We sailors know a thing or two about soft luggage. The best waterproof duffel bag though is really a matter of functional practicality fused with personal tasteThe demands of water-based activities\u2014be it a long weekend of sailing, a white-water kayaking trip, or an afternoon spent paddleboarding\u2014all require one essential piece of gear: reliable, durable luggage. While specific needs might call for a completely waterproof backpack or a minimal roll-top dry bag, for most adventurers, a favourite solution is the best waterproof duffel bag they can find.
\nA great duffel provides a wide-mouth opening for effortless packing and unpacking of bulky kit like wetsuits, dry suits, and technical waterproof jackets. Crucially, it must protect your clothing and electronics from moisture, whether that\u2019s a quick soaking in a tender, relentless rain, or sitting in a damp locker below deck.
\nWe\u2019ve tested this extensive line-up of the best waterproof duffel bags, ranging in size from a compact 30L for essentials up to a massive 130L expedition capacity, to help you find the perfect bag.
\nOur guide breaks down the core compromise: fully waterproof bags feature welded seams for maximum protection (ideal for dinghy sailors and kayakers) but fewer pockets, while water-resistant options offer superior organisation and convenience through traditional sewn seams. We look at the top models from Helly Hansen, Lomo, Overboard, and more to ensure your gear stays dry on your next aquatic adventure.
\nAt a glance \u2013 Our 3 top choices for best duffel bag<\/p>\n
Best 30L \u2013 40L Waterproof Duffel bag\u00a0
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Helly Hansen Duffel Bag
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 30L | Dimensions: L 50 x H 27 x W 27 cm
\nReasons to buy: Good amount of storage for essentials |\u00a0\u00a0Hardwearing and long lasting
\nReasons to avoid: Seams aren\u2019t waterproofed so they can\u2019t be exposed to water for a length of time | Handles are stiff and it can get in the way of straps.
\nThe Helly Hansen 30L duffel is made from a sturdy plastic canvas. so it is water resistant to a degree. Though the seams aren\u2019t waterproofed, so it isn\u2019t advisable to dunk this bag for any length of time.
\nThe rucksack straps neatly stow away into the zip flap on top, though this makes it a bit stiff to handle, it does get those straps out of the way, especially when you\u2019re onboard and you want them flailing around. Under the top flap there\u2019s a mesh pocket too. I find this useful to stow my sailing gloves, buff and hat.
\nIn the cold the material on this bag can get quite stiff. But, mine has stood the test of time so far, as can be seen in the pics at the top of this buyer\u2019s guide. The purple bag is the earlier model to this one. They\u2019ve improved the bag by adding webbing straps and handles on each end which is handy for strapping it down to stop it flying off a bunk.<\/p>\n
Lomo 30L White Holdall Duffel Waterproof Rolltop Dry Bag
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 30L | Dimensions: \u200eL 52 x H 28 x W 31cm
\nReasons to buy: It\u2019s a budget-friendly buy |\u00a0The duffel bag has good waterproofing
\nReasons to avoid: Would benefit from additional storage compartments |\u00a0As the material is thick, the bag can be stiff during the winter months
\nThis 30L dry bag duffel from Lomo is incredibly good value for money. You get fully welded seams and a roll top closure. This gives all the advantages of the wide mouthed duffel with waterproof submergibility.
\nI personally love a white bag when I\u2019m heading into dark spaces, such as yacht cabins. It means you can see the contents inside your bag more easily. Whilst this duffel doesn\u2019t have the practical additional pockets of the other non-waterproof duffels, the trade-off is worth it if you are planning on going for a wet ride or need to put your luggage where it will get wet. Those of you sailing smaller J boats, I\u2019m looking at you\u2026
\nThe other trade-off with this type of waterproof bag is that by its very nature, to enable toughness and strong welded seams, the material must be a certain thickness. This can make the bag feel quite stiff. Particularly in colder weather. This duffel doesn\u2019t have rucksack style shoulder straps but does have a removable single shoulder strap and plenty of webbing to cinch it tighter and places you can tether it to your bunk to keep it in place. Some folks have used this as a pillow by trapping air inside.<\/p>\n
Gill 30L Team Bag
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 30L | Dimensions: H 31 x W 52 x D 27cm
\nReasons to buy: Perfect bag for small voyages |\u00a0You can attach parts of your kit to the webbing loops
\nReasons to avoid: It doesn\u2019t have rucksack straps making it harder to spread the weight from the contents of your bag | The waterproofing isn\u2019t as effective if the roll top isn\u2019t secured correctly |\u00a0It\u2019s a small bag \u2013 avoid it if travelling on a longer trip
\nThis small holdall from Gill is made from PVC with welded seams and roll top to give a waterproof duffel.
