Michael Turner
Short answer: Most items from that streetwear label resist rain and splashes but lack full submersion rating. Typical construction uses 600–1000D polyester or PVC tarpaulin with PU/TPE coating; expected hydrostatic head values typically fall between ~1,000 mm (light showers) and ~5,000 mm (heavy rain), which suits commuting and short exposure to downpours but not underwater use.
Key features that matter: taped or welded seams, roll-top or flap-over closures, sealed or coated zip systems such as YKK Aquaguard, and inner TPU liners. Exposed-tooth zippers without a coating or storm flap will leak quickly under sustained spray.
Verification tips: inspect product tags for hydrostatic head, water-resistance marking or manufacturer test notes; perform a quick at‑home check – place a dry paper towel inside, spray from ~30 cm for 20–30 seconds, then check towel and seams for moisture. If electronics need protection, add a dedicated sealed pouch with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating.
Maintenance and upgrades: reapply a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) spray (brands such as Nikwax or Scotchgard) after heavy use or washing; avoid machine cycles, clean with mild soap and cool water, air dry inverted. For small leaks, use seam sealer or seam tape on internal joins; replace worn coated zippers with water-resistant alternatives when possible.
Buying recommendation: pick a roll-top tarpaulin model with taped seams and a hydrostatic head >10,000 mm for true submersion protection. For everyday urban use, a coated-polyester street-style bag with welded seams plus an internal dry pouch for phone and wallet provides reliable protection against rain and splashes.
Quick recommendation on wet-weather performance
Recommendation: For reliable rain protection choose models with TPU-laminated fabric and welded seams, pair with an internal dry pouch for electronics and a roll-top or taped-zipper option for prolonged exposure.
Performance by condition
Light rain/drizzle: coated polyester or nylon with PU/TPU finishes typically prevents moisture penetration for several hours; contents remain dry if zippers and seam areas are not directly exposed. Heavy rain: stitched seams and standard coil zippers begin to wick within 15–60 minutes, producing damp spots near seams and zipper channels. Full submersion: most fashion-oriented designs are not sealed; expect leakage within seconds to a few minutes unless the product explicitly lists an IPX or immersion rating.
Saltwater/sand exposure at the beach accelerates wear on metal hardware and zipper sliders; rinse with fresh water after use and let air dry. For beach use, consider combining a seaside-ready chair system such as best backpack beach chair with a coated model to protect gear.
Practical tests and upkeep
Simple shop test: place a paper towel inside main compartment, spray from 1 m for 60 seconds, inspect for dampness around seams and zipper. If wet appears, add a rain cover or internal dry sack. Maintenance: reapply a durable water repellent (DWR) spray to outer fabric after 6–12 months of regular use; lubricate zippers with silicone or wax to reduce water migration; avoid machine washing coated items–hand rinse and air dry.
| Component | Common material | Expected protection | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main body | 600D polyester / TPU laminate / PVC-coated canvas | Good splash and rain resistance; not immersion-proof | Choose laminate for best resistance; reapply DWR periodically |
| Zippers | Standard coil / water-resistant taped / waterproof molded | Standard: leaks at seam; taped: holds light rain; waterproof molded: high protection | Prefer taped or molded zippers for wet conditions |
| Seams | Stitched vs. welded/taped | Stitched: capillary wicking; welded/taped: much higher resistance | Look for taped seams or internal seam sealing |
| Exterior trims | Leather/metal accents | Can absorb water or corrode | Rinse and dry after salt exposure; avoid prolonged wet storage |
| Interior lining | Polyester / PVC-coated | Protects contents from minor dampness | Use a dry bag for electronics and important items |
Which materials and zipper types resist water?
Choose TPU-laminated 500–900D polyester or 1680D ballistic nylon with welded seams and a coated reverse-coil (AquaGuard-style) zipper for highest water resistance in street-style packs.
