If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you know the importance of having reliable gear that can withstand any weather conditions.
That’s where waterproof duffel bags come in. Whether you’re heading out on a camping trip or a water-based excursion, these durable bags are designed to keep your belongings safe and dry.
But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one to choose? In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best waterproof duffel bags and their purposes, to help you make an informed decision and keep your gear protected on your next adventure.
The Benefits of Waterproof Duffel Bags
Standard dry bags are not as advantageous as waterproof duffel bags.
Versatility
The attractive quality of waterproof duffel bags is their capacity for use in many different ways. Waterproof duffel bags do a superb job of protecting and organizing equipment for journeys on the water, in addition to being useful in many other situations.
These bags are highly suitable for taking on car camping trips, bicycle camping expeditions, and, particularly, motorbike camping excursions. The substantial size combined with its small form renders it extra versatile in its applications, even for seemingly plain tasks such as carrying gym items in damp weather.
Same Capacity, Less Space
Typically, dry bags are quite large due to the air that is intentionally held within them. This makes it possible for the bag to remain in a buoyant state, however, a significant amount of space is taken up by the air.
Contrarily, waterproof duffel bags can be rolled up tightly so that there is no “dead area” produced by the presence of air. This enables duffel bags to hold the same amount of stuff as larger normal dry bags.
Easier to Pack & Unpack
Duffel bags that are waterproof are far more convenient and easy to load and unload. The shallow depth and broad aperture of the bag makes it easy to locate items inside.
Water-repellent duffel bags eliminate the worry of having to meticulously search through dry items while scuba diving.
Improved Organization
Duffel bags that are waterproof enable you to be much more orderly with your gear than regular dry bags. Organizing items within the circular form of typical dry sacks can be difficult, particularly with bigger bags.
In comparison, the shallow depth and wide opening make it easy to sort out your belongings. Preparing a duffel bag that is resistant to water is the same as readying a regular duffel bag or luggage.
Shopping Considerations
There’s many “options” available with waterproof duffel bags. Some of the considerations that someone shopping for a bag needs to remember include:
Clear or Colored?
The use of clear dry bags makes locating one’s items within the bag much more straightforward. People who have attempted to search for small clothing items when dry diving know how difficult it can be. For cylindrical dry bags, I always suggest purchasing a bag that is transparent.
Despite being waterproof, duffel bags do not possess the same level of depth or height typical of dry bags. Unlike regular dry sacks, these ones have a large opening. It’s not much different opening a waterproof duffel bag compared to a regular one typically used for sporting activities.
Gear is easier to locate since the depths of these areas are not very deep, which eliminates the necessity of using a transparent bag.
Additionally, clear bags have their drawbacks such as minimal privacy. For drift trips that include setting up camp, this is not a problem. Nonetheless, when using a waterproof duffel bag for close-to-home activities or a motorbike camping trip, a bright dry bag delivers more confidentiality for its contents.
It is up to the individual to decide if they want to get a transparent or tinted bag. Do not dismiss the possibility of having a coloured duffle bag, since the design of these bags make it easier to locate smaller items, than the standard watertight sacks.
Bag Capacity
Duffel bags that provide protection against water damage can be bought in a diversity of sizes, as can traditional dry storage sacks. The price disparity between medium and large duffel bags is usually insignificant, making it difficult to resist buying the bigger bag.
Nevertheless, bags that are smaller in size are more manageable and easier to shut properly. Smaller bags are also lighter. Smaller bags also hold gear more tightly. Finally, smaller bags are, obviously, more packable.
The selection of what size duffel bag to purchase is a matter that is determined by one’s individual requirements. I recommend purchasing a duffel bag of sufficient size for your requirements.
For example, if you are lodging with your motorcycle or embarking on a one-night journey on the river, do not buy a huge duffel bag to gather all your items. Get two bags – one for items like clothing and personal items, and a bigger, longer one for tents, bedding, etc…
It is more expensive to purchase two bags, however the added expenditure is beneficial due to the better management and adaptability that two duffel bags give.
Waterproof or Water Resistant?
When purchasing a duffel bag designed to be waterproof, make sure it actually is waterproof, not just water repellant. While this sounds simple, in practice it isn’t.
Many duffel bags claim to be waterproof. However, if one reads the specifications carefully it is often seen that these bags are only resistant to water, but not completely impermeable. In general, these sacks will have a water-resistant nylon shell, thus justifying their waterproof assertion.
Nevertheless, the bags employ ordinary zippers which are not water-resistant. Essentially, these bags are resistant to moisture but still enable liquid to enter via the zipper.
A bag that is able to resist water is sufficient when going to the gym or to undertake a car camping trip. Although water-resistant duffel bags may seem suitable for trips by boat or motorcycle camping, it is likely that the gear within them will become soaked and destroyed.
It is suggested that for anyone who wants a duffel bag that is water-resistant for motorcycle camping or trips that take one night, NRS is the place to go. At NRS, all bags are totally impervious to water and constructed to endure the challenges associated with canoe voyages and motorcycle camping.
Put another way, NRS’s waterproof duffels keep possessions dry no matter how soggy or hostile the environment. Bags that are resistant to water guard items from getting wet when a sudden rainfall starts.
Small Dry Bag for Personal Items
Though waterproof duffel bags are great for taking on boat rides, it is useful to bring a small or extra-small dry bag as well. Small and extra-small dry bags are perfect for packing any items you may need during the day, like sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
A dry bag of small size is great for keeping things like wallets, handbags, car keys, cell phones, and so on on day trips.
