Best Waterproof Backpacks and Dry Bags for Sailing

By Peter21 mins read

A good waterproof bag is one of the most useful pieces of kit you can bring aboard. Spray, rain, wet dinghy rides and a damp cabin will soak anything left in an ordinary backpack, and phones, cameras, documents and spare clothes rarely survive that well. A proper sailing bag keeps your gear dry, is easy to carry along a pontoon, and stows without fuss in a locker or quarter berth.

Waterproof bags for sailors fall into three main groups: backpacks, duffel bags and dry bags. Below you will find our picks in each category, followed by a short guide on how to choose the right one for the way you sail.

How Waterproof Is “Waterproof”?

Before looking at specific products, it helps to know the difference between the main levels of protection:

Water-resistant bags (coated fabric, zippers with storm flaps) handle spray and rain but will leak if they sit in bilge water or go overboard.
Waterproof roll-top bags (PVC or TPU fabric, welded seams, folded closure) keep water out in heavy spray and short dunks, and many will float.
Submersible bags, often rated IP67 or higher, are designed to survive brief full immersion. They are the safest choice for electronics on small boats, kayaks and tenders.

Best Waterproof Backpacks for Sailing

Grundéns Rum Runner 30L Backpack

Grundéns Rum Runner 30L waterproof sailing backpack

Grundéns is best known for commercial fishing gear, and this backpack shares the same tough approach. It is made from PVC tarpaulin and other abrasion-resistant fabrics, with exterior mesh pockets and lash points for extra gear. The 30-liter capacity suits a day sail or a weekend aboard, and the padded, moisture-wicking back panel makes it comfortable on a longer walk to the marina. See the Grundéns Rum Runner on Amazon (view product).

Gill Race Series Team Backpack

If you carry a lot of gear, the Gill Race Team Backpack offers about 35 liters of space with a PVC tarpaulin interior. The seams are welded rather than stitched, which makes them stronger and more watertight. Inside there are several practical compartments, the back is padded, and the top opening gives quick access to your things. It is a popular choice with dinghy and keelboat racers. Check the Gill Race Team Backpack on Amazon.

Vitchelo 30L Waterproof Backpack (Best Budget Pick)

Vitchelo 30L waterproof roll-top backpack for sailing

The Vitchelo is a simple, affordable roll-top backpack made from vinyl tarpaulin with welded seams. When sealed it floats, and it comes with breathable shoulder straps plus chest and waist straps to keep it stable. Elasticated webbing and mesh pockets add space for small items. For casual sailors, paddlers and charter guests it covers the essentials at a modest price. See the Vitchelo 30L backpack (Amazon).

Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack

Earth Pak is a well-liked roll-top backpack among sailors and outdoor users. The PVC shell is waterproof and abrasion-resistant, and there are both interior and exterior pockets. Side compression straps let you shrink the bag when it is half full, and the sternum strap, contoured shoulder straps and waist belt make it comfortable to carry. It comes in several sizes and bright colors, which helps if it ever ends up in the water. Check the Earth Pak backpack on Amazon.

Miggo Agua Versa Waterproof Backpack

If you bring a camera or a laptop on board, the Miggo Agua Versa is designed with electronics in mind. It has a padded, organized compartment for devices plus extra general storage. It costs more than a basic roll-top bag, but the dedicated protection is worth it if you sail with expensive gear. See the Miggo Agua Versa on Amazon.

FE Active Dry Bag Backpack

This is essentially a dry bag with backpack straps: a roll-top body, adjustable shoulder straps, front buckles and two side pockets. It is light, versatile and affordable, making it a good choice for dinghy trips ashore or a spare bag for guests. Check the FE Active dry bag backpack.

Fengdong 40L Waterproof Backpack

The Fengdong offers a larger 40-liter capacity with one main compartment and several smaller pockets to keep things organized. Breathable mesh padding on the straps and back panel keeps it comfortable on hot days, and the waterproof closure keeps the contents dry in spray and rain. A good value option if you need more room. See the Fengdong 40L on Amazon.

Best Waterproof Duffel Bags for Sailing

Duffels are the classic sailor’s bag. They pack flat, fit awkward lockers and don’t need a rigid frame. Note that several of the well-known travel duffels below are highly water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so keep electronics in a dry bag inside them.

Helly Hansen Duffel Bag (Best Overall Duffel)

Helly Hansen duffel bag for sailing trips

Helly Hansen has deep roots in sailing, and its duffel is a practical, modern bag for crew and charter guests. It is made from durable, water-resistant polyester, with top carry handles and removable padded shoulder straps so you can carry it like a backpack. There is a large zipped outer pocket and an interior pocket for smaller items. See the Helly Hansen duffel on Amazon (view product).

