Waterproof Backpacks

A waterproof backpack keeps your laptop, spare clothes and lunch dry on a wet commute by bike or on foot. This page compares roll-top and zip backpacks, waterproof and water-repellent fabric, and what to look for. Gløde does not sell backpacks yet; we make heated clothing and power banks.

Which waterproof backpack suits you?

Type	Good for	Keep in mind
Roll-top backpack	Cycling in heavy rain and daily commuting; fold the top down and clip it shut	Slower to open, and you reach in from the top
Zip backpack with covered zips	Town and office; quick access and more pockets	Zips are often the weak spot in a downpour
Water-repellent backpack	Short trips and showers	Steady rain can get through the fabric and seams over time
Backpack with a rain cover	Walking; the cover pulls over the pack	Can blow loose on the bike, and the back panel stays exposed

What to look for

• Waterproof or water-repellent: waterproof fabric with welded or taped seams keeps rain out; water-repellent fabric copes with showers.
• Laptop sleeve: a padded sleeve that sits a little above the bottom stays clear of any water that collects there.
• Reflective details: they help others see you in the dark. Check that they are not hidden under a poncho.
• A dry pocket for small things: phone, keys and a power bank go in a separate pocket that closes well.
• Back panel and straps: padded straps and a chest strap keep the pack steady on the bike.

A dry spot for your power bank

If you wear heated clothing, a spare power bank often travels in your backpack. Keep it in a dry, closed pocket. Batteries deliver less in the cold, so on a cold day keep the one you are using in an inner pocket of your coat.

• Power banks for heated clothing: 10,000 or 20,000 mAh for Gløde clothing, and both can charge your phone.
• Power bank 10,000 mAh: 150 g, with USB-A and USB-C; gives 3 to 6 hours of warmth in a Gløde vest, depending on the level.
• Heated clothing for cycling: staying warm on the bike, e-bike or scooter.

Frequently asked questions

Roll-top or zip backpack?

A roll-top closes by folding the opening over several times, which usually keeps rain out well, even on the bike. A zip backpack opens faster and often has more pockets, which suits the office. Choose based on how much rain you ride in.

Is a water-repellent backpack enough?

For short trips and showers, often yes. In steady rain, water can get through the fabric, the seams or the zip over time. If you carry a laptop on a wet commute, a waterproof backpack gives more peace of mind.

How do I keep my laptop dry in a backpack?

Use a backpack with a laptop sleeve that sits above the bottom, close it fully, and on very wet days add a sleeve or bag around the laptop. Any water that gets in usually collects at the bottom.

Where should I keep a power bank in my backpack?

In a closed pocket that stays dry, away from wet clothes or a drinks bottle. In the cold, batteries deliver less, so the power bank you are using is often better off in an inner pocket of your coat.