Tuesday, July 1, 2025

The 8 Finest Waterproof Duffel Baggage of 2025, Examined and Reviewed

I’ve a devoted journey purse I exploit to commute to work, and at any time when I get caught within the rain, I often stress about whether or not my laptop computer will get ruined from water seeping into the bag. So I can think about how irritating it should be to unintentionally moist or break your belongings on a visit you’ve been wanting ahead to. That is the place proudly owning a water-proof duffel makes all of the distinction. 

Waterproof duffel luggage supply a terrific line of protection in opposition to wet and muddy circumstances, and might preserve your issues protected ought to they unintentionally get splashed throughout a ferry trip or get caught in a sudden downpour. The distinction between a strong waterproof duffel and an everyday duffel bag all comes right down to the fabric, for the reason that outer cloth of the bag determines whether or not it would let any water by way of or not. That doesn’t solely embrace its cloth, however what its zipper is fabricated from, too. One of many luggage I examined throughout T+L’s waterproof duffel lab take a look at was waterproof in all places besides close to the zippers, permitting water to seep in—no good! 

That will help you keep away from the pointless frustration of shopping for a water-proof duffel solely to seek out out it isn’t so waterproof, we examined just a few luggage in our New York Metropolis lab and evaluated them based mostly on their capability, design, portability, waterproofing, sturdiness, and worth. Listed here are our favorites.

Osprey Transporter Waterproof Duffel 70L

Credit score: Amazon

For those who often take part in out of doors actions, there’s a cause you may spot Osprey luggage actually in all places. Recognized for his or her sturdiness, the baggage are constructed robust however comfy to hold, and we discovered that the Transporter Waterproof Duffel is not any completely different. After testing, it nabbed our high spot for its glorious waterproofing and durable construct. Regardless of its sturdiness, the bag is actually light-weight, regardless that it’s giant sufficient to carry 70 liters (which means you’ll need to verify it for flights). You possibly can pack it a ton, so it does get heavier the extra you stuff it, however we have been capable of match three pairs of sneakers (together with a chunky pair of climbing boots) along with garments and toiletries with no drawback. 

The within of the bag is one giant fundamental compartment with two compression straps which have a medium-sized mesh pocket hooked up to it. This pocket may be helpful for smaller equipment, like your sun shades or cellphone, or to separate soiled socks and underwear from the remainder of your issues. The bag closes utilizing a big zipper which will really feel stiff at first, however simply requires a bit of additional effort to function. That’s as a result of its building is hard to maintain water from seeping by way of it, which did occur with one of many different duffels we examined, so it’s a trade-off we don’t thoughts. The zipper opening can be fairly extensive, so you may match issues into the bag with out struggling to get them in there. That being stated, the duffel’s opening isn’t extensive sufficient to get a hen’s eye view of what’s within the bag, so on some events you could must shuffle issues round to seek out what you’re in search of. 

What we did discover tremendous spectacular, although, is that not even a drop of water made it into the bag after we positioned it beneath a rain bathe. Actually, it boasts an IPX7 score, which implies it may be submerged in as much as a meter of water for as much as half-hour. Comprised of nylon, the bag’s cloth is actually sturdy, too. After dropping and dragging it, it didn’t present any scuffs or different indicators of harm. For those who choose to journey with this duffel, you may maintain it two methods: as a backpack (the straps are padded to make them extra cozy), or like a conventional duffel bag. 

The Particulars:  11.81 x 15.35 x 27.56 inches | 2.478 kilos | 70 liter capability | Double TPU-coated recycled nylon

Peak Design Travel DuffelPack 65L

Credit score: Amazon

Made with a number of adjustable straps and an expandable construct, the Peak Design Journey Duffelpack is simple to pack and carry. At minimal, it options 45 liters of carrying capability, but when it is advisable to pack just a few extra issues, the bag can develop to carry 65 liters max. Actually, throughout testing we have been capable of stuff the bag with 5 tops, two bottoms, three pairs every of socks and underwear, a sweater, jacket, and sneakers, plus a dopp package and water bottle. The bag’s opening, which closes with a zipper that runs the size of the bag, additionally opens up very extensive to present you nice visibility into what’s inside. 