Material specifics: TPU- or PVC-laminates create a continuous barrier; look for laminates ≥0.2 mm thick and factory-bonded (not glued) – these typically deliver hydrostatic head ratings in the 5,000–15,000 mm range. Cordura/ballistic nylon at 1680D gives mechanical abrasion resistance; when factory-coated with PU or DWR it sheds spray and light rain. Uncoated cotton canvas or genuine leather will absorb moisture rapidly and reduce overall performance.
Seam construction: welded or RF-welded seams outperform sewn seams with taping. If sewn seams are present, confirm full seam-tape coverage and check tape peel strength (industrial tape >20 N/25 mm recommended). Backed seams with internal seam tape plus an external storm flap offer the best protection against forced spray.
Zippers and closure details: look for polyurethane-coated, reverse-coil zippers (YKK Aquaguard or equivalent) or molded-thermoplastic waterproof zippers with welded tape. Metal exposed teeth corrode and leak unless fitted with a taped storm flap. Dual-slider zipper designs should include an outer gusset and a internal flap to limit water entry at the sliders.
Hardware and trim: welded or heat-sealed webbing, nylon-coated metal hardware, and silicone-impregnated pull cords reduce water migration. Avoid untreated leather trims and open mesh pockets if keeping contents dry is a priority.
Field maintenance and upgrades: reapply DWR products formulated for laminated/PU fabrics after heavy use (e.g., fluorine-free spray-on DWR); use seam sealers compatible with TPU or PU. Clean fabrics gently with mild soap and a soft brush before reproofing – see how to make a body scrubber for a simple scrubber that preserves coatings.
Quick checklist before purchase: material type (TPU/PU laminate or coated 1680D), seam method (welded or fully taped), zipper type (coated/reverse coil or welded), and absence of absorbent trims. If those four items match, the pack will resist heavy spray and rain significantly better than standard coated fabric with exposed metal zips.
Keep electronics dry in light rain by using a sealed sleeve plus a rain cover; do not rely on the pack alone.
Light rain (~<2.5 mm/hr drizzle) can be held off by coated 420D nylon or 600D polyester with a PU or PVC surface coating for short periods, but the weakest points are zippers and stitch holes. Packs with taped seams and coated zippers (water-resistant, rubberized teeth) will keep internal compartments dry for roughly 30–60 minutes of continuous light drizzle; standard coil zippers and untreated seams will allow moisture entry within minutes at zipper junctions.
Performance benchmarks and failure points
Typical results from field exposure: coated fabric only – 0–15% interior dampness after 15 minutes; coated fabric + taped seams + coated zipper – 7.6 mm/hr) exceeds these protections.
Practical checklist to keep devices dry
– Use an IP67/IP68-rated dry sleeve or a sealed zip-lock bag for phones/tablets; internal padded sleeves are not reliably moisture-proof.
– Place electronics in the center compartment, away from external pockets and zippers.
– Orient the main opening downward or under a cover flap during rain.
– Add a small silica packet to the electronics pocket when expecting prolonged exposure.
– Carry a compact rain cover or use a dedicated roll-top dry bag for critical gear on wet days.
– For shipping or long transfers, use a vetted best luggage courier service and double-bag electronics in sealed plastic sleeves inside the luggage.
Protection during heavy rain and brief submersion
Do not rely on these fashion daypacks to keep valuables dry in sustained heavy downpour or any submersion; store electronics in IP67/IP68-rated cases or a roll-top dry sack for guaranteed protection.
- Typical failure modes: water enters through zipper sliders, stitched seams, and fabric punch points. In heavy rain (steady rates >10 mm/hour) expect seepage within 10–30 minutes; brief full immersion (even 0.3–0.6 m for 10–30 seconds) usually produces immediate ingress unless the model has welded seams and a watertight closure, which most do not.
- Real-world examples:
- Walking in a short heavy shower: internal items may remain dry for ~5–20 minutes depending on seam treatment and how tightly closures are shut.
- Falling into shallow water or accidental dunk: tissue or paper left inside becomes wet nearly instantly unless protected by a sealed inner pouch.
- Minimum gear for reliable protection:
- IP67/IP68 phone case for mobile devices.
- Small roll-top dry bags for cameras, power banks, and spare clothing.
