When paddleboarding alone or with loved ones, you want the experience to be fantastic. But you won’t have any fun with a rumbling stomach and dry throat. Since you can’t hold your snacks, drinks and essentials while paddling, a deck bag is a must-have.
With so many brands around, making a choice can be hard. Everyone says their product is perfect and they never highlight the flaws. This can be both frustrating and confusing to paddlers. Don’t waste your money on a bag that will disappoint you. Let me help.
Here, I discuss 10 of the best SUP deck bags available. Every detail will be uncovered including the pros and cons.
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Paddle Board Deck Bags Compared
1. Seattle Sports Vinyl Coated Mesh Deck Bag
A deck bag doesn’t have to be complicated. The Seattle Sports is simple but it’s packed with awesome features.
Build Quality
It is made using heavy-duty vinyl-coated weave mesh, while the zippers are corrosion-resistant. The material is not waterproof but it is tough and durable. You can go wherever you want with confidence—knowing that this deck bag will hold.
Design
The Seattle Sports deck bag is black and comes with snaphook lash points. They attach to your paddleboard. For easy carrying, there is a webbing handle.
Use
Your board needs to have bungee cords for you to attach the deck bag. If not, you’ll have to think of something.
The bag has a three-liter volume.
Since it is not waterproof, you can only store things that won’t be damaged by water. For your phone and valuables, get a waterproof pouch.
Features and Specifications
- Made with vinyl-coated mesh
- Corrosion-resistant zippers
- Snaphook lash points for attachment
- Webbing carry handle
- Easy to dry
- Shoreside
- Clips rotate 360 degrees
- Small mesh pocket inside
- Dimensions: 15.5” x 11.5” x 5”
- Volume: 3 liters
- Weight: 7.2 oz
- Dries quickly
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Not waterproof
Customer Feedback
Paddlers think they got a great deal with the Seattle Sports deck bag. It’s affordable and comes in handy. The seams, according to them, are strong and the bag is high-quality. The zipper opens smoothly. Some users say that a waterproof pouch or pocket would be nice. There are no complaints.
2. Taj M’Haul Deck Bag
For many people, the Taj M’Haul is a perfect deck bag. The manufacturer really thought about what paddlers love.
Build Quality
The outer shell is made using 400-denier nylon and has a double-pull zipper entry. This shell is stiff, ensuring that the bag stays in shape. Its pockets are made of mesh. If you are looking for a rugged deck bag that won’t let you down, this is it.
Design
There is an inner waterproof bag with zip-seal closure. Now you don’t have to buy an extra pouch for your phone and valuables.
The Taj M’Haul comes with a carry handle and smaller pockets for quick-access items. They are mesh pockets so, obviously, not waterproof.
Use
The waterproof bag has a HydroLock zip seal. While it’s great for keeping your stuff dry, opening to access it can be hectic. It’s best for things that you don’t have to use frequently.
This Taj M’Haul deck bag attaches to your paddleboard using dual hook-and-loop attachment straps. They work if your SUP has tie-down points.
Features and Specifications
- 400-denier nylon shell
- Double-pull zipper entry
- Extra mesh pockets
- Inner waterproof bag with zip seal
- Dual hook-and-look attachment straps
- Carry handle
- Reflective tape
- Dimensions: 17” x 13 – 11” (tapers) x 5”
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Inner waterproof bag
- Sufficient storage
- Well-made
- Plastic shell moves a lot
Customer Feedback
Users say that the bag looks great and is high-quality. They don’t doubt the durability. The waterproof bag is okay but getting things out can be a hassle. Some prefer to have another pouch for their phones. There are complaints about the plastic shell moving a lot. One paddler also wished it came in different colors.
3. Sea to Summit SUP Deck Bag
This bag is a little bigger and would be great for day-long or overnight trips. From the design to the smaller details, everything about the Sea to Summit is commendable.
Build Quality
It is made using 420D big river fabric. The stitching is worth mentioning as well. In general, the build quality is nothing short of outstanding.
