The best waterproof duffel bag is one that tackles the problem of keeping your stuff dry in all conditions and circumstances, from backpacking, commuting to kayaking. It is the best way to keep your gear dry and becomes your gear-hauling, thrill-riding, adventure-seeking best friend, even if you fall into the deep water with your electronics inside.
What is the Best Waterproof Duffel Bag?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Waterproof Duffel Bag and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available duffel bags that are waterproof that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these waterproof duffel bags.
We also wrote a brief waterproof duffel bags Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 10 duffel bags that are waterproof based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Earth Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag
This large travel duffel bag has thermo welded seams to ensure your gear remains completely dry. The airtight and completely waterproof design works well as a motorcycle backpack, river rafting duffel bag, and weekend getaways bag. For the seasonal flier, it has added storage inside and out, making it worthwhile to take on your next trip. The duffel works well for any venture with the removable shoulder strap, buckle strap on all sides, with the molle system on the front and back.
Pros
- Plenty of attachment points,
- Loads of space with two pockets,
- Watertight protection,
- Loads of room in the pack,
- Waterproof and airtight,
- Stylish design with a locking system
Cons
- The strap stitching comes undone, but the customer response is excellent
2. Gonex Waterproof Duffle
This is the best travel duffel bag to use on an adventure or a vacation. You get a shoe compartment with an outlet to keep your footwear or wet clothes. The main cubicle is big enough to hold everything for your trip, and you get a removable mesh bag to organize your items. On the outside, there is a transparent card window to recognize your luggage. There are straps on both sides for lifting with a top handle for carrying and adjustable straps for cross body or shoulder carrying.
Pros
- Waterproof and snowproof,
- Outlet pockets to hold wet items,
- Three ways to carry for lifting, hand carrying, cross body, or shoulders,
- Heavy-duty construction,
- Keeps your gear dry,
- Cheap dry bag
Cons
- A zipper at the top would be better than Velcro for closing,Would be nice if it had more inner pockets
3. NUBILY Leather
This waterproof duffel bag for travel carries all your gear for a three to six-day business or weekender trip. The luggage works well as a carry-on flight bag to fit in the overhead compartment as well. The canvas fabric is water and tear-resistant for unexpected rain. It has 12 pockets to keep your clothes and other items organized. You have a dedicated shoe compartment with holes for ventilation to separate your shoes and gear.
Pros
- Separate shoe compartment,
- Plenty of room for organizing,
- Water and tear-resistant fabric,
- Has a distinctive look,
- Great to use for a weekend getaway,
- Heavy-duty stitching and canvas
Cons
- Quality control concerns with zipper tabs missing
4. SALVS Waterproof Duffle Bag 50L
The distinctive roll-top design of this duffel bag makes it sandproof, waterproof, dirtproof, and snowproof. It’ll keep your clothes and gear safe and dry, especially if working outdoors and in a wet environment. Its dual cross straps keep it fully secure on both sides, making it ideal for carrying items of odd shapes and sizes.
Pros
- Thoughtfully designed for convenience and durability,
- Laser straight and accurate stitching makes it a truly waterproof bag,
- Oversized, sturdy and thick straps and buckles,
- Light and easy-going,
- Feels and looks robust and durable,
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not suitable for holding fragile items
5. Skog A Kust DuffelSak
With the PVC exterior, high frequency welded seams, and roll-down top available, this duffel bag works well in dry to wet conditions. There is a removable shoulder strap, carrying handles with D-rings to attach to luggage or boat hooks. You get two interior and exterior pockets with a clear ID window. The main compartment is big enough to pack anything you need for camping to overnight trips.
Pros
- Waterproof,
- Enough interior space for packing with pockets,
- Three ways to tote,
- No moisture gets inside the bag,
- Quality design,
- Inexpensive for a dry pack
Cons
- You need to dig around to find things in the bag
6. ECOdept Duffel Bag
This waterproof duffel bag is economical to buy and use for kayaking and other water adventure trips. When folding the dry sack, it creates a watertight seal to keep items dry. What I like is the different ways of carrying it in hand or as a backpack. Furthermore, it has an exterior pocket to keep your tickets and essentials on hand when flying.
Pros
- Flexible and thick fabric that does not get ripped easily,
- Two shoulder straps with a grab handle,
- Exterior zipper pocket,
- Quality product,
- Airtight design,
- The color is easy to see on the baggage carousel
Cons
- Buckle breaks easily
7. Cor Surf Waterproof Duffle Bag
The duffel bag works well for frequent outdoor travelers to outdoor adventures with the ripstop fabric for durability and welded-seams to keep your gear dry even when the bag gets submerged in water. For carrying between flights, the handles are reinforced with a removable shoulder strap with Velcro closing. The tote works well as a carry-on for overnight trips or weekend camping.
