Not all bags are created equal. To keep your valuables and gear dry in wet conditions, it requires more than a basic pack.
For that reason we have put together a list of top performing waterproof bags to help you choose the best waterproof duffel bag for your next adventure.
Materials…what are they made out of?
To stand up to the abuse of outdoor activities like kayaking, camping, fishing and white water rafting. A waterproof duffel bag has to be made of material that is not only strong but impervious to water.
How does this differ from normal luggage?
Typical travel bags use cotton, leather or denim in their construction. While these materials are fine choices for most luggage, they are not designed to protect your gear against prolonged exposure to water.
Not only do they not repel water, they can actually “soak up” water. This is something you defiantly want to avoid.
So, if you find yourself packing for a cross county trip on a motorcycle or navigating down the rapids. Your going to want to make sure your bag is made out of one (or more) of the materials below.
Popular Waterproof Material options:
• RipStop fabric
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Polyurethane fabric (PUL fabric)
• Rubber
The duffel bags are then constructed using “welded seams”. Where material is bonded together using heat and pressure to maintain a watertight joint.
Aqua Quest White Water Duffel (Great lightweight option)
Lightweight & Durable. The White Water duffel by Aqua Quest is 100% waterproof, with 75-liter capacity, weighting in at only 2.2 lbs.
This bag is made of Abrasion resistant Oxford 420D RipStop fabric, TPU lamination and DWR coated.
Outdoor Weather Resistant Duffel Bag
The outside of the bag features two rubberized mesh pockets for quick access. These pockets can be used for wet gear like bathing suits and gloves. Keeping them separate from dry gear inside.
Features:
• Padded adjustable shoulder strap (Removable)
• 6 outer D-rings
• 4 webbing loops on the bottom to secure the bag to racks, motorcycles, boats
• 75 liter capacity
Wolfman Expedition Dry Duffel Bag Large, (Number #1 bag for motorcycles)
In addition to serving as a great waterproof bag for outdoor activities. The Wolfman Expedition Dry Duffel is an excellent duffel bag for motorcycles.
Going on an adventure? Waterproof Duffel bag for Motorcycles.
Strap it to your bike using the multiple tie-down straps and take it with you on the open road. Rest assure your gear will stay safe and dry no matter the weather.
Another bonus is the bright yellow color. While not only standing out from the crowd it helps reflect heat from the sun, keeping the internal temperature of the bag cooler.
Features:
• Roll Top Design
• 22oz vinyl body, 34oz vinyl sides
• Watertight Bag
• D-ring anchor points
• Travel bag designed for motorcycles
COR Waterproof Duffel 60L Dry Bag
Waterproof dry bag designed for the outdoor enthusiast! Perfect dry bag for Kayakers, Paddle Boarders, Skiers and Campers.
Nothing is worse than a wet pair of socks…
Keep your socks, shirts, pants, underwear – you name it dry with a weatherproof duffel bag!
Easy to use large mouth roll top prevents water from entering the main storage compartment. For quick access there is also an exterior water resistant pocket with zipper.
D-ring attachment points
Handy d-rings are located across the bag offer plenty of attachment points to keep your bag secured to a motorcycle, ATV or snowmobile.
Many snowmobiles will have areas on the back of the tunnel to accommodate these types of bags. Add in a few bungee straps and your ready to roll.
For machines that don’t have this extra cargo area. A back-pack style bag like the BakSak waterproof backpack would be a better alternative.
Video by Cor Surf, 60 Liter Dry Bag:
Furthermore, Cor Surf backs up their bag with a 100% money back guarantee, they even pay for the postage.
Features:
• Shoulder straps and Carry Handles
• (2) Compression straps
• D-ring attachment points
• Money Back Guarantee by Cor Surf
DuffelSak Best Waterproof Duffel Bag, 60L
Waterproof Duffel Bag by Sak Gear for all your outdoor essentials. Offered in two different sizes (40L and 60L) and six color options.
