10 Best Waterproof Duffel Bags in 2022 [Buying Guide]

2. Earth Pak Lightweight Waterproof Duffel Bag

Review

Choosing the Top Waterproof Duffel Bag: Buyer’s Guide

Before jumping too far into your search for the best waterproof bag on the market today, it’s important to understand the features you should be looking for. Considering which design features are important to you will help you get the most bang for your buck, and ensure you’re happy with your investment. 

To help remedy what can be an overwhelming search through products, we’ve searched the web for the best products on the market today to help you choose which duffel bag is right for you! Knowing how to navigate through endless product options will help you save time, money and peace of mind. 

Before getting into duffel bag features to look for, you should understand your needs from this piece of gear to help choose one that’s right for you. Here are some key things to consider:

How are duffel bags used?

Duffel bags are some of the most versatile pieces of gear for storage on the market today. These bags are large enough to carry all your gear in one place, but convenient and portable enough that it’s easy to carry with on adventures. No matter your activity, or ability, duffel bags are easily carried by all users. 

These bags can be used for a variety of adventures from hiking, to ocean sports like kayaking, to using it as a gym bag- which is well appreciated by adventure enthusiasts. Not only can the bags be carried with ease, but you can strap them onto paddle boards, kayaks with bungee storage systems, bicycles or motor boats. They can even be used in colder weather sports like skiing and hiking. 

Additionally, these bags are great when packing for camping at the beach! From carrying clothing, to food and drinks, bedding, adventure gear, and more, duffel bags can hold an abundance of gear in one convenient location. 

Why are duffel bags great for ocean sports?

Waterproof duffel bags come in handy for ocean sports because most activities require gear that can be heavy, and some that need protection from getting wet. Many people turn to this style of bag, as opposed to a backpack style, because of its versatility. Whether you’re kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, or snorkeling, these bags can carry your wetsuit, masks, clothing and more. 

Additionally, top waterproof duffel bags are designed to hold up to the elements and withstand heavy use. This particularly comes in handy for rugged adventure marine sports, especially in keeping your valuables safe. Whether you’ll be seaside, or submerging the bag underwater on an adventure, quality bags are made from materials that are built to last. 

This style of bag is designed to provide you with ultimate protection and comfort throughout the day, no matter your adventure. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend beach trip, or a lengthy ocean adventure, a waterproof duffel bag is an ideal choice for carrying and protecting gear on the go. 

How hard are duffel bags to clean?

Cleaning a duffel bag depends on the materials used in its construction. Those bags made with waterproof technology likely only require a gentle wash, and most often are not machine washable. Machine washing can be too harsh for waterproof bags, and breakdown the materials. Likewise, high heat in a machine dryer will likely melt the materials and should be avoided for longevity of the bag. However, the waterproof materials make the bags quite easy to clean as they repel the mess. A simple wipe down is often all that’s required to keep this style of bag clean after use, even around the ocean. 

Additionally, harsh soaps and cleansers should be avoided to maintain the bag’s integrity, and left to dry and store out of the sun. If there’s an odor that remains after the bag has been washed, many adventure enthusiasts recommend using baking soda to absorb the odors. Simply sprinkle some inside the bag, let it sit, and then vacuum it out. If something stronger is needed for odors, consider using a fabric freshener that’s designed for the bags materials. 

How are duffel bags stored?

When your duffel bag isn’t in use, it’s best to store it flat and out of the sun and heat. This means you shouldn’t crumple it into a ball and shove it into a drawer, store it in a hot attic, or leave it lying on the floor in the sun. All of these things can compromise the integrity of the waterproof design, and reduce the longevity of the bag. 

The best way to store your duffel bag is laying flat, somewhere out of direct sunlight and extreme heat. Doing this will keep your investment working well for many adventures to come. 

Should a duffel bag be stuffable?

If you tend to overpack, choosing a bag with a zipper durable enough to handle the stretch is essential. When you overfill a bag, the stretch can take away from the effectiveness of water resistance and durability of the materials. Thus, why it’s important to choose the correct sized bag for your needs, and a zipper that fits your packing style. 

Ideally, you’ll want to invest in a bag that works well in a variety of situations and adventures. It should be able to handle the amount of gear you’ll need to carry on your adventure, and zip close, with ease. The question is- how heavy of a packer are you?

There are generally two styles of duffel bag closing to choose from, and each has its advantages. In regards to stuffability, zippers in a D shape are going to have much more give than a zipper that lays flat. Additionally, these D shaped zippers provide easier access to gear, making them an ideal choice for ultimate convenience. 

