What Is the Best Waterproof Duffel Bag of 2023?

One of the challenges that paddlers and other outdoor enthusiasts face is how to keep their stuff safe and secure while on the water. You don’t want to spend the better part of your adventure worrying about your gear getting wet, damaged, or lost. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to–not if you get yourself a quality waterproof duffel bag. 

Knowing you need a duffel bag is one thing. Sifting through hundreds of options to find the perfect bag is another. If you’re not careful, you may end up with a cheaply-made duffel bag or one that just isn’t right for you. 

To help you out, I recommend my top 10 best waterproof duffel bags and discuss their features. There’s also a buying guide section so you’ll know what to look for. Hopefully, this will help you choose the best waterproof duffel bag for your needs.

My top pick is the YETI Panga waterproof bag, and I think any outdoor enthusiast would be happy with it. It’s durable, fully submersible and tough as nails!

However, if you’re looking for something different, keep reading for more to see which other duffel bags are worth looking at. 

RELATED: 32 Cool Paddle Board Accessories for More Fun on the Water

Best Waterproof Duffel Bags Compared

The 10 Best Waterproof Duffel Bags to Keep Your Things Dry

Here are my top 10 suggestions for the best waterproof duffle bags for paddle boarding and all kinds of outdoor adventures. 

1. YETI Panga Airtight, Waterproof and Submersible Bags – Best Overall

I love that the straps are also durable but comfortable – this is much appreciated when carrying the bag over long distances.  

The YETI Panga is available in four sizes and you can also get it in a backpack design. 

This would be a perfect option for paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a duffel bag that is completely waterproof and has unmatched quality. 

• Rugged and durable: This bag features a tough outer shell, an EVA molded bottom, and Metallock hardware. The material is abrasion- and puncture-resistant. It’s great for all kinds of outdoor activities because it can take anything. 
• Three-year warranty: I love the long warranty because it’s just a little extra peace of mind – it’s a great warranty period for a duffel bag so you know you’re getting a quality product. 
• Submersible: The YETI Panga is airtight and not even a drop of water can get in when it’s properly closed. Your valuables will stay dry. 
• Three sizes available: This dry duffel bag comes in three sizes and you can choose the one that will best serve your needs. 

• Tough zipper: Opening and closing the zipper can be a little tough sometimes. It also requires careful maintenance but it does its job perfectly. 

Check Price of the Yeti Panga Airlight Bag

2. COR Surf 60L Travel Duffel Dry Bag – Best Budget Duffel Bag

I think it’s amazing that the COR Surf bag, like the Earth Pak, comes with pockets. It has a large outer zip pocket and an inner zip pocket that would be great for small valuables like phones and keys. 

The bag has a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap, as well as D-rings, webbing straps, and handles for convenience and versatility. You can carry the bag in different ways and attach it to a paddle board, canoe, a motorbike or anything else that will allow you to attach it with the straps.

With a 60-liter capacity, the COR Surf bag is big and great for long trips. You can get it in two colors: black/green and black/gray. 

If your budget is a little tight but you still want a quality waterproof duffel bag, check out the COR Surf. 

• Affordable and high-quality: I love that the COR Surf bag doesn’t cost as much as other waterproof duffel bags but the quality is still amazing. It feels as though, if not tougher, than many of the more expensive bags. You’ll be using it for a long time. 
• Exterior and interior pockets: There’s an internal pocket where you can put small valuables like a charger and a large exterior water-resistant pocket for items you need to access quickly. 
• D-rings and webbing straps: These come in handy when you want to attach your COR Surf to your SUP or kayak, and can also use them to attach more gear to the bag too. 

• No warranty: This doesn’t seem to have a warranty. While it’s a nice solid bag, a warranty would still have been nice.

Check Price of the COR Surf Bag

3. Aqua Quest White Water Duffel – Most Durable Duffel Bag

There are two external mesh pockets that you can use for small items or wet gear. 

The Aqua Quest bag comes with an adjustable and padded shoulder strap for carrying it. Alternatively, you can use the padded grab handle. It’s pretty comfortable too. 

The waterproof duffel bag is available in six different colors and three sizes. The 100-liter bag is pretty huge and ideal for long trips.

The Aqua Quest would be perfect for the extreme sports enthusiast who is in the market for a duffel bag that can take a beating. 

• Impeccable quality: The Aqua Quest is made using tough military-grade material, has welded seams, and all the stress points are double-bar tacked. You can use it anywhere, in any condition and it will still hold up well. 
• Lifetime warranty: This waterproof duffel bag is backed by a lifetime warranty, which is impressive. You’re assured of a high-quality bag that can last a lifetime. 
• Two external mesh pockets: I love these pockets because you’ll have a place to store wet items, separate from everything else. You can also store anything you need to access quickly while on your adventure. 
• Color and size options: The Aqua Quest is available in three sizes (or capacities) of 50, 75, and 100 liters. You can choose the size size you want depending on how much stuff you want to carry. You also have six nice color options to choose from. 

• Awkward design: The shoulder strap attachment is a little awkward and sometimes the bag flips when carrying it on your shoulder which is not fun.

