13 Best Waterproof Duffel Bags To Keep Your Things Dry & Protected

TL;DR: The best waterproof duffel bag is the Patagonia Guidewater Duffel 80L. It’s fully submersible, has a large capacity for all of your gear, is made of eco-friendly materials, and has lots of organization pockets—all of which come at a higher price but it’s worth it for the rugged design.

Duffels are a super versatile type of luggage. You can use them for air travel, camping, the gym, or virtually any activity. 

My hall closet is full of duffel bags of all shapes and sizes. I use them primarily for camping and storing my winter coats or transporting things for events. 

A duffel bag is essentially a soft-sided bag with a shoulder strap or handles. However, because they’re soft-sided, a standard duffel is more susceptible to getting soaked in a rainstorm or other wet conditions such as boating.

This is why purchasing a waterproof duffel is an excellent choice. By using water-resistant materials and employing the features of a standard dry bag, such as welded seams, you can ensure no moisture will enter your duffel.

So, if you’re looking for a versatile piece of luggage that’s ready for anything, these are my picks for the best waterproof duffel bags.

#1 Gonex Water Repellent Duffel Bag

Best EDC Waterproof Duffel Bag

Size: 40 liters
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Star rating: 4.6/5
Best for: People looking for a go-to everyday bag.

The Gonex Water Repellent Duffel Bag is a reasonably-priced waterproof duffel bag with backpack straps, so you have multiple carry options depending on the scenario. 

At 40 liters, it offers plenty of space without being too overwhelmingly large. 

Its design is sleek and un-bulky, making it an excellent duffel for everyday carry purposes. The main compartment has a large, U-shaped zippered opening and there are multiple zippered pockets for organization. 

There’s even a separate shoe compartment, which is nice for both the gym and travel.

The outer material is heavy-duty PVC, which keeps water out if you get caught in a downpour. However, the zippers and the lining aren’t waterproof, so this bag isn’t fully submersible. 

It’s otherwise very versatile, which is why it’s best for casual and everyday use rather than for specific settings like boating and kayaking.

Looking for more everyday options? Read our guide to the best EDC backpacks. 

#2 Thule Subterra Wheeled Duffel

Best Waterproof Rolling Duffel Bag

Size: 36 liters
Weight: 7 pounds
Star rating: 4.8/5
Best for: Carry-on travel and transporting equipment.

If you’re looking for the advantages of a duffel with the convenience and organization of wheeled luggage, the Thule Subterra Wheeled Duffel might be for you.

This compact bag has a molded polycarbonate back panel, two heavy-duty wheels, and a soft, water-resistant duffel exterior. 

On the inside, there are two divided compartments to separate wet or dirty clothes from dry, clean clothes. And an internal compression panel helps you pack more items inside.

This bag is the best of both worlds: an easily-packable duffel and an easily transportable wheeled baggage, making it the best waterproof duffel bag with wheels.

Looking for more wheeled luggage options? Read our guide to the best wheeled backpacks. 

#3 NRS High Roll Duffel Dry Bag

Best Roll-Top Waterproof Duffel Bag

Size: 70 liters
Weight: 3.35 pounds
Star rating: 4.8/5
Best For: Kayaking and Canoeing.

A dry bag for watersports is an airtight, waterproof bag to place your belongings while paddling.

Most dry bags achieve a tight seal with a roll-top closure, but they tend to be simple tubes that look similar to a rolled camping tent. This generally means it’s difficult to find your stuff inside of them.

The NRS High Roll Duffel Dry Bag employs the roll-top closure in a duffel design, making it easy to pack, carry, and keep your gear dry. 

It offers a roomy 70 liters of space, and its watertight, fold-down closure is along the side of the bag, so you can effortlessly access the whole main compartment. 

It also uses a rugged PVC material for the outer body, with two compression straps to cinch a super-tight seal. 

While this durable bag is one of the best airtight duffels, it still won’t hold up to prolonged submersion.

Looking for other waterproof bag options for paddling? Read our guide to the best dry bags for kayaking. 

#4 Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag

Best Extra-Large Waterproof Duffel Bag

Size: 130 liters
Weight: 5.5 pounds
Star rating: 4.8/5
Best for: Long trips where you need to bring a lot with you.