Large 60L capacity for swimsuits, laptops, cameras and clothes.
Available in a Variety of Colors!
On the go, quick access front pocket.
In addition to the large main compartment this waterproof bag has (2) outer zip pockets and (1) interior zip pocket. The interior zip pocket is a private storage solution for sensitive items like cell phones, ID cards and money.
These secret storage pockets make this a great choice for the beach or hanging out by the pool. By stowing valuables out-of-site, it will make them less of a target for theft.
Built Tough:
• 500D PVC
• Watertight welded seams
• D-rings to secure the bag
• Waterproof bag is available in six colors!
BackSak Waterproof Backpack, 35L (best waterproof storage bag for kayaking)
For a lighter load, take a look at the BackSak waterproof backpack by Sak Gear. Similar to the DuffelSak, the BackSak features (2) zippered protective pockets and is made out of 500D PVC.
“Where can I buy a waterproof backback?” Click the photo above for all color options and pricing
No tie-down points? No problem!
The smaller size (35L) makes this a perfect backpack for kayaking, bike riding or driving any vehicle without dedicated tie-down points.
Waterproof protection for your gear while allowing full use of your arms.
Features:
• 500D PVC
• (2) zippered pockets
• Thick, cushioned adjustable straps
• IPX-6 waterproof rated
• Available in (6) colors
Waterproof Case for Cell Phones, (Accessories)
Ok, so you have your waterproof duffel bag and your ready for adventure.
Well, not quite. The above waterproof bags do a great job of protecting your gear from water/rain but even the best bags can let water in if completely submerged.
With cellphones like the Apple Iphone X approaching prices of $1,000 this extra insurance makes sense.
Even with an IP67 rating (IPhone 8 & iPhone X) this does not protect against salt & chlorine which may cause damage to the finish.
Also, per Apples Iphone X fine print:
“iPhone X is splash, water, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.”
Therefore, we recommend picking up a Waterproof Case to keep your phones protected in the event your duffel becomes submerged or should fail.
Features:
• Clear front and back window to access screen and camera
• IPX8 Certified waterproof to 100ft
• Water proof phone case fits all smartphones up to 6.0″ diagonal size
Water Resistant Hard Case, Pelican 1050 (accessories)
For delicate equipment like cameras and sun glasses take a look at the 1050 Micro Case by Pelican. Water-resistant, Crush-proof and Dust-proof.
Looking for White Water rafting gear?
Consider bringing along a crush-proof box inside of the waterproof duffel bag to prevent sensitive items (cellphones, data storage disks or medication) from being destroyed should the bag become crushed.
Not only does this case keep items protected, it allows for better organization of smaller items inside of your bag.
Features:
• Watertight IP67 Case
• Designed for rugged outdoor sports
• Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve
• Dust-proof case
*BONUS* Shark Dry Backpack, Lightweight Design
This clever design by BeachBeing is sure to get some attention at the beach. Back-straps allow this to be worn like a backpack. Great for stand up paddle boarders!
Makes a great gift and is available in a few different sizes and colors.
Where is the best place to buy waterproof storage bags?
If you want to quickly browse a large selection of bags, read reviews and check prices.
Here is a link to waterproof duffel bags on Amazon.
Typically you can get a much better deal by buying online. As an example, on a recent trip to the Grand Cannon we stopped by an outdoor gear store. The prices on the dry bags in the store were anywhere from 2 to 3 times higher than online.
Now when considering buying an item to protect expensive electronics a “cheap” bag may end up costing you. Do your research and reference the products we have featured above as they are some of the top rated choices for 2018. Depending on the application (and budget of course) there is no “one size fits all” choice.
Other Articles, Cool Stuff
• Backpacks with Laptop Storage Compartment
• Pink Tool Boxes and Bags
• “Box Anchor” Article/Review
• BIGGEST YETI Cooler Complaints
Be sure to check back often as new products are added regularly to this list.
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