Tested: The Best Waterproof Duffel Bags For Amphibious Adventures

As diverse as duffel bags can get from time to time in both their purpose and functionality, nothing beats the durability of an adventure-ready waterproof duffel bag. For this begs the question, to what extent are you planning to expose this item to the elements? Ideally, the answer should be that it doesn’t matter. These aren’t water-resistant packs, they’re waterproof. And if the waterproof vs. water-resistant debate weren’t enough already, we can attest there’s a definite bonus to opting for waterproof packs if the journey looks like it could be a wet one.

That’s where the gear comes in handy, specifically the duffel bag, where no matter what’s contained (waterproof or not), everything from expedition gear to apparel to tech is safe from harm’s way and packed for protection. Fortunately, just like their non-waterproof brethren, waterproof duffel bags come available in several size options for both weekend trips and lengthier overland trips into the wilderness. Whatever the intended use, these options will keep things dry no matter what. We got hands-on with a few of our favorites to test out which waterproof duffel bags performed best.

How We Tested

As you’ll see below, not every waterproof duffel bag is made equally. In order to help you with your purchasing decision, we’ve gone through a handful of options to see which ones are the best. For starters, we used our knowledge in the space to help us come up with a list of brands we love and also scoured the web to fill in any gaps. From there, we took a look at these brands’ waterproof duffel bag options, taking into account materials, submersibility, handle options, weight, zippers, materials, aesthetics, and construction. Then, we acquired our samples for review and tested them out.

A major part of our testing was submersibility, which required us to perform a bathtub test. This consisted of resting each of these duffels inside a bathtub filled with water for 5 hours to see how they held up. Inside, we placed a piece of colored construction paper to better visualize the water marks, if any. Outlined below, our results were just part of our testing process, which also consisted of using the bags themselves and looking at variables such as durability, straps, features, capacity, and price, among other things. The results are presented to you below.

What to Look For

Materials: As we stated, certain materials are more water-resistant than others, such as nylon, polyester, and other synthetics. However, if you’re traversing outdoors, you’ll likely want something that’s abrasion-resistant or ripstop.

Zippers: A bad zipper can make or break a good bag. Likewise, when it comes to waterproofing, you’ll want something the likes of YKK Aquaguard, which prevents water from coming in.

Taped Seams: Stitching and sewing materials together will create inherent holes, even in the most water-resistant fabrics. These seams are often sealed off by fusing thermoplastic tape to them with heat.

Capacity: The capacity of a duffel will be a personal preference that has to do with what you’re using it for and for how long. A weekend camping trip will require a larger bag than a day hike, unless you’re packing for a larger group (although, it would make more sense for each individual to have his or her own bag).

Weight: Going along with its capacity, the weight of a bag will be affected by how big it is, but not always. Other things to consider are materials, padding, handles, and even how much they retain water (if not submersible), which can add weight. Weight can also affect packability and how easily you can stuff this into another bag when not in use.

Submersion: If you’re dubious about a bag’s waterproof claims (which are not held by any official regulation), you can get a good idea if the brand advertises that the duffel is submersible, which means that it can survive any amount of time underwater.

Amabilis Dave Jr.

Best Small Duffel: If you’re just embarking on a day hike in the rain or a solo weekend campout, you won’t always want or need to pack a lot. For the ambitious weekend warrior who’s economical about the gear he brings along with him, this 32-liter waterproof duffel isn’t for the faint-hearted. Each Amabilis Dave Jr. pack features a waterproof tarpaulin and armor-plated SuperFabric exterior, #8 YKK Aqua Guard zippers, military-grade hardware, an internal zippered security pocket, and an anodized aluminum heavy-duty grab handle. Time to conquer the outdoors 48 hours at a time.

The Good

Perhaps the most unique bag on this list, the Amabilis Dave Jr. packs some interesting features along the way. Sporting a wide-mouth opening up top, the bag took me a minute to figure out how to close its main compartment. However, after doing it a few times, I don’t mind it, and it’s a good way to compromise the duffel style without having a restricting top closure instead –– although there is a top closure on the bag as well that features a water-resistant zipper.

Obviously durable, the shell is also pretty darn thick, which ends up making it a bit heavier than you’d want considering the size, but that’s just the cost of added protection. I love the exterior aesthetic of this bag, which appears much sleeker with its matte fabric finish than the gloss of its contemporaries.

The Not So Good

As expected, the Dave Jr. was not submersible but upon taking the bag out of the bathtub during testing, the base of the duffel absorbed water like a sponge of sorts. After I opened up the main compartment and drained all the water out, I noticed the bag still had considerable weight to it. That’s when I discovered that I now needed to wring out the entire base material. This was not an easy process to do.

