Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Bags: Which one is Best for your Daily Commute?
Introduction
One of the most critical factors to look for in a bag has to be how waterproof or water-resistant a bag is. Whether for business or casual use, having a bag that can keep your belongings safe from water is a huge plus and something everyone looks for. While many use these terms interchangeably, waterproof and water-resistant mean entirely different things. So in this guide, we will be looking at exactly what both are and helping you settle the Waterproof vs. Water Resistant Bags debate.
What is Waterproof and Water Resistant?
Waterproof
If a bag is Waterproof, it is specifically designed to block out or stop water from entering the bag. These bags are constructed from materials that repel water and feature sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and roll-top closures to ensure no moisture gets inside. You will want to have a waterproof bag for activities that expose you to a lot of water, and this is a major difference between waterproof and water-resistant bags.
Water Resistant
Water resistant bags on the other hand will give you some protection against water as they are resistant to it, but not full protection. These bags will do ok in situations like rain, but they won't protect your belongings if they were for example fully submerged in water.
Choosing the Right Bag for Your Commute
When looking at water resistant vs waterproof bags, the right one for you will come down to what your commute is like. If you live in areas with heavy rainfall and tropical climates, then a waterproof bag is a safe bet as your bag will be exposed to a lot of rainfall.
It's also important to consider how you travel. Extended time walking or on a bike will expose your bag to more rainfall, so that will also affect your decision when you're looking for a waterproof vs water resistant bag.
You can also go for a Backpack Rain Cover if you don't have a waterproof bag. A rain cover will help protect your bag from any kind of rainfall, and on top of that, it is very easy to put onto any bag.
Materials and Key Features of Each Bag
Waterproof
Waterproof bags are usually made from materials such as PVC, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), or high-density laminated nylon. These materials give your bag maximum protection against water and allow us to see the Benefits of waterproof vs. water resistant backpacks.
Waterproof bags also tend to have compartments in the bag that can easily be sealed off, and this allows the bag to stay completely safe from water. This can also be a disadvantage at times as having a fully closed bag will mean no air going into the bag or getting out of it, which can be bad in certain situations. Waterproof bags also tend to be heavier than water resistant bags.
Water Resistant
Water-resistant bags are typically crafted from treated materials like nylon or polyester with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. This makes them ideal for people who like to go on long commutes or carry their bag for long periods, as they get moderate protection in a lighter backpack.
These bags are also generally better at maintaining airflow, as the material is more breathable than the ones waterproof bags are made from.
Protecting Electronics and Other Valuable Items
One of the main things to consider when you are choosing a bag is what type of items are you trying to protect from water. Electronics like laptops are the major item most people will look at, as laptops will easily get damaged by any water, so having a bag that stops water is very important.
You will ideally want your travel laptop bag to be waterproof if you are frequently exposed to a lot of water. It's also always best to be on the safe side, as losing a laptop to water damage is never a good feeding.
The same also applies to other valuable items you might carry along with you in your bag. Things such as important documents can also get damaged by rain and water, and having a bag that protects against it is very important.
Real-Life Scenarios
So say you are someone who commutes to work using their bicycle every morning. Being on a bicycle leaves you susceptible to any outside weather conditions, as you will always be riding your bike out in the open. Having a bag that can protect you against something like rain in this scenario is a huge plus, as you never know when rain might come.
Even in places where rain isn't that common, having a waterproof bag is good for the random days in which rain does decide to come.
Comparatively, if you commute by train or bus, you'll be in shelter for extended periods as both a bus and a train protect you from external weather. That said, you will still need to walk to and from these places, so on days when there is rain, your bag will be exposed to some sort of rain. You can get away with having a water resistant bag here as you wont be under extreme amounts of rain for extended periods of time.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a detailed look at what waterproof and water resistant bags are and how they differ from each other and how to decide between them. If you frequently encounter wet conditions or carry sensitive electronics, investing in a waterproof bag makes sense. However, if you mostly deal with occasional light rain and want a lightweight, breathable option, a water-resistant bag should suffice.
If you are someone who is currently looking for a waterproof or water resistant bag for your commute or general use, make sure you check out Everki, a website that offers all sorts of waterproof and water resistant bags. Don't miss out on some of the best bags out there!
FAQ’s
Q. Which type of bag is best for rainy commutes?
A. It depends on the type of rainfall you are facing. If it is light rain, then having a water resistant bag is enough. For heavy rainfall, having a waterproof bag is more useful.
Q. How to choose a waterproof backpack for work
A.The type of bag you should choose will come down to what you are looking for in a bag. It's best to consider all of your specific needs like if you want a trolley bag, or what you will be carrying inside your bag. The size of your bag is also a very important factor to consider. You can find all sorts of bags on Everki, so make sure you check them out to help you decide which bag you need.
Q. Is water-resistant enough for daily commuting?
A. Water resistance is enough for daily commuting if you are not exposed to rainfall for long periods. Water resistant bags will allow water to go through if they are exposed to water for longer periods, so having a waterproof bag in those situations is much better.
Q. How to test if a bag is truly waterproof
A.A good way to test if a bag is truly waterproof is by submerging it in water. Waterproof bags will allow 0 water to pass through, even when they are fully submerged in water. Water resistant bags on the other hand will let water through when they are submerged. You can find all sorts of high quality waterproof bags on Everki.
Q. Is a waterproof bag necessary for a rainy commute?
A. It depends on which type of rain you are commuting in. If it is light rain, you can get away with using a water resistant bag. Having a waterproof bag is more necessary when you are commuting through heavy rain, snow or hail.
Q. How to protect electronics in a water-resistant backpack
A. Most of your electronics will be safe in light rain when using a water-resistant backpack. For heavier rain, you can use a rain cover for your backpack. Rain covers are very easy to attach onto your backpack, and you can carry them along with you inside your bag.
