Australia's weather is notoriously unpredictable. A sunny morning can transform into a torrential downpour within hours, and coastal weather systems often bring extended periods of rain. Whether you're hiking in Tasmania's temperate rainforests, commuting through Melbourne's four-seasons-in-one-day climate, or travelling through tropical Queensland, protecting your gear from water is essential.
Understanding Waterproof Terminology
Before exploring waterproofing strategies, it's important to understand the terminology manufacturers use. These terms describe different levels of water protection, and confusion between them causes many gear failures.
Water-resistant: Repels light moisture but eventually saturates in heavy or prolonged rain.
Water-repellent: Enhanced resistance, often through DWR coating, but not fully waterproof.
Waterproof: Impervious to water penetration, typically through sealed seams and waterproof membranes or coatings.
Most standard backpacks are water-resistant at best. Even many "waterproof" packs have weak points at zippers and seams. True waterproofing requires either fully sealed construction or additional protective measures.
DWR Coatings: Your First Line of Defence
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is a treatment applied to fabric that causes water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking in. When working effectively, rain forms droplets on the surface instead of wetting out the fabric. Most quality outdoor packs come with DWR from the factory.
How DWR Works
DWR creates a low surface energy on fabric, preventing water molecules from adhering. This is why you see water beading on a new jacket or pack. However, DWR wears away over time through abrasion, dirt accumulation, and UV exposure. When DWR fails, water "wets out" into the fabric, making it heavier and slower to dry.
Reapplying DWR
Fortunately, DWR can be restored with aftermarket treatments. These come in spray-on and wash-in varieties. To reapply, first clean your pack thoroughly to remove dirt that blocks DWR performance. Apply the treatment according to product instructions, then activate with heat from a tumble dryer on low or a warm iron through a cloth. Reapply DWR annually for frequently used packs, or whenever you notice water no longer beading on the surface.
DWR Isn't Waterproofing
Even fresh DWR only provides water resistance, not waterproofing. In sustained heavy rain, water will eventually penetrate DWR-treated fabric. Consider DWR your first layer of protection, not your only layer.
Rain Covers: Simple and Effective
Rain covers are the most common and practical waterproofing solution for most backpacks. These fitted covers slip over your pack, creating a waterproof shell that sheds rain away from the main bag.
Advantages of Rain Covers
- Universal fit: Covers work with any backpack of appropriate size
- Easy to deploy: Pull over the pack when rain starts, remove when it stops
- Lightweight: Add minimal weight and pack small when not in use
- Affordable: Inexpensive addition to any pack
- Replaceable: Easy to replace when worn without replacing your pack
Rain Cover Limitations
Rain covers don't protect the back panel (where it contacts your body), hip belt, or shoulder straps. In heavy rain, water running down your body can still reach pack contents through the back panel. Additionally, covers can blow off in strong wind and don't protect against submersion or water from below.
Choose a cover slightly larger than your pack—too tight and it won't fit over fully loaded packs. Bright colours increase visibility in poor weather. Integrated covers in dedicated pockets deploy faster than separately stored covers. Practice deploying your cover before you need it in the rain.
Dry Bags and Pack Liners
For reliable protection, many experienced adventurers use waterproof containers inside their packs rather than relying solely on external protection.
Pack Liners
A pack liner is essentially a large dry bag that fits inside your pack. You place your gear inside the liner, then the liner inside the pack. This creates a waterproof barrier between your contents and any water that penetrates the outer pack. Liners are particularly effective because they protect from all angles, including water running down your back.
Individual Dry Bags
For critical items like electronics, documents, and spare clothes, individual dry bags provide targeted protection. This approach lets you protect essential items while allowing less critical gear to use standard packing. Compression dry bags serve double duty by protecting contents and compressing them to save space.
The Belt-and-Braces Approach
For maximum protection, combine strategies: pack liner for overall protection, rain cover for external defence, and individual dry bags for critical items. This layered approach means even if one layer fails, your gear remains protected.
Waterproof Backpacks
Some backpacks are designed from the ground up for waterproofing. These use welded seams rather than stitching, waterproof fabrics, and sealed closures to create fully watertight containers.
Roll-Top Designs
The most effective waterproof closure is the roll-top, which folds the opening down multiple times and clips closed. This design eliminates the weak point of zippers and creates a truly watertight seal. Roll-top packs are favoured by kayakers, cyclists, and anyone who needs to guarantee dry contents.
Submersible Ratings
True waterproof packs often carry IP (Ingress Protection) ratings. IP67 means the pack can withstand temporary submersion to one metre. IP68 indicates protection against prolonged submersion. These ratings matter for water sports but exceed most hikers' and travellers' needs.
Fully waterproof packs sacrifice some convenience for protection. Roll-top closures are slower to access than zippers. Welded construction often means simpler designs with fewer pockets. The same sealed construction that keeps water out also traps moisture from sweaty gear inside. Consider whether true waterproofing is necessary for your typical use.
Protecting Electronics
Electronic devices deserve special consideration. A rain cover protects your pack, but your phone in an exterior pocket remains vulnerable. Laptops and cameras are expensive to replace and can fail from moisture exposure that wouldn't concern other gear.
Phone Protection
Waterproof phone cases or dry bags sized for phones provide dedicated protection. Many are designed for full touchscreen operation while sealed. Alternatively, simply seal your phone in a quality zip-lock bag—cheap and surprisingly effective.
Laptop and Camera Protection
Use dedicated dry bags or cases for expensive electronics. Neoprene sleeves provide some splash resistance but aren't waterproof. For critical gear, the pack liner approach works well—place electronics inside the liner, ensuring they're protected even if the pack exterior gets soaked.
Australian Weather Considerations
Australia presents particular waterproofing challenges. Tropical regions experience intense monsoon rain that overwhelms most water-resistant gear quickly. Coastal areas see salt spray that accelerates DWR degradation. The intense UV degrades waterproof coatings faster than in less sunny climates.
For Australian conditions, we recommend maintaining DWR diligently, always carrying a rain cover even on clear days, using pack liners for multi-day wilderness trips, and having dedicated dry bags for electronics and documents regardless of forecast.
With proper preparation, you can confidently face whatever weather Australia throws at you, knowing your gear will stay dry and functional.