Article – Safeguarding Your Phone from Damage when Going Rafting
Ultimately, waterproof duffel bags make an excellent alternative to heavier, voluminous regular dry bags. They are a great way to house outfits, outdoor equipment, and a lot more. When you only have a few items to transport, an extra-small waterproof bag is the perfect choice.
Don’t Forget the Rope or Straps
Duffel bags which are designed to be waterproof have several D-Rings or other points of attachment on them. Nevertheless, straps or marine rope must be used to secure the bag to the boat.
Securing the bag to the vessel hinders it from sinking or being carried off if the boat were to overturn.
A great way to secure a dry bag to a raft is to affix a carabiner to both ends of a thin length of boating rope. This makes attaching/detaching the bag from the raft simple.
best waterproof duffel bags
1. Earth Pak 50L & 70L Waterproof Duffel Bag (top pick)
The perfect duffel bag for any condition, as it ensures your items are always safeguarded from getting wet. From kayaking, jogging, to trekking, duffel bags are your trusty sidekick. If you are looking for a waterproof duffel bag to purchase, then the Earth Pak is an excellent choice for you.
Earth Pak constructed the product with a special 1000D PVC fabric and sealed it with heat-bonded seams so that no moisture could enter. In addition, they suggest using it for different types of aquatic-oriented pastimes like sailing, cruising, kayaking, and so on.
Furthermore, the Earth Pak duffel bag is specifically designed to be watertight and airtight, making it a great bag to bring along on a weekend trip or to use while riding a motorcycle. Additionally, if you are a frequent traveler, there are both indoor and outdoor storage options available. As a result, it will make your trip worthwhile.
This Earth Pak duffel bag features a molle system on both the front and back, adjustable buckle straps on the sides, and a removable shoulder strap, making it suitable for any trip. Additionally, the tote has netted sections with a straightforward zipper, allowing you to easily access what’s inside.
Average Rank: 4.7 out of 5
Pros
- Heavy-duty material
- Durable
- Completely waterproof
- Plenty of room
- Inner and outer mesh pockets
Cons
- A few users reported that the strap broke after several months of use.
2. The Friendly Swede Duffel bag (best rated)
The Friendly Swede Company gave meticulous consideration to the design of this Duffel bag. Everything is included to make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
The material used to construct this product is 500d clean PVC Tarpaulin, which is very sturdy and does not contain any of the dangerous Phthalates or BPA chemicals, which are typically employed to soften plastic but can be highly toxic. You can be rest assured that Friendly Swede’s bag is reliable.
This item is designed to be waterproof, meaning your material will remain intact even if it gets exposed to rain or snow. But that doesn’t mean you can submerge it. It’s not a waterproof sack, but a Duffel with zippers, and if you use it like that, it won’t be waterproof.
This Duffel is exceptionally versatile. You can use the ergonomic straps to transport it in multiple ways. You are able to grip it firmly with the cushioned handles that are curved. The bag features straps on both sides, allowing you to conveniently take it from one location to another.
The shoulder straps have cushioning, producing a very pleasant and effortless experience when wearing the backpack. It is great that the backpack is detachable, so if you would like, you can take off one of the shoulder straps and hold it on your shoulder or remove them if you would rather store them away.
The 60L and 90L come with a chest strap. It is incredibly useful when you have overpacked and need the bag to remain balanced on your back. The bag contains three separate compartments for you to store and arrange your items. The 30L bag contains an external pocket for fast retrieval of your possessions, whereas the 60L and 90L bags have no such feature.
The 30L has clips that you can attach it to a vehicle with, and the 60L and 90L have ladder-lock buckles for adjusting the strap and fixing it in place at the desired length. This Duffel is available in many different colors.
People seem to be most partial to the yellow one since it is much easier to spot their buddy in a jam-packed airport or train station. Friendly Swede provides a 3-year assurance, and even more, they send you a handwritten note to thank you for buying their bag. Isn’t it sweet?
Average Rank: 4.7 out of 5
Pros
- Lots of compartments to organize stuff inside.
- Spacious
- Easy to carry
- Outstanding customer service
- High quality, durable bag.
Cons
- The zipper on the 30L is not water-resistant.
- The 60L and 90L don’t have any outer pockets.
- It Will leak if you submerge it
3. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is the most lightweight duffel available and stands out across every measure. The Black Hole can be comfortably and easily transported due to its lightweight snapped handles and the removable shoulder straps it has.
Apart from being convenient to use, the Black Hole boasts additional pockets, like the couple of zippered mesh spaces inside, perfect for housing minor objects.
Patagonia has a great padding at the bottom, which is a nice feature. This feature will make packing more secure and keep all your items in place. This Black Hole item is highly resistant to water damage and very tough due to its polyester and waterproof TPU layer. This Duffel bag offers a stylish look and can be folded flat into its own pouch for easier storage in a cabinet.
Average Rank: 4.8 out of 5
Pros:
- The extra lash points allow attaching it easily on whatever you wish to.
- It features extra inside and external mesh pockets to keep small items well organized.
- Awesome water-resistant fabric
- Extremely lightweight
- Incredibly strong and durable
- Easily detachable shoulder straps.
- Comes on wheels as well.
- Stylish looking bag
- Contains sets of carrying straps
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons:
- Have fewer choices of colors than other Duffel Bags.
