How to Choose a Raincover for Your Hiking Backpack
By Feathered Friends | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to pick the right raincover for your hiking backpack. We cover sizing, waterproofing, visibility, and storage so your gear stays dry on the trail.
Quick answer
To choose a raincover for your hiking backpack, match the cover size to your pack's volume, prioritize a waterproof coating or fabric, and consider added features like reflective graphics for visibility during low-light hikes or commutes.
Why a dedicated raincover beats a trash bag
A simple trash bag can keep rain off your pack, but it tears easily, doesn't fit snugly, and offers zero visibility in the dark. A purpose-made raincover is cut to match your pack's shape, stays put in wind, and often includes reflective elements for safety. The small investment pays off the first time you hike in a downpour.
Sizing matters more than you think
A cover that is too large will flap and catch wind, while one that is too small won't protect the top or bottom of your pack. Most covers list compatible pack volumes in liters. For example, a cover labeled for 20–35 liters fits daypacks and small weekend bags. If you carry extra gear lashed to the outside, size up one range.
Waterproofing vs. water resistance
Look for a cover made from waterproof fabric with taped or sealed seams. A water-resistant coating alone may fail during sustained rain. Many covers use a polyurethane coating on nylon or polyester. The trade-off is that fully waterproof covers are slightly heavier and bulkier, but they keep your gear dry when it counts.
How to choose your raincover in 4 steps
- 1. Measure your pack's volume: Check your backpack's liter rating (often printed on a tag or near the top). If you can't find it, estimate by filling the pack with sleeping bags or clothes and comparing to a known volume. Write this number down. Common mistake: guessing by pack size alone. A 30-liter daypack and a 30-liter climbing pack may have very different shapes.
- 2. Match the cover size range: Find a cover whose listed liter range includes your pack volume. For a 30-liter pack, a cover that fits 20–35 liters works. If you often strap a tent or sleeping pad to the outside, go one size larger. Checkpoint: a cover that fits 40–60 liters will be too loose on a 30-liter pack and may blow off in wind.
- 3. Check the waterproofing and seam construction: Look for a cover made from waterproof fabric (e.g., nylon or polyester with a polyurethane coating) and sealed or taped seams. Avoid covers that only say 'water resistant'—they will wet out in heavy rain. Common mistake: assuming all rain covers are equally waterproof. A cheap cover may keep light drizzle out but fail in a storm.
- 4. Decide on extra features you need: Consider reflective graphics for visibility, a stuff sack for compact storage, and a buckle or elastic hem to secure the cover. If you hike in urban areas or near roads, reflective features are a safety must. Checkpoint: a cover without a storage pouch is harder to pack and more likely to get lost in your gear.
Product spotlight
- Hi-Vis Raincover: Osprey’s High Visibility Rain Cover protects your gear from rain, snow, and sleet. Reflective graphics provide extra visibility in low light situations, making it ideal for urban bike commuters. Small fits 20–35 liter packs. If you hike near roads or in early morning/evening light, the reflective graphics help drivers and other trail users see you, adding a safety layer that a plain cover cannot offer.
Hi-Vis Raincover