Design
The Sea to Summit deck bag has a watertight roll-top closure. It is blue and available in two sizes, 12 liters and 24 liters.
There are three aluminum-hook ladderlock buckles at the bottom and six tie-down loops at the top. You will also notice a plastic insert inside—it shapes the bag.
Use
This deck bag is 100% waterproof. You can use it for a change of clothes and your valuables. The interior is white. You may not think this is significant but you will, when trying to find something. It makes it easier to see what you are looking for.
The Sea to Summit attaches to your deck using self-adhesive lash points. It is not just limited to SUPs, but will also work for boats and kayaks.
Features and Specifications
- Made using 420-denier fabric
- Impeccable stitching
- Watertight roll-top closure
- Blue
- 3 aluminum hook ladderlock buckles
- 6 tie-down loops
- Black plastic insert
- White interior
- Self-adhesive lash points
- Volume: 12 liters/24 liters
- Weight: 1 lb
- Waterproof
- Quality design
- Great size
- Lacks shoulder strap
Customer Feedback
Paddlers describe the Sea to Summit as “just perfect”. The size is exactly what many were looking for and its design is beautiful. It is waterproof. Their stuff stayed dry the whole time. Some wish it came with shoulder straps. Other than that, they highly recommend it.
4. SUP-Now Paddleboard Deck Bag with Waterproof Insert
This is a deck bag made by paddlers for paddlers. From this statement, you already know that it has all the features that you would love.
Build Quality
The SUP-Now deck bag is super light. But don’t be fooled. The materials used are heavy-duty and the construction is amazing. The result is a rugged bag that will serve you for a long time.
Design
This bag is larger than most pouches. It fits basic stuff for an afternoon out in the water. There is a handle for carrying and suction cups.
The large-tab zipper is smooth and makes it easy to access your essentials. It’s corrosion-resistant.
Use
The SUP-Now bag attaches to the deck of a SUP using the four suction cups. If you have an inflatable paddleboard, they won’t work. For iSUPs with a bungee cord, there is nothing to worry about. You can use that.
This bag is not waterproof but it comes with a waterproof insert for valuables.
Features and Specifications
- Carry handle
- Four suction cups with quick-release hooks
- Large, corrosion-resistant zipper
- Waterproof insert included
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Light and aerodynamic
- Dimensions: 12” x 14”
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Free waterproof insert
- Low profile design
- Lightweight
- Won’t stick on iSUPs, but you can connect to the D-rings
Customer Feedback
Buyers are pleased with their choice of a SUP deck bag. The SUP-Now fits all their essentials and the waterproof insert is nice—you can use your phone while it is in the insert. Some paddlers say that the suction cups don’t work. The deck surface needs to be very smooth for them to hold.
5. Gearlab Deck Pod
At first, you may dismiss the Gearlab deck pod as too small. But you have no idea how much this compact bag can hold.
Build Quality
This is an award-winning deck pod. That should tell you a lot about its quality. It is built using 450-denier hydrolysis resistant fabric. All the straps, buckles and zips are made with tough, corrosion-resistant materials.
Design
There are external holders on either side for a paddle float and bilge pump. The bag has a low profile design—you don’t have to worry about it bothering you or increasing wind resistance.
Quick-release buckles allow for easy mounting and removing. You may miss the carry handle because it is attached beneath the pod.
Use
Dehydration will be the least of your problems as you can fit a three-liter bladder in the Gearlab deck pod. The mesh pockets are placed strategically to help you keep everything organized and neat.
The best thing about this deck bag is that every feature allows for quick access in case of an emergency. That is important, especially for whitewater paddlers.
Features and Specifications
- Made with 450D hydrolysis resistant fabric
- External holders on either side
- Low profile design
- Quick-release buckles
- Carry handle
- Several mesh pockets
- Water-resistant
- Fits a 3-liter bladder
- Weight: 12 oz
- Small and compact
- Quick access
- Commendable design
- A little expensive
Customer Feedback
Paddlers couldn’t help but notice the build quality of the Gearlab deck pod. They say that the design and construction are well thought of. According to one user, the bag fits a three-liter bladder and leaves space for a few other essentials. Everyone loves how organized the pod is.