\nIt has a removable shoulder strap, but as with the other waterproof bag in this size, it doesn\u2019t have rucksack straps. The roll top keeps a watertight seal and can be used to trap air inside the bag making it buoyant or useful as a pillow.
\nIt features some handy webbing loop handles on each end plus additional webbing loops to attach other bits of kit to. On one side it also had a label window so that you can put your name on it to identify its owner.
\nThe welded PVC is a little stiffer in the cold and can be tougher to handle, but when warm it\u2019s handles very nicely.<\/p>\n
Victorinox Touring 2.0 Travel 2in1 Duffel
\nSpecifications: Capacity 38L | Dimensions: H 28 x L 32 x W 57cm
\nReasons to buy: The side pockets are a bonus as they help you to keep your bag organised | Rucksack straps distribute weight, good news for anyone carrying a lot of gear |\u00a0It makes a great gift due to the personalisation
\nReasons to avoid: Expensive
\nVictorinox don\u2019t shout very loudly about their luggage. Indeed, if you go to their website, they don\u2019t smother you with sales guff. They let their products talk for themselves.
\nThis premium priced duffel from this Swiss knife maker is every bit as innovative and full of hidden handy bits. You can read what I think about their Skippers knife here
\nThere\u2019s a shoe pocket, lots of organised side pockets, pull out hidden rucksack straps, or a detachable shoulder strap. There\u2019s a waterproof internal document pocket. And, if you\u2019re into personalisation, there\u2019s a little plastic thingyme-jig that can be customised with your own name or message on it that is attached to the bag.<\/p>\n
Overboard 100% Waterproof Classic Duffel Bag
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 40L | Dimensions: \u200eL 52.07 x\u00a0 H 32 x\u00a0 W 23.11cm
\nReasons to buy: Durable duffel which will stand up against all types of weather | Great for kayak or paddle boarders due to its excellent waterproof functionality
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0With its smaller capacity, we wouldn\u2019t recommend it for longer trips
\nA 100% waterproof welded seam duffel bag with roll top closure. Overboard have this rated to IP66 so you can be confident that if you\u2019re luggage is sitting a pool of water in the wet locker of a boat, your kit will still be dry inside. Equally if it gets repeatedly dripped on by a leaking hatch, as long as the top is rolled over correctly and fastened, then your kit will remain dry.
\nIt\u2019s been designed for a bit of rough handling and should stand up well to the rigours of frequent use in wet conditions. Ideal for carrying wet gear back with you too, so if you go open water swimming, surfing, or kayaking and find yourself needing to pack a wetsuit and wet gear, then shove them in this for the journey home and your car will remain dry.
\nThe attachment points on this bag also enable you to strap it down, so it either won\u2019t fly out of a bunk or it will remain strapped to your touring kayak or paddleboard.<\/p>\n
Best 40L \u2013 65L Waterproof Duffel Bag\u00a0<\/p>\n
Helly Hansen Offshore Waterproof Duffel bag, 50L
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 50L | Dimensions: L 28 x W 64 x D 28cm
\nReasons to buy: Lots of room to put your gear in |\u00a0You can load and unload the bag effortlessly
\nReasons to avoid: The duffel doesn\u2019t guarantee complete protection if submerged in water |\u00a0Some compartments would be beneficial for storing smaller tools and essentials
\nHelly Hansen do a fair range of waterproof duffel bags. This middle of the size range duffel is a version with welded seams and a roll top.
\nIt can sit in pools of water all day and your kit will stay dry.
\nThey suggest it can be strapped to a car top and it remain waterproof too, though I haven\u2019t tried this so can\u2019t verify whether kit will stray dry with rain pelting it at 70mph on a motorway.
\nAs per other welded waterproof bags, this one isn\u2019t designed to be fully submersible but it is as waterproof as you can get without full dunking.
\nIt has end handles which are useful for strapping the bag down, but very few other bells or whistles.
