Do you ever wonder how to keep your gear dry while hiking? One simple solution is a rain cover. These waterproof pieces of material fit around your pack keeping it dry and clean. They are an essential item to put on your multi-day hiking packing list for wet weather. But how do you know what are the best backpack rain covers for your needs?
One of our big goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to gear shopping. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a backpack rain cover and show you our selection of the best models of the year.
The Ultimate Guide To Find The Best Backpack Rain Cover
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BACKPACK RAIN COVERS 101
5 Things To Consider To Find The Best Backpack Rain Cover
1. Waterproof vs. Water Repellent
There’s two types of protection against rain – waterproof and water repellent. Waterproof means the rain will glide down the material and won’t soak into the fabric. Water repellent material only protects from light rain, but won’t hold up in a downpour.
If you’ll be doing light hiking during very dry seasons, you might be okay with water repellent backpack rain covers. Waterproof covers are recommended for longer backpacking trips in unpredictable weather to protect your gear. The last thing you want is all your clothes and any electronics soaking wet when you arrive to camp.
2. Protection Against Dirt
Even if you’re not concerned about rain while hiking, chances are your backpack will get dirty one way or another. Walking on dusty trails all day or putting your pack down on the ground during breaks means it’s bound to collect mud. Backpack rain covers protect your actual backpack from getting dirty, and you can easily wash it later.
Some backpack covers are labeled as dustproof, so they will repel dust and dirt. If you’re planning to do some desert hiking, consider investing in a dustproof backpack rain cover. This way you won’t have to worry about washing your cover each day to prevent the dust from getting on your backpack.
3. Size of Your Pack
Do you plan on using a day hiking pack or a backpacking pack? Backpack covers come in a variety of sizes from extra small to large. Some cover packs that are only 10 L, while others cover up to 75 L backpacks. Check which size range your backpack is when it comes time to buy a rain cover for it.
Before buying one, make sure the cover can fully fit your backpack. If the size of your backpack is right on the edge of recommended sizes, go up one size to ensure the cover fully surrounds your pack. The cover won’t be very useful if it’s too small and only fits a portion of your backpack.
4. Extra Gadgets
Not all backpack covers are made equal. While some have the sole purpose of protecting your pack from the rain, others have extra pockets on them. This allows you to quickly grab something during your hike instead of having to stop, take your cover off, and open your backpack.
5. Type of Material
Each rain cover will be made out of different material, so choose one according to your needs. Nylon covers tend to resist tears better, which you’ll want for long trips or where you’ll be setting your pack down often. They also stretch well, making it easier to put over the backpack.
Backpacks that are labeled as seamless make it harder for liquid or dirt to get in. If you know your backpack will be getting dirty, this type is recommended. Seamless covers also protect against rain better.
Photo by http://ift.tt/2feShPJ
BACKPACK RAIN COVER REVIEWS
Top 10 Best Backpack Rain Covers of 2016
GREGORY PRO BACKPACK COVER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Large backpacks needing coverage
WEIGHT: 4.4 oz
MATERIAL: Polyester
DRAWSTRING: Yes
PROS: Drainage point on bottom & seam sealed construction
CONS: Expensive
SUGOI ZAP PACK COVER
BEST FOR: Night hikes
WEIGHT: 1.0 oz
MATERIAL: Polyester, micro-glass beads, and polyurethane
DRAWSTRING: Yes
PROS: PU coated for water protection & reflective
CONS: Only fits packs under 25 L
OUTAD 55-80L WATERPROOF BACKPACK RAIN COVER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Heavy duty hikes, extra large backpacks
WEIGHT: 6 oz
MATERIAL: Polyester oxford
DRAWSTRING: No
PROS: Rip-resistant & inexpensive
CONS: One of heavier rain covers on the market
OSPREY ULTRALIGHT RAINCOVER
BEST FOR: Rain protection with minimal weight
WEIGHT: 0.18 oz
MATERIAL: Ripstop nylon
DRAWSTRING: Yes
PROS: Harness attachment & lightweight
CONS: May rip easily
CAMELBAK RAIN COVER
BEST FOR: Light coverage from rain
WEIGHT: 2.09 oz
MATERIAL: Coated nylon
DRAWSTRING: Yes
PROS: Bright color makes you visible on the trail
CONS: Water resistant, but not waterproof
MOUNTAINSMITH BACKPACK RAIN COVER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Small backpacks under 30 L
WEIGHT: 3.8 oz
MATERIAL: Nylon Taffeta
DRAWSTRING: Yes
PROS: Full circumference draw cord & integrated stuff sack
CONS: Not for medium to large sized backpacks
JEPEAK NYLON BACKPACK RAIN COVER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Hiking in heavy rain
WEIGHT: 4.3 oz
MATERIAL: Waterproof nylon
DRAWSTRING: Yes
PROS: Waterproof & easy to adjust
CONS: Design doesn’t cover top of shoulder straps
JOY WALKER BACKPACK RAIN COVER 5000Mm
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Hikers wanting an inexpensive, durable cover
WEIGHT: 4.4 oz
MATERIAL: Nylon
DRAWSTRING: No
PROS: Waterproof & tear resistant
CONS: Doesn’t cover packs under 40 L
FIVEJOY BACKPACK RAIN COVER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Hiking in rainy conditions
WEIGHT: 4.9 oz
MATERIAL: Nylon
DRAWSTRING: Yes
PROS: Reflective strips & seamless construction
CONS: Bright color if not wanting to stand out
TINKSKY FOLDABLE RUCKSACK RAIN COVER PROTECTOR
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Small backpacks needing rain coverage
WEIGHT: 0.3 oz
MATERIAL: Nylon
DRAWSTRING: No
PROS: Dustproof & waterproof
CONS: Not suited for heavy duty hikes
Now We’d Love To Hear From You! What Do You Think Is The Best Backpack Rain Cover?
Disclosure: The Adventure Junkies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. We also use other programs like REI, LeisurePro and others to keep our site independent. You can read more about how do we review here.
The post Top 10 Best Backpack Rain Covers of 2016 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
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