The great thing about duffels is that you can pack a lot into a lightweight package. 

And that’s definitely the case with the Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag, which comes in an extra-large 130-liter size. 

To put that in perspective, most 28″ rolling suitcases can only fit about 80-100 liters, and they’re pretty bulky. You’ll be hard-pressed to find one that weighs less than nine pounds for the bag itself. 

This Thule duffel is 30% bigger and weighs just five and a half pounds, leaving more room for extra gear and clothing. 

This hardworking bag uses a weather-resistant PVC tarpaulin material. It has a wide-mouth zippered opening and several mesh pockets to help keep your belongings organized. 

And it comes in several striking colors to help you recognize it on airport conveyor belts. 

This colossal bag also converts to a backpack for easy carrying and has external compression straps to help prevent your belongings from shifting while in backpack mode. 

Between its vast size, relatively low weight, and shoulder straps, the Tule Chasm Duffel Bag is easily the best duffel for checked luggage and long trips.

#5 Earth Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag

Best Waterproof Travel Duffel Bag

Size: 50 liters
Weight: 2.5 pounds
Star rating: 4.6/5
Best for: Keeping your stuff dry during a weekend getaway. 

The Earth Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag is a reasonably-sized and reasonably-priced duffel, perfect for repelling water during short trips.

The outer shell is a thick and durable nylon material with heat-welded seams to make the bag completely waterproof. A roll-top closure further boosts its water-repelling powers.

Padded double haul handles and a removable shoulder strap give you multiple carry options. And a mesh exterior pocket provides a place to stash essentials you’ll want to grab at a moment’s notice.

This handy travel bag is just the right size for weekend trips. It’s padded handles and adjustable shoulder strap offer the convenience of a traditional duffel in a fully waterproof package. It also comes in four colors to choose from.

Looking for more travel luggage? Read our guides to the best hardside luggage sets and travel purses. 

#6 REI Co-op Roadtripper 40 Duffel

Best Lightweight Waterproof Duffel Bag

Size: 40 liters
Weight: 1 pound
Star rating: 4.5/5
Best for: Quick trips and traveling light in inclement weather.

Heavy luggage is the bane of my existence. I’m a small person, and I have difficulty packing light (I love clothes! I need four pairs of shoes!). 

So when I shop for any luggage, I look for the largest capacity with the lowest weight. 

If I’m going to be lugging 50 pounds around, I’d like the majority of those pounds to be my belongings and not the bag itself.

The REI Co-op Roadtripper 40 Duffel offers a roomy 40 liters of space, and it weighs just one pound. The entire bag uses recycled polyester material that repels water and resists abrasions while reducing waste. 

This bag has a simple design with two storage compartments: the main one with a zipper closure and a large exterior pocket on the side. 

The bag also features a chest strap for shoulder carrying and two smaller handles.

On top of everything, this duffel comes at a reasonable price and there are four different color choices.

#7 Hyc00 Travel Duffel Bag

Best Budget Waterproof Duffel Bag

Size: 26.7 liters
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Star rating: 4.8/5
Best for: Stylish travelers with tight budgets.

When I look for budget duffels, I forego eco-friendly materials and name brands and instead look for aesthetically-pleasing products that come with unique features. The Hcy00 Travel Duffel Bag fits that bill. 

This stylish duffel is reminiscent of name brands like Herschel but comes at a very affordable price. It also comes in ten different color choices, with multiple pastels and unique options. 

In addition to the water-resistant outer nylon fabric, this bag has a separate interior pocket to keep wet clothes and wet gear. 

So, if you end up getting soaked during your excursion, you can keep the rest of your stuff dry. 

It also includes two short handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. It even has a trolley sleeve, making it a great bag to use as a carry-on.

#8 Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel

Best Duffel Bag for Camping

Size: 40 liters
Weight: 2.5 pounds
Star rating: 4.8/5
Best for: Rugged outdoor excursions.

Patagonia is an excellent place to start if you’re looking for quality camping gear and apparel.

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag makes the best survival duffel for camping because its outer shell uses ultra-rugged laminated ripstop polyester. 

