Paddling through serene waters, exploring nature, and enjoying quality time with loved ones are just a few of the many reasons people are drawn to water sports and activities. However, keeping belongings dry and safe from water damage is a significant concern for enthusiasts, making water-safe bags an essential accessory for paddling adventures.
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What are Water-Safe Bags?
Water-safe bags are designed to protect your gear, electronics, clothes, and other essentials from water, sand, and dust during your outdoor excursions. The bags’ construction typically features a waterproof material, roll-top closure, and sealed seams to ensure that the contents remain dry and secure.
With various sizes and styles available, paddlers can find a water-safe bag to suit their specific needs and preferences.
When selecting a water-safe bag for paddling, it’s crucial to consider factors such as durability, ease of use, material, size, and weight. The bag should be robust enough to withstand rough usage and exposure to water, while also providing convenience and ease of access to your gear.
It’s also essential to assess the bag’s capacity, ensuring it can accommodate everything you need while remaining comfortable and easy to transport.
After conducting extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best water-safe bags for paddling that cater to your needs while providing outstanding performance and reliability. Let our findings lead you to the perfect companion on your next paddling adventure.
Best Water Safe Bags for Paddling
We have compiled a list of the best water safe bags for paddling available out there today, ensuring your belongings stay dry and protected during your water adventures.
ProCase Swim Buoy Backpack
The ProCase Swim Buoy Backpack is a must-have for avid paddlers, providing exceptional visibility and secure storage for personal belongings.
Pros
- High visibility in open water
- 35L large capacity, separate dry storage compartment
- Multifunctional and safe double airbag design
Cons
- Could improve valve design for inflation/deflation
- Plastic adjustment loops may be problematic
- Might cause drag or pull during swimming
The ProCase Swim Buoy Backpack has been an essential addition to our paddling trips, as its bright orange color offers increased visibility in various water environments. This feature not only makes it easier for lifeguards and boaters to spot us but also helps deter potentially dangerous sea animals.
What sets this product apart is its 35L large capacity dry storage compartment, which effectively keeps personal items like sunglasses, sunscreen, and keys dry when we’re out on the water. We appreciate that it’s made from high-quality, eco-friendly PVC material, which ensures long-lasting waterproof protection for our belongings.
The buoy backpack also sports a multifunctional, safe double airbag design. The detachable shoulder straps can be used as a waist belt when swimming, while the double airbag feature ensures optimal safety, even if one airbag gets damaged. We found it quite convenient that the inflatable nozzles are built-in at the front and rear, making inflating and deflating a breeze.
Although the valve design could be improved, it’s not a deal-breaker for us. We’ve also experienced minor issues with the plastic adjustment loops, which might need some tweaking. And while the buoy may create a bit of drag when swimming, the peace of mind it offers compensates for the minor inconvenience.
Overall, we highly recommend the ProCase Swim Buoy Backpack to anyone looking for a reliable, water-safe bag for paddling adventures. The benefits of increased visibility, secure storage, and its multifunctional design make it a valuable addition to your gear.
New Wave Swim Buoy
The New Wave Swim Buoy is a reliable and highly visible safety float, ideal for open water swimmers, triathletes, kayakers, and snorkelers.
Pros
- Exceptional visibility in open water
- Can be used as a flotation device
- Lightweight and easy to bring along
Cons
- Not a replacement for a personal flotation device
- Ziploc bag recommended for added protection in the storage compartment
- Might require extra efforts to tighten the nozzle to keep the air in
We recently used the New Wave Swim Buoy and were impressed by its visibility in open water. The bright yellow color made it easy for boaters, jet skis, paddlers, and surfers to spot us, ensuring a safe swimming experience. This safety float also helped us monitor the swimmers and track our progress while swimming. We appreciated that it could be used as a flotation device, giving us peace of mind in case we needed to rest or experienced cramping.
While the buoy is very lightweight, weighing only 10 oz, it’s important to note that it does not replace a personal flotation device (PFD) or swim life vests commonly used by kayakers and Standup Paddle (SUP) Boarders. However, it’s still convenient to bring along with your board or kayak for a refreshing open water workout. We also found it helpful to put our cell phones in a Ziploc bag in the storage compartment for added protection.
Tightening the nozzle to keep the air in the buoy might require some extra efforts, but once it’s sealed properly, it’s efficient and comfortable to tow along. The New Wave Swim Buoy is a great investment for those engaging in open water activities, providing safety, visibility, and a little extra peace of mind.
Platinum Sun 40L Dry Bag Backpack
This Platinum Sun Dry Bag Backpack should be a top choice for those seeking a durable and versatile option for paddling adventures.
Pros
- Extendable bottom compartment for wet items
- Heavy-duty 500D PVC tarpaulin material
- Weather-proof for various conditions
Cons
- Limited small pocket options
- Waist straps may not fit larger individuals
- Less convenient for scuba divers
We recently took the Platinum Sun 40L Dry Bag Backpack on a paddling trip and were impressed by its durability and capacity. The extendable bottom compartment allowed us to store wet gear without compromising the dryness of items in the main compartment. This was great for managing our belongings during water activities.