There are no negative reviews.
6. SUP-Now Paddleboard Accessories Cooler & Mesh Bag
While it’s good to have something to drink while paddling, it’s even better if it is not warm. The SUP-Now cooler and mesh bag makes it possible to enjoy a cold one under the hot sun.
Build Quality
When making this deck bag, the manufacturer wanted to offer paddlers something durable and lightweight. They did a great job. The construction is reliable and the weight makes it fun to carry around.
Design
There are two storage compartments; one for keys and valuables and another one for things that should be kept cool.
It has a large-tab zipper, suction cups and a carry handle. The cups have inbuilt quick release hooks.
Use
The SUP-Now cooler and mesh bag is not waterproof. But they were kind enough to include a waterproof insert for your phone. You can use your phone to take photos while it is still in the insert.
It attaches to your hard-top paddleboard using the suction cups. For inflatable paddleboards, you will need a bungee cord as the cups won’t hold.
Features and Specifications
- Light and aerodynamic
- Different storage compartments
- Large-tab zipper with quick-release hooks
- Four suction cups
- Carry handle
- Sticks on hard-top SUPs
- Not waterproof
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Weight: 10 oz
- Free waterproof insert
- Cooler and mesh bag in one
- Lightweight and durable
- Won’t stick on iSUPs
Customer Feedback
Paddleboarders love their SUP-Now cooler/mesh bag. The design is commendable and so is the quality. It does keep their stuff cool for a few hours. They love the different compartments because they make organization easy. There are tons of positive comments about the customer service.
7. ADVANCED ELEMENTS Quickdraw Deck Bag
If it’s from Advanced Elements, you know it is going to be good. The Quickdraw deck bag is the perfect companion for all your SUP activities.
Build Quality
The Quickdraw is made using 500-denier PVC tarpaulin. The inner roll-top is built with 75D rip-stop. Its durability is outstanding. It is arguably one of the most durable deck bags out there.
Design
This bag from Advanced Elements is yellow. It has a semi-rigid shape for paddlers to see and reach for their stuff. The interior is removable.
It comes with D-rings and adjustable straps for attachment.
Use
The Quickdraw is water-resistant. Your belongings won’t get wet when water splashes on the bag. Make sure you don’t submerge it, though, because there is no mention of it being waterproof.
This 7-liter deck bag would be great for a not-so-long paddling trip. You can carry snacks, drinks and a few small things. It attaches to boards using the straps and D-rings.
Features and Specifications
- Made with 500D PVC tarpaulin
- 75D rip-stop roll-top
- Yellow
- Semi-rigid shape
- Removable interior
- Adjustable straps and D-rings
- Water-resistant material and zipper
- Dimensions: 14” x 8” – 6” (tapers) x 4.5” – 3” (tapers)
- Volume: 7 liters
- Weight: 18.4 oz
- Cool design
- Reliable quality
- Quick access
- Not waterproof
Customer Feedback
It looks like many customers did not check the specs of this bag. They say it is not as big as they thought. Besides that, paddlers love the design and quality. It is a long-lasting bag—no doubt. Many people didn’t have issues attaching it to their SUP. Overall, the Quickdraw is an option worth considering.
8. Overboard Gear Waterproof Deck Bag
Another yellow beauty, the Overboard deck bag offers more than just a gorgeous exterior. Check out the details.
Build Quality
The Overboard bag is built from 600D PVC tarpaulin. That, and the welded seams, give you a rugged SUP bag that will handle anything. If you are adventurous, you never know where the water will take you. It’s always great to be armed with the toughest gear—and this bag qualifies.
Design
This waterproof bag from Overboard does not have some kind of internal frame. But the material is stiff enough to hold its shape when empty.
There is the main compartment, which is waterproof, and outer pocket with a zipper. The pocket is weatherproof.
Use
The bag has six side buckle connectors for attaching to the board. They are easy to figure out and efficiently keep everything secure.
