Rains Backpack Review: Waterproof Bag Worth Your Money?

Rain ruins a regular backpack in minutes. Your laptop gets wet, your notebooks turn soggy, and your day falls apart fast. The Rains Backpack promises to fix this problem with style.

This Danish brand built its name on simple shapes and waterproof fabric. The classic Rains Backpack sits at the top of many buying guides for commuters and students. But does it actually live up to the hype?

I spent weeks testing this bag in real conditions. I carried it through heavy showers, packed it for short trips, and used it for daily office runs. This review covers everything you need to know before you buy.

You will learn about the build, comfort, storage, and value. You will also see how it compares with other waterproof bags. By the end, you can decide if the Rains Backpack fits your life.

Key Takeaways

Before we go deep, here is a quick look at what makes this bag stand out:

• Waterproof performance stays strong with an 8000mm water column rating that handles heavy rain without leaks
• Minimalist Scandinavian design uses a clean shape, central strap, and carabiner closure that works for both office and casual looks
• 13 liter capacity holds a 15 inch laptop, a notebook, lunch, and small daily items with room to spare
• Polyurethane coated fabric feels soft, looks matte, and blocks water on contact but can scuff with rough use
• Mid range price sits around 95 to 140 dollars, which is fair for the materials but not the cheapest option
• Comfort is basic with thin straps and no waist belt, so it suits short commutes more than long hikes

Now let us break down each part of this bag in detail.

What Is the Rains Backpack?

The Rains Backpack is the flagship bag from the Danish brand Rains. The company started in 2012 in Aarhus, Denmark. The founders wanted to make rain gear look modern and stylish.

The classic Rains Backpack uses a square shape with a top flap. A central strap with a metal carabiner holds the flap shut. The whole bag has a soft matte finish that feels almost rubbery.

The build looks simple on purpose. There are no big logos, no extra zippers, and no flashy colors on the standard model. You can pick black, green, dark grey, or a few seasonal shades.

Inside, you get one main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve. The fabric is polyester coated with polyurethane. This combo blocks water and gives the bag its smooth surface.

The bag weighs about 0.9 kg, which feels light for its size. The dimensions sit at roughly 18.5 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. It holds 13 liters of gear in total.

This is not a hiking bag. It is a city bag built for short trips, school, and office life. Rains aims at people who want one bag that handles weather and looks sharp.

First Impressions and Unboxing

The bag arrives in a simple cardboard box with light packaging. No plastic wrap, no foam inserts, just the bag and a small care tag. The brand keeps things minimal here too.

When you first pick it up, the fabric surprises you. It feels soft like vinyl but stiffer than a tarp. The matte black version has a slight sheen under bright light.

The carabiner closure clicks open and shut with a satisfying snap. It feels solid in the hand and not flimsy. The metal hardware adds a small touch of premium feel.

I noticed the bag holds its shape even when empty. The fabric has enough body to stand up on its own. This makes packing easier because the opening stays wide.

The straps are flat and thin at first glance. They use the same waterproof fabric as the body. They look nice but I had questions about long term comfort.

Inside, the laptop sleeve has soft padding. The lining feels smooth and dry. Everything seems built to keep water out from every angle.

My first reaction was simple. This bag looks better in person than in photos. The shape, the finish, and the small details all give it a quiet kind of style.

Waterproof Performance and Weather Testing

The main reason people buy a Rains bag is rain protection. So I tested it in real wet conditions over several weeks. The results were strong with a few small notes.

The fabric uses a polyurethane coating with an 8000mm water column rating. That number means the fabric can hold a column of water 8 meters tall before it leaks. For city use, this is more than enough.

I walked through a heavy downpour for 20 minutes with the bag on my back. The outside was soaked. The inside stayed dry, including my laptop and papers.

Water rolls off the surface in clean beads. You can see the drops slide down the fabric. A quick shake removes most of the water before you go inside.

The flap design adds extra protection. Rain hits the top flap first, then runs off the sides. Even with the main opening, water did not find a way in during my tests.

There is one weak spot to know. The bag is water resistant, not 100 percent waterproof. The seams are stitched, not welded. If you dunk it in a lake, water will eventually seep through.

For everyday rain, snow, and slush, the Rains Backpack handles it all. It is one of the best urban waterproof bags I have tested. Just do not use it as a dry bag for kayaking.

Design and Style Breakdown

The Rains Backpack has a look that fits almost any outfit. The clean square shape works with a suit, jeans, or workout clothes. This is rare for a waterproof bag.

Most waterproof packs look sporty or technical. The Rains bag goes the other way. It feels more like a fashion piece that happens to block water.

The color options are simple and smart. Black goes with everything, dark grey adds a soft modern touch, and green gives a quiet pop. There are no loud patterns or busy graphics.

The branding stays small and subtle. A tiny Rains tag sits near the bottom of the bag. You can barely see it from a few feet away.

The carabiner strap is the only bold design choice. It runs straight down the middle of the flap. This adds a small bit of visual interest without breaking the clean look.

