Using a waterproof duffel bag is advantageous in many ways. First, having a duffel bag that is completely waterproof will allow you to go trekking in downpours, as well as go white water rafting. You will not want to bring a regular bag that is not waterproof on a boating adventure.
The second advantage to having a duffel bag, in general, is that it has plenty more space than a regular backpack.
Because there are not a lot of internal pockets, this makes way for all of your gear. They are also a lot lighter than regular backpacks. The only disadvantage that we can think of is the fact that it does not have a padded frame for your back. But a lot of good duffle bags have shoulder straps that allow you to carry them on your back.
Some waterproof duffel bags have a roll-top. These provide extra protection against getting soaked on the inside. This is because the water will not seep through the zipper seams.
Generally speaking, a waterproof duffel bag protects against downpours and momentary drops in bodies of water. The stands in contrast with water-resistant duffle bags, which can only withstand some light rain.
Related: 5 Best Drop-Bottom Rolling Duffels: 2 Main Compartments
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Duffel Bag
There are a few considerations that you must take into account in order to ensure that you are choosing the best waterproof duffel bag for you. Here they are, in no particular order:
Durability:
The best duffel bags are made with ballistic nylon or polyester. Both of these materials are thick and durable. Nylon is especially abrasion-resistant, but polyester will also do the trick and remain to look new.
Price:
There are two things that will increase the price of a waterproof duffel bag; quality and brand name. While we have included a couple of brand-name duffle bags here, most of the duffel bags we have reviewed are pretty affordable. A brand-name product does not always mean a higher quality product.
The majority of the duffel bags reviewed here are under $100, and a couple are even under $50. They all vary slightly in quality, but they are also some of the most popular waterproof duffel bags on the market.
Size:
Which duffel bag you decide to purchase also depends on the size that you need. If you are just going to go somewhere overnight, a 35-liter duffle bag will do. But there are much larger duffle bags that are made for extended stays.
For example, if you are going to be staying somewhere for several days, you may need a 90-liter duffel bag. But that is only for just one person. If you are bringing along your spouse or child, you will need to pack for more than one. A duffel bag is just the right type of bag for this because it is light, which allows you to carry more things for less.
Our Top Waterproof Buffel Bag
The waterproof duffel bag how were handpicked by us based on popularity, durability, waterproofing, and value. Here are our top waterproof duffle bags in no particular order.
Kwik Tek Dry Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag
This waterproof duffel bag is appropriate for camping, hunting (for scent-proof storage), and white water rafting. We picked this duffle bag because it is highly popular, perhaps more popular than the others below. This is not mean that it is of higher quality. It comes at a very affordable price. Granted, it has very good reviews.
The Kwik Tek dry Pak duffel bag is made of nylon and polyester and is completely waterproof.
This is a roll-top duffel. You can roll down the top a few times and snap it tightly with the buckles on the sides. This provides for extra waterproofing as the rain will not get in through the seams. For extra organization for your items, there are water-resistant pockets with storm flaps on each side. The Kwik Tek Dry Pak comes in four different colors that would be appealing to men, as well as women.
It has a removable shoulder strap that is padded so that you do not have achy shoulders.
Unlike other duffel bags, it has a molded bottom to add some integrity to the structure of the bag. This means that it will not sit sloppy when it is on the ground. The duffel bag can hold 70 liters of gear, putting it on the large side of bag. You can go camping for 2 days with this one.
If you are worried about purchasing a duffel bag for a price lower than $50, we want to assure you that this one will not let you down. You definitely get bang for your buck with the Kwik Tek Dry Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag.
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Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag
The Thule Chasm Sport waterproof duffel bag is made with a durable canvas fabric.
This fabric is waterproof and can easily protect against rain, sand, and bodies of water. You can take this with you while you are boating. If it is submerged and retrieved quickly, the content will remain dry. But as with most waterproof duffel bags, full submersion at any length of time will be hazardous because water can get through. But the Leader Accessories duffel bag will float if it is on water.
It comes in three different sizes; 40 liters, 70 liters, 90 liters, and 130 liters. 40 liters would be enough for anything just overnight, but 90 liters is great for several days. There is a flap over the zipper at the top but it is not quite a roll top. The bottom of the duffel bag is durable and tough. There is a special pocket at the top if you want to include your cards such as your credit card or ID.