In terms of interior capacity, there’s not a lot once you close up the lid. Likewise, the base, which is admittedly impenetrable and at least allows you to stand this up on its own (when stuffed), eliminates some much-needed capacity despite the bag appearing like you can utilize the entirety of the duffel from top to bottom. There’s a second pocket on the outside, although this too isn’t quite as big as it could be, nor is it submersible.

Verdict: Expectedly non-submersible, the Dave Jr. from Amabilis doesn’t make great use of its capacity but this is still our favorite small duffel for its unique closure, dual access options, and overall aesthetic. Plus, the price is pretty solid considering the thick, albeit heavy, external housing.

Mad Water Allatoona Duffel

Best for Travel: When venturing from one climate to another, you’ll want a duffel that can withstand any unexpected moisture. Yet another trusty and reliable USA-made waterproof pack, the Allatoona Duffel from Mad Water is fully submersible up to 3 meters compliments of the double-coated PVC-free polyurethane, RF-welding, a YKK waterproof zipper, and various other heavy-duty components. Perfect for the outdoors as well, this bag has 1.5-inch nylon handles that are long enough to become backpack straps. Likewise, they’re fitted with D-rings in case you want to tether these to a larger suitcase or even the tailgate of your truck. Comfortably store upwards of 30 liters worth of gear in this handsome bag without the worry of what a little rain or river-fording might contribute to your belongings.

The Good

What attracted us to the Mad Water Allatoona, and Mad Water’s duffel range in general, was its handsome exterior. Sporting a matte finish and a minimalist aesthetic with only the brand’s brand patch, the bag looks exceptionally classy when it’s full. On the other hand, it does have thinner housing which collapses when empty, which fortunately allows this to make great use of its 40-liter capacity. It’s also surprisingly durable considering how lightweight it is.

If that’s not enough, this duffel bag is completely submersible –– an unexpected utility considering the classy look. After the bathtub test, the paper inside was completely dry. Also, compared to other submersible bags, which are incredibly difficult to zip opened and closed, the zipper on the Allatoona is very easy to operate, with a smooth glide that still locks at the end for water protection.

The Not So Good

If you’re the type of person to just throw all of your clothing into a single compartment during packing for your next trip (don’t be ashamed), then you won’t take issue with the lack of storage on the Mad Water Allatoona. While it maximizes every inch of its 40-liter compartment, that’s all there is to it, which will be perfectly fine for some. Another issue I had was the lack of handle options. There’s just the standard two-handle carry that limits how you hold it, albeit helps retain the minimalism here.

Verdict: Classy and surprisingly rugged, Mad Water’s Allatoona doesn’t look like your typical waterproof duffel bag but it’s proven to be submersible nonetheless. With 40L of capacity, maximized as much as possible, the bag doesn’t have any extra compartments but is still a lightweight and effective way to travel with all your clothing and gear.

Ortlieb Duffel

Best Large Duffel: If you have a big family or you’re going camping for several days at a time, a sub-50L bag simply won’t do the trick. From motorcycle touring to rafting and kayaking, to even mountaineering, the Ortlieb Duffel and its waterproof construction will keep your gear safe from whatever foul weather or rugged environment might dish out. Here, the brand opted for up to 110 liters of storage space, a TIZIP zipper for both durability and easy access, two internal pockets, a reinforced bottom, padded shoulder straps, two daisy chains for easy tie-downs to roof racks, and an outer mesh pocket to round things out.

The Good

While most massive duffel bags settle on their interior capacity alone, the Ortlieb Duffel isn’t complacent with its 110-liter interior. In fact, inside its main compartment, there are two deceptively deep zipper pouches for any smaller items like chargers, wallets, knives, etc. If that’s not enough, there’s a zippered mesh pocket on the outside for anything you’re less concerned about getting wet (this pouch is not waterproof).

Aside from the reinforced base, which only adds to the already-durable shell but provides a level of structure to the large bag, there’s an adjustable belt across the top of the interior that prevents the bag from getting too amorphous. This particularly helps when you’re wearing this as a backpack, which you could swing if it’s not too over-stuffed. Although, there’s no sternum strap so you’ll be lugging around 110L of gear without any support. In terms of submersibility, the Ortlieb Duffel performed well in the bathtub test, with not a drop of water getting inside the main compartment.

The Not So Good

Like a lot of submersible bags, the zipper on the Ortlieb Duffel is a pain to operate, even though it’s effective at keeping out water. And with this stiff zipper, there’s an increased chance that it might not get completely closed, thus leaving it susceptible to allowing water inside.