It comes with a removable shoulder strap for carrying.
Features and Specifications
- Made with 600D PVC tarpaulin
- High-frequency welded seams
- Main compartment is waterproof
- Pocket is weatherproof
- Six side buckle connectors
- Removable shoulder strap
- Roll-top closure
- Front storage webbing
- Dimensions: 10.2” x 11.8” x 16.9”
- Volume: 20 liters
- Weight: 1.76 lbs
- Wipe clean easily
- Waterproof
- Awesome design
- Short straps
Customer Feedback
As expected, paddlers love the design. The Overboard deck bag fits all their essentials and they are confident about the quality. Many users have put their valuables, such as expensive cameras, in the bag and they say that they remained dry. However, there are a few complaints from people who say that this bag is not waterproof.
9. Attwood SUP Deck Storage Bag
If you are looking for a small-sized bag for short paddling adventures, the Attwood deck bag may be a good choice. There is nothing complicated about it—and that is what makes it amazing.
Build Quality
The Attwood is made using durable PVC. It is a tough, water-resistant material that doesn’t wear easily. The manufacturer has also done a great job with the stitching—this is one of the areas that inferior bags fail.
Design
This yellow deck bag from Attwood comes with D-rings and cords for attachment. In addition to being bright, it has a reflective stripe that makes you visible when paddling at night or when it is foggy.
There are several compartments. The main one is water-resistant while the others are for things that can get wet.
Use
This is not a waterproof dry bag. Your stuff may stay dry in a splash. The manufacturer doesn’t say anything about it being waterproof. Don’t submerge it. The side pockets allow for quick access.
Features and Specifications
- Made with PVC
- Water-resistant
- D-rings and cords for attachment
- Reflective stripe for night/fog paddling
- Several compartments
- Dimensions: 10” x 8” x 3”
- Volume: 8 liters
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Reflective stripe
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Not waterproof
Customer Feedback
Users were not disappointed. They got the cool bag they were expecting. It holds all their essentials for short paddling trips. Everything stays dry—as long as the bag is not immersed. One paddler says that he has used his Attwood bag for three years and it is still together.
10. Chinook Aquawave 20 Blue
Last but not least, we have the Chinook Aquawave deck bag. It is made in the United States and, as you can already guess, it’s awesome.
Build Quality
Every part of the Chinook Aquawave is built from tough materials. This makes it perfect, not just for paddling, but also for activities such as hunting and camping—according to the manufacturer.
Design
The main compartment is water-resistant. There is an internal stiffener board to keep the bag in shape and to allow for maximum storage.
The sides have storage panels for a water bottle and a pump. On the outside, you will find extra mesh compartments.
A shoulder strap is included.
Use
This bag is only water-resistant, not waterproof. Don’t submerge it.
The Chinook Aquawave attaches to your board using in-built fastening straps. They are mighty strong and keep the bag secure.
Features and Specifications
- Main compartment is water-resistant
- Internal stiffener board
- Side storage panels
- Additional mesh compartments
- Shoulder strap
- Has fastening straps
- Nylon bar-tacked stress
- Corrosion-resistant zippers
- Dimensions: 17.9” x 16.2” x 2”
- Volume: 20 liters
- Weight: 15.2 oz
- Durable materials and construction
- Water-resistant compartment
- Stiffener board
- Not waterproof
Customer Feedback
Users in the review section seem divided. Some think that the bungee cords are too short and that the stiffener is too big for the bag. A majority of the paddlers love the Chinook Aquawave. One even says that it is his new best friend. The bag fits everything they need, is water-resistant and durable.
Conclusion
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Paddle board accessories make SUP even more fun. And every paddler should have a paddle board deck bag. How else are you going to carry your snacks and beverages? The ones reviewed above are the best. Some are waterproof, others are water-resistant while a few will let a lot of water in (and out). It all depends on what you want. Each one of them has been tried and tested, so you’ll be getting a good deal.
As usual, don’t forget to have fun and make memories. That’s what SUP is all about.
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