Duffel Bag Features to Search For

When searching for the best duffel bag for your needs, there are many features to consider to get the most bang for your buck. From choosing the correct size, to the comfort and fit when carrying, to design features like color and pockets, here we’ve gathered key features to look for during your search. 

Materials

The materials used in the construction of your duffel bag will determine the level of protection for your valuables and gear inside. Choose a product made with tough and sturdy materials to set yourself up for success on adventures. Not only should the main bag material be a durable waterproof type, but the stitching, zippers and other closures should also be made of quality materials. Materials used should be durable enough to survive the wear and tear that comes with traveling, and to withstand the elements out in the natural world while on adventures. The best duffel bags are typically made with nylon and polyester materials, which are both durable and easy to clean. Additionally, if your bag features zippers they should be properly sealed shut during construction. These are common points of entry for water to leak inside, but quality materials used in the design is the only way to keep gear inside safe and dry.

Some materials used in the construction of waterproof duffel bags are:

• Nylon
• Polyester
• PVC
• TPU
• and other synthetic fabrics

Size and Fit

Duffel bags can be used for a variety of reasons, from hand bags, to travel, kayaking, hiking and more. The bag dimensions will determine what it can be used for, and how much gear it can carry. For example, if traveling by air, you’ll need to make sure that the bag dimensions fit baggage compartment regulations. On the other hand, if you’re using the duffel bag for a scuba diving trip you’ll need a much larger design to fit bulky scuba gear. Choose a duffel bag that’s the right size for your needs to prevent having to make multiple purchases, and keep you happy with your investment for years to come. 

Most duffel bags used for outdoor adventure sports will come in some version of the following sizes:

• 10L Capacity
• 20L Capacity
• 30L Capacity
• 40L Capacity
• 50L Capacity
• 60L Capacity

Weight Capacity

You’ll find that duffel bags have a listed intended weight capacity, which is the maximum amount of weight the bag construction is able to support. It’s particularly important to stay within these ranges for waterproof bags because compromising the materials can alter the integrity of the waterproofing. Weight capacity is listed for a reason, and exceeding this limit runs the risk of soaking gear inside. Added weight that the bag is not designed for can cause added stress and strain on the zippers compromising its ability to keep water out. When considering the volume allowance of your bag, make sure you choose one that will fit all of your equipment with plenty of room. This will increase its lifespan and save you from having to spend additional money on another bag. 

Design and Features

A well designed duffel bag can make your adventures even better, which is why it’s so important to understand what features you’ll benefit from. For example, bags with straps and pockets are ideal for ease in carrying and organizing belongings inside. Additionally, a bag that is specifically designed for your carrying needs will set you up for ultimate success throughout your travels. If you’re planning to carry camera equipment or wet gear, for example, you’ll want internal compartments to keep it all organized and separated. These design features are what will turn a good duffel bag into one you simply can’t travel without!

Bag Cost

Quality and durable waterproof duffel bags don’t have to hurt your bank account, but remember that inexpensive can also mean cheaply made. With duffel bag purchases, much like other gear, you get what you pay for. The materials used in the design of the bag should be quality, and the construction should provide longevity, meaning the price tag will likely reflect the effort put into the bag’s design. Remember that a larger upfront cost will likely save you money in the long run because you won’t have to purchase another bag later on, or chance ruining gear inside.

Comfort and Fit

Duffel bags aren’t typically designed to be carried for long distances, like travel backpacks are, but they should still provide comfort while carrying. Straps with extra padding and rubber comfort handles will reduce strain from the weight of the bag on hands and shoulders while carrying. Opt for a bag with comfort features to reduce stress throughout the day.

Here are some comfort and fit features to search for in your duffel bag:

• Adjustable and/or Removable Shoulder Straps
• Strap Padding for Added Comfort
• Ergonomic Carrying Handles
• Waist Belt Straps
• Backpack Straps

Bag Pockets

Ideally, a waterproof duffel bag should feature multiple pockets to store valuables and gear separately. This allows for better organizations inside the bag, and keeps valuables safe from wet or dirty gear in other compartments. Pockets also help to keep small or breakable items safely stored in an easy to access area.

Here are some types of pockets you’ll find in waterproof style duffel bags:

• Interior Pockets
• Exterior Pockets
• Wet Pockets for Wet Gear
• Ventilated Shoe Compartment
• Easy Access Side Pockets

Some bags feature zippered interior pockets to keep items inside separated. This is great for securing valuables while traveling or adventuring outdoors. Additionally, some bags feature exterior pockets where gear can be stored and easily accessed without compromising the integrity of the waterproof seal. It’s important to keep in mind that these exterior pockets are typically water resistant, and not waterproof. Only gear that can get wet should be stored in these pockets. If you need items to stay secured away from water, keep these items in the internal compartments of the bag. 