Constructed with heavy-duty 500D PVC tarpaulin, this backpack can withstand the pressure of water jets and rapids. We felt secure knowing that our gear would stay dry in most conditions. The weather-proof design meant we didn’t have to worry about water, snow, mud, or sand compromising the integrity of our belongings.
However, we did encounter a few drawbacks with this dry bag. There were limited options for smaller pockets to store items like keys and wallets, making it less convenient for quick access. Additionally, the waist straps on this backpack might not fit comfortably on larger individuals. Lastly, scuba divers may find this bag less suitable due to its lack of specific compartments for scuba gear.
Overall, the Platinum Sun 40L Dry Bag Backpack is a great option for paddling enthusiasts seeking a durable and versatile bag for water-based activities. With an impressive capacity and weather-proof features, this bag ensures that your belongings stay dry and organized for various outdoor adventures.
Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bucket Bag
This lightweight, versatile, and secure bag is an excellent choice for paddlers seeking functionality and peace of mind.
Pros
- Slash-resistant body and strap
- RFID blocking card and passport slots
- Features handy pockets for organization and easy access
Cons
- Strap may be uncomfortable for extended wear
- Not fully waterproof
- Limited color options
We recently tried the Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bucket Bag during our paddling adventures and found it to be an excellent option for securing our belongings. The bag’s slash-resistant body and strap, combined with RFID blocking card and passport slots, provided a sense of safety as we navigated unfamiliar terrain.
While paddling, the two mesh expansion pockets at the sides were particularly useful for holding our water bottles and umbrellas. Our belongings remained well-organized inside many compartments, keeping everything within easy reach.
However, the strap could become uncomfortable during long trips, and we noticed the bag was not completely waterproof. While it protected against splashes during our paddling, it might not hold up in heavy rain or if submerged. Also, for those who prefer more color variety, the options for this particular bag are limited.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a convenient and secure bag for paddling that isn’t too bulky, the Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bucket Bag is worth considering. Just keep in mind its limitations regarding comfort and water resistance.
WaterSeals Lewis N. Clark Cinch Locking Backpack
The WaterSeals Lewis N. Clark backpack is an excellent option for protecting your belongings during water activities while providing security and ease of use.
Pros
- Effective combination lock for security
- Fully waterproof to keep belongings dry
- Ample storage space while remaining lightweight
Cons
- Setting/resetting lock may require some effort
- Material could be cut if someone is determined to steal
- Numbers on the lock can be difficult to spin
We found the WaterSeals cinch locking backpack to be an essential item for keeping our belongings safe and dry during a variety of water-based activities, such as camping, beach visits, and canoeing. The combination lock provided an extra layer of security, allowing us to leave our items unattended without worrying about theft.
The bag is designed with ample space to store all your belongings without weighing you down. Its waterproof quality ensures that your electronics, gear, and accessories remain protected from water and debris. We enjoyed the convenience of simply rolling the top part of the bag three times, clipping it shut, and setting the lock.
However, we noticed that setting or resetting the lock was not always a smooth process, as it required some fumbling with the red button. Additionally, the numbers on the lock were not the easiest to spin, which might be a concern for some users. Despite these minor inconveniences, we believe the WaterSeals cinch locking backpack is a reliable choice for anyone looking for a waterproof and secure bag for their water-oriented adventures.
Buying Guide
Material and Durability
When choosing a water safe bag for paddling, it’s essential to consider the material and durability. We recommend looking for bags made from high-quality materials like PVC or TPU, as they offer excellent water resistance and can withstand the rough conditions of paddling. Additionally, consider the bag’s construction, such as welded seams and reinforced stress points, as they ensure the bag’s longevity.
Size and Capacity
Another critical aspect to consider is the bag’s size and capacity. Bags come in various sizes, from small, medium, to large capacities. Assess your needs and decide on the size that will accommodate your essentials like clothing, food, and gear. However, it is advisable not to over-pack, as it can affect your paddling experience.
Closing Mechanism
Different water safe bags have distinct closing mechanisms like roll-top closure, zipper closure, or a combination of both. We suggest opting for a roll-top closure, as it provides a better seal against water and is easy to use. Ensure that the closure is robust and reliable to prevent water from entering.
Comfort and Ease of Use
When paddling, comfort is essential. Look for bags with padded shoulder straps and waist belts for carrying comfort. Moreover, bags with multiple compartments or pockets can help organize your gear and make it easier to access items when needed. An easy-to-use design will make your paddling experience more enjoyable.
Price and Warranty
Lastly, consider the price and warranty of the bags you’re considering. While it is tempting to purchase the most inexpensive option, ensure that you’re not compromising on quality. Bags with a good warranty are often an indication of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. It’s worth investing in a bag that will serve you well in the long run.
| Factors to Consider | Details |
|---|---|
| Material & Durability | High-quality materials like PVC or TPU, welded seams, reinforced stress points |
| Size & Capacity | Choose a size to accommodate essentials (clothing, food, gear) |
| Closing Mechanism | Roll-top closure for a better seal against water and ease of use |
| Comfort & Ease of Use | Padded shoulder straps, waist belt, multiple compartments, and pockets |
| Price & Warranty | Balanced price point, good warranty for assurance |