12L vs 30L Adventure Waterproof Backpack - What To Use When

The Red Equipment Adventure Waterproof Backpack has become a bit of an outdoor staple over the years. It’s a totally tough and adventure-ready backpack that can handle pretty much anything, whether that’s being thrown in the back of the van for a weekend away, battling the elements on your daily commute, or carried down to the water for a paddle or swim session. 

Our waterproof backpack has even helped movie stars battle the most extreme environments, making an appearance in Netflix’s Apex, where it helped carry essential gear through some seriously demanding conditions. However, while the 30L Adventure Waterproof Backpack has earned its reputation as the do-it-all adventure companion, we understand that not every outing needs 30 litres of storage.

Enter the new 12L Adventure Waterproof Backpack. It’s everything you know and love about the original - just as tough, just as waterproof - simply scaled down a touch for lighter loads. Whether you’re packing for a quick micro-adventure or handing over responsibility to younger explorers, there’s now an Adventure Waterproof Backpack to match. 

To help you decide which size is right for you, we’ve compiled this quick guide to what each bag does best.

The 30L Adventure Waterproof Backpack needs very little introduction. It’s an almost indestructible waterproof backpack, designed to sit by your side as a life-proof daypack or weekender bag for all kinds of journeys. 

The 30L capacity offers enough space to carry everything you might need, even on full-scale adventures. Meanwhile, this bag provides complete confidence that its contents will always stay protected, with a highly durable Armour Tech recycled fabric construction and a 100% waterproof, reliable roll-top closure. The 30L waterproof backpack is also packed with practical features that make life outdoors easier, like dedicated valuables stash pockets, a removable laptop sleeve, and ergonomic shoulder straps that make it easy to forget you’re carrying a fully loaded bag.

Key Features

• 30L capacity for larger adventures
• Fully waterproof construction
• Roll-top closure
• Reinforced base for protection on rough ground
• Waterproof external pockets
• Supportive back panel and breathable padding

When To Use It

In short, the 30L Adventure Waterproof Backpack should be the backpack you reach for when you want to be prepared for anything. It’s great for family adventures, where extra layers, towels, snacks and kids' essentials all add up pretty quickly. 

This waterproof bag also shines as a weekender or full-scale adventure backpack. Whether you’re heading away for a couple of nights of camping or hiking, there’s enough space for everything and the peace of mind that you’ll be comfortable as you exert yourself, but confident that everything’s protected from the elements. 

That said, it can also handle the everyday seamlessly, too. The removable laptop sleeve makes it equally useful during the week, transitioning seamlessly from the daily commute to an outdoor adventure. 

Shop the 30L Adventure Waterproof Backpack

The 12L Adventure Waterproof Backpack takes everything that makes its 30L sibling so strong and mighty and packages it into a lighter and more compact format.

Designed more for everyday use and micro-adventures, it’s a streamlined waterproof backpack that’s easier to carry and ideal when you don’t need the capacity of an entire daypack. Crucially, though, it retains the same commitment to waterproof performance and uses a recycled 420D nylon construction, fully welded seams, and a dependable roll-top closure to keep the contents completely dry when conditions turn.

Comfort remains a priority, too. The ergonomic shoulder straps and airflow back panel remain; they’re just scaled down for smaller frames or budding adventurers. 

Key Features

• Compact 12L capacity for lighter loads
• Waterproof recycled 420D nylon construction
• Welded seams
• Roll-top closure
• Ergonomic shoulder straps and airflow back panel
• Internal and external zipped pockets
• Dual mesh bottle sleeves, MOLLE webbing, and reflective detailing

When To Use It

The 12L Adventure Waterproof Backpack comes into its own in two key ways. Firstly, it’s perfect for smaller adult frames carrying the essentials and nothing more. If you’re heading out with the dog, for a coastal walk, or spending a day exploring, you’ll enjoy plenty of room for spare layers, valuables and a drink while remaining comfortable.

This bag is also the ultimate waterproof backpack for kids. Giving younger explorers their own pack is a great way to encourage independence on family adventures, and the 12L size is perfectly suited to this without feeling cumbersome. Just like the 30L version, it’s still built to withstand the inevitable knocks and scrapes that come with playing outdoors. 

Shop the 12L Adventure Waterproof Backpack

So… Which Should You Choose?

If you’re still weighing up which waterproof backpack is right for you, there really is no wrong answer. Both are built around the same philosophy and offer dependable waterproof protection and practical features for life outdoors. 

It ultimately comes down to your size and how much you want to be able to carry. If you regularly carry large loads, travel with family, need overnight storage, or simply want to leave no stone unturned in your adventure preparation, the 30L Adventure Waterproof Backpack is the obvious choice.

However, if you’re of a smaller build, prefer travelling lighter, or are looking to equip smaller adventurers, it’s the 12L waterproof backpack that will come into its own.

You can also browse our full range of waterproof backpacks online and get in touch with our expert team if you have any questions about the range or individual product features.