The 10 Best Roll Top Backpacks
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in April of 2020. Roll-top backpacks combine simple, yet practical, dry bags with modern backpacks by incorporating padded straps, waistbands, pockets and compartments. The result is a weather-resistant carrier that will protect your devices and documents with all the benefits that modern bags offer. Here we have ranked the best according to waterproofing, durability, comfort, aesthetics, and value. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. FishPond Wind River
2. Fjallraven Ulvo
3. Filson USA
Editor's Notes
April 13, 2020:
With their weather-resistant qualities, roll top backpacks offer an extra layer of protection to your valuables as you travel. Now that many people take their laptop computers with them on their daily commute to work or school, or on holidays or business trips, it is essential to protect them from the elements, and from knocks and scratches.
For this purpose, the Xray Expandable or the Dakine Cyclone would make good choices, as they have welded seams and polyurethane-coated outer layers, which are highly effective, should you be caught in a downpour while in transit. Other models, such as the Tumi Alpha Bravo London and the Filson USA offer water-resistance and are undoubtedly exclusive and high-quality options for the fashion-conscious commuter and business traveler. They do not, however, offer the same degree of protection as their more reasonably-priced, PU-covered alternatives.
Roll top backpacks are also widely used by those engaging in outdoor pursuits. In some instances, such as when boating or kayaking, water-resistance is of prime importance, and the Lureshop 20L or the FishPond Wind River would be suitable options. For other activities, such as hiking or cycling, the Oakley Voyage or the Burton Export might be considered more appropriate, due to their comfortable vented back panels and ergonomic designs.
4. Tumi Alpha Bravo London
5. Dakine Cyclone
6. Burton Export
7. Xray Expandable
8. Oakley Voyage
9. Lureshop 20L
10. CamelBak Pivot
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.