Whereas the duffel itself is light-weight, it could turn out to be fairly heavy when packed. Nonetheless, the bag is designed with padded shoulder, chest, and waist straps to assist distribute its weight evenly when carrying it. This makes the bag much more comfy to lug round in your again. The straps may be simply tucked away when not in use, too, so that you don’t want to fret about them getting in the best way. “The shoulder straps and seize handles take up water—they usually stayed moist lengthy after the testing interval,” stated affiliate testing editor Danielle Calma. Nonetheless, we like that the bag is sturdy and fairly sturdy. It didn’t present any indicators of damage after we dropped it on the bottom a number of occasions. 

The Particulars: 26 x 15 x 12 inches (commonplace), 26 x 17 x 13 inches (expanded) | 3.9 kilos | 65 liter capability | Recycled nylon, anodized aluminum, glass-reinforced nylon ({hardware})

Matador Freefly Packable Duffel

Credit score: Matador

Whereas a structured design can present route for how you can arrange your bag, an unstructured bag just like the Matador Freefly Duffle provides you extra management over how and the place you pack issues. Its versatile construct can assist you to fairly actually pack it to the brim by benefiting from each nook and cranny. 

The Freefly has a 30-liter capability, so it’s finest used as a private merchandise bag, or for day or weekend journeys. Better of all, the bag may be folded down to suit right into a pouch. “This bag is shockingly light-weight,” says affiliate editor Anna Popp. “As a result of it is foldable and packable, it has a really light-weight and unstructured design, which is wonderful for portability.” The duffel itself is only one giant fundamental compartment, however its zippers open up extensive, which make it straightforward to pack and to see what’s inside. Once we examined the bag beneath moist circumstances, the supplies inside stayed dry for essentially the most half, however we did discover that some moisture did creep in the place the zippers met. There wasn’t sufficient water for it to be a priority, however should you choose a bag that may deal with being submerged, this isn’t it. 

In the case of shifting with it, the Matador Freefly may be worn as a backpack or tossed over the shoulder like a conventional duffel. Its carrying handles are rubberized, which permits for a cushty, delicate grip. The backpack straps, then again, aren’t padded, so we discovered that the bag was extra nice to carry than to put on as a backpack. 

The Particulars: 3.75 x 3.7 x 5.5 inches | 8.5 ounces | 30 liter capability | 70D Robic nylon, 50D nylon mini ripstop, 210D bonded nylon thread

NRS Expedition DriDuffel 70 L Dry Bag

Credit score: Amazon

Sturdy, however mild as a “heavy-duty rain jacket,” the NRS Expedition DriDuffel 70L Dry Bag is extremely spacious and totally waterproof. Actually, just like the Osprey, it’s earned an IPX7 score. Designed with one easy-to-pack fundamental compartment, the bag has a carrying capability of 70 liters. It additionally options carabiners on the skin, so you may connect small objects, like a flashlight, keys, or perhaps a water bottle

It closes utilizing a slick zipper that’s straightforward to zip and unzip, however the zipper is watertight and toothless, so it doesn’t let any water in, even when the bag finally ends up submerged in water. After totally wetting the bag, we didn’t observe any moisture contained in the bag. Nonetheless, we did discover that the duffel’s carrying handles remained moist for fairly some time after getting rained on. 

The bag itself is fabricated from TPU-coated nylon that’s very robust. “It reveals no indicators of damage and tear—I even stepped on it at one level and it reveals no marks,” stated T+L editor Taylor Fox. The duffel is designed with a shoulder strap and a carrying deal with, as a way to swap up the best way you maintain it. The shoulder strap even has padding that may be moved round and set wherever you favor. You’ll additionally discover loop handles on either side of the bag you may seize at any time when it is advisable to elevate the duffel up onto a floor. For those who don’t love the grey (smoke) possibility, it’s also possible to store it in a pink (salsa) or blue (Mykonos). 