In terms of carrying, the handles on the duffel feature a unique design that shapes the individual straps for better carrying and Velcroing together. However, this bag could use a shoulder strap, as well as a secondary exterior pocket –– although I might just be getting picky.

Verdict: Featuring a sturdy exterior with a reinforced base, the Ortlieb Duffel is a solid solution for those trips that require lots of clothing and gear, especially if you’re heading outdoors with the whole family. Interior and exterior pockets give you extra options and the interior strap helps give the bag some much-needed structure. While this bag is a pain to open and close, it’s completely submersible.

Filson Medium Dry Duffel

Best for Camping: Filson seems to have its toes dipped in every facet of the outdoor gear space, but what’s most impressive is how well it performs every time. Perfect for lengthy fishing trips, outdoor adventures, or trips through the Amazon rainforest for that matter, the brand’s Medium Dry Duffel will keep what’s meant to remain dry, bone-dry. We can attribute this to the bag’s PU-coated 840D nylon exterior, water-tight construction, dual-lock top closure fastener, and high-density plastic hardware. Additionally, with up to 65 liters of capacity, there’s plenty of spacious room for your gear to keep safe.

The Good

Although it’s billed as a dry bag, this large pick from Filson is definitely a duffel bag through and through. Oriented vertically, you’re able to peer inside easily and then you can roll it up like a duffel for travel and storage. While the bright orange colorway won’t be for everyone, it helps with visibility, reflecting some of the light better during low-light situations. Also, when paired with the brown trim, the colorway feels more of an aesthetic choice that you forget that it also serves a distinct purpose of visibility.

I loved the multiple grab and carry options (including the removable padded shoulder strap), as well as its ability to be tied down with lashing points on the side, which is incredibly useful if you’re on a kayak or boat. However, make sure this bag doesn’t get drenched since it’s not submersible but can still keep out a good deal of water.

The Not So Good

While some may like the Velcro mouth opening for how it serves as an additional buffer on top of the roll-top closure, I found that it made this bag difficult to open, and it kept closing on its own as well. Even though it can be difficult to open and close at times, a zipper closure would have been preferred here. Furthermore, there was still some slight infiltration of water during the bathtub test, albeit not much, which is perfectly fine since Filson never claims this to be submersible. For what you get features-wise, the price of this bag is a bit steep. Case in point, this bag, like a few on this list, could’ve used some additional pockets on the outside.

Verdict: A popular waterproof bag for a reason, the Filson Medium Dry Duffel is capable of being your only bag on a given adventure due to its size. It’s not completely submersible, but it comes close and will keep your stuff dry on most occasions. The price isn’t ideal, but you’re getting top-tier Filson construction with welded seams and 840D ripstop nylon.

Yeti Panga 50

Best Overall: A household name at this point, there’s nothing YETI can’t build to perfection. At least that’s what appears to be true with the likes of additional gear items to their famed cooler collection. Able to stand upright on its own and be worn as a backpack, the Panga is no different, featuring 50L of gear capacity, a waterproof zipper, a laminated high-density nylon shell making the bag fully submersible, an EVA molded bottom, and two easy-access pockets for smaller, yet valuable, carry items. You can also wear this as a backpack if you need to.

The Good

In terms of balancing space and features, the YETI Panga 50 was our favorite duffel bag. I personally loved the level of structure that was inherently part of the bag, unlike some other options, which had a tendency to get floppy. However, the Panga could still pack down easily when empty. Most people will appreciate the plethora of grab and carrying options, including the main top handles, which can adjust and even be removed entirely, as well as smaller handles at the ends, the top, and even each of the four side corners.

In terms of features, there are a pair of small mesh zipper pockets on the inside, which gives you some more packing options. I also loved the look of the Panga 50, which falls into line with YETI’s design ethos and can’t be ignored as a reason why their products are so popular today. Also, the Panga 50 is completely submersible, passing the bathtub test with flying colors. However, this made the main zipper difficult to open and close.

The Not So Good

As great as the Panga 50 is, there are a few downsides, such as the weight, which is a whopping 5.2lbs despite having just a 50-liter capacity. This is due to the rigid structure of the duffel. Also, the top carrying handles, while removable, don’t come together with any sort of Velcro wrap, which could have mitigated how they feel in-hand: uncomfortable. And aside from the price, which is to be expected from YETI, my biggest issue with the bag was the mouth on the main compartment, which I wish could have opened a bit wider.

Verdict: Expectedly higher in price considering it’s from YETI, the Panga 50 is also expectedly well-made. Featuring a rigid housing that also packs down well, this duffel may be heavy but its features include internal pockets, removable carrying handles, a plethora of grab handles, and the ability to be worn as a backpack. Its flaws are minimal and shouldn’t detract from how well the bag performs.

