What are the best waterproof camo backpacks for hiking?
A waterproof camo backpack not only safeguards your gear from the elements but also enhances your outdoor adventures by providing excellent concealment. Whether you're wildlife watching, hunting, or simply seeking solitude in nature, its camouflage design allows you to seamlessly blend into your surroundings.
Key Features of a Waterproof Camo Backpack
Waterproof
Sealed Seams:
A quality backpack will have its seams sealed to prevent water from seeping through tiny holes or punctures. These seams are often a weak point in waterproof backpacks, so manufacturers use techniques like heat welding or tape to ensure a watertight seal. You should carefully inspect the seams to see if they have been reinforced with additional waterproofing.
Waterproof Zippers:
Unlike standard zippers, waterproof zippers are designed to keep water out. They have a special seal around the zipper teeth that prevents water from entering the backpack when zipped closed. Some backpacks also include zipper covers for added protection, preventing water from seeping in even if it gets past the zipper.
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Coating:
A DWR coating on the fabric causes water to bead up and roll off, enhancing the backpack's water resistance.
| Waterproof Coating Material | Characteristics |
| PU (Polyurethane) Coating | Excellent waterproofness and abrasion resistance. |
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Coating | Good waterproofness but relatively heavy. |
| TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Coating | Excellent waterproofness, abrasion resistance, and flexibility. |
| Silicone Coating | Outstanding waterproofness and chemical resistance. |
| Nano Coating | Ultra-thin coating with excellent waterproofness. |
Camouflage Design:
Camouflage patterns serve a practical purpose beyond aesthetics. They are designed to help you blend into your surroundings, reducing the chances of startling animals or being detected by predators. Different patterns are suited for various terrains:
- Woodland camouflage: Ideal for forested areas, these patterns mimic the colors and textures of trees and vegetation.
- Digital camouflage: Often used in modern military and civilian applications, digital patterns are designed to be effective in a variety of environments.
- Snow camouflage: Specifically designed for winter conditions, these patterns help you blend into snowy landscapes.
Capacity and Comfort：
Choosing the right size backpack depends on the duration of your hike. You'll need different capacities for different trip lengths:
- Day hikes: 20-30 liters is usually sufficient for carrying water, snacks, and a jacket.
- Multi-day hikes: 40-70 liters can accommodate camping gear, food, and extra clothing.
Comfort Features：
- Padded shoulder straps: These help to distribute the weight of your pack and reduce strain on your shoulders during long hikes.
- Lumbar support: This feature provides support for your lower back, ensuring a comfortable carry.
- Ventilation: Mesh panels or airflow systems help to keep your back cool and dry.
By considering these features, you can select a waterproof camouflage backpack that not only protects your gear from the elements but also enhances your hiking experience through comfort and concealment.
Top 5 Waterproof Camo Backpacks for Hiking
TideWe Waterproof Camo Hunting Pack with Rain Cover
Specifications:
- Capacity: 35L
- Dimensions: 21" x 12" x 10"
- Weight: 3.7 lbs (1.7 kg)
- Price: $69.99
Pros:
- Excellent waterproof performance with a rain cover to protect your gear in harsh weather.
- Durable construction using high-quality materials, built to withstand heavy use.
- Comfortable carrying system that effectively distributes weight, reducing strain on shoulders and back.
- Multiple pockets for convenient storage of various hunting or hiking gear.
Cons:
- Hunting-oriented design may not appeal to those seeking a more stylish look.
- Relatively heavy weight, which may not be suitable for hikers who prioritize lightweight gear.
Best Suited For:
- Hunters who enjoy hiking.
- Hikers in challenging outdoor environments who require superior waterproofing and durability.
AUSCAMOTEK Camo Hunting Backpack Camouflage Daypack
Specifications:
- Capacity: 35L
- Dimensions: 19" x 8" x 12"
- Weight: 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg)
- Price: $29.99
Pros:
- Good waterproof performance to effectively prevent water seepage.
- Affordable price with a high cost-performance ratio.
- Various styles and camouflage colors to meet the personalized needs of different users.
- The combination of a backpack and a waist pack offers greater flexibility in carrying items.
Cons:
- Relatively small capacity, not suitable for carrying large or excessive items.
- The carrying system and durability may not be as good as some mid-to-high-end products.
Best Suited For:
- Short-distance hiking, casual outdoor walks, and simple outdoor activities like fishing or picnicking.
- It can also be used as a backup backpack or waist pack.