The matte finish is the secret weapon. Glossy waterproof bags look cheap and plastic. The Rains matte coating feels more like leather or canvas.

I got a few compliments on the bag during my testing. Coworkers asked where I got it. People at coffee shops stopped to look at it. That does not happen with most backpacks.

Top 3 Alternatives for the Rains Backpack

If the Rains bag is not the right pick for you, here are three strong options worth a look. Each one offers waterproof or water resistant features at a different price point and style.

No products found.

No products found.

The Ortlieb Velocity gives you full waterproof protection with welded seams. It is the choice for hardcore cyclists and commuters who face heavy rain often. The roll top closure seals out every drop.

The Earth Pak offers a budget friendly waterproof bag for outdoor use. It works well for beach trips, kayaking, and camping. The roll top design and welded seams keep gear dry in tough conditions.

The Herschel Classic is a stylish option with water resistant fabric. It does not match the Rains for rain protection but offers more pockets and a softer look. It is the right pick if style matters more than full waterproofing.

Storage Space and Inside Layout

The 13 liter main compartment is one open space. There are no dividers, no small pockets, and no zippers inside the main area. Some people love this simple layout. Others find it limiting.

The padded laptop sleeve sits against the back panel. It fits a 15 inch laptop with room to spare. A 13 inch laptop slides in with extra space around the edges.

Below the laptop sleeve, there is a small slip pocket. This works for a notebook, charger, or a tablet. The pocket is not zipped, so heavy items can slide around.

There is no front pocket on the outside. This keeps the look clean but means you have to dig for small items. Keys, wallet, and phone all share the main space.

I packed the bag with a 15 inch MacBook, a hardcover notebook, a water bottle, lunch, and a sweater. Everything fit but the bag looked stuffed. For light daily loads, the space is perfect.

For students or longer trips, the lack of organization can be a problem. You end up using packing cubes or pouches inside the main compartment. This adds cost and complexity.

The bag works best for minimalist users. If you carry only a laptop, charger, and a few small items, you will love it. If you pack heavy and need pockets, look elsewhere.

Comfort and Carry Experience

The straps are the weakest part of this bag. They are flat, thin, and made from the same coated fabric as the body. They do not have padding or mesh.

For short walks, the straps feel fine. I carried the bag for a 15 minute commute with no issues. The weight sat well on my shoulders and the bag stayed in place.

For longer carries, the story changes. After about an hour with a full load, the straps started to dig into my shoulders. This is not a bag for all day use.

There is no chest strap and no waist belt. The bag relies only on the shoulder straps to stay secure. For city walks and short bike rides, this is fine.

The back panel has light padding but no air channels. On hot days, your back gets sweaty fast. The coated fabric does not breathe at all.

The carry handle on top is solid. You can grab the bag and carry it like a briefcase for short distances. The handle is reinforced and feels strong.

If comfort is your top priority, this is not the bag for you. If you want style and weather protection for short trips, the carry is good enough. Most users will find it works fine for daily life.

Build Quality and Long Term Durability

The fabric feels strong and well made. The stitching is tight, the seams are clean, and the hardware is solid. On day one, the bag feels worth the price.

Over time, the matte coating can show wear. Reviewers and long term users report scuffs and small scratches on the surface. Sharp objects like keys or zippers from other bags can mark it.

The good news is that the scuffs do not affect waterproof performance. The coating stays sealed even when the surface looks worn. The bag still works, it just looks more lived in.

The carabiner clip and metal hardware hold up well. After months of use, mine still snaps tight with no rust or wear. The brand uses solid metal here, not cheap plastic.

The straps are sewn into the body with strong stitching. I have not seen any reports of straps tearing off. The stress points all look well built.

Rains offers a 2 year warranty on its bags. This covers defects but not normal wear. That is a fair policy for a mid priced product.

With careful use, the bag should last 3 to 5 years for daily commuters. Heavy users may see the coating wear faster. Light users could get a decade out of it.

Who Should Buy the Rains Backpack?

This bag fits a specific kind of user. If you check most of these boxes, you will love it. If not, you might want to look at the alternatives above.

The Rains Backpack is ideal for:

City commuters who walk or take public transport in rainy areas. The waterproof fabric keeps your gear dry without a rain cover. You can step out the door without checking the weather first.

Office workers who want one bag that looks professional and casual. The clean shape works with business clothes and weekend outfits. It does not scream backpack in a meeting.

Students who carry a laptop, a notebook, and a few small items. The 13 liter size fits a typical school load without being too big. The simple look fits any age or style.

Travelers who want a personal item bag for flights. The size sits within most airline rules. The weatherproof fabric protects gear during airport delays and rain runs.

This bag is not ideal for: hikers, all day carriers, gear heavy users, or people who hate digging through one big pocket. For those uses, a more structured bag works better.

Rains Backpack Variants and Sizes

Rains makes several versions of this backpack. Each one targets a different need. Knowing the lineup helps you pick the right size.

The classic Rains Backpack is the original 13 liter version. This is the one most people mean when they talk about the brand. It fits a 15 inch laptop and works for daily use.

