Backpack rain covers

An unexpected downpour, a trek through sleet, or a multi-day hike under changing skies: your rucksack and its contents deserve reliable protection. A rain cover is a simple, lightweight accessory that keeps your gear dry. Explore our selection, suitable for all rucksack sizes.

Why choose a rain cover for your rucksack?

On the trail, a few drops are harmless, but steady rain can soak through your rucksack fabric and drench everything inside. Spare clothing, sleeping bag, electronics or food supplies: once damp, these become heavy, uncomfortable, and sometimes unusable. A rain cover solves this by forming a waterproof barrier around your rucksack, without adding weight or restricting your movement.

Beyond water protection, a rain cover also enhances safety. On a hiking path at dusk or near a road, a brightly coloured or fluorescent cover, sometimes with reflective strips, greatly improves your visibility. Here are the main benefits:

• Protection from rain, sleet, and bad weather
• Water-repellent, durable fabric prevents your rucksack from becoming waterlogged
• Increased visibility thanks to bright colours and reflective strips on some models
• Minimal bulk: when folded, it fits easily into a pocket of your rucksack

How to choose the right rain cover?

Not all rain covers are the same, and the right model depends on both your rucksack and your activity. A day hiker and a trekker heading out for a week have different needs in terms of covered volume and fabric durability. Two criteria deserve special attention before making your choice.

Size and compatibility with your rucksack

The first step is to check your rucksack's volume, measured in litres. A cover that's too small will leave areas exposed, while an oversized one may catch the wind and flap about. Most covers are available in volume ranges: Ortovox, for example, offers its Rain Cover in several sizes, from 15-25 L for light outings to 45-55 L for expedition packs, while Millet offers its Raincover in sizes S to XL. A drawcord or elastic strap allows you to adjust the cover closely to your rucksack.

Materials and durability

Rain covers are generally made from polyester or nylon with a water-repellent coating. The fabric weight and seam quality directly affect the accessory's lifespan: heavier fabrics resist abrasion from rocks or branches, while taped seams help prevent leaks. Renowned rucksack specialist Deuter demonstrates this with its Raincover range, available from model I to III depending on volume, all with durable waterproof seams. Among best-sellers, The North Face Pack Rain Cover is a trusted choice, praised by many hikers for its reliability.

Rain cover or transport cover: what's the difference?

You'll find two complementary product types in this selection. The rain cover is lightweight and quick to deploy, ideal for daily use on the trail to fend off showers. The transport cover, such as the Osprey Airporter or Deuter Transport Cover, fully encloses your rucksack for protection in the hold during air travel, while also shielding it from moisture. If you're travelling far with a technical rucksack, these models provide dual protection for both transport and rain.

Rain covers for rucksacks at Snowleader

To better protect your belongings, Snowleader offers a wide range of rain covers to help you face unpredictable weather. Waterproof and ultra-lightweight, they keep your rucksack dry in showers, providing effective protection from moisture, whatever the length of your outing.

Whatever your adventure, you'll find the right cover for your rucksack and activity among our range. For a day trip, pair it with a rucksack from our day hike rucksacks category; for more demanding routes, choose from our trekking rucksacks. Mountain runners looking to save every gram will find what they need in our trail running rucksacks selection.

Rain cover FAQ

How should you store your rain cover after use?

After a rainy outing, let your rain cover air dry before folding it away: storing it damp quickly leads to odours and mould that can damage the fabric. Once dry, fold it without excessive compression and slip it into its dedicated pouch or an outer pocket of your rucksack, where it will be ready at the first sign of rain.

Can you use a rain cover for bags other than rucksacks?

Primarily designed for rucksacks, some covers with adjustable drawcords can fit bags of similar shape and volume. However, for travel bags, wheeled luggage or bags with unusual shapes, it's best to choose a cover or waterproof bag specifically designed for that format to ensure full coverage.

How can you check a rain cover's waterproofness before buying?

Several indicators show how well a cover resists water. Check the waterproof rating, given in millimetres of water column on the product page, and the type of water-repellent coating. Taped seams and coated fabric are the best guarantees of waterproofness. Finally, customer reviews from those who have used the cover in heavy rain provide real-world insight into its long-term performance.

Order with confidence: enjoy free returns within 60 days and free delivery from £199.