Whether a rain cover comes included depends entirely on the specific pack and brand rather than being a standard feature across hiking backpacks generally.
Why coverage is inconsistent
Some pack makers build a rain cover into the price of mid-range and premium hiking packs, stowing it in a dedicated bottom pocket that's easy to reach without unpacking the main compartment. Others treat it as an accessory sold separately, sized to match each pack's specific volume rather than a one-size-fits-all design. Budget and entry-level packs are the least likely to include one at all, since it adds cost to the base price.
What to check before a trip
Before assuming a pack has built-in rain protection, check the specific model's spec sheet or included-accessories list, since even packs within the same brand's lineup vary widely — a flagship backpacking pack might include a cover while a simpler daypack in the same range doesn't, and a past model year's inclusion doesn't guarantee the current version still ships with one.
- Included: stored in a dedicated pocket, usually sized specifically to that pack's volume
- Sold separately: must be matched to the pack's liter rating when buying, since an undersized cover won't stretch over a full load
- Not offered: some packs have no matching rain cover option at all, making a pack liner more important as the primary defense
If no cover is included
A pack liner works independently of whether a rain cover is included, since it protects the contents rather than the shell — making it the more essential of the two pieces of gear if only one is available on a given trip.