When you’re making bags for outdoor or travel use, keeping water out is rarely about one single material. A truly waterproof bag relies on the right combination of fabric, construction and closures. At Point North Profabrics, we supply a wide range of waterproof fabrics for bags alongside the components needed to finish them properly, including reliable waterproof zips.

Whether you’re designing backpacks, bike bags, dry bags or technical storage, thinking about how water enters a bag is the best place to start.

Where Bags Usually Let Water In

Most bags don’t fail because the fabric isn’t waterproof - they fail at the weak points. Openings, seams and stitch lines are the most common problem areas, especially in prolonged rain or wet handling.

Even high-quality waterproof fabric can allow moisture through needle holes or poorly protected closures. That’s why choosing compatible materials and planning construction from the outset is essential when designing for wet conditions.

Designing Bags for Wet Environments

Before selecting specific materials, it’s worth thinking about how the bag will be used. Will it be exposed to heavy rain? Constant movement? Abrasion from daily use?

For wet environments, good design choices include reducing the number of exposed seams, positioning openings away from high-splash areas and choosing closures that support water resistance. These decisions influence which fabrics and components will work best later on.

Choosing the Right Waterproof Fabric for Bags

Once your design is clear, you can choose the most suitable waterproof fabric.

For lightweight bags and packable gear, waterproof ripstop nylon fabric is a popular option. It’s strong for its weight, easy to handle and ideal for backpacks, dry-bag style pouches, stuff sacks and bike bags. The reinforced ripstop weave helps prevent small tears from spreading, making it well suited to outdoor use.

For bags that need greater durability, waterproof fabric nylon offers increased abrasion resistance and structure. Heavier nylon fabrics are often used for equipment storage, work bags and travel gear that will be folded, scraped or used daily.

We stock a wide range of waterproof and technical fabrics beyond these examples, allowing you to balance weight, durability and flexibility depending on the demands of your project.

Why Waterproof Zips Matter

Even with the right fabric, water will still find its way in if closures aren’t properly protected. That’s where waterproof zips make a real difference.

Standard zips can easily allow moisture through the teeth or stitching. Waterproof zips are designed to reduce water ingress at the opening, helping maintain the overall performance of the bag and giving a cleaner, more professional finish.

Pairing the right zip with the right fabric is one of the simplest ways to improve water resistance without complicating the build.

Sealing and Reinforcing Waterproof Areas

To improve performance further, it’s important to seal waterproof areas that are most likely to leak. Seam lines, stitch points and reinforced corners all benefit from extra attention.

Even when using a nylon waterproof fabric, stitching creates needle holes that can allow moisture through over time. Seam sealing, reinforcing stress points and careful finishing all help extend the life and effectiveness of the bag.

Why Choose Point North Profabrics?

At Point North Profabrics, we understand how fabrics, components and construction work together. That’s why we supply not just waterproof fabrics for bags, but also the finishes and materials needed to complete them properly. With flexible ordering and fabrics sold by the metre, it’s easy to source exactly what your project requires.

Build Better Waterproof Bags with Point North Profabrics

If you’re designing or making bags for wet environments, explore our full range of waterproof fabric, waterproof ripstop nylon fabric, waterproof fabric nylon and waterproof zips. With materials suited to lightweight builds and rugged everyday use, we’re here to help you create bags that perform when it matters.

👉 Explore our range of waterproof fabrics and repair materials to keep your outdoor gear performing for longer.