\nThere\u2019s no rucksack straps with this, but there is a removable shoulder strap.<\/p>\n
Red Original Kit Bag
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 60L | Dimensions: L 76.5 x W 33 x H 29.5cm
\nReasons to buy: One of the lighter options we tested | Made from recycled TPU | Plenty of storage for a first aid kit, towel and more
\nReasons to avoid: It\u2019s easy to forget to pack the waterproof padded mat | Waterproof zip closure rather than roll top
\nIf you watch the Red marketing hype you\u2019d think this bag will make you a paddleboard, camping and hiking expert and all round wilderness guru.
\nIn this bag we are given a waterproof zip closure rather than the roll top of other 100% waterproof bags. It has welded seams as the others do, but it is made from a slightly lighter weight material.
\nIt has a waterproof padded mat inside it which can be removed and used as a changing mat to stand on.
\nThe Red Equipment bag has a range of strap options, including rucksack straps and shoulder strap.
\nThere\u2019s some mild eco credentials on this as it is made from recycled TPU. Though I guess those credentials need thoroughly scrutinising as who knows where this bag was made and how many air miles it took to get to you.
\nThe bag does pack some seriously good organisation and innovation though, with high quality components used and sturdy long lasting fasteners.<\/p>\n
Typhoon Osea Dry Duffel Pack 60L
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 60L | Dimension: L 70 x W 32 x H 56cm
\nReasons to buy: Good value for money | Excellent waterproofing thanks to the 500D tarp and roll top functionality | Along with the rucksack straps, the waist straps transfer the weight from your back to your hips
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0Not the most stylish duffel on this list
\nThe Typhoon Osea Dry Duffel is made from 500D tarp which is 100% waterproof.
\nThis roll top bag is 100% waterproof and comes with removable rucksack straps as well as waist straps, which is very handy in any rucksack with a larger capacity.
\nThis duffel also comes with an unusual buckle attached to a chest strap that has a built-in whistle. This is a nod towards Typhoons origins as a commercial safety gear manufacturer.
\nA feature I really like on this duffel is a compression valve, which means you can sit on this bag and squash the air out of it, close off the valve and you\u2019ve saved a ton of space in the cabin.
\nI like the understated functionality of this bag and whilst it doesn\u2019t shout style appeal, it really is a great duffel for keeping your kit dry, or for keeping your wet kit from leaking all over the place.<\/p>\n
Lomo Blaze Expedition
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 60L |\u00a0Dimensions: \u200eL 64 x H 34 x\u00a0 W 34 cm
\nReasons to buy: Budget friendly | Bungee loops to help you secure your bag | Room for plenty of essentials thanks to its large capacity\u00a0
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0Not fully submersible with its waterproofing
\nThis Lomo orange duffel is made from waterproof material with welded seams on the sides. This means the bag can sit in a pool of water without letting any in.
\nIt isn\u2019t submersible though as this has a zipped closure on a large top flap. There\u2019s a mesh pocket inside and some useful webbing loops externally mounted for clipping on gear.
\nThe duffel is fitted with a strong D shaped dual zip closure and bungee loops for strapping the bag down.
\nExcellent value for money this bag has decent capacity and there\u2019s a huge range of complimentary other dry bags and pouches available from this Scottish based manufacturer.
\nThey keep their prices lower by cutting out the middle-seller and they sell direct to customer using popular platforms such as Amazon and Ebay and their own website.<\/p>\n
Lomo 60L Dry Bag Duffel
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 60L | Dimensions: L 78 x\u00a0 H 37 x\u00a0 W 30xm
\nReasons to buy: Bright design makes the bag easier to locate |\u00a0Good waterproofing for a budget duffel
\nReasons to avoid: It doesn\u2019t feature any additional compartments for essentials
\nThis 60L dry bag duffel from Lomo is incredibly good value for money. You get fully welded seams and a roll top closure. This gives all the advantages of the wide mouthed duffel with waterproof submergibility.
\nI love a brightly coloured bag, as they cheer up dark spaces, such as windless yacht cabins. they also allow you to see the contents within your bag more easily.
\nWhilst this duffel doesn\u2019t have the practical additional pockets of the other non-waterproof duffels, the trade-off is worth it if you are planning on going for a wet ride or need to put your luggage where it will get wet.
