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When picking out a backpack, especially for travel or activities outside, knowing how well it will keep your things dry in the rain is important. There is a big difference between the words “waterproof” and “water-resistant,” but many people use them interchangeably. This article explains these terms and examines how Victorinox protects its backpacks from water. The goal is to give you the information you need to pick a Victorinox backpack with the right protection for your needs.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: Defining the Difference
The main difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistant” is how well they keep water out.
Waterproof. A truly waterproof backpack is made so that it can not let any water in, even if it gets submerged or is in heavy rain for a long time. This usually means using waterproof fabrics (like those with a TPU or PVC coating), sealed seams, and waterproof zippers (like YKK AquaGuard). A roll-top closure makes a watertight seal on most waterproof bags.
Water-resistant. A water-resistant backpack can handle light rain, splashes, and short periods of being wet. The fabric, like polyester, may be naturally water-resistant or have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. However, water-resistant backpacks are not meant to be submerged or left out in heavy rain for long periods. Seams are typically not sealed, and zippers are usually not waterproof.
Victorinox Backpacks: A Focus on Being Waterproof
It is important to note that most Victorinox backpacks are only partially waterproof. Victorinox tries to find a good balance between weather protection, breathability, and overall usefulness. Some models may be more resistant to water than others, but it is important to know that they are not usually meant to be submerged or used in harsh weather without extra protection.
Victorinox makes its products waterproof by choosing the right materials and building them in the right way:
- Fabric choices. According to our article about the materials used to make Victorinox backpacks, many are made of polyester, which naturally does not let water in. Most people know ballistic nylon for how long it lasts and how well it resists water.
- DWR coatings. A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating is on many Victorinox backpacks. Because of the surface tension this coating makes, water beads up and rolls off the fabric instead of soaking in.
- Construction techniques. Even though Victorinox does not fully seal seams, they use construction methods that make it harder for water to get in, like overlapping fabric panels and placing zippers strategically.
How Water Resistance Ratings Work (and Why Victorinox Does not Always Use Them)
When some backpack makers talk about water resistance, they use numbers like millimeters (mm) of water pressure or Ingress Protection (IP) codes. Victorinox, on the other hand, does not usually give these ratings for its backpacks. That is because of a few things:
- Testing difficulty: It is hard to get a good reading on a backpack’s water resistance because you have to test the fabric, seams, zippers, and overall construction.
- Pay attention to usefulness: Victorinox focuses on making backpacks that work well in real life, not just following test results in the lab.
- Variability of conditions: Water resistance can be affected by factors such as the age of the backpack, the condition of the DWR coating, and the intensity and duration of exposure to rain.
Instead of relying on numerical ratings, Victorinox describes each backpack model’s intended use and weather protection. When you buy, you should carefully read these descriptions and think about what you usually need.
How to Keep Your Gear Safe When It is Wet
Even if your backpack is waterproof, you should still take extra steps to keep your things safe when it is raining:
- Use a rain cover. If it will rain for a long time or there is a lot of it, you should get a backpack rain cover. This adds another layer of protection against water. Other companies make many rain covers; some Victorinox backpacks may even come with one.
- Pack sensitive items in dry bags: For electronics, documents, or other items particularly vulnerable to water damage, consider using waterproof dry bags or pouches inside your backpack.
- Reapply DWR: Over time, the DWR coating on your backpack will wear off. Periodically reapply a DWR treatment (available as a spray or wash-in product) to maintain its water repellency. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Proper closure: Ensure all zippers and closures are fully secured to minimize water entry points.
- Avoid submersion: Even with the other recommendations, do not submerge your backpack.
Choosing the Right Level of Protection
Victorinox backpacks offer excellent water resistance for everyday use and light to moderate rain. Even though they are not completely waterproof, the long-lasting materials, DWR coatings, and well-thought-out construction make them a good choice for protection against the weather. By knowing the difference between waterproof and water-resistant and taking the right steps when it rains, you can keep your things dry and your Victorinox backpack will be a reliable friend for years to come. You might want to use a rain cover or look into waterproof bags if you think you will be in heavy rain or need complete waterproof protection. You should think about what you need and pick a Victorinox backpack that will protect you for your adventures.