The North Face Base Camp Duffel

The Base Camp Duffel is famous for its toughness. The heavy laminated fabric shrugs off abrasion and rain, and padded shoulder straps let you carry it as a backpack. It has a zippered mesh pocket inside, compression straps and plenty of grab handles. It is water-resistant rather than submersible, so keep sensitive items in an inner dry bag. More details on Amazon.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

The Black Hole is made from recycled ripstop fabric with a weather-resistant laminate and a durable water-repellent finish. It handles rain and spray well and is easy to carry thanks to removable straps and webbing loops. It is not designed for immersion and offers little padding, so it is best for clothing and soft gear rather than fragile items. Check the Black Hole Duffel on Amazon.

Arc’teryx Carrier Duffle 55L

This duffel has a roomy interior but no exterior pockets. It is built from tough nylon with taped seams and a water-resistant zipper, giving strong weather protection. The bag is soft and unstructured and the straps are not heavily padded, but it packs down easily and keeps clothing protected in wet conditions. See the Arc’teryx Carrier Duffle on Amazon.

OverBoard Waterproof Duffel Bag

The OverBoard duffel is genuinely waterproof. It uses PVC tarpaulin with a roll-down closure secured by snap buckles at each end, so water cannot seep in through a zipper. The wide mouth makes packing easy, and removable shoulder straps, zipped pockets and reflective strips add convenience and visibility. See the OverBoard waterproof duffel on Amazon.

NRS HighRoll DriDuffel

NRS makes gear for river rafting, so this duffel is built for very wet conditions. The heavy-duty PVC/polyester fabric resists abrasion, and the fold-down StormStrip closure seals out water. You fold the top, clip the fasteners to the side loops and cinch down to tighten the seal. Lash points make it easy to secure on deck or in a tender. Check the NRS HighRoll DriDuffel on Amazon.

Best Dry Bags for Sailing

Dry bags are simple roll-top sacks that keep things dry inside another bag, in a locker or on deck. Every sailor should own a few in different sizes.

Skog Å Kust DrySåk Waterproof Dry Bag

Made from 500D PVC with high-frequency welded seams, the DrySåk is very waterproof and floats when sealed. A splash-proof front pocket holds small items like a flashlight or knife. It comes in several colors and sizes and offers good value. See the Skog Å Kust DrySåk on Amazon (view product).

Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack

This lightweight nylon dry sack has taped seams and an air-permeable eVent base, which lets you squeeze out trapped air with the compression straps. That makes it ideal for packing sleeping bags or clothes into small lockers. It is meant to keep contents dry in spray and rain rather than for long immersion. Check the Sea to Summit Compression Dry Sack on Amazon.

Adventure Lion Waterproof Dry Bag

A compact, lightweight dry bag available in several sizes and colors. The roll-top seal keeps contents dry, and the simple design makes it an easy all-purpose bag for day sails and tender rides. Check the current warranty terms when you buy. See the Adventure Lion dry bag on Amazon.

OUTXE IP67 Dry Bag

The OUTXE is made from heavy-duty 420D TPU and carries an IP67 rating, meaning it is designed to survive brief full submersion. The front mesh pocket gives quick access to small items, and two adjustable, detachable shoulder straps make it easy to carry. A solid choice for electronics on small boats. Check the OUTXE dry bag on Amazon.

Piscifun Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack

Piscifun’s dry bag backpack combines a roll-top waterproof body with adjustable padded shoulder straps. It is durable, comfortable for longer carries and well suited to fishing trips, kayaking and dinghy outings. See the Piscifun dry bag on Amazon.

Chaos Ready Waterproof Backpack

Made from 500D PVC tarpaulin, the Chaos Ready bag is tough and resistant to abrasion. Its main compartment is fully waterproof, but the front pocket is only water-resistant, so keep valuables in the main section. It works well for watersports and long days on the water. Read its reviews on Amazon.

How to Choose a Waterproof Bag for Sailing

Level of protection: For electronics and documents, choose a submersible or welded roll-top bag. Water-resistant duffels are fine for clothing.
Capacity: 20–30 liters suits day sailing; 40–60 liters works for a week aboard. Several smaller dry bags are often easier to stow than one large bag.
Soft construction: Bags without rigid frames fold flat and fit boat lockers. Many charter companies ask guests to bring soft luggage for this reason.
Comfort: Padded straps, a chest strap and a waist belt matter if you walk to the marina or carry gear over rough ground.
Visibility and flotation: Bright colors and bags that float are easier to recover if they go over the side.
Materials: PVC is tough and cheap; TPU is lighter and more flexible in cold weather; coated nylon and polyester are lighter but less watertight.

For more help packing for a trip, see our guides on what to wear when sailing and the best foul weather gear. A good dry bag also makes a practical present, so it features on our list of gift ideas for boaters and sailors.