Top 13 Best Sailing Duffel Bags
The best sailing bag should cover a lot of bases in terms of its usefulness at sea, meaning it has to at least be waterproof. Having a waterproof sailing bag seems like a no-brainer, especially with ocean spray or inclement weather.
You also want a lightweight duffel that might potentially have a zippered pocket to help keep your goods in. In addition, shoulder straps or compression straps can make carrying a little easier when transporting.
Lomo Waterproof Bag 30L
The Lomo 30L waterproof dry bag offers a good value for the price and quality of the product you receive. It showcases welded seams and a closable wide mouth that allows you to fill with all your gear but keep it dry from the elements.
It may seem a little stiff when in colder elements due to the material used for waterproofing. IT also comes with one removable shoulder strap to help with carrying around.
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Solid waterproofing
Cons
- Thick material becomes stiff in colder weather
Helly Hansen Sailing Bag 50L
The Helly Hansen offshore 50L bag is a good option for the best sailing bags on the market. These claim to also be capable of strapping to a cartop and remain waterproof, but you will likely need to test that out for yourself.
When sailing, they can withstand a ton of water thrown at it but do not fully submerge. The welded seams are great but will take on water if left for longer periods of time.
Pros
- Plenty of room for storage inside
- Easy to carry and store gear
Cons
- Not fully submersible
Typhoon Dry Duffel 60L
The Typhoon 60L, referred to as the Osea Dry Duffel, is 100 percent waterproof due to the 500D tarp material that they used to construct it. The removable shoulder straps allow it to be used as a backpack or carry around hand.
The durable material is great but you will not see a lot of external pockets. However, you can save a lot of space when storing since you can close the bag and squeeze air out of it with the release from a valve.
Pros
- 100 percent waterproof
- Large bag to hold many gear or other items
Cons
- Is not eye catching
Red Original Sailing Kit Bag
The Red Original Kit Bag comes in various sizes to meet your storage needs. The waterproof capability is tested with welded seams and a waterproof zip rather than a roll top closure.
It features various straps to carry depending on the size you are considering. It remains as a bag suitable for those seeking a valuable option that does not break the bank.
Pros
- Lighter and more compact options
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- Waterproof zip might not be as appealing as the roll top closure
Lomo Dry Bag 60L
Lomo continues to offer appealing options for your sailing goals, such as their Dry Bag 60L offering. They do a great job at keeping your gear dry, with welded seams and a roll top closure that can be submerged for a short period of time.
While there are not any external pockets, you trade that in for a reliable waterproof bag for the event you are going to experience a wet ride or have to store your bag in a place where water is constantly hitting it. The bag might be a little stiff in colder weather, as the material stiffens when cold.
Pros
- Great waterproof bag for your budget
- Bright color for easy spotting
Cons
- No external pockets
Helly Hansen Sailing Bag 90L
The Helly Hansen 90L offers users versatility with different strap features to wear as a backpack or carry by hand. It is not fully waterproof since the seams are not welded, but still serves as a quality bag to fit all of your essentials.
While it has a lot of room to pack everything, keep in mind the weight. Your back will thank you later if you manage to keep things light.
Pros
- Plenty of storage space with external pockets
- Sleek design and easy to carry
Cons
- Might become quite heavy and not waterproof
Zhik 45L Submersible
This Zhik 45L waterproof bag offers one of the best dry bags on the market. It is sporty and can handle a large amount of your gear to be safe from water.
It even has a section in the bag to separate wet and dry gear to keep them from all touching one another. It is built for longevity and is rugged to withstand harsh conditions at sea.
Pros
- 100 percent waterproof and submersible
- Good size to fit everything you need
Cons
- Might be too expensive compared to other options with less features
Gill Rolling Duffels
Gill makes one of the best rolling duffels you could ask for that is water resistant. It includes a padded shoulder strap in the event you need to carry it and has a large opening zip to make it easy to grab things or store quickly.
Keep in mind that this is not a full waterproof bag, as the material will seep in water if left in puddles or in the rain for long periods of time. The wheels make this an appealing option if you have it weighed down.
