In short
A roll-top backpack is closed by rolling the top down instead of using a zip. This lets the volume adapt to your load, and rain can't easily get in through the opening. For city life, university and the office, 15 to 25 litres are enough, while 25 to 30 litres suit commuting with a laptop and a change of clothes. It's only truly waterproof if the material and seams are sealed as well.
You see roll-tops everywhere these days: on bikes, at university, in the office and on city trips. The reason is simple. The closure is sturdy, flexible and copes with rain far better than a long zip. Here's who a roll-top is worth it for, what size you need, how to spot genuine rain protection, and which models suit which use.
What is a roll-top backpack?
With a roll-top, the top opening is cut extra-long. You roll it down several times and secure it with a buckle, hook-and-loop fastener or a carabiner. If you're not carrying much, roll it down further and the backpack becomes compact. If it's packed full, roll it down less and gain extra space. The principle comes from waterproof dry bags used in watersports and outdoor activities.
You'll find a selection of different brands and sizes among our roll-top backpacks.
Pros and cons at a glance
| Advantage | Disadvantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | adapts to the contents | when fully packed, little edge is left to roll down |
| Rain protection | opening without a zip, water can't run in | only as watertight as the material and seams allow |
| Access | large opening, bulky items fit in easily | opening takes longer than with a zip |
| Look | understated, suits office, university and leisure | few outer pockets on very minimalist models |
If you often need quick access to small items, look for outer pockets or a side-accessible main compartment.
What size do you need?
Roll-tops usually have a base size that can be adjusted up or down by rolling the top more or less. That's why some manufacturers give two figures, for example 12 to 16 litres. As a rough guide:
| Use | Volume | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| City, short trips | 10 to 15 l | lightweight, slim cut, compartment for phone and keys |
| University, office, everyday | 15 to 25 l | padded laptop compartment, pockets for small items |
| Commuting by bike | 20 to 30 l | chest strap, reflectors, loop for a light or lock |
| Day trips, short getaways | 25 to 35 l | bottle holder, hip belt, trolley strap |
You'll also find a wider selection for everyday use among our daypacks and laptop backpacks.
Rain protection: waterproof or water-resistant?
A roll-top alone doesn't make a backpack watertight. Three things matter most:
- Material: Coated fabrics such as PU- or TPE-coated material keep water out. Uncoated polyester or canvas is only water-resistant and gets wet in sustained rain.
- Seams: Water can get in through any seam. Welded or taped seams are watertight, ordinary seams are not.
- Zips: Outer pockets and laptop compartments usually have zips. Covered or coated zips keep out considerably more water.
Which roll-top suits which use?
City and short trips
12 to 16 l
Compact and lightweight, with room for a laptop, jacket and water bottle. The closure can be rolled out further if needed.
Ucon AcrobaticsUcon Acrobatics Hajo Mini Stealth12 to 16 l, laptop compartment up to 16 inches
Commuting by bike
around 23 l
Waterproof material, roll-top with carabiner and a D-ring at the front to attach a bike lock.
RainsRains Rolltop23 l, laptop compartment up to 16 inches, D-ring
Office and everyday
around 25 l
Padded straps and back panel, laptop compartment with fleece lining and two side bottle holders.
The North FaceThe North Face Base Camp Voyager25 l, laptop compartment up to 16 inches
Day trip and short break
around 30 l
More volume, plus a chest and hip strap and reflectors. The laptop compartment is accessible from the side, so the roll-top stays closed.
ExpedExped Everyday Metro 30 Rolltop30 l, hip and chest strap
You'll find more models among our roll-top backpacks, including Rains, Ucon Acrobatics, The North Face and Exped. For daily cycling, it's also worth taking a look at the bike backpacks.
Laptop compartment and organisation
A roll-top has one large main compartment. So the laptop doesn't end up buried at the bottom of your gear, most models have a separate, padded compartment. When buying, it's worth checking three things:
- Size: The compartment's inch rating has to match your device. You can find out how to measure it in our guide Laptop Inch Sizes.
- Access: A side or rear zip saves you having to unroll the top when you just need quick access to your laptop.
- Small items: Outer pockets, mesh compartments and bottle holders keep your keys, phone and water bottle within easy reach.
Ucon AcrobaticsUcon Acrobatics Niklas Lotus Rolltop18 to 22 l, laptop compartment up to 16 inches
Reisenthelreisenthel travelling rolltop22 l, laptop compartment up to 15.6 inches
TraveliteTravelite Briize Rolltop24 l, laptop compartment up to 15.6 inches
RainsRains Rolltop Mini W313 l, laptop compartment up to 13 inches
A special case are models with their own shoe compartment, handy for gym gear after work:
Buying checklist: 6 points
- Volume: choose it based on your everyday load, not your weekend shopping trip.
- Material and seams: check these carefully if you're often out in the rain.
- Closure: buckles and carabiners are easier to operate with gloves than small hook-and-loop areas.
- Carrying system: padded straps, a chest strap and, on larger models, a hip belt.
- Road safety: reflectors and a loop for a rear light.
- Travel: a trolley strap keeps the backpack secured on top of your suitcase.
Frequently asked questions about roll-top backpacks
Is a roll-top backpack waterproof?
Not automatically. The rolled-down closure keeps out rain from above very well. The backpack is only truly waterproof once the material is coated too and the seams are welded or taped. Outer pockets with a standard zip remain a weak point. So check the manufacturer's specification: waterproof or only water-resistant.
How many times do I need to roll a roll-top down?
At least three times. Only then is the opening tight enough to keep rain from getting in. When the backpack is very full, there's often not enough edge left for this, which means the backpack was too small to begin with.
What size should a roll-top backpack be?
For university, the office and city life, 15 to 25 litres is usually enough. If you carry a laptop, a change of clothes and food every day, go for 25 to 30 litres. For travel and day trips, 30 litres or more makes sense. Since the volume can be adjusted via the closure, it's better to choose a slightly larger backpack.
Does a laptop fit in a roll-top backpack?
Yes, many models have a padded laptop compartment, usually for 13 to 16 inches. A side or rear access point is practical, as it means you don't have to open the roll-top to get to your laptop.
Is a roll-top backpack good for cycling?
Yes. The closure protects against rain and splashes, and the slim shape sits securely against your back. Also look for a chest strap, reflectors and a loop for a rear light or bike lock.
How do I clean a roll-top backpack?
Wipe it down with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then let it air dry. Coated materials don't belong in a washing machine or tumble dryer. If in doubt, follow the manufacturer's care label.
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