Check Price of the Aqua Guest Duffel Bag

4. Filson Medium Duffel Bag

The main compartment is spacious and can fit a lot of personal items. It has a roll-and-cinch closure that does a good job of keeping the contents dry. It also features a dual-lock fastener which adds an extra layer of security. 

If you expect to be carrying heavy gear, this might be a good option. It has nylon webbing handles that go around the bag. This waterproof bag also has a removable webbing shoulder strap. 

I’d recommend the Filson waterproof bag to anyone in the market for an extremely durable bag for any kind of weather. 

• Great size: The Filson waterproof duffle bag is neither too big nor too small. It can fit a couple days’ worth of gear but it’s still easy to carry around. 
• Remarkable construction: It is made using strong 840-denier nylon with TPU, resulting in a bag that is fully waterproof and abrasion-resistant, but lightweight. It can take all the use and abuse that you throw at it. 
• Adjustable and padded shoulder strap: The strap has a nice neoprene pad that makes it comfortable and it doesn’t dig into your shoulder. 
• Wide webbing straps: I love that the webbing straps are wide and they go around the bag – it means you can carry heavy stuff more easily. 

• One size: The bag is only available in one size so you don’t get any size options.

Check Price of the Filson Duffel Bag

5. SealLine Widemouth Waterproof Duffel

The SealLine duffle has a roll-top closure that also helps to prevent any water from getting in. The wide opening makes it easy to organize and access your belongings too. 

This high-quality bag comes with adjustable carry straps with a snap closure. They are comfortable and great for carrying the waterproof bag over long distances. If you intend to attach it to a paddle board or kayak, you’ll love the fact that it has D-rings as well. 

The SealLine comes in three capacities: 25, 40, and 70 liters.

You should consider this duffle bag if you want a simple, durable waterproof bag that perfectly does what it’s supposed to do–keep your belongings dry. 

• Limited lifetime warranty: The SealLine waterproof duffel is rugged and can handle rough and extreme outdoor adventures without coming apart. 
• Three sizes available: You can choose the 25-, 40-, or 70-liter bag depending on the length of your trips and what you intend to bring. 
• Wide, roll-top opening: Packing your stuff is easy, and so is accessing everything, even when you’re on a paddle board out in the water. The interior is also lightly colored and you won’t have a hard time finding what you need. 

• No shoulder strap: A shoulder strap comes in handy when you have to carry this bag together with other gear. 

Check Price of the SealLine Widemouth Duffel

6. Gonex Extra Large, Heavy Duty Duffel Bag

One of its cool features is the back nylon zip pocket which has holes or outlets. You can put your wet clothes in there so they don’t mix with the dry ones. The outlets drain excess water from the clothes.

There is a transparent card window, where you can put your name card, making it easy to recognize your bag when traveling. 

The Gonex duffel bag comes with several adjustable straps and you can carry it in three different ways. 

It is available in three sizes and six different colors. 

Check out the Gonex waterproof duffle bag if you want unmatched quality at a friendly price. 

• External zip pocket: The pocket has outlets that drain water so you can store your wet items like towels there.
• Color and size options: You’re not limited to just one size or one color with the Gonex bag. There are six color options and three size options for you to choose from. 
• Rugged and waterproof: The military-strength PVC used to make this bag is extremely tough and hard to damage. It’s also waterproof and snowproof so your valuables will be fine in every situation. 
• It has D-rings: You can use them to attach other items to the bag. The D-rings also make it easy to strap the bag onto your SUP or motorcycle. 

• A little heavy: This duffle is heavier compared to other bags of the same size.

Check Price of the Gonex Extra Large Bag

7. Earth Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag 

The Earth Pak bag features padded double handles and a padded shoulder strap which is also adjustable. It is more comfortable to carry over long distances even with a lot of gear, because of this. 

Most duffel bags only have one compartment so I love that the Earth Pak has two internal mesh pockets and a large external mesh pocket with a zipper. They are great for organizing gear and having your valuables easily accessible.

The bag is available in four capacity sizes: 50, 70, 90 and 70 liters. 

The Earth Pak would be an ideal waterproof duffel bag for you if you’re looking for an incredibly durable, fully waterproof bag from a reputable company. 

• Reliable construction: The Earth Pak is built using commercial-grade PVC and it comes with a five-year warranty. It feels and looks solid–you don’t have to worry about it coming apart. 
• Three pockets: I love that it has two internal pockets and an external one. They make it easy for you to organize your stuff, especially smaller items. 
• Comfortable straps: The handles have padding. You won’t have a problem carrying it over long distances, even when it’s heavy. 

• Buckles don’t seem sturdy: Everything about this bag is impressive but the buckles feel a little weak. A friend’s buckle broke after only two uses. 

Check Price of the Earth Pak Duffel Bag

8. Grundens Shore Leave 55 L Waterproof Duffel Bag

It also helps that it doesn’t have a zipper. It features a hook and loop roll-top closure with compression straps and is easy to close and open. 

You can carry your Grundens bag as a regular duffle bag or as a backpack since it comes with a shoulder strap and hidden backpack straps. 

