How to Choose The Llining Material for Outdoor Backpacks

Choosing the right lining can make your outdoor backpack last longer and work better in tough conditions. You want something that stands up to rain, rough gear, and heavy loads. Nylon linings offer more durability and water resistance than woven materials. Woven linings might soak up water and wear out faster, especially in wet places. If you plan to carry heavy gear, nylon’s strong fibers and stretch help keep your backpack in good shape.

Key Takeaways

• Pick nylon linings if you want them to last long and keep water out. They can hold heavy things and do well in tough places.
• Make sure the hydrostatic head rating is at least 1200mm for good water resistance. This helps your stuff stay dry when it rains a little.
• Choose linings that do not get scratched easily if you carry sharp or heavy things. This stops your backpack from getting damaged.
• Think about how much the lining weighs. A lighter lining makes your backpack easier to carry but still strong.
• Look for edge-sealing features like seam sealers and waterproof zippers. These stop water from leaking in and help your backpack last longer.

Key Factors

Water Resistance

When you pick a lining for your outdoor backpack, water resistance should be at the top of your list. You want your gear to stay dry, even if you get caught in the rain. Most water-resistant backpacks use tight weaves and special coatings. These features help block out light rain and splashes. For even better protection, some backpacks have welded seams and waterproof zippers. These keep water from sneaking in through the edges or openings.

Tip: Look for a hydrostatic head rating of at least 1200mm. This number tells you how much water pressure the fabric can handle before it leaks. Most outdoor backpack linings that meet this standard will keep your gear safe in normal hiking conditions.

Here’s a quick look at industry standards for water resistance:

Waterproof fabrics go through tough tests to make sure they keep water out and last a long time. If you plan to hike in wet places, check these ratings before you buy.

Abrasion Resistance

Your outdoor backpack will face rough trails, sharp rocks, and heavy gear. The lining needs to handle all that without tearing or wearing out. Abrasion resistance shows how well the fabric stands up to rubbing and scraping.

Manufacturers use different tests to measure this:

Some linings last longer than others. Here’s how common materials compare:

If you want your outdoor backpack to last, choose a lining with high abrasion resistance, especially if you carry heavy or sharp items.

Weight

The weight of your lining matters more than you might think. A heavy lining can make your backpack feel bulky, while a lighter one keeps things easy to carry. But you don’t want to give up strength just to save a few ounces.

Here’s a table to help you compare:

If you plan long hikes, every ounce counts. Pick a lining that balances weight and toughness for your outdoor backpack.

Edge-Sealing

Water can sneak in through seams and zippers, even if the fabric is waterproof. Edge-sealing stops leaks before they start. You can use seam sealers, which fill tiny holes made by stitching. Some people treat zippers with silicone or wax to keep water out.

Note: Regularly check and reapply seam sealers to keep your outdoor backpack waterproof. Products like Gear Aid Seam Grip+WP work well for most fabrics.

Proper edge-sealing not only blocks water but also helps your backpack last longer. It protects weak spots where fabric joins together.

Breathability

Breathability keeps things comfortable inside your backpack. If the lining lets moisture escape, you won’t end up with sweaty gear or a musty smell. Breathable linings use mesh or perforated foam to let air move in and out.

• Breathable linings help moisture vapor escape.
• Good airflow stops sweat from building up.
• You need a difference in humidity inside and outside for breathability to work.

If you hike in hot or humid places, look for a lining that lets your gear breathe.

Ease of Cleaning

Backpacks get dirty fast, so you want a lining that’s easy to clean. Some materials need only a quick wipe, while others need gentle washing.

• Canvas: Wash with warm water and mild soap, scrub gently, and air dry in the shade.
• Nylon or Polyester: Spot clean with soapy water or use a gentle machine cycle if allowed. Always air dry.
• Polypropylene: Just wipe with a damp cloth—super easy!
• Wool: Hand wash gently and air dry to avoid damage.

Tip: Polyester and polypropylene linings are the easiest to clean and dry quickly. Nylon is also simple to care for, but avoid direct sunlight when drying.