The Particulars: 28 x 15.25 x 11.75 inches | 2.13 kilos | 70 liter capability | TPU-coated 840-denier heavy-duty nylon

Ortlieb Duffel RS

Credit score: Ortlieb

Whereas this huge 140-liter bag is technically a duffel, it additionally features as checked baggage. That’s as a result of it’s one of many largest suitcases we’ve seen out of the 700+ journey luggage we’ve examined. To make it simpler to maneuver round, the bag is designed with two wheels that assist you to roll it, or stand it by itself. Throughout testing, we have been capable of pack the duffel with clothes for ten days (together with a rain jacket and a puffer jacket), 4 pairs of shoes, a tent, and two climbing chairs. Actually, it’s so extensive and spacious, senior testing editor Jackie Cucco says might climb proper in and lay in it. ” It’s positively one of many largest checked suitcases I’ve ever seen out of the 700+ journey luggage we have examined, even when in comparison with conventional checked suitcases,” she provides. If not used for an extended journey, the duffel may be best should you’re packing for a whole household, group outings, or journeys the place it is advisable to pack a ton of substances, like a boating journey the place you’ll be snorkeling. 

What’s much more spectacular about this bag is that it’s very water resistant regardless of its bigger dimension. After getting moist, the water that acquired on the bag beaded up and rolled proper off of the plastic-y cloth. We didn’t discover that any water snuck in by way of the zippers, both, one thing we skilled with a number of the different duffels on this record. 

This bag is likely one of the heaviest duffels we’ve examined, however should you evaluate its weight in opposition to different checked baggage, it’s truly fairly light-weight. Although it may be worn as a backpack or carried like a conventional duffel, it’s most likely finest to solely accomplish that often and never for prolonged durations of time. The simplest strategy to transport the bag might be to wheel it like a conventional suitcase, and by chance, we discovered that the wheels are very sturdy. We rolled the duffel over carpet, up onto pavers, and thru stanchions meant to seem like an airport ready line, and the wheels by no means lagged or felt uneven. 

The Particulars: 14.2 x 38.6 x 17.7 inches | 112.5 ounces | 85, 110, and 140 liter capability | Polyester, aluminium (ground plate)

Rains Hilo Weekend Bag

Credit score: Rains

Whereas most of the waterproof duffels we’ve examined sport extra rugged appears to be like, the Rains Hilo Weekend Bag includes a fashionable minimalist design that makes it essentially the most fashionable bag on this record. Whereas it’s a bit smaller than most of our different waterproof duffel choices, it could comfortably carry as much as 36 liters. Throughout testing, we have been even capable of pack it with bulkier objects, together with a pair of climbing boots and a foldable climbing chair. 

Whereas the bag isn’t designed with any pockets (only one giant fundamental compartment), it’s made with compression straps that can be utilized to safe the objects you pack. Additionally they assist to reduce the dimensions of the bag, permitting you to simply match it beneath an airplane seat if you wish to use it as a private bag. The bag is designed to deal with mild rain, and we discovered that that is fairly correct. Once we showered the duffel in water for 30 seconds, we didn’t discover that something within the bag acquired moist or moist instantly after. Actually, the water became beads as soon as it hit the bag’s floor, and streamed off, as if it have been operating down a window pane of glass. The bag’s zipper can be fairly clean, regardless that it’s coated with waterproof materials. Like quite a few our different luggage, the duffel’s handles did keep moist for some time.

Whereas the bag’s cloth is skinny, we discovered that it felt very sturdy, and would doubtless be very tough to tear or rip. We didn’t discover any scuffs or scratches on the bag after we repeatedly pushed it off a desk throughout our drop take a look at. Carrying the bag is fairly straightforward, as its decrease carrying capability makes it light-weight, nevertheless it’s additionally designed with an adjustable shoulder strap that may be shortened or made longer to accommodate individuals of various heights. 