TUGUAN 50/60L Camo Backpack 
Specifications:- Capacity: 50-60L
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 7.5 x 19.5 inches
- Weight: 2.51 lbs (1.14 kg)
- Price: $42.99/$44.99
- Large and expandable capacity with well-organized compartments and a separate shoe compartment to accommodate a variety of gear and keep items organized.
- Constructed from high-quality, durable canvas that resists scratches and tears.
- The backpack features high-density soft foam padding on the back and shoulder straps, along with an adjustable chest strap, providing a comfortable carrying experience.
- The use of thick canvas and multiple features adds to the overall weight of the backpack, which may make it less suitable for hikers seeking ultralight gear.
- Short trips of 3-7 days.
- Ideal for camping, hiking, mountaineering, hunting, or outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
- Suitable for everyday commuting for those who prefer an outdoor style, as it can easily accommodate laptops, files, and clothing.
Kings Mainbeam Backpack
- Capacity: 45L
- Price: $189.99
- Equipped with a hip belt and hydration bladder compartment, the backpack features a well-designed carrying system that reduces load and provides comfort for extended wear.
- Additionally, multiple pockets and compartments allow for easy organization and quick access to your gear.
- The material is highly tear-resistant, making it suitable for rugged environments like jungles and mountains.
The relatively high price may exceed the budget of some consumers. The low-profile color scheme is not ideal for everyday travel or urban environments.
Best Suited For:
Outdoor adventures, hunting expeditions, and military enthusiasts. The camouflage pattern and durable materials provide excellent concealment, while the large capacity and well-organized compartments accommodate various gear.
Specifications:
The simple design might not appeal to those seeking a more stylish look.
Outdoor adventures, hunting expeditions, and military enthusiasts. The camouflage pattern and durable materials provide excellent concealment, while the large capacity and well-organized compartments accommodate various gear.
Huntingbargains 55L Camo Hiking Backpack
- Capacity: 55L
- Dimensions: 35 x 25 x 65 cm
- Price: $22
- Versatile design allows for carrying as a shoulder bag, backpack, or hand carry.
- The heavy-duty handle can support up to 60kg, and the back panel is padded with thick honeycomb foam for comfort and breathability, making it suitable for moderately challenging outdoor adventures as well as daily travel and hiking.
- The affordable price offers excellent value for money.
The simple design might not appeal to those seeking a more stylish look.
Best Suited For:
Everyday casual outdoor walks, simple outdoor activities like fishing or picnicking, and as a travel backup bag.
Finally, below is a table of common waterproof backpack waterproofing ratings and their corresponding descriptions for your reference.
Everyday casual outdoor walks, simple outdoor activities like fishing or picnicking, and as a travel backup bag.
Finally, below is a table of common waterproof backpack waterproofing ratings and their corresponding descriptions for your reference.
IPX1：Protection against vertically falling water drops. Can withstand occasional water drops, suitable for casual urban commuting backpacks where minimal water resistance is required.
IPX2：Protection against dripping water at an angle of up to 15 degrees. Can handle slightly more vertical water drops, like light rain during short walks; suitable for ordinary lightweight backpacks in light rain conditions.
IPX3：Protection against spraying water from any direction. Suitable for environments with water splashes, such as walking by a river or light splashing; often found in casual outdoor backpacks, providing protection in such environments.
IPX4：Protection against splashing water from any direction. Suitable for scenarios with more water splashes, such as cycling in the rain or near water activities; commonly found in bike bags, offering basic splash resistance.
IPX5：Protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction. Suitable for continuous heavy rain, such as walking in a storm or near waterfalls; some travel backpacks and waterproof bags for swimming or boating reach this level, providing good protection against heavy rain.
IPX6：Protection against high-pressure water jets from any direction. Can withstand temporary immersion in water. Can withstand strong water jets, such as activities near fast-flowing streams; some professional canyoning backpacks and waterproof waist packs have this rating, allowing for short-term resistance to water flow.
IPX7：Protection against immersion in water. Can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Suitable for short-term underwater activities, such as swimming or diving with gear; often found in fishing tackle bags and fin bags, maintaining dryness for a certain period underwater.
IPX8：Protection against prolonged immersion in water. Can be submerged in water up to 10 meters for 1 hour. Suitable for professional diving or long-term underwater operations; often found in professional diving bags, maintaining waterproofing performance at greater depths for extended periods.
FAQ
How do I test if my camo backpack is truly waterproof?