The Rains Backpack Mini is a smaller version at 9 liters. It fits a 13 inch laptop and works for short trips and light loads. Many users like this size for travel and weekend outings.

The Rains Backpack Micro is the smallest at about 7 liters. It fits an 11 inch laptop or tablet. This one works for minimal carriers or as a personal item bag.

The Rains Backpack Go and W3 are larger options. They add more capacity, side pockets, and bottle holders. These work better for travel and longer commutes.

There are also the MSN Bag and other shapes like the Rolltop. These keep the waterproof fabric but change the design and capacity. The lineup is wide enough to fit most needs.

Prices range from about 80 dollars for the Micro up to 160 dollars for the larger travel models. The classic Backpack sits in the middle at around 95 to 140 dollars. Pick the size that matches your daily load and you will be happy.

Pros and Cons of the Rains Backpack

After weeks of use, here is a clear summary of what works and what does not. This helps you weigh the bag against your own needs.

The pros include:

Strong waterproof performance for daily city use. The polyurethane fabric and flap design block rain better than most non technical bags.

Clean minimalist design that works with any outfit. The bag looks good with a suit, jeans, or athletic wear.

Solid build quality with quality hardware and tight stitching. The carabiner clip and metal parts feel premium.

Light weight for the size. At under 1 kg, the empty bag does not add much to your load.

Good size for daily essentials. The 13 liter capacity hits the sweet spot for laptop, notebook, and small items.

The cons include:

Thin straps without padding or mesh. Long carries with heavy loads get uncomfortable.

No outside pockets at all. You have to open the main flap to reach anything inside.

Limited inside organization. One big compartment with one small slip pocket is not enough for some users.

Coating can scuff over time. The matte finish shows wear with rough use.

Not breathable on the back. Hot days lead to a sweaty back panel.

Price is mid range, not cheap. You pay for the style and brand more than the features.

How to Care for Your Rains Backpack

This bag needs simple care to last for years. The brand keeps cleaning instructions easy. Follow these steps to keep your bag looking new.

Wipe the outside with a damp cloth when it gets dirty. Do not use soap or harsh cleaners on the coated fabric. Plain water works for most marks.

Let the bag air dry after wet weather. Do not put it in a dryer or near a heat source. Heat can damage the polyurethane coating.

Avoid sharp objects that could scratch the surface. Keys, pens, and other gear can leave marks. Use a pouch or sleeve for small sharp items.

Do not machine wash this bag. The fabric and seams are not built for spinning and tumbling. Hand cleaning is the only safe option.

Store the bag in a cool dry place when not in use. Do not fold it under heavy items. The fabric holds its shape best when hung or set upright.

If a scuff appears, leave it alone or rub it gently with a soft cloth. Most marks fade with time and use. Trying to scrub them off can make things worse.

With this care, the bag will look good and work well for many years. The fabric is built for weather, not abuse. Treat it like a leather bag and it will reward you.

Final Verdict on the Rains Backpack

The Rains Backpack is a strong pick for the right user. It does one job very well and looks great doing it. For city users who face rain, this is one of the best bags you can buy.

The waterproof performance is the star feature. The design is the second star. Together, they make a bag that stands out from the crowd of black nylon packs.

The downsides are real but small for the target user. Thin straps and limited pockets do not matter much for short daily trips. They become problems only with heavy loads or long carries.

The price feels fair for what you get. You pay for style, brand, and waterproofing. You do not pay for tons of features or premium comfort.

If you want a city bag that handles weather and looks sharp, buy it. If you want a workhorse for hiking, travel, or daily heavy loads, look at the alternatives. The Rains Backpack is a specialist, not a do everything bag.

My final score is 8 out of 10 for the right user. It loses points only on comfort and organization. Everything else is well done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rains Backpack fully waterproof?

The Rains Backpack is highly water resistant with an 8000mm water column rating. The fabric blocks rain and snow well. However, the seams are stitched not welded, so it is not 100 percent waterproof. Do not use it as a dry bag for water sports.

What size laptop fits in the Rains Backpack?

The classic Rains Backpack fits a 15 inch laptop with room to spare. The padded sleeve holds the laptop snug against the back panel. Most 13 inch and 14 inch laptops also fit with extra space around the edges.

How long does a Rains Backpack last?

With daily use and proper care, the Rains Backpack lasts 3 to 5 years. Light users can get even more. The matte coating may scuff over time but the bag stays functional. The hardware and stitching hold up well with normal use.

Can I wash my Rains Backpack in a machine?

No, never machine wash a Rains Backpack. The fabric and seams are not built for it. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and plain water. Let the bag air dry away from heat sources.

Is the Rains Backpack worth the price?

Yes for the right user. The bag costs more than basic packs but less than premium travel bags. You pay for waterproof performance, clean design, and quality build. If you want style and weather protection in one bag, the price is fair.

Does the Rains Backpack come with a warranty?

Yes, Rains offers a 2 year warranty on its bags. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but not normal wear and tear. Scuffs and surface marks from daily use are not covered. Keep your receipt to file any claims.

Last update on 2026-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API