The Particulars: 20.5 in x 10.6 in x 10.2 inches | 28.9 ounces | 36 liter capability | Polyester

SealLine Pro Zip Duffel

Credit score: SealLine

For those who’re in search of one thing constructed to resist your most rugged actions from climbing to boating, we suggest the Sealline Professional Zip Duffel. The 70L bag is just a bit over two kilos, regardless of its bigger dimension, and its sturdy materials is totally waterproof. The bag may be totally submerged in as much as a meter of water for half-hour. Whereas we didn’t submerge the bag throughout testing, we showered it with water for 30 seconds, and not one of the supplies within the bag acquired moist, not even by way of the zipper. Actually, the duffel’s zipper is fairly heavy-duty, so you might have to yank it to get it going. 

We like that the bag’s fundamental (and solely) compartment could be very spacious. It had sufficient room for us to pack a water bottle, 5 tops, three bottoms, two jackets, seven pairs every of socks and underwear, two toiletry kits, and two sneakers, together with a pair of shoes. It does lack smaller compartments, so determining a strategy to arrange your issues falls on you, and you might have to actively dig by way of the bag if you’re attempting to find a selected merchandise. The bag’s opening is extensive sufficient to assist you to see what’s inside, however a bit of too slim to stuff in a number of objects on the similar time. We discovered we needed to separate a stack of garments into a number of components in  order to get every bit into the bag. 

The duffel’s materials appears to be like and feels heavy-duty, nevertheless it additionally didn’t present any injury throughout our testing interval, making this a strong selection for out of doors adventurers who plan on utilizing this duffel on completely different terrains. 

The Particulars: 15.5 x 28 x 11 inches | 2.9 kilos | 40, 70, or 100 liter capability | PU-coated polyester, PU-coated nylon

Watershed Colorado Duffel

Credit score: Backcountry

The Watershed Colorado Duffel options probably the most distinctive closures out of the baggage on this record. As an alternative of utilizing a zipper to shut it, you may shut the bag by merely urgent its high collectively to suction it shut, much like the best way you’d shut a freezer bag. “When it is fully flat, it appears to be like like an enormous flat Longchamp purse,” says Cucco. “You possibly can match so many various issues in it, whether or not it is two weeks price of clothes, some sort of cumbersome river gear or fishing provides, or muddy gear.”  We did discover that you just needed to pull it moderately laborious to get it again open after it’s closed, however that’s a good trade-off for attaining a water-proof seal. 

After getting moist, the water on the bag beaded up into circles and rolled proper off. Not one of the water acquired inside the bag, as we noticed that every little thing inside was as dry as when it was first packed. The handles and their padding did stay moist for about an hour, although, however that was fairly commonplace for a lot of the waterproof duffels we examined. 

This duffel can maintain 75.5 liters, however you may compress it to tackle completely different shapes. For those who roll the highest and compress it with the bag’s straps and buckles, you’ll get a cylinder-shaped duffel bag, however should you don’t roll the highest down, the bag resembles a big tote. Whereas it doesn’t include a shoulder strap, it does include lash factors the place you may connect your personal. Nonetheless, the duffel’s carrying arms are extensive sufficient that you may pressure it over your shoulder should you choose not carrying it in your arms, too. 

One factor to notice is that whereas the duffel’s thick, rubbery materials feels sturdy and rip-proof, we did discover that it was liable to creasing and noticed just a few white scuff marks on it after it was thrown onto the bottom just a few occasions throughout our drop take a look at. 

The Particulars: 27 x 7 x 5 in | 3.7 kilos | 75.5 liter capability | PU-coated nylon

Different Waterproof Duffels We Preferred

Arc’teryx Service 40 Duffle: Whereas we favored the bag’s light-weight and minimalist design, we discovered that the bag’s zipper isn’t waterproof. So we would not fully belief it in a heavy downpour.

Journey + Leisure


YETI Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel: This Yeti Duffel does a wonderful job at protecting water out, nevertheless it’s moderately heavy for a bag with restricted portability.