This waterproof material can stand up to heavy rain and lots of abrasions, and everything from the lining to the outer body uses recycled material. It also features a padded base to help protect your gear.

This bag has a large main compartment, a zippered side pocket, as well as an interior mesh pocket so you can keep things organized. It also has daisy chains on the sides to attach extra gear. 

Lastly, it has two padded shoulder straps and two reinforced haul handles, so you have a few options for how to carry it.

It’s a sure pick whether you need the best waterproof motorcycle duffel bag, camping bag, or just heading to the gym.

#9 North Face Base Camp Duffel

Best Waterproof for Climbing Gear

Size: 71 liters
Weight: 3.6 pounds
Star rating: 4.8/5
Best for: Keeping your outdoor equipment safe and dry on rough terrain

My best friend bought a North Face Base Camp Duffel a couple of months ago. They’re all the rage and it’s no wonder.

The Base Camp Duffel uses heavy-duty waterproof materials, waterproof zippers, and externally-welded seams. 

Specifically, it’s made of 840D recycled ballistic nylon, so it’s as tough as your callouses. And the non-PFC water-repellent finish won’t sweat harmful chemicals when you’re out in natural spaces.

This waterproof duffel has a taut, tube-like design and removable padded shoulder straps that convert to backpack straps or a single handle. This gives you options when you’re navigating rugged paths. 

And if you want a little extra space, the Large will fit all of those retired carabiners that you’re still carrying around.

Overall, the North Face bag is reasonably lightweight and compact but can still accommodate a generous amount of gear.

#10 Osprey Transporter 40 Travel Duffel Bag

Best Waterproof Duffel Bag Backpack

Size: 40 liters
Weight: 2.97 pounds
Star rating: 4.8/5
Best for: Hiking and backpacking.

Osprey is a brand you can trust to deliver quality when it comes to dependable outdoor packs. And the Osprey Transporter 40 Travel Duffel Bag will have your back in rainy conditions.

This durable waterproof duffel uses TPU-coated material to repel water and resist abrasion. Forty liters of interior space can accommodate a lot of stuff while keeping that gear dry.

A stowaway contoured harness turns this duffel into an ergonomic backpack, and there are four grab handles. A padded shoulder strap can also attach to the hardware for a removable shoulder strap option. 

Outer pockets with overlapping rain flaps give you easy access to smaller items without risking them getting wet. 

Plus, a protected ID pocket makes this one of the best waterproof duffels for backpackers and travelers.  

#11 SealLine Pro Zip Duffel

Best Waterproof Sports Duffel Bag

Size: 70 liters 
Weight: 2.19 pounds
Star rating: 4.3/5
Best for: Outdoor athletes and avid gym-goers.

The SealLine Pro Zip Duffel is one of the best duffel bags for active people on frequent outdoor adventures.

The outer body is polyurethane-coated polyester and nylon. Thanks to an aqua seal waterproof zipper and high-frequency welded seams, this waterproof bag is fully submersible for up to a half-hour in one meter of water. 

And if you do happen to drop it in a body of water, this bright orange bag will be easy to spot.

The Pro Zip has multiple adjustable straps that allow shoulder carrying or hand hauling, and multiple lash points mean you can secure it to a boat or a bike.

#12 Patagonia Guidewater Duffel 80L

Best Duffel Bag for Sailing and Boating

Size: 80 liters
Weight: 2.23 pounds
Star rating: 4.9/5
Best for: Packing for a high seas adventure.

You can count on Patagonia for quality construction, and the Patagonia Guidewater Duffel has it all. First off – this large-capacity duffel uses recycled materials and fairtrade manufacturing practices. 

And durable nylon and polyester deliver advanced waterproofing protection that makes this bag fully submersible–a must-have feature for sailing and boating.

The Guidewater isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the best duffel bags available thanks to several handy features. Namely, it has multiple organization pockets and carry options. 

You can wear it as a backpack, a cross-body bag, or carry it in hand. Plus, lash points allow you to secure it to a boat.

#13 Yeti Panga Dry Duffel

Best Dry Duffel Bag

Size: 50 liters
Weight: 5.2 pounds
Star rating: 4.7/5
Best for: Keeping your belongings dry in very wet conditions.

