The Wallet Shoppe
Are North Face backpacks waterproof? Some are, but most aren’t. Most North Face backpacks are water-resistant, and the brand makes that distinction itself in its backpack buying guidance.
When it comes to hiking, you need to be prepared for almost anything. A planned day trip can turn into an unplanned night out, and even a few hours on the trail means gear you need to keep dry. That’s why a good backpack matters. Grab a cheap one from the department store and chances are it won’t even be water-resistant, let alone waterproof.
What is The North Face?
The North Face is one of the most popular “outdoor recreation product” brands around (how’s that for a mouthful), and it’s been making gear, backpacks included, since 1966, when the first store opened in San Francisco’s North Beach.
Fun fact: the name comes from the north face of a mountain, the coldest, iciest and toughest side to climb (well, in the Northern Hemisphere). The logo is a stylized version of Half Dome in Yosemite.
So with a name like that, you’d expect their backpacks to be waterproof. But are they?
The Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant
A lot of companies use “waterproof” and “water-resistant” as if they mean the same thing. They don’t.
A water-repellent finish can help rain bead on the fabric, but the fabric is only one part of a bag. Water may also enter through a zipper, a seam, or an opening. An exposed pocket can get wet even if the main compartment offers better protection.
A water-resistant pack will handle a fair bit of rain and snow, so for a short walk in light rain it’s probably fine. But never submerge it, and don’t count on it in a long downpour: protect anything you can’t afford to get wet separately.
Check Before Buying a Waterproof Pack
To be called a waterproof backpack, clearly everything has to be waterproof. Most people think about the fabric, but the seams matter just as much (are they sealed?), and so do the zippers. Water can get between the teeth of a zipper, so does the pack seal them away? And “waterproof” in the rain isn’t the same as surviving a dunking in the river.
Check how the main compartment closes, whether the seams are sealed, and whether the waterproof claim applies to every compartment. A roll-top only works if you roll and clip it properly.
Keeping a Laptop and Spare Clothes Dry
The North Face suggests a rain cover when you need more weather protection. Choose one that fits the loaded pack and stays secured around it.
For valuable electronics or spare clothing, consider an appropriate waterproof inner bag or liner as an additional layer. Keep damp gear separate from the things you’re trying to keep dry.
Check the Bag You Already Own
Inspect worn fabric, seams, and zippers, and follow the model’s care instructions before applying any treatment. Our backpack washing guide covers what North Face recommends for cleaning.
Before You Go…
Well that’s a wrap! A waterproof (or well-protected) pack is only half of it, though. It’s just as important that your pack is packed well, and a liner buried under everything else isn’t much help once the rain starts. Check out our next article for more:
