Rains Rolltop Rucksack Review (2025): The Ultimate Waterproof Commuter Backpack?

In the search for the perfect everyday bag, especially for those who commute or live in climates with unpredictable weather, a waterproof backpack that combines style with robust functionality is a prized possession. The Rains Rolltop Rucksack has garnered significant attention for exactly these qualities, embodying the Danish brand's signature minimalist aesthetic and commitment to weather-resistant design. This Rains review for 2025 will take a deep dive into the Rolltop Rucksack, examining its features, durability, comfort, and whether it stands as one of the best fashionable backpacks and a top-tier commuter backpack for modern urban life. If you're considering a Rains backpack, specifically their rolltop rucksack, read on.

TL;DR:

• The Rains Rolltop Rucksack is a distinctively stylish, minimalist, and highly waterproof backpack, meticulously crafted from Rains' signature PU-coated fabric, making it an ideal and reliable choice for daily commutes, cycling, and urban adventures in all weather conditions.
• It features a secure and adaptable roll-top closure fastened with Rains' signature carabiner, a spacious main compartment, an easily accessible side-access padded laptop pocket (fitting up to a 16” device), and comfortable padded shoulder straps with a chest strap for stability.
• Highly recommended as one of the best fashionable backpacks and a leading contender for the best rolltop backpack, the Rains Rolltop Rucksack masterfully blends Scandinavian design principles with exceptional durability, superior weather resistance, and everyday practical utility for both men and women.

Introducing Rains: The Brand Behind the Signature Waterproof Backpack

Rains is a contemporary Danish rainwear and lifestyle brand founded in 2012. Their design philosophy is rooted in Scandinavian simplicity, functionality, and a neo-Scandinavian aesthetic that reinterprets classic utilitarian designs for modern life. While initially known for their rain jackets, Rains has expanded its collection to include a wide range of waterproof bags, backpacks, and accessories, all characterized by their clean lines, durable materials, and, most importantly, their exceptional water resistance. The Rains backpack, particularly models like the Rolltop Rucksack, has become a staple for style-conscious urban dwellers and commuters who need to protect their belongings from the elements without sacrificing a polished look. The brand has successfully made practical rainwear and accessories fashionable, proving that functionality and style can coexist harmoniously. This commitment to quality and design is evident in every Rains rucksack.

Design & Aesthetics: Minimalist Style Meets Robust Weatherproofing

The Rains Rolltop Rucksack is instantly recognizable for its distinctive minimalist backpack design and its signature material.

Signature Waterproof PU Fabric

The standout feature of any Rains bag is its material. The Rolltop Rucksack is crafted from Rains' signature polyurethane (PU) coated polyester fabric. This fabric is lightweight, durable, and, most importantly, highly waterproof (often rated to withstand significant water column pressure, e.g., 8000mm). It has a smooth, matte finish that contributes to its sleek and modern appearance. This waterproof backpack construction is designed to keep your contents dry even in heavy downpours.

Rolltop Closure with Carabiner

The roll-top closure system is both functional and stylish. It allows for adjustable capacity – you can roll it down tighter for smaller loads or leave it a bit looser for more space. The closure is typically secured with a durable strap and Rains' signature carabiner-style buckle, which adds a touch of industrial chic and ensures a secure seal against the elements. This design is inherently water-resistant at the opening.

Clean Lines and Color Palette

True to Scandinavian design principles, the Rolltop Rucksack features clean lines, a simple silhouette, and an uncluttered exterior. It's often available in a range of muted, sophisticated colors (like black, slate, olive, or seasonal hues), allowing it to complement various personal styles and professional environments. The branding is usually discreet, often a small embossed Rains logo.

Functionality in Focus: Rolltop Closure, Laptop Pocket, and Storage Capacity

Beyond its stylish exterior and waterproof capabilities, the Rains Rolltop Rucksack is designed for practical everyday use.

Main Compartment and Organization

The rucksack features a single, spacious main compartment. The roll-top opening provides wide access, making it easy to pack and retrieve larger items. While the interior organization is often minimalist, this large open space is versatile for carrying anything from books and a change of clothes to gym gear or groceries. The typical capacity when rolled is around 13 liters, which is a good size for a daily commuter backpack.

Side-Access Laptop Pocket

A crucial feature for modern users is a dedicated laptop compartment. The Rains Rolltop Rucksack typically includes a padded, side-access laptop pocket that can accommodate up to a 16-inch device. This external access point is highly convenient, allowing you to quickly retrieve or store your laptop without having to unroll and open the entire main compartment, especially useful at airport security or in meetings.

Front Pocket

An easy-access zippered front pocket is usually included, perfect for stashing smaller items you need to grab quickly, like your phone, wallet, keys, or transit pass. This pocket is often also designed with water-resistant zippers to maintain the bag's overall weather protection.

On the Move: Comfort, Durability, and Everyday Practicality

The Rains Rolltop Rucksack is designed to be a comfortable and reliable companion for daily commutes and adventures.

Carry Comfort

The backpack features padded shoulder straps that are adjustable for a customized fit. A padded air-mesh back panel is also a common feature, designed to provide cushioning and improve airflow, reducing back sweat during warmer weather or more active commutes. An adjustable chest strap helps to distribute weight more evenly and keep the backpack secure, which is particularly useful when cycling or walking longer distances. These features ensure that even when carrying a laptop and other essentials, the "rolltop rucksack rains" experience is comfortable.

Durability for Daily Grind

The signature waterproof PU fabric is not only weather-resistant but also quite durable and resistant to abrasions and tears. The hardware, including the carabiner closure and zippers, is typically robust and designed for longevity. This makes the Rains rucksack backpack a dependable choice that can withstand the rigors of daily use in various urban environments.

Cycling-Friendly Features

Many design elements cater specifically to cycle commuters, such as the secure roll-top, the weather resistance, and the chest strap for stability. Its streamlined profile also helps reduce wind resistance when riding.

Rains Rolltop Rucksack Review: Pros, Cons, and Is It the Best Fashionable Backpack for You?

This Rains rolltop rucksack review aims to provide a balanced summary.

Pros:

• Excellent Waterproofing: Signature PU fabric and roll-top closure keep contents dry in wet conditions.
• Stylish Minimalist Design: Sleek Scandinavian aesthetic that is both modern and timeless.
• Durable Construction: Made from robust materials designed for longevity.
• Comfortable to Carry: Padded shoulder straps, air-mesh back panel, and adjustable chest strap.
• Dedicated Laptop Compartment: Side-access padded sleeve fits up to a 16" laptop.
• Adjustable Capacity: Roll-top design allows for flexibility in storage space.
• Versatile: Suitable for daily commutes, travel, cycling, and general urban use.

Cons:

• Limited Internal Organization: The main compartment is largely a single open space; those who prefer many small internal pockets might need to use their own organizers.
• Price Point: As a designer brand using specialized waterproof materials, Rains backpacks are priced at a premium compared to standard canvas or nylon backpacks.
• Access to Main Compartment: While secure, accessing the main compartment via the roll-top and carabiner can be slightly slower than a simple zipper opening.
• Breathability of Material: The waterproof PU fabric, while excellent at keeping water out, is not inherently breathable, which is common for highly waterproof materials. The air-mesh back panel helps mitigate this for carry comfort.

Is It the Best Fashionable Backpack for You?

If your priorities include a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, superior waterproofing, and durable construction, the Rains Rolltop Rucksack is a very strong contender for the best fashionable backpacks. It successfully combines form and function in a way that few other brands achieve. For individuals who need a reliable commuter backpack that looks professional yet stylish and can handle unpredictable weather, it's an excellent investment. It's often cited as one of the best rolltop backpack options for these reasons.

Final Roll (2025): Why the Rains Rolltop Rucksack is a Stylish & Practical Choice

The Rains Rolltop Rucksack stands as a testament to the Danish brand's mastery of blending minimalist design with exceptional functionality, particularly in weather protection. This Rains backpack review for 2025 confirms its status as a top-tier choice for urban commuters, cyclists, and anyone seeking a stylish and durable waterproof bag. Its signature PU fabric, secure roll-top closure, dedicated laptop compartment, and comfortable carry system make it a highly practical companion for everyday adventures and professional life. While it represents a premium investment, the quality, longevity, and timeless aesthetic of the Rains rucksack offer lasting value. For those who demand a backpack that performs flawlessly in wet conditions while maintaining a sophisticated and understated style, the Rains Rolltop Rucksack is a clear winner and a smart choice for navigating the demands of modern life, rain or shine.