Rains bags buying guide: which style is right for you?

A Rains bag is one of those buys you make once and use for years. The trick is choosing the right shape for how you actually live, commute, travel, gym, everyday, so this guide walks through the range by use, with our pick for each.

As a UK stockist we hold a wide range in stock with next day delivery, so you are not waiting weeks or paying customs to order from abroad. Browse the full Rains collection whenever you are ready.

First, who are Rains?

Rains is a Danish brand, born in Aarhus, known for contemporary waterproof designs with a clean, minimalist look. The idea is simple: proper rainwear and bags that keep your things dry without giving up on good design, which is exactly what you want living somewhere like Scotland. Most bags carry a two year warranty.

Choosing by what you need

For commuting and everyday carry: the Backpacks

If you want one bag for work and daily life, start in the backpacks. The Rolltop Rucksack (£109) is the icon, a roll top closure that expands when you need it and keeps the rain out, ideal for a laptop, lunch and a layer. Want something sleeker or smaller? The Mini Backpack is the same spirit in a more compact, around town size. Our pick for most people is the Rolltop for its mix of capacity and that signature look.

For hands free days and going out: Everyday Bags

For lighter days, the everyday bags cover crossbody, shoulder, tote and bum bags. The Tote Bag Mini and Micro are easy grab and go shapes, and the Valera shoulder and crossbody styles are a little more refined for evenings or city days. 

For travel: Weekend and Travel Bags

For a weekend away or carry on travel, head to the travel bags. The Hilo Weekend Bag is the hero, a clean waterproof holdall that comes in small, regular and large so you can match it to the length of your trip. There is also a travel bundle pairing the Hilo Weekend with a matching wash bag at a saving, which makes an easy gift.

To keep your toiletries dry: Wash and Cosmetic Bags

The wash and cosmetic bags are where the waterproof fabric really earns its place. The Wash Bag Small and the Hilo Wash Bag are the classic styles, and the zip and cosmetic pouches are perfect for combinations of travel accessories e.g. makeup or cables. A wash bag is also the easiest, most affordable way into the brand and a reliable gift.

How to choose at a glance

If you want one 'do everything' bag, choose a backpack, most likely the Rolltop or the Backpack Mini. If you want light and hands free, choose a crossbody or tote. If you travel, choose a Hilo Weekend in the size that suits your trips. And whatever you pick, add a wash bag, as it is the piece people end up using most and gifting to others. 

Are Rains bags actually waterproof?

Rains bags are made from a waterproof fabric with taped or welded seams, designed to keep your belongings dry in the kind of rain you would expect them to face. They are built for everyday weather and travel rather than full submersion, so treat them as highly water resistant rainwear for daily life. Keep them clean by wiping with a damp cloth rather than machine washing, which preserves the coating over time.

Buying Rains in the UK

As a UK stockist we keep a wide range in stock with next day delivery available, back it with the two year Rains warranty and 60 day returns, and ship across the UK and now to the USA and Northern Ireland. Every order is packed by hand, and Edinburgh locals can try the sizes in person in our shop. Start with the full Rains collection.