Choose a lining that fits your cleaning style. If you want less hassle, go for synthetic linings.

Lining Materials

When you choose a lining for your outdoor backpack, you have many options. Each material has its own good points. Let’s look at the most common ones so you can pick what works best for you.

Nylon

Nylon is a favorite for outdoor backpack linings. It is strong and light. Nylon can handle rough use. It does not tear easily and dries fast if it gets wet. Ripstop nylon is even stronger. It stops small rips from getting bigger.

Here are some things that make nylon special:

Nylon lasts longer than polyester in tough places. It can take up to 20,000 Martindale rubs. Polyester usually only takes about 15,000. If you want a lining that lasts, nylon is a good choice.

• Nylon is the most used lining for outdoor backpacks because it is strong and waterproof.
• More people want nylon because they want gear that lasts.

Polyester

Polyester is also a common lining for outdoor backpacks. You might pick polyester if you want something cheap and easy to clean. It dries quickly and keeps its color, so your backpack looks nice longer.

Polyester gives some water resistance. It works well for daily use and short trips. You can add coatings to make it more waterproof and tough. Polyester also resists UV rays, which helps if you spend time outside.

• Polyester costs less than nylon. Here is a quick look:

If you want to save money, polyester is a good pick for your outdoor backpack.

PU-Coated Fabrics

PU-coated fabrics give extra waterproofing. Makers add a layer of polyurethane (PU) to nylon or polyester. This coating keeps water out and makes the fabric last longer.

PU is a popular waterproof coating for tent fabrics. PU can get high hydrostatic head ratings, sometimes over 10,000mm. It can also have fire retardants. PU is cheap and does not lower the fabric’s tear strength as much as PE coatings.

Water takes a long time to get through PU, so it works well as a waterproof coating.

You can use thick layers of PU to make water take even longer to get through the fabric.

PU-coated linings last longer and keep out more water than linings without coating. Look at this comparison:

If you hike in rainy places, PU-coated fabrics help keep your things dry.

EVA

EVA foam adds comfort and protects your outdoor backpack. You find EVA in padded parts, like the back or straps. It soaks up shocks and keeps your things safe from bumps.

• EVA padding is tough and bends easily. You can carry heavy things without feeling weighed down.
• The waterproof part keeps your backpack safe in wet places.

EVA foam is light and keeps heat in, which makes your backpack comfy. But sometimes, it can trap sweat on your back if there are not enough air holes.

Canvas

Canvas gives your outdoor backpack a classic look and strong protection. Waxed canvas keeps water out. Duck canvas does not tear easily. Canvas lets air move, so things inside stay fresh.

Canvas backpacks last a long time, even in rough places. You need to clean and care for canvas more, especially if it gets wet. Polyester is easier to clean, but canvas is tougher and looks cool.

• Canvas is great for people who want a strong, old-school outdoor backpack.

Mesh & Foam

Mesh and foam linings help air flow and make backpacks more comfy. You see mesh panels on the back or sides of outdoor backpacks. These let air move, so you stay cool and dry.

• Some backpacks use mesh back panels to make space for air behind your back.
• Deuter’s three-way mesh system cuts sweat by 25%, so you stay drier.
• Less sweat means you carry less water weight, which helps in hot places.

Mesh works better than foam air channels for letting air move. You can find light backpacks with mesh that still feel good to wear.

• Mesh and foam linings help you stay cool and dry, especially when it’s hot.

Quick Comparison Table

Here is a summary to help you pick the right lining for your outdoor backpack:

🏕️ Tip: Think about where you will use your outdoor backpack and what you will carry. Pick a lining that fits your needs for comfort, protection, and how long it will last.

Match to Outdoor Backpack Use

Choosing the right lining material depends on how you use your outdoor backpack. Each activity has its own needs. Let’s break it down so you can pick the best option for your next adventure.

Hiking

When you go hiking, you want a lining that keeps your gear dry and light. Nylon or PU-coated fabrics work well. These materials resist water and handle rough trails. If you hike in hot places, look for mesh panels. Mesh helps air move and keeps your back cool.

