for you. Whether you're going on a monsoon trek, camping in the rain, or surfing, this bag stays dry. It's 5L big, splash proof (although, not one you can submerge), and is made with PVC-laminated polyester fabric for better abrasion resistance. It has an easy shoulder strap and closes fully at the top, so it'll keep your belongings safe too.
The bag is available in a bigger size too (10L and 20L), and in two colours (orange and yellow).
Price: INR 799 for 5L bag
A classic backpack in shape and size, Puma's Phase Backpack is made with 100% polyester, making it water resistant It has comfortable shoulder straps, two compartments and has Puma's logo at its front. While it doesn't have room for a laptop, it's a great buy to carry other essentials or for the gym, or other activities.
There are three colours available: Apricot Blush (shade of peach), Castlerock (shade of grey), and Mineral Yellow-Puma Black.
Price: INR 1,039 for Apricot Blush (prices for each colour are different)
Muji's Less Tiring Water-Repellent backpack has comfortable padded handles, straps to hold the bag as a tote, and it's made with polyester, making it water resistant. It has ample room for laptop storage, a flap in the front and a small zipper compartment as well. It's a sturdy backpack that you can carry to work or college, as it fits in quite a lot of things.
The bag is available in two colours: cream and navy blue.
Price: INR 2,990 on Ajio
Provogue's backpack is a laptop bag that converts into a duffel too. Available in black, it fits a 17-inch laptop and also has charging support as well as an anti-theft pocket. Made of waterproof fabric, it also closes right on top and water doesn't seep in through the zips either. As this is 35L big, it fits in ample things including clothes for a night! So, it's ideal to take for an overnight trip, to work or school.
Price: INR 898 on Flipkart
A twist on the everyday backpack, Daily Objects has an ideal monsoon backpack. After all, it's made with Tarpaulin! You'd think it would look off, but the design and stitching is well done, making it a fitting option for heavy rains as nothing you put in the backpack gets drenched. It has adjustable straps made of premium grade leather, and it has ample room to fit in books, e-readers, phone, make-up etc.
The bag comes in vibrant colours: Yellow, blue, orange, red, and green. Daily Objects has a whole collection of bags, wallets and pouches made out of tarp, all ideal for the monsoon.
Price: INR 1,799
If you're looking for a sturdy waterproof backpack, Lionbone's Colourblock Backpack is a great option. As it's made with polyester, it's water-resistant but cannot be submerged. With ample room for a laptop (it fits a 15-inch one!), books, other gadgets, and more, this backpack can be carried to work or school. It has comfortable, padded straps, one main compartment, and a zipped compartment in the front.
Price: INR 1,259 on Ajio
Ample padding means great comfort, and that's what you get with Wildcraft's Melange Backpack. With a 34.5L capacity, this bag has ample room and two compartments that can help you remain better organised. It has a side pocket for a water bottle and a front flat compartment for quick access. It has an ergonomic design, is light-weight and water-resistant (or it wouldn't be on this list!). The best bit? The backpack has a 5-year warranty from Wildcraft, and is quite sturdy anyway.
The Melange Backpack is available in four colours: green, blue, black, and purple.
Price: INR 1,699
If you carry a lot of gear around and need a backpack that can fit it all, you need Bange's Waterproof Nylon Expandable Laptop Backpack. Specifically designed to carry laptops, this bag expands and can store ample things. It has two handles as well: To carry it as a backpack or as a laptop bag on one shoulder. It has two compartments, a flat pocket in the front; and can carry a 15-inch laptop. The waterproof nylon material that the bag is made with ensures no water seeps in.
Price: INR 4,999 on Myntra
You wouldn't expect a furniture and home brand to offer great backpacks, except IKEA does! Their STARTTID Backpack is designed for those on the go and is ideal for short trips. It has a zippered opening, a separate compartment that can fit a 15-inch laptop, an outer compartment for small items, and a side-pocket as well. The straps are adjustable and padded for comfort too. The backpack is made with recycled polyester, making it water-resistant and the overall design is quite contemporary too.
Price: INR 1,490
Kipsta by Decathalon is a great collection by the sporting goods brand; and this Blue Colourblocked Backpack is an ideal everyday bag. It has three main compartments, one of which fits a 15-inch laptop. And, a stash compartment, and front zip compartment as well. It's padded back, and padded and adjustable straps make it comfortable to wear around as well. This bag is entirely made of polyester, making it water-resistant. The bag has a 30L capacity, so there's a lot that you can fit into it.
Price: INR 1,399 on Myntra
If you want full cover though, we will always look to umbrellas. Get cools one here.