Whether it’s a weekend getaway or partaking in water activities, you want your gear to be dry and retrievable should it fall in the water. A waterproof duffel bag is a surefire way to protect your investment in rugged environment, but is it worth the hefty price tag? Are there other water-resistant methods of securing your gear? In this post, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of investing in a waterproof duffel bag and help you make the best decision for your outdoor adventures.
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Why Would You Need a Waterproof Duffel Bag?
If you love water activities, a bag duffel that’s waterproof is something to consider. Not only is it a great protective gear item to have in case of an unexpected dip, but it can also be invaluable for everyday items you don’t want to get wet. There is nothing more detrimental than having your gear getting splashed on. Or worse, falling into the water. If it’s clothing, it’s wet, which can put you in a survival situation.
You may be in trouble if it’s personal effects, such as equipment that cannot get wet or electronics. These items you have collected are valuable to you and should be stored safely and kept dry in a rugged and durable waterproof duffel.
On top of the above, true waterproof dry bags do provide some buoyancy! While it is no replacement for a life jacket or other dedicated PPE, it might assist a mediocre swimmer in a bad situation.
Read our review on the very affordable Caperlan 20L Waterproof Fishing Backpack.
Cost-Effective Alternatives to Waterproof Duffel Bags
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast on a budget, a waterproof / dry duffel can break the bank. But don’t worry – there are plenty of cost-effective alternatives!Â
One option is to keep a backpack dry by wrapping it in a garbage bag or placing it in a pack liner. For smaller items, use dry bag backpacks such as the Sea to Summit Dry Bag or dry pouches, and if you must, Ziplock bags. Just remember that these won’t keep all the water out. Most dry backpacks on the market feature a roll-top closure and no water-resistant zipper. Through experience, even the best-sealed Ziplock bags will let a little moisture leak through.Â
Although these alternatives are not 100%, they are affordable and will keep your gear dry from rain but not from being submerged.
You're one splash from disaster - fix it fast! Check out the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag Set! Designed with a convenient roll-top closure, these ultralightweight bags are made from tough ripstop nylon, ensuring maximum waterproof protection for all your essentials. Whether you’re canoeing or kayaking, these dry bags are for you. So, pack your gear, hit the water, and make sure it stays dry, because nothing should stop your fun in the sun!
Quality vs. Affordability
For some outdoorsy folks, affordability versus quality often poses a dilemma: should you splurge for durability and dependability or compromise with something less expensive? Ultimately, it comes down to the adventure and your personal preferences.
Travel duffels that are affordable are sufficient for short hikes, camping trips, or weekend getaways. However, if you’re engaging in an activity with greater risk potential, like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or boating, I suggest you invest in quality waterproof dry bags.
Read our Canoeing for Beginners post to start paddling today!
YETI Panga 75 vs Mustang Survival Greenwater
Our outdoor activities are mixed that’s why we opted for quality versus affordability. We invested in a large waterproof duffel, the YETI Panga 75 and a smaller Mustang Survival Greenwater 35L Deck Bag. Both have durable materials and are dependable for gear protection!
For me, the YETI Panga 75L Waterproof Duffel feels durable and has a more heavy-duty construction. It’s perfect for river trips, camping, even as a weekender out in wet conditions. I love the fact that there are varied carrying options (grab handles, shoulder strap, backpack straps) – helps offset the back pain when trekking with heavy outdoor gear. The other plus is its large opening, which makes access your things so much easier. Inside, the Panga 75 offers one mesh zippered pocket. That’s one of the two things that annoy me about the Panga. For a large bag, I wish there was more in terms of gear organization. That, and the Panga is pretty heavy without anything in it. Even so, I do think that the YETI Panga is the best waterproof duffel bag. Click here for a more thorough review on the YETI’s Panga 75.
Now, I know you’re not going to haul a large waterproof duffel when you’re on a short canoe paddle, kayaking, or paddleboarding to an island for some much needed R&R. For short trips, we opted for the Mustang Survival Greenwater 35L Deck Bag. It’s a submersible duffel with welded seams that offers fantastic waterproof protection for our gear.
Being 35L, Mustang’s waterproof dry bag fits perfectly in the bow of the canoe or underneath the tie-down straps on a paddleboard. It’s small enough to carry basic needs and large enough as a weekend travel bag for men. I say men, because, us women, always need to overpack! Here’s my pet peeve with the Greenwater Deck Bag – opening the main compartment is a nuisance! Why, you might ask – the zippered compartment is designed to be on an angle, which makes the opening small. That, and the dry bag has a tendency of collapsing onto itself, causing the zipper to rub up against your hands. Other than that, the Greenwater is perfect for waterproof storage. It has not failed us yet!
Pros and Cons of Investing in a Waterproof Duffel
Nobody wants to miss out on their next big adventure, and worrying about keeping your gear safe and secure can be challenging. Of course, as with anything, there are various pros and cons to ponder before purchasing a waterproof duffle bag or a waterproof backpack. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Large Capacity | Expensive |
| Waterproof | Heavy when Packed |
| Large Opening | Small Openings on Some Models |
| Easier to Pack | Very Little to No Pockets |
| Fully-Submersible | Not Every Dry Bag is Waterproof (can leak around zippers) |
| Wide Variety of Size Options | |
| Versatility in Carrying Methods | |
| Waterproof Zippers | |
| Leak Tight Construction | |
| Durability | |
| Floats |
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying the Best Waterproof Duffel Bag
- Is the duffle bag submersible? If yes, for how how deep and how long? Check the IPX rating.
- Does the dry duffel feature water-tight construction? Like welded seams, tpu coating?
- Is the duffel bag waterproof or merely water-resistant? Big difference here – again, check IPX rating – make sure it’s a minimum of 7.
- Does the duffel have a wide-mouth opening for easy packing?
- Are the zippers waterproof? Does the zipper stop in a waterproof enclosure?
- What carrying and security features does it offer?
- Does the dry duffel offer lashing points?
- Are there compression straps?
Waterproof Travel Duffel Bags, a Final Thought
Despite the hefty price tag, there are many valuable benefits to a waterproof duffel bag. If you spend an enormous amount of time around water or in extreme conditions, investing in a quality waterproof duffel is a smart decision – we did and have not regretted it. Whether you decide to splurge on a high-quality duffel or opt for a more cost-effective solution like dry bag backpacks, always consider the bags’ purpose before purchasing. There are those of you that don’t care to protect all their gear, and there are others that need to protect it all. If you only have a few pieces to protect, opt for a dry bag with a roll-top closure – it’s cheaper and more suited to your needs.
👉 Have you ever invested in a waterproof duffel bag? We want to hear from you!Â
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