- Compact external rain cover sized to fit over the pack with an elastic hem or cord lock.
- Field procedures when caught in heavy rain:
- Move electronics into the dry bag immediately.
- Pull a trash bag or dedicated rain cover over the pack until you can access the dry sacks inside.
- Avoid placing the pack on the ground; raise it off wet surfaces to reduce wicking through the base.
- Simple at-home tests to verify protection:
- Paper-towel spray test: place a dry paper towel inside a closed pack, spray continuously from ~1 m for 10–15 minutes; inspect towel for dampness.
- Shallow submersion test (use caution): place towel inside, seal pack, submerge edgewise to ~0.3 m for 10 seconds, then dry exterior and check interior–any dampness indicates failure for immersion protection.
- Maintenance and upgrades that improve performance:
- Reapply a DWR treatment every 6 months under frequent use; choose fluorine-free PU/DWR products compatible with the fabric.
- Lubricate zippers with silicone wax every 3–6 months to help water bead off slider areas.
- Seal stitch lines with a seam sealer (e.g., polyurethane-based) for added resistance around stitched areas.
Which models are marketed as water-resistant or water-repellent?
Choose items from the Sharkmouth, Tactical, Neoprene, Coated Canvas and Clear PVC collections when you need reliable water resistance; always check the product spec for a “water-resistant” label and listed materials before purchase.
Sharkmouth line – many prints use a PU-coated polyester exterior and are advertised as water-resistant. Typical callouts on product pages: “PU coating,” “coated polyester,” and standard YKK zippers. Suited for light rain and splashes.
Tactical series – built from higher-denier nylon or polyester with durable PU/PVC finishes, laminated or water-repellent zippers on some SKUs, and reinforced seams. These models are presented as more weather-shedding than basic prints and intended for heavier use.
Neoprene collection – neoprene fabric repels surface moisture and dries quickly; items in this range are described as water-repellent and perform well against brief exposure to wet conditions, though seams and closures remain the weakest points.
Coated Canvas / Duffle items – PVC- or PU-coated canvas and tarpaulin-style materials are frequently listed as water-resistant on travel and duffel pieces; these offer higher external resistance but require attention to zipper sealing and internal compartment protection.
Clear PVC and laminated prints – transparent PVC editions are impervious at the shell level but still depend on zipper and seam construction for overall protection; product descriptions often state “water-repellent” or list the material composition.
Before buying: verify the listing for exact wording (“water-resistant” vs. no claim), check material (PU/PVC coating, neoprene, coated canvas), look for laminated or water-resistant zippers and taped seams, read customer photos/reviews, and contact customer support if the product page lacks clarity.
Home tests to detect water intrusion in your branded pack
Perform three controlled checks: seam inspection with white paper towels, simulated light‑rain spray at 25–35 cm for 2 minutes per panel, and a targeted pocket submersion of 20–30 seconds to reveal leaks.
Preparation
Gather: LED torch, several white paper towels, cotton swabs, spray bottle with adjustable mist, masking tape and pen, large sink or tub, clear resealable bags, small bowl with soapy water (1 tsp liquid soap per 250 ml water). Place a folded white towel or paper sheet inside every compartment and pocket to act as moisture indicators; label panels or pockets with tape for systematic testing.
Test procedures
Seam and stitch inspection: turn the pack inside out if possible and hold an LED inside main cavity. Visually scan stitch lines, glued edges and seam tape for gaps. Press seams while dragging a soapy cotton swab across exterior seam lines; watch indicator towels for immediate wet spots. Record any specific stitch locations that show leakage.
Simulated light‑rain spray: set nozzle to fine mist and hold 25–35 cm from fabric. Spray each external panel continuously for 60 seconds, rest 30 seconds, then repeat once (≈2 minutes per panel). After completing exterior panels, open all compartments and check indicator towels. Any dampness in interior pockets signals inadequate protection for sustained rain.
Pocket submersion (localized): fill sink to ~8–10 cm depth. Submerge only the pocket under test for 20–30 seconds, keeping the rest of the pack above water. Remove, shake gently, open pocket and inspect towel. For the main compartment avoid full submersion; if testing, use a sealed dummy device inside a clear bag and limit immersion to 10 seconds.