Journey + Leisure


Our Testing Course of

To judge the perfect waterproof duffels, we put every bag by way of a collection of checks in our New York Metropolis lab after which collected insights. First, we developed a packing record based mostly on whether or not the bag certified as a carry-on or checked baggage, after which assessed whether or not the set packing record truly match into the bag. We then wore every duffel in a wide range of methods, together with carrying it as a backpack, utilizing its carrying handles, or wheeling it, if relevant, to evaluate every bag’s portability. To check every duffel’s sturdiness, we put every one by way of a drop take a look at, shoving it aggressively off a counter onto the ground a number of occasions to find out whether or not the bag would present any indicators of harm. Lastly, for our water take a look at, we put tissue paper into every duffel, after which ran a conveyable bathe over every one for about 30 seconds to see if any water would seep into the bag and moist the tissue paper. Editors will journey with every duffel to gather additional insights over the following six months and replace this record with any further findings.

Journey + Leisure


Ideas for Shopping for a Waterproof Duffel

Contemplate your capability wants 

Like most baggage, waterproof duffels include completely different carrying capacities. The quantity of house your bag ought to have will depend upon what you’re utilizing it for. For instance, should you plan on utilizing your duffel for a day hike, you may go for a smaller bag. However should you plan on utilizing your bag for clothes and heavy gear or tools (like helmets and vests for a rafting journey), you need to most likely take into account an even bigger bag. Most bigger capability luggage are likely to fall someplace within the 70 to 140-liter vary. You also needs to notice that bigger luggage are sometimes a bit heavier (although not all the time the case!). So, you also needs to notice whether or not you’ll be comfy lugging your explicit bag of selection round for prolonged durations of time. 

Contemplate the IP score 

An IP (Ingress Safety) score in relation to water will let you understand how a lot water the duffel can deal with earlier than letting any liquid by way of. The most effective waterproof duffels normally have a score of IPX7. This implies the bag may be submerged in as much as a meter of water with out ruining any of the contents inside. The decrease the score, the much less water the bag can deal with. A score of IPX4, for instance, doubtless means the duffel is water resistant and might solely deal with water splashes, sweat, or mild rain. 

Preserve portability high of thoughts

Ideally, the extra carrying choices the waterproof duffel gives, the higher, however it’s one thing you need to notice when selecting a bag. Some luggage solely include two carrying handles that assist you to transport it in your hand, but when the handles are extensive sufficient, you may additionally have the ability to slip them over your shoulder, too. Different luggage include a separate shoulder deal with you should use to put on the bag cross-body or over your shoulder. 

Some choices on this record additionally embrace backpack straps and different adjustable straps that assist you to comfortably handle and distribute the burden of a heavier bag, whereas some choices even include wheels. You need to select one thing that is smart on your preferences and physique sort. For instance, a extra petite individual could have bother carrying a 140-capacity bag on their again. 

Incessantly Requested Questions

  • What are waterproof duffel luggage finest used for?

    Waterproof duffels are finest used for events the place it is advisable to preserve your clothes or gear fully dry. For instance, you could deliver one alongside should you’re going kayaking and plan on bringing an digital, like knowledgeable digicam. A water-proof duffel will decrease the danger that your issues will get ruined ought to your bag unintentionally find yourself within the water. They’re additionally a sensible choice for out of doors excursions like tenting or climbing journeys the place you could encounter wet or muddy circumstances. Waterproof luggage may also be used to retailer moist clothes or tools to maintain it separate out of your dry baggage. For instance, you should use a water-proof duffel to retailer snorkeling tools after a day spent out within the water, or to carry moist towels after a household day on the seaside. 

  • What’s the finest materials to search for in a water-proof duffel?

    The most effective materials to search for in a water-proof bag is normally TPU or PU-coated nylon or polyester. These supplies are normally water resistant, at the least. However if you wish to guarantee your duffel is actually waterproof you may check out its IP score. Any bag with a score between IPX6 and IPX8 is normally made with some heavy-duty waterproof supplies. 

Why Belief Journey + Leisure

Jasmine Gomez is a commerce author at Journey + Leisure, and took part within the New York Metropolis lab take a look at for waterproof duffels. She personally packed, dropped, and doused a number of of the baggage on this record to judge how a lot water they may deal with. As somebody who often travels domestically and internationally, she additionally relied on her journey expertise to locations with completely different climates to find out what an important options in a strong waterproof duffel are. 

Love a terrific deal? Join our T+L Recommends publication and we’ll ship you our favourite journey merchandise every week.

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Articles