Pros
- Has wheels for easy transport
- Strong handles and large opening
Cons
- Only protects from some water spray
Musto Essential Water Resistant Bag
Musto has a convenient dry bag to help keep your gear safe from the elements while sailing. It is not entirely waterproof, but water resistant to handle ocean spray and light rain.
Their padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to haul when not in storage and are great for travel bags with an external pocket. The material maintains its shape no matter what you have inside or if you do not have it full.
Pros
- Keeps shape no matter what is in it
- Great for a carry on bag or day trips
Cons
- Will soak inside if it is submerged
Thule Chasm Sport Bag 130L
The Thule Chasm is an appealing option for those that need to pack a lot of gear at a good price but do not need it fully waterproof. It comes in four different sizes, ranging up to 130L.
If you decide to go for the larger options since they are somewhat cheaper than other brands, it is easy to overstuff them and you will not like carrying around the extra weight. Keep in mind that it is not waterproof, so some ocean spray is about all the water it can take at a time.
Pros
- Various sizes to accommodate needs
- Durable materials to help keep shape
Cons
- Is not completely waterproof
Victorinox Touring 2.0
Victorinox has one of the more expensive sailing bags on the market for a 38L option. The bag is just as appealing as a swiss army knife, in that it can handle a variety of needs for storing gear or other items.
It is water resistant and has a waterproof pouch on the inside to store smaller personal items. It also features the option to engrave your initials or personalize on the inside.
Pros
- Can change shape in a variety of ways to store goods
- Great quality sailing bag to accommodate a lot of your needs
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to other brands in similar size
Gill Team 30L
Gill has plenty of products to accommodate life on the water, so their Race Team 30L duffel bag is a great product for anyone that is active in that environment. It is perfect for normal wear and tear and is a waterproof sailing bag.
It does not have internal pockets to store smaller items like a phone or watch for easy access. However, it keeps your essentials dry, has a stylish design, and is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Pros
- Compact and puncture proof
- Great for sailing trips with a lot of water exposure
Cons
- Must make sure it is closed all the way for complete waterproof
Overboard Duffel Bag Classic
It is hard to beat the Overboard Classic duffel bag if you are wanting something rugged to handle the outdoor elements and to last a lifetime. It has a waterproof rating of IP66, making it a tough egg to crack.
You can even convert it to a backpack if you need to take your adventure on a dinghy or kayaking. It also is moderately priced for being such a large bag with durable features.
Pros
- Great price for all features included
- Can handle all elements and can survive being submerged
Cons
- Might be too heavy for the larger bag option
How to Find the Best Sailing Bags
The best sailing bags will vary based on your sailing goals and what you plan to do on the trip. There are many questions to consider before purchasing the best sailing bag for you and it will play a role in how you use them.
Are you sailing for the weekend or longer? Do you need safety gear or other items for harsh conditions? Is this just a one day event and you need dry clothes?
All of those questions will lead to different bag types needed, as you do not need a heavy duty 130L dry bag for just one day of racing. Below you can see which bag might be best for you depending on your needs.
Waterproof Bags
A waterproof sailing bag is ideal when you are going to be stuck in the elements, have nowhere to place your bag except in direct water exposure, and is best for long periods of time near the water. It makes sense that if you are traveling on a body of water to have a bag that is going to resist getting wet.
Water resistant is the bare minimum, but having a waterproof bag is best. If your sailing goal is to go offshore for a few days, you may want waterproof bags, whereas one trip near the coast on a nice day might just need a water resistant bag.
Size
In addition to waterproofing, you need to consider what sized bag you will need to handle your gear. Weekend trips will likely need a medium sized bag, while day sailing can require a smaller one.
If you are planning a trip that will last a week or longer, you may want to bring a 130L or several smaller ones to accommodate your traveling needs. This also makes sense if you are needing to pack extra gear for bad weather or need to pack safety essentials.
Price
The price of each bag is going to vary widely depending on brand, materials, and their intended use. This is why it is important to narrow down your sailing goals to see which bag fits your daily activities.
Some bags hover near $60, while others can be over $400. The size of the bags usually make the most difference in price since more materials are used, but others in similar size might cost significantly more if one is waterproof and the other is not.