\nThe other trade-off with this type of waterproof bag is that by its very nature, to enable toughness and strong welded seams, the material must be a certain thickness. This can make the bag feel quite stiff. Particularly in colder weather.
\nThis duffel doesn\u2019t have rucksack style shoulder straps but does have a removable single shoulder strap and plenty of webbing to cinch it tighter and places you can tether it to your bunk to keep it in place.<\/p>\n
Best Waterproof Duffel Bag \u2013 90L -130L<\/p>\n
HH Duffel Bag 2
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 90L | Dimensions: L 40 x W 64 x D 28cm
\nReasons to buy: Large storage capability |\u00a0Good design and is very versatile
\nReasons to avoid: It\u2019s not 100% waterproof |\u00a0Heavy to carry and doesn\u2019t have additional straps to distribute weight
\nThis Helly Hansen 90 Litre duffel offers versatility and conversion between bag and backpack as per the smaller model I introduced at the top of this buyer\u2019s guide.\u00a0The material is hardwearing and waterproof, though as per the others in this range, it isn\u2019t 100% waterproof as the seams aren\u2019t welded.
\nThis allows for an internal and external pocket and this model also comes with a pack away bag that can be used for other things when the bag is out.
\nI use this bag for flying with a lot of kit, as seen in the image at the top, in the white version. I\u2019m not sure if they sell white ones anymore. I\u2019ve managed to get most of my foul weather gear plus a very neatly folded asymmetrical spinnaker for a 36 foot yacht in this bag.
\nMy back did not approve of the weight though. Beware of overloading large bags and doing your back in.<\/p>\n
Musto Essential Duffel Bag
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 90L | Dimensions: L 40 x W 38 x D 40cm
\nReasons to buy: Large bag that a lot of tools and essentials | Soft and easy to store away when the duffel is empty
\nReasons to avoid: Although water resistant, the contents will get wet if fully submerged
\nMade from water resistant and durable nylon diamond ripstop shell with 600D TPU base, this extra-large bag will fit a fair amount of bulky kit and still squash down quite small when it\u2019s empty.
\nIt has stowable backpack straps to help you haul this beast around too.
\nThe end pocket is a zipped section where you can shove some wet shoes or kit. There\u2019s an additional zipped exterior pocket to the side.
\nThe structured ends help the bag to maintain its shape as with some of the larger bags they can go wildly misshapen when half filled, making them hard to zip and unzip.<\/p>\n
Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 130L | Dimensions: L 86 x W 47cm
\nReasons to buy: Largest capacity waterproof duffel bag we tested | Converts into a rucksack |\u00a0Lots of pockets to help keep you organised
\nReasons to avoid: It\u2019s very large and thus heavy to carry | Although made from waterproof material, it\u2019s not fully waterproof
\nSeriously huge, they named this bag Chasm. I can\u2019t help but snigger at that name, but I\u2019m a puerile eejit. So, Thule, they do luggage for the top of cars and roof racks right? Yes, and they do some great duffels too.
\nThe top flap on this is huge. It not only opens the top, but down the side too. This makes fitting and finding bulky sailing gear a doddle.
\nAs with most of the duffels I\u2019ve chosen to show you, this one also converts to a rucksack. Though given the size of it, if you really do stuff this thing full to capacity, your spine might need a bit of a decompression after hauling this load around.
\nInternally it has mesh pockets to help with organisation and externally it has compression straps to help keep the bag snuggly fastened and not flopping around if it is only half filled.
\nThe bag has a carry case pouch which it folds down to fit into for storage, but the pouch can be used too, such as for your dirty undies or other kit.
\nThe bottom of the bag is padded and there\u2019s a lockable zip which means this bag is a good candidate for flying with your gear and will withstand being handled and thrown into and out of plane holds.
\nThe bag isn\u2019t 100% waterproof, but it is made from waterproof material. You might not want to go laying this around in pools of water all day long, but it will slide into a bunk space easily and compress down once you\u2019ve removed all of your bulky sailing gear to hang up.<\/p>\n
The post Best Waterproof Duffel Bag 2025: Keep your kit dry on the water appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We sailors know a thing or two about soft luggage. The best waterproof duffel bag though is really a matter of functional practicality fused with personal tasteThe demands of water-based activities\u2014be it a long weekend of sailing, a white-water kayaking … <\/p>\n