Wheels vs. Straps

Waterproof duffel bags are designed to carry an abundance of gear in one convenient place. You’ll notice there are two types of carrying features, straps, wheels, or both.

Duffel bags with wheels have gained quite a bit of popularity recently, and both strapped and wheeled bags come with their advantages depending on your needs. To decide which style bag is best for you, understand your needs from the bag and what types of environments you’ll be carrying it in.

Here are the transport styles for bring a duffel along on your adventure:

• Wheels
• Carrying Handles
• Cross-Body Strap
• Backpack Straps

Wheeled bags, for example, have the added advantage of taking stress off of shoulders and back and rolling along easily on smooth surfaces. On the other hand, these bags aren’t ideal for rolling along on rough terrains. This means these bags are great for traveling through airports, but not so great for adventuring on rocky coastal terrains. This style of bag is typically able to carry a heavier weight than strapped options, because they feature a hard plastic bottom design making them rigid and durable.

The more traditional strapped style duffel bag, on the other hand, features handles for carrying or a long strap to conveniently carry across your body. These bags are designed for portability even in rugged environments. Additionally, they can be easily strapped onto just about any surface, from kayaks, to paddle boards and more. 

Bag Color

While color may not seem like one of the most important features to search for in your bag design, it should hold relevance in your decision making- and here’s why. Although largely cosmetic, bag color does play another role in your adventures.

The ideal color for your waterproof bag depends entirely on its intended use. For example, if you’re investing in a duffel for ocean sports like scuba diving or kayaking, you’ll want to opt for a bright neon color that offers high visibility. Not only does this help you locate your bag, it increases others ability to see you while exploring in the water. This is the reason you’ll find more marine gear comes in a variety of bright, high visibility colors.

Additionally, if your intended use for a duffel bag is for recreational use like beach camping, or hiking in the mountains, a more neutral color is often preferred to blend into the environment. Whiie high visibility colors in these scenarios is still beneficial, it’s just less necessary than when exploring marine environments. Instead you can opt for a neutral colored bag, like black, green, brown or blue.

Bag Style

Duffel bags designed to protect gear in wet environments come in different styles, depending on the intended use. These bags can come in a variety of styles from wheeled options, to multi strap options, or even knapsacks. Deciding which style is best for you is best done after addressing how you’ll be using the bag, and how much gear you’ll need to carry inside.

A wheeled bag option, for example, will look much like that of a strap carry bag. It’ll have an extendable handle for easy rolling, and durable wheels for transporting conveniently. If you’re exploring an environment with smooth pavement or flooring, this style is ideal to take stress off the shoulders and back. 

On the other hand, if you’re someone who enjoys carrying a backpack, but wants the versatility and storage of a duffel bag, a carry style will be ideal for your needs. This style of bag will have straps that help you comfortably carry your gear along on adventures, and some even feature a waist strap for added security and comfort. Additionally, these comfort straps allow the user to move about freely without feeling weighed down by the bag.

Zippers

The zippers used in the design of your duffel bag will directly affect the east of access you have to your belongings inside. Some bags feature single zippers at the top of the bag which is great for easy packing, but makes finding belongings at the bottom more difficult. D shaped zippers, on the other hand, are a great option for accessing all of your gear without the hassle of digging through the entire bag contents to find it.

The most important thing to look for when it comes to zippers is to make sure that the company notes that the zipper is waterproof. A bag made of waterproof material with a zipper that is less than par, will allow water to leak into the bag and potentially ruin the contents inside. A quality and waterproof zipper is one of the most important features to keep in mind when searching for the best duffel bag for your needs. 

Waterproof vs Water Resistant

Waterproof and water resistant are two very different things. Waterproof means the bag’s contents will not get wet under any circumstance, even when the bag is fully submerged. The integrity will hold up in tough marine conditions, and you can rest assured that your valuables are safe. 

Water resistant, on the other hand, means that the bag can withstand getting wet- but not submerged. It’s important to note this difference so that you don’t mistakenly secure your gear inside only to find out the bag wasn’t designed to be submerged in water.

Bag Uses

Understanding how you intend to use your new duffel bag is key to determining which bag is best for you. A hotel-hopping traveler, for example, will have vastly different needs from their bag than an ocean sport lover adventuring the oceans. To make sure your investment is something you’ll be happy with, assess how you’ll be using your bag to decide which is best for your needs.