Best Waterproof Boat Bags- Top 10 of 2023

// By Leonard Schoenberger

Last updated on December 21st, 2023.

Leonard Schoenberger
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Modern-day anglers are spoilt for choice when it comes to boat bags. There’s a wide range of shapes, sizes, and shades available to choose from.

But as with anything, it’s important to ensure that your boat bag is as practical as it is stylish. 

After all, it would be a shame if your belongings got wet, so it’s a good thing there are proper waterproof boat bags on the market right now. Let’s steer you through 10 of the best waterproof boat bag options for 2023.

Overview of Important Features in Waterproof Boat Bags

Space

Not only do you need to have enough space in your boat bag, but you’ve also got to be able to manage and organize everything inside it. How the dividers are arranged or how you get to arrange them matters. Ideally, you want to be able to pack everything you need in the way you want it packed.

Enclosure

Your closure system is the gateway into the bag, so it has to be made tough to prevent water from getting inside. If your closure system is compromised, your bag is as good as a grocery bag. Your average backpack zipper won’t do. You need something strong enough to withstand some serious pulling. 

Framework

Make sure your boat bag is built to last. Having water-resistant fabric simply isn’t enough.  You want to maintain a consistent level of dryness, and that will require something made from completely waterproof materials. Whether you plan on taking your boat bags fishing or are interested in boat bags for skiffs, making sure that the bag can handle whatever you put it through is crucial. 

Carrying Capacity

You’ll have to consider the different ways you can wear the bag as well. You might want to think about what it can load and how much of it can load at any given time. 

Best Waterproof Boat Bags of 2023

Notice: We take part in affiliate programs such as the amazon associates program. If you click on one of the links in the text and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we are convinced of. Thanks for supporting our business. All images courtesy of amazon and the manufacturers.

YETI Camino 20 Carryall

Brand new for the season, the YETI Camino 20 Carryall doesn’t just clean easily, but it looks darn good. There are two ways you can carry it around; either you grab onto the crossbar handle or you slide it onto your shoulder by way of the straps. Here, you’re dealing with an EVA molded base that serves as a strong foundation, while a thick skin shell protects it not only from the elements but from punctures and abrasions as well.

The deployable dividers on the YETI Camino 20 Carryall offer you the freedom to organize your space as you please. The word deployable means that you can put them aside and place them inside as you see fit. 

With 2.9