As with most duffle bags, it has an adjustable shoulder strap. We also love its vibrant color options including: Autumnal, Olivine, Black, and Poseidon
We have a slight preference for the Kwik Tek Dry Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag because this branded Thule Duffel bag is quite more expensive.
- Rugged, weather-resistant duffel perfect for camping, outdoor adventures or travel
The North Face Men’s Base Camp Duffel
This one is one of our favorites.
While it is a bit pricier than the two above, it is not as expensive as some of the brand-name ones out there. In case you are not aware, The North Face is a very popular company that usually does have a higher price tag.
But in this case, the Base Camp duffel comes at an affordable price and offers great value for what you’re getting. The design is superb! Unlike the other duffel bag here, it has shoulder straps so that you can carry it as if you were going to carry a backpack. But it also has side handles so that you can grab one of the side handles with one hand and carry it over your shoulder.
In order to protect your valuables from the rain seeping into the seams of the zipper, there is a D-flap. The D-flap covers the zipper so that nothing gets through. The North Face Base Camp duffel bag comes in various sizes ranging from small to extra large.
While the small carry 42 liters of gear, the extra-large carries as much as 155 liters.
As you can tell, the Base Camp duffel bag is larger than the usual size. If you are just going to purchase this to go to the gym or for day use, the smallest size will do. Keep in mind that these are very big duffle bags so choose the size wisely.
Perhaps one of the best things about The North Face bags is the fact that they come in many different styles and looks. This Base Camp duffel bag comes in 34 different colors and styles! They are all highly attractive styles and colors and there is bound to be one that you will enjoy. While this duffel bag is advertised as a man’s bag, some of the colors would be attractive for a woman to carry.
- ADVENTURE READY. Our iconic expedition duffel is now made with 100% recycled body and boot materials. The Base Camp Duffel — Large offers all the features you need, plus legendary durability for weeks off the grid or extended expeditions.
OverBoard Waterproof Duffel Bag
The OverBoard Waterproof duffel bag costs around the same as The North Face duffel bag. However, it does not come with the same molded shoulder straps as The North Face duffel bag. This means that it will not be as comfortable to carry on your shoulders.
But it does have a removable shoulder strap and hand carry handles. Hand carry handles might be preferable to the shoulder straps of The North Face duffel bag if you are just going to carry this by hand for short periods of time.
This OverBoard duffel bag has an outer nylon shell with a high-frequency welded seam.
To further enhance the waterproofing, it comes with a roll top. Also, it comes with large outdoor mesh side pockets so that you can store your frequently needed items. Unlike some of the other duffel bags, it has two internal zipper pockets as well.
We love the fact that the OverBoard has 4 D-rings that provide attachment points. You can clip things onto these D-rings, such as extra pouches or helmets.
The OverBoard waterproof duffel bag comes in three different; 40 liters, 60 liters, and 130 liters. Unlike The North Face, it only comes in one color, which is blue. But it does have slightly more waterproofing. The roll-top ensures that it is plenty waterproof.
- 100% waterproof holdall with Fold Seal System - Class 3 - IP66. Waterproof front zip pocket - Class 2 - IP65
AquaQuest White Water Duffel Bag
Last but not least, the Aqua Quest White Water duffel is the most waterproof of all of the duffle bags featured on this page!
It is fully waterproof and can withstand any amount of rain, dust, and wet sand. You can let set it down on the ground, even if it is wet with mud or snow. Never mind those long soaks in the pouring rain, your gear will not get wet. The only thing that you will not want to do with this bag is submerged it completely.
The best part about the stuff a bag is that it is the same price as the others above. At the same price as The North Face duffel bag, you can have one that is 100% waterproof and highly durable. In fact, the fabric is made of an Oxford 420D ripstop that is abrasion-resistant. It has a double coating and welded seams for extra waterproofing.
The Aqua Quest White Water Duffel has 6 D-rings that you can attach things to.
It also has a padded carry handle, as well as a padded removable shoulder strap. They have external mesh pockets so that you can access your frequently needed items.
This product comes with a two-year warranty. If you are not satisfied with this duffle bag for any reason, simply say so and return it.
Is it any wonder that this duffel bag has five-star reviews on Amazon? It has the highest review rating of all of the duffle bags featured here. This one is definitely our favorite.
- 100% WATERPROOF - No amount of rain, snow, dirt, dust, or sand can penetrate this bag. With all the storage and functionality of a regular duffel and the added benefit of full waterproof protection, this bag will protect against even the most extreme weather.