The duffel bag works for surfing vacations, snowboarding, to hiking trips with the welded seam design to keep gear dry. The D-rings with webbing straps allow you to attach it to your canoe, snowmobile, or motorbike.
Pros
- Waterproof and dirtproof,
- Compression straps to keep equipment secure,
- Webbing straps to attach to a motorbike for motorcycle trips,
- Welded seams making it completely watertight,
- Large exterior pocket,
- Four tightening straps to compress the bag
Cons
- Lacks a removable bottom stiffener,
- No carrying handles on either end of the bag,
- One adjustable shoulder strap and not two
8. Extra Large Waterproof Duffel Bag 155L
The extra-large travel duffel bag works well for rugged adventures with weatherproof TPU Laminated Ripstop Oxford construction. With the loads of space you can leave it packed and ready to go. You get a weekender bag to use for hiking, kayaking, or international traveling made up of a roll down zip system with eight compression straps creating an airtight dry bag. Furthermore, with all the tie-down points, you can use it as a car roof rack for camping as well.
Pros
- All-weather bag,
- Sturdy, robust, and durable,
- Shock-resistant backpack straps with chest strap,
- Huge bag for long hauls,
- Can compress the bag for smaller loads,
- Waterproof and made for long-term use
Cons
- More storage compartments will help
9. Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack 35L
The Earth Pak mens waterproof backpack comes with a generous main compartment with inner and outer pockets for organization. It provides a good fit to the body with an ergonomic padded back panel and contoured shoulder straps as well as a chest and waist strap. The backpack features 500D PVC fabric construction with attention given to the seams and stress points to ensure performance and durability, although the seems may give way after some use. We like the extra features that this pack brings, such as the MOLLE system and convenient D-Rings on the shoulder straps that allow you to attach extra gear and can serve as an anchor point to latch to a bike, boat, or kayak. It also comes with an external waterproof phone case for keeping your phone dry while using it in wet conditions.
Pros
- Roll-top closure with single reinforced strip,
- D-ring attached shoulder strap,
- Molle looping system with attachment points,
- Thick fabric to withstand wear and tear,
- Small enough as carry-on luggage,
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- No hip belt,
- Seams are not very strong,
- Heavy with poor weight distribution
10. YETI Panga 50 Storm
This watertight duffel bag has a zipper top providing easy access to travelers without rolling down the top. The rucksack has a heavy-duty design with a “ThickSkin” shell with EVA molded bottom to withstand a beating which is also waterproof. You can pack the sack with gear for a week and function as a carry-on to fit the overhead compartment. The straps provide for easy carrying as a backpack. There are lash points to use as tie-downs on a boat, making it a versatile option for sailors, as well as backpackers and frequent travelers.
Pros
- Submersible in water,
- Airtight seal with hydrolock zipper,
- Puncture and abrasion-resistant,
- Keeps everything dry,
- Comfortable to carry,
- Having the zipper top provides easy access to gear
Cons
- More pockets would be nice to have
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best waterproof duffel bag is below:
Overall best waterproof duffel bag out there: Earth Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: Extra Large Waterproof Duffel Bag 155L
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: SALVS Waterproof Duffle Bag 50L
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
Questions and Answers About Waterproof Duffel Bags
What can you use a waterproof duffel bag for?
You can take it for all types of adventure, from water sports, through backpacking in the tropics, to snow sports. Some can even float, keeping your stuff safe and dry.
What to look for in a waterproof duffel bag?
There are many factors to consider to find a great bag, as seen here:
-The material dictates how well your belongings are protected,
-The design needs to specific for your traveling needs,
-Pay attention to watertightness of the bag you’re buying,
-Look at the comfort and fit from backpack to carrying in hand,
-Size is crucial in determining how much you can pack,
-Weight capacity determines how much weight it can handle
What’s the difference between a waterproof and a water-resistant duffel bag?
A water-resistant bag will hold up against splashes of water, but at some point, the water starts seeping through. The waterproof pack you can submerge in water without your gear getting wet.
What size waterproof duffle bag can you take on a plane?
Like any carry-on luggage, the duffel bag needs to meet the luggage size restrictions set out by the airline you plan to use. We recommend checking this with the airline before you fly.
Are waterproof duffle bags good for traveling?
You never know where your travels take you, and having a waterproof duffle bag is useful. The pack keeps your valuables, like a hiking drone, protected from the elements and rain.
How to tell if the duffel bag is waterproof?
To know this, you need to look at the specs of the bag if it has waterproof fabric and zippers/roll-top closure with welded seams.