Tip: Try ripstop nylon for extra strength. It stops small tears from getting bigger.

Checklist for hiking:

• Water resistance
• Lightweight
• Breathable mesh

Camping

Camping trips often mean carrying more gear. You need a lining that stands up to heavy loads and rough use. Canvas and EVA foam offer good protection. Canvas resists abrasion and lasts a long time. EVA foam adds comfort and keeps fragile items safe.

If you camp in wet areas, pick a lining with waterproof coating.

Climbing

Climbing puts your outdoor backpack through tough tests. You need a lining that handles sharp gear and rough rocks. Nylon and PU-coated fabrics give strong protection. Ripstop nylon is a smart choice for climbers. It resists tears and keeps your gear safe.

• Choose high abrasion resistance
• Look for reinforced seams
• Pick water-resistant linings

Travel

Traveling means you want a lining that is easy to clean and keeps your things organized. Polyester works well for travel. It dries fast and resists stains. Mesh pockets help you find small items quickly.

Note: If you travel in rainy places, use a PU-coated lining for extra water protection.

Quick tips for travel:

• Easy to clean
• Quick-drying
• Organized pockets

Pick the lining that matches your activity. Your outdoor backpack will last longer and work better.

Selection Tips

Check Quality

You want your backpack to last. Start by checking the lining’s quality before you buy. Run your hand over the fabric. Does it feel smooth and strong? Try to pull or stretch it a little. Good lining snaps back and does not feel thin or weak.

Look at the seams inside the backpack. Strong linings have tight, even stitches. If you see loose threads or gaps, the lining may not last long. Check for coatings or treatments. Water beads up on quality linings. If water soaks in right away, the lining may not protect your gear.

Tip: Smell the inside of the backpack. A strong chemical smell can mean poor-quality materials.

What to Ask

When you shop for a backpack, ask the right questions. This helps you find the best lining for your needs.

• What material is the lining made from?
• Is the lining water-resistant or waterproof?
• How many abrasion cycles can the lining handle?
• Does the lining have any special coatings?
• How should I clean the lining?

You can also ask to see a sample or test the lining. Some stores let you pour a little water on the fabric or rub it with your hand.

Good vs Bad Lining

You can spot good and bad linings with a quick check. Here’s a table to help you:

If you see more signs from the “bad” column, keep looking. The right lining keeps your gear safe and your backpack ready for any adventure.

You should pick a backpack lining that matches your trip. Think about what you will do and what you need. Look for water resistance, strength, weight, and comfort. Here is a simple checklist:

• Use strong, water-resistant linings for hiking or climbing.
• Choose canvas or EVA foam if you camp with heavy stuff.
• Pick polyester if you want to clean your backpack easily when traveling.

You can do it! Pick the best lining and make your trip better.

FAQ

What lining material keeps my backpack dry in heavy rain?

You want PU-coated nylon or polyester. These linings block water and keep your gear safe. Always check for sealed seams and waterproof zippers. If you hike in wet places, this combo works best.

How do I clean my backpack lining without ruining it?

Use a soft cloth and mild soap. Wipe the lining gently. Avoid harsh chemicals. Air dry your backpack in the shade. Polyester and nylon linings clean up fast and don’t need much care.

Which lining is best for carrying sharp or heavy gear?

Pick ripstop nylon or canvas. Ripstop nylon stops tears from spreading. Canvas stands up to rough use. Both protect your gear and last longer on tough trips.

Can I replace the lining in my outdoor backpack?

You can, but it takes time and skill. Most people buy a new backpack instead. If you want to try, use strong fabric and sew tight seams. Ask a local gear shop for help.

Does mesh lining make my backpack cooler?

Yes! Mesh lets air move around your back. You sweat less and feel more comfortable. If you hike in hot weather, look for backpacks with mesh panels or foam channels.

See also

How to Choose the Appropriate Zipper and Buckle for Outdoor Backpacks

How to Determine the Right Size Zipper

Debossed or Embossed Bag Logo Which Lasts Longer

What Type of Zipper Is the Most Durable for Everyday Use