Yeti is another top-quality, trustworthy brand for outdoor gear, and the Yeti Panga Dry Duffel is a great waterproof, submersible duffel bag. 

It has a waterproof zipper, a laminated nylon shell, and an EVA-molded bottom that allows you to drag it across the rough ground without worrying about ripping a hole in it.

This Yeti duffel bag features two mesh pockets for organizing smaller items and six lash points to secure it to anything you like. It also includes adjustable straps that you can carry in your hands or wear like a backpack.

Because of its heavy-duty bottom, this one is heavier than comparably-sized duffel bags, but it’s rugged and ready for adventure.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Waterproof Duffel Bag

What to Look for in Waterproof Duffel Bags

Waterproofing

When you’re hunting for waterproof bags, it makes sense that the first thing to look at is how waterproof the bag is. 

Some bags just use wawater-repellentaterial to keep their contents dry through light rain. 

In contrast, others have welded seams, waterproof zippers, and heavy-duty materials that make them fully submersible. Know what your needs are and what you’re looking for. 

Weight

Weight is always essential when you’re shopping for luggage of any kind. When you’re going to be carrying something around, it’s good to know how many extra pounds the luggage itself will add.

Organization pockets

It can sometimes be challenging to find things inside of duffels. Multiple smaller pockets, either on the inside or outside of the bag, can help prevent your duffel from becoming a black hole of belongings. 

Carry options and straps

Because duffels can hold so much gear, they can also get quite heavy. It’s a good idea to look for one that you can wear as a backpack or that has a padded shoulder strap to take some of the strain off.

Types of Waterproof Duffels 

Classic Duffels

A classic duffel is a large, soft, tubular bag with handles and perhaps a shoulder strap. A waterproof version of a traditional duffel uses water-resistant materials for the bag’s outer body.

Dry Duffels

A dry bag is a tight tube that provides a watertight seal, mainly used for kayaking and paddling. 

A dry duffel is a dry bag with a zipper that goes down the bag’s body for easier access and handles for easier carrying.

Rolling Duffel bags

A duffel bag with wheels is a hybrid between a duffel bag and wheeled luggage. This duffel variety is an excellent option for a travel carry-on bag.

FAQs About Duffel Bags

Which brand is best for duffel bags?

Patagonia, Osprey, and Yeti are some of the top duffel bag brands that provide high-quality products.

Are duffel bags usually waterproof?

Not all duffels are waterproof duffel bags and many use absorbent fabrics. If you want a waterproof duffel, look for products that use water-repellent materials. 

How much should I expect to spend on a waterproof duffel bag?

While some budget options are as cheap as $25, the average high-quality duffel will fall between $50 and $150, with some premium brands costing as much as $400.

How do you waterproof a canvas duffel bag?

You can use sealant sprays on canvas bags to make them waterproof, but your best bet is to opt for designated waterproof gear. 

Do I need a waterproof duffel bag?

Whether or not you need a waterproof duffel depends on how you’re using it. If you plan on boating, swimming, or traveling in an area prone to rain, then a waterproof duffel is a good idea.

What’s the difference between waterproofing and water resistance?

Water resistance will keep out a certain amount of water, hile waterproofing completely repels water. 

Water resistance keeps things dry in light-to-moderate rain, while waterproofing can be completely submerged.

When is the best time to buy a duffel bag?

The best time to buy duffel bags is the spring, starting around March or towards the end of summer. Luggage is more likely to go on sale during these times.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Waterproof Duffel Bag

The best overall waterproof duffel bag is the Patagonia Guidewater Duffel. 

The only real drawback of this bag is that it isn’t cheap. But aside from that, it has everything you could ask for in a waterproof duffel.

At 80 liters, the Guidewater is exceptionally roomy. You can pack everything you could need into it. But it still includes organizational pockets to prevent everything from being completely jumbled inside it.

It also has multiple carry options, including a backpack style, which helps make its enormous size more manageable.

Another advantage of this Patagonia Duffel is that the materials are recycled and ethically manufactured. It’s always good to know your purchase has a positive social and environmental impact.

But best of all, this duffel is extraordinarily waterproof and fully submersible, which is just what you want from a waterproof duffel bag! 

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