Patagonia Guidewater Duffel 80L

Best for the Beach: A day at the beach requires much more than just protecting your clothes and gear from the inevitable moisture it will come across. You also need a lot of space. Perfect for large beach towels, a change of clothes, and even some toys for the kiddos, Patagonia’s Guidewater Duffel is an 80-liter bag that favors versatility. Capable of being worn as a backpack, the duffel has plenty of room for add-ons as well. Constructed with TPU-coated 14.4-oz 800D recycled nylon plain weave, this large duffel is IPX7 rated as well as incredibly lightweight considering the size.

The Good

Like the YETI and Ortlieb, the Guidewater features interior organization solutions. This one is in the way of a more sophisticated pouch with two smaller stretchy pouches, a wider zippered compartment, and a key leash. This unit can also be easily removed via heavy-duty Velcro. Similar to the smaller Guidewater bags from Patagonia, there aren’t any exterior pockets on the 80L Duffel. However, there are some gear loops and D-rings for attachments. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the duffel is how lightweight it is for an 80-liter bag that’s also quite durable.

I also loved the carrying handles-turned-backpack straps, which are far more comfortable than the ones on the YETI above, whether you’re carrying it in your hand or on your back. These handles also have smaller handles built in and can be removed entirely. When submerged in the bathtub, the duffel bag performed brilliantly, with no water getting on the paper inside.

The Not So Good

You’ll see a trend here, but Patagonia’s duffel bag is quite difficult to open and may require two hands, especially since the lack of structure makes it even more difficult, unlike the YETI above, whose sturdiness helps you with the zipper. Again, if you don’t zip these all the way closed, you run the risk of letting water in when you can’t afford it, so always keep that in mind. Despite all of its unique features, the Guidewater Duffel Bag is still quite expensive –– the most on this list by nearly $100. Some will certainly have a difficult time justifying the purchase over others here, especially the Ortlieb, which would be a more affordable substitute.

Verdict: With plenty of exterior gear loops and a useful interior organization option, the patagonia Guidewater Duffel is a large 80-liter option that’s fantastic for a day at the beach, and one that’s refreshingly lightweight to boot. While the zipper might be the most difficult of the ones we tested, the duffel can be worn as a backpack comfortably or carried at your side. Perhaps a bit flimsier than, say, YETI’s Panga, that flexibility also helps it shed some weight. We don’t love the price on the Patagonia but you’re still getting the brand’s knowledge of the space and exceptional construction methods along the way.

Waterproof Duffels Comparison Chart

Water-Resistant Vs. Waterproof

Knowing the difference between waterproof and water-resistant can save you a lot of hassle and headaches in the long run. If you see “water-resistant” on the label, this means the product can resist moisture on some level, be it through water-repellant treatment or inherently water-resistant fabrics like polyester or nylon, which are thick enough to resist moisture.

In terms of “waterproof” items, they will feature both materials and construction which make them fully impenetrable to moisture. This includes waterproof zippers, gaskets or seals, and taped seams. Some brands will say their product is waterproof even if it’s not, so look for reputable brand names or IP ratings (the higher the last number, the more waterproof it is).

Honorable Mentions

We loved the Matador Flatpak’s versatility but felt it to be more of a traditional dry bag than a waterproof duffel bag.

Similarly to the Matador Flatpak, Peak Design’s Travel Duffelpack 65L blurs the line between a duffel bag and a backpack, even though it does well in both regards. However, the limited stock prevents us from putting it on the main list.

The Vault 65L is another duffel/backpack combo, this time from Uncharted Supply Co. This one features a nice aesthetic and a solid price point but is comparable to others of a similar nature.

I wanted to shout out another jetsetter-friendly waterproof duffel, similar to the Mad Water we tested. This Weekend Bag from Rains is very stylish and accessible, but the Mad Water has an edge up in classiness.

If you want another heavy-duty backpack option with an IP68 rating, check out the SubTech Pro Drybag, which can also double as a duffel bag. A good extreme excursion bag from a brand that’s not super well known, this 55-liter pack didn’t make the cut simply for the steep price and lack of innovation, especially compared to the much cheaper, and just as good, NRS bag above.

Best for the Gym: When researching for our Dry Bags guide, NRS came up a LOT. The brand had several potential candidates for the feature, including this NRS High Roll Duffel 35L, which isn’t just super affordable but has plenty of room for add-ons and is also stackable. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get hands-on for testing, but this should still be taken into consideration.

Tested: The Best Waterproof Backpacks

Perhaps duffel bags don’t pack quite the all-day comfort you’re looking for on your next outdoor excursion. Fret not, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best waterproof backpacks.