5 brilliant new waterproof daypacks

Keep your kit dry on any outdoor adventure this summer with one of these comfy, waterproof daypacks.

1. Duesouth Heritage Backpack 30L

The compact back-to-basics Duesouth Heritage Backpack 30L has essential features – padded straps, a front organiser pocket with two mesh storage pouches and a yellow rain cover. There are sternum straps to better secure the bag to your chest for short walks, but I reckon a hip belt would make it a little more ideal for longer hikes.

2. Lowepro 25L RidgeLine Pro BP 300

Lugging around tech stuff such as a laptop and cables? You need a bag that doesn’t add to the load. Made to carry gadgets, Lowepro’s new 25L RidgeLine Pro BP 300 AW weighs 1,1kg and has three large sections to keep your equipment organised, plus a compartment for sunnies. The built-in rain cover with heat-sealed seams protects against rain, sand and dust.

3. Trail 25L Backpack

The perfect size for a day out, the Trail 25L Backpack is designed for weekend warriors. The thickly padded hip belt gives super comfort, and the bag’s two divisions can be used to separate food from clothing. The pack also has a bladder pocket and stretchy pockets for a bottle on either side, but most impressive is the mesh back panelling, which provides good ventilation.

4. Thule Capstone daypack

The updated Thule Capstone daypack comes with every adjustment possible for the most comfortable fit. You can even adjust the torso length without removing it. Another new feature: additional zips so you can access your gear from the top, side or bottom of the bag. The pack comes in four sizes (50L, 40L, 32L and 22L), each specific for men and women, and all have a high-visibility, removable rain cover to keep gear dry.

5. First Ascent Dry Bag 30L

The days are over of carrying a dry bag with a single shoulder strap that cuts into you if the bag is heavy. The innovative First Ascent Dry Bag 30L has two padded back straps made from durable PVC, and it still closes using the roll-seal system typical of traditional dry bags, keeping its contents safe from inclement weather. Made out of hardy material, this bag is wear- and stain-resistant, plus it floats in water when filled with air.