According to a 2024 Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) report, 175.8 million Americans aged six and older participated in outdoor activities, a 4.1% jump. With that increase, the total participation rate has grown to 57.3%.
If you’re now part of that group or at least want to join in, you need the right gear for your outdoor activities, which you must then pack in a trusty waterproof bag. Remember: You’ll be at the mercy of Mother Nature, so you want the best waterproof duffel bag as your partner if she decides to bring in the rain.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry; our team here at Specialty Gear has your back. Read on for practical advice on choosing the best waterproof, durable duffel bags for outdoor adventures.
Go With a Fully Submersible Bag
First, you must know the difference between water-resistant and waterproof travel bags.
The two terms aren’t interchangeable. Thinking they are is a mistake that can cost you your precious electronics. At the very least, it can result in your rations turning into a soggy mess or your clothes soaking wet.
A Quick Primer on Water-Resistant Duffel Bags
Water-resistant bags, often made of polyester or nylon with a special coating, can repel water. However, they have a time “threshold,” so they can only protect against water briefly. They’ll soon cave in with continued exposure and allow moisture to penetrate (e.g., during a 5-minute torrential rain).
How the Top Waterproof Duffel Bags Differ
The best waterproof adventure gear bags, including duffel bags, use high-quality, durable PVC materials to ensure your essential items remain dry, even during prolonged water exposure or extended periods of rain. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is waterproof because it’s non-porous. Without pores, it blocks water from seeping through the exterior.
High-quality, heavy-duty waterproof bags made of PVC are even fully submersible. They can keep their contents dry even if the bags fall into the water.
An example of when the above might happen is if you’re a water-loving type of adventurer who goes canoeing or kayaking. It happens even to the most experienced: capsizing. If you brought your bag, you don’t have to worry about its contents getting soaking wet, as long as it’s submersible.
Extra Perk: Flotation Feature
Some of the best waterproof duffel bag options have features that turn them into flotation devices. For example, the fully submersible duffel bags from RGD have a valve that adds air, making them float.
Flotation devices could be lifesavers, such as when cold water shocks occur. As the National Park Service explains, cold water shocks can make swimming difficult and dangerous. Having a flotation device during such instances can make a big difference, as it can help you stay afloat as you paddle back to the safety of the shore or your kayak or canoe.
Mind the Zipper
A duffel bag’s zipper is just as crucial as its waterproof material. The zipper should provide an airtight seal. Otherwise, water can still break through and enter the interior compartment.
RGD’s fully submersible waterproof duffel bags feature a SCUBA-style zipper that creates an airtight seal. They also boast double-stitched seams, providing superior water and weather protection.
Look for Scent and Dust Protection
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), over 2.9 million airline passengers fly daily in and out of U.S. airports.
Now, if you’re flying and checking in a duffel bag, imagine how dirty and smelly it can become as it gets tossed around with other bags and wheelie suitcases that have tracked dirt and other debris.
If your duffel bag isn’t dust-proof and scent-tight, its contents can get “contaminated” during air travel. Instead of having clean, fresh-smelling outfits during your trip, you might end up with dirty, stinky clothes.
Luckily, the best waterproof duffel bags also protect against dust and odors. For instance, RGD’s fully submersible bags feature a scent-tight and dust-proof design. So, you can rest assured that the freshly laundered clothes you packed will be in the same clean condition once you unpack them.
Factor in the Capacity
Your new waterproof duffel bag should be spacious enough to accommodate your travel gear and essentials. In most cases, you’d choose a pack’s capacity based on the length of your trip, the weight and bulk you want to carry, or the dimensions of special outdoor gear you want to bring.
Here are some general guidelines to consider:
- Weekend or 1 to 3 days of travel: 30 to 40 liters
- Multiday or 3 to 5 nights of travel: 50 to 70 liters
- Extended-trip or week-long getaways: At least 70 liters
- Multi-week trips: 90 to 120 liters
You’ll be happy to know that RGD’s fully submersible bags are available in three sizes/capacities: 40 L, 90 L, and 120 L. If you need to pack less and there’s still lots of space available, you can shrink the bag down using its bleeder valve (the same valve you’ll use to add air to the pack and make it float).
Check the Warranty Offered
In today’s “fast-fashion” era, far too many products, including cheaply made bags, end up in landfills because their materials don’t last and degrade fast. Replacing them is not only hard on one’s travel budget but also on the environment.
When manufacturers back their products with a lifetime warranty against defects, it strongly indicates their use of quality materials and top-notch craftsmanship. It instills confidence in customers that they’re buying something made to last for years.
So, when choosing your next waterproof duffel bag, ensure it has a lengthy warranty. RGD’s duffel bags, for instance, provide a lifetime warranty against defects.
Shop for the Best Waterproof Duffel Bag Today
From ensuring it’s fully submersible to having an airtight zipper and offering a solid warranty, these are among the most crucial factors to consider when choosing the best waterproof duffel bag.
Luckily, you don’t have to look far and wide, as RGD duffel bags are here to save the day with their durability and unmatched element/weather protection. Don’t forget they come with a lifetime warranty against defects.
So, if you’re going on your outdoor adventure soon, today’s the best time to invest in an RGD waterproof duffel bag. Check out Specialty Gear’s collection now to start comparing your options!