The Grundens Shore Leave waterproof duffel bag is a great bag for anglers and anyone who spends a lot of time on or around the water. 

• Tough as nails: This duffel bag is designed for anglers and it can handle whatever you put it through, thanks to the 500D PVC tarpaulin material. 
• Can be used as a backpack: The backpack straps come in handy, especially when you have to portage. 
• Loop system: The Grundens bag has loops that allow you to easily attach it to your SUP or canoe and you can also attach small items and gear onto the bag. 

• No different size options: This bag comes in only one size, so you don’t get options. I would have liked to see a larger option to cater to those who need more capacity.

Check Price of the Grundens Shore Leave Bag

9. Skog Å Kust DuffelSåk Waterproof Duffle Dry Bag 

The Skog Å Kust DuffelSåk comes with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap as well as two handles for easy carrying. It also features D-rings so you can attach it to your kayak or paddle board – which is obviously a useful feature.

The waterproof bag has two exterior pockets and two internal pockets, all of them zippered. They are great for items that require quick access like keys. There’s also a clear ID window. 

The DuffelSåk is available in eight colors and three sizes. 

If you’re looking for a high-quality duffel bag that will keep your stuff dry and comes in different interesting colors–including camo–consider the DuffelSåk. 

• Quality construction: This bag is made using high-strength PVC and will weather any storm easily. It’s definitely high quality and looks good too. 
• Airtight closure: When properly closed, this dry duffel bag will keep everything inside dry, even in heavy rain. 
• Three available sizes: I love the fact that you get three size options with the DuffelSåk. You can buy a large, small or medium bag. 

• Small pockets: The outer pockets are nice but they’re a little small. I wish there was at least one bigger exterior pocket.

Check Price of the Skog Å Kust DuffelSåk

10. Watershed Yukon Waterproof UV-Resistant Duffel Bag

This marine-grade duffel bag doesn’t have zippered pockets but it features lash points that you can use to attach extra gear. It also has rugged but comfortable carry handles for easy carrying. 

The Watershed Yukon is available in five colors. 

Check out this duffel bag if you’re looking for a bag that will keep your stuff dry even when under the water.

• Airtight ZipDry closure: It creates a watertight and airtight seal that ensures you don’t have to worry, even in extreme whitewater situations. 
• Ultra strong construction: The 420D Cordura nylon fabric used to make this SUP is super tough and abrasion-resistant. That, plus the overlapping seams, results in a duffel bag that is as rugged as it feels.
• Comfortable carrying straps: The straps are rugged, but padded and comfortable for easy carrying. 

• No shoulder strap: The Watershed Yukon doesn’t have a shoulder strap so you don’t have many options when transporting it, so it’ll just be down to holding the handles. 

Check Price of the Watershed Yukon Bag

Choosing the Best Waterproof Duffel Bag for Your Needs

From the above list or maybe a list of your own, how do you narrow it down to one perfect duffel bag that will be right for you?  

Factors to Consider When Buying a Waterproof Duffel Bag

Here are the key areas that you should consider when shopping for the best waterproof duffel bag to suit your needs.  

1. Materials and Durability 

As an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll probably find yourself in extreme or unfavorable weather conditions every now and then. The last thing you want is for your duffel bag to come apart, spilling all its contents when you’re out on a paddling excursion or otherwise in the wilderness somewhere. 

Look for waterproof duffel bags built using military-grade materials. Don’t forget to check the seams because those can disappoint you. Get a bag with welded seams that can withstand pressure. 

2. Type of SUP Activity

The type of activity you’re looking to do will determine the size of the duffel bag you should get. 

For instance, activities like SUP touring, camping, and fishing require you to carry a lot of stuff. This means that you’ll need a bigger duffel for things such as extra clothes and a sleeping bag. A waterproof that is at least 60 liters would be ideal. 

Activities like casual paddling don’t require much and even a 30-liter duffel bag could do the job. 

3. Waterproof Vs Water Resistant 

Pay attention to the language used. A water-resistant bag will keep its contents dry when exposed to water. However, it won’t handle submersion or heavy rain. Waterproof bags, on the other hand, are better suited for water sports like whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, etc. 

Consider the closure system too. A bag may be made using waterproof material but with water-resistant zippers. Your valuables have a better chance of staying dry with a roll-top closure. 

4. Design

Other important features include carrying systems such as adjustable and removable shoulder straps and other padded straps or handles for carrying the bag. These come in handy when you have to hike or portage a vessel. 

If you want zippered mesh pockets you should also make sure the bag you are considering has them. 

Waterproof Duffel Bag FAQs

Final Thoughts

Finding the right waterproof dry bag can be quite the task. But with the above 10 suggestions, you have fewer (and better) options to choose from, which should make things a little easier.

The YETI Panga is at the top of my list. It does a great job of keeping its contents dry and it is made to last. The heavy-duty shell and hydrology zipper ensure that you have peace of mind, even when the bag is submerged.

If the other options are a little too expensive for you, I’d recommend the COR Surf duffel bag. It doesn’t cost much but its quality is impressive. It is also completely waterproof. 

Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment below.