Water Splash Test：
Procedure：Place the backpack on a flat surface. Use a cup or other container to scoop water and slowly pour it evenly over the top and sides of the backpack, simulating light rain. Observe whether water beads form and roll off the backpack's surface, and whether any water seeps into the interior.
Evaluation Criteria: If water beads form and there is no seepage, the waterproofing is considered good. If water stains appear inside the backpack, the waterproofing is poor.
Immersion Test：
Procedure：Prepare a large basin or bucket of water and completely submerge the backpack. Allow it to soak for 15-30 minutes (ensure there are no water-sensitive items inside; you can fill it with towels to observe if they get wet). Remove the backpack and check if the towels or other items inside are damp, and if there are any signs of water leakage in the interior compartments or corners.
Evaluation Criteria: If the items inside remain dry, the backpack's waterproofing is excellent. If there is any dampness, it indicates a waterproofing issue.
Water Spray Test：
Procedure：Use a showerhead or garden hose with a suitable water flow intensity, simulating moderate rain. Direct the water flow from different angles (top, sides, bottom) onto the backpack for 3-5 minutes. Observe the backpack's surface and interior.
Evaluation Criteria: If water quickly slides off the surface and there is no internal leakage, the waterproofing is satisfactory. If there are drips or leaks into the interior, the waterproofing is insufficient.
Simulated Heavy Rain Test (Optional)：
Procedure：If available, use an artificial rain simulation device or choose a suitable outdoor location (e.g., under a roof overhang) during a rainstorm to expose the backpack to heavy rain for about 10 minutes. Observe the backpack's interior and exterior.
Evaluation Criteria: If the interior of the backpack remains dry, the waterproofing is reliable. If water enters the interior, it indicates limited waterproofing capabilities, unable to withstand heavy rain.
Are waterproof camo backpacks suitable for hunting?
A waterproof camouflage backpack can be quite suitable for hunting under the right conditions, offering hunters a variety of conveniences and advantages. However, when purchasing a hunting backpack, several factors should be considered.
First, the backpack should be odor-free, as strong chemical smells or other odors can easily disturb game. Second, the backpack's portability and versatility are crucial, with some backpacks featuring dedicated compartments for hunting gear. Finally, the camouflage pattern should match the colors and vegetation of the specific hunting environment to ensure effective concealment.
By considering these factors, hunters can truly enhance their hunting experience.
How do I clean a waterproof camo backpack?
Preparation：
- Empty the backpack completely and thoroughly inspect the inside and outside, cleaning out any debris from pockets, compartments, etc.
- Prepare suitable cleaning supplies based on the backpack's material and level of dirt, such as mild neutral detergent (avoid those with bleach, strong acids, or bases), soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush), clean damp cloth or sponge, and clean water.
Ensure the cleaning agent does not damage the backpack's waterproof coating or fabric. Test a small, inconspicuous area of the backpack first.
Spot Cleaning
- For localized stains on the backpack's surface, such as mud spots or light oil stains, gently brush off any loose dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush, following the direction of the fabric's weave.
- Dissolve a small amount of neutral detergent in water and use a damp cloth or sponge to gently wipe the stained area. Use a circular motion or wipe from the outside inward to prevent the stain from spreading.
The wiping force should be moderate to avoid scratching the backpack fabric. Avoid soaking the fabric with the cleaning solution for an extended period as it may affect the waterproof performance.
Overall Cleaning (if necessary)
- If the entire backpack is dirty, fill a bucket or large basin with water and a small amount of neutral detergent, stirring well to create a cleaning solution.
- Submerge the backpack in the cleaning solution and gently agitate it, ensuring all parts of the backpack come into contact with the solution. Avoid pulling or stretching the backpack excessively to prevent deformation.
- Soak for no more than 5-10 minutes and then remove the backpack from the solution.
Avoid machine washing unless the backpack is specifically labeled as machine-washable. For backpacks with compartments for electronic devices or other special features, try to avoid getting them wet.
Rinsing
- Rinse the backpack thoroughly with running water to ensure all the cleaning agent is removed. Focus on areas with stains and those that were soaked in the cleaning solution. Rinse both the inside and outside of the backpack for better results.
- Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and no foam remains.
Avoid using a water pressure that is too strong, as this could damage small accessories on the backpack.
Drying
- Gently squeeze or blot the backpack with a clean dry towel to remove excess water. After removing most of the water, hang the backpack in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry place to air dry. You can hang the backpack upside down to allow water to drain better, or you can open up all the compartments and pockets to speed up drying.
- Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources (such as heaters or radiators) as this can cause the backpack's fabric to deteriorate and damage the waterproof coating.
Do not pack the backpack until it is completely dry. If the backpack becomes slightly deformed after drying, gently reshape it.
Waterproofing Restoration Check (Optional)
- Once the backpack is completely dry, you can test the waterproofing performance by splashing water on it. If the waterproofing seems to have deteriorated, use a specialized waterproofing spray or follow the backpack manufacturer's recommended waterproofing restoration method.
- For areas with special waterproof seals (such as zippers), pay extra attention and apply a waterproof lubricant if necessary.
Follow the product instructions carefully when using waterproofing products. If you are unsure about the waterproofing restoration process, consult the backpack brand's customer service or a professional outdoor equipment repair service.
What features should I look for in a waterproof camo backpack?
Waterproof Performance
Uses professional waterproof materials, such as those with PU or TPU coatings, or materials with inherent water resistance (like high-density nylon).
Key areas like zippers and seams have waterproof treatments, such as waterproof zippers and taped seams, to prevent water from seeping in through these weak points.
Importance：Crucial for keeping items inside dry in various outdoor weather conditions. Essential for activities like hiking in the rain or camping in the wilderness.
Capacity and Compartmentalization
Suitable capacity based on trip requirements (e.g., 30-40L for short hikes, 50-80L for long trips or multi-day excursions).
Multiple internal compartments, including a main compartment, various sized sub-compartments, a laptop compartment, and dedicated tool compartments for organized storage and easy access to items.
External pockets, such as side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas, and top pockets for documents and small items.
Importance：Meets the needs of carrying different quantities and types of items. Organized compartments improve convenience, especially during hunting, travel, and other activities where quick access to equipment and daily necessities is essential.
Carrying System
Ergonomically designed shoulder straps adjustable in length and width to fit the shoulder curve, reducing shoulder pressure and preventing discomfort from prolonged carrying.
Includes a chest strap and waist belt. The chest strap stabilizes the shoulder straps, while the waist belt transfers some weight to the hips, improving stability and comfort.
The back panel has a breathable design (e.g., using breathable mesh or honeycomb structure) to reduce back heat and sweating, enhancing the carrying experience.
Importance：A comfortable carrying system is essential for long hikes, climbs, and other activities, reducing fatigue and allowing for longer outdoor adventures.
Camouflage
Diverse camouflage patterns, such as jungle, desert, and snow camouflage, matching different outdoor environments to provide concealment and reduce the likelihood of being detected by prey (in hunting scenarios) or others.
Importance：Suitable for hunting, military simulations, and other outdoor adventures requiring stealth. Effective camouflage enhances concealment and improves mission success.
Durability
The main body of the backpack is made of abrasion-resistant materials, such as high-tenacity nylon or Cordura, to withstand the rigors of outdoor environments, including scratches from branches and rocks.
High-quality hardware components, such as zippers and buckles, are smooth and durable, ensuring the backpack opens and closes smoothly during frequent use.
Importance：Ensures the backpack can withstand repeated use and long-term outdoor activities, reducing the risk of damage and extending its lifespan.
External Attachment Points
Equipped with MOLLE webbing or other attachment points for attaching additional pouches (e.g., first aid kits, tool pouches), tools (e.g., trekking poles, tripods), and accessories (e.g., water bottles, lights), increasing the backpack's carrying capacity and functionality.
Importance：Allows for flexible customization based on specific activity requirements, making it practical for outdoor survival, photography, climbing, and other activities that require carrying a lot of equipment.
Portability
The backpack has a reasonable self-weight, avoiding being too heavy to carry when empty.
Some backpacks can be folded for storage, saving space when not in use, making them convenient for travel or storage.
Importance：Facilitates transportation, especially when frequently switching between modes of transport or during long journeys, reducing the burden on the user.
Safety and Emergency
Features reflective strips for increased visibility in low-light conditions, ensuring safety during nighttime activities.
Includes hidden compartments for storing important documents, cash, and other valuables, enhancing security. Some backpacks may also have emergency whistles.
Importance：Improves safety during outdoor activities, especially for night hikes or in emergencies, providing better protection and preparedness.
Other Features
Some backpacks have USB charging ports (for charging electronic devices with a power bank).
A hydration bladder compartment (for carrying a hydration bladder for convenient drinking during activities like hiking).
Importance：These additional features can further enhance convenience and user experience, meeting the diverse needs of modern outdoor life.