Zipper line assessment: place a thin paper towel behind a closed zipper, spray a steady stream from 15 cm for 30 seconds directly along the zipper tape. Unzip and inspect the towel for penetration. Moisture along the zipper indicates the need for a protective sleeve, zipper replacement with a water‑resistant model, or external secondary protection for valuables.
Interpretation and next steps: isolated damp spots along external seams suggest surface-level failure that can often be addressed with seam‑sealing tape applied to inner seams; widespread interior wetness points to poor sealing for heavy precipitation or partial submersion. Protect electronics with double resealable bags or a roll‑top dry sack during use. Photograph test results and contact the brand’s support if stitching or glued seams fail under these controlled tests.
How to increase water protection: coatings, dry bags and packing techniques
Apply a DWR treatment, add a welded roll-top liner, and place electronics inside a small hard case within a 2–5L welded dry pouch.
Fabric coatings: Use a reputable DWR product – examples: Nikwax TX.Direct (non-fluorinated), Gear Aid Revivex, or a C6 fluoropolymer spray for higher bead performance. Procedure: wash the exterior with a technical cleaner (e.g., Nikwax Tech Wash), spray from 25–30 cm in two light passes, let sit 10–30 minutes, then heat-cure per product instructions (tumble low or warm iron with a cotton cloth for 5–10 minutes) and allow 12–24 hours to finish. Reapply when water no longer beads; typical interval: after 3–6 washes or 6–12 months of regular use.
Seams and stitch holes: For penetrations use a seam sealant such as Gear Aid Seam Grip WP or McNett Aquaseal. Clean the area, apply sealant to the inside seam bead, smooth with a rounded tool or gloved finger, and cure 24–48 hours. For quick repairs, heat-activated seam tape (12–25 mm wide) can be ironed over small stitch runs; for larger damage replace the panel or use a professional repair to preserve integrity.
Zippers and external closures: If the zipper is not laminated (e.g., YKK AquaGuard), protect it with a storm flap or an internal liner. Apply a silicone-based zipper lubricant sparingly to reduce capillary transfer and keep sliders moving. For heavy exposure, rely on an internal roll-top liner rather than trusting exposed teeth zippers.
Dry bag selection and placement: Choose welded TPU or PVC-free laminated nylon roll-top pouches with RF-welded seams. Recommended sizes by item: phone 1–3L, tablet 3–5L, camera + lens 5–7L (use padded insert), 13″ laptop 10–15L, 15″ laptop 15–20L. Trusted options include Ortlieb, Sea to Summit, Watershed. For highest protection, combine a small hard case (Pelican-style) for electronics inside the dry bag.
Packing sequence and techniques: Place sensitive electronics at the pack core surrounded by soft clothing for cushion; position heavy items low and close to the spine. Double-bag small electronics: first a heavy-duty resealable bag (>4 mil), then a welded dry pouch. Keep liquids and toiletries in outer compartments or in their own sealed bag to avoid contaminating electronics if a leak occurs. Expel excess air from dry bags, roll the top tightly 3 times and clip; compressing reduces movement and accidental seam stress. Store frequently used power banks in a small top-access dry pocket for quick reach without exposing main compartment.
Preventive accessories and emergency kit: Carry color-indicating silica gel packs and replace when saturated. Include a repair kit: a 5 cm x 10 cm patch of Tenacious Tape or similar, a 10 ml tube of seam sealer, a spare zipper slider, and 1 m of 12–25 mm seam tape. Keep a compact PU-coated rain cover rated ≥3,000 mm hydrostatic head for short heavy showers; choose taped seams and a snug fit.
Maintenance and inspection: Inspect seams, zipper end-stops and welded joints every 3 months or after heavy exposure. Replace welded pouches if seam separation exceeds 1 cm or if delamination appears. Reactivate DWR when beading fails. After full submersion or river crossings, open all compartments to air-dry, remove electronics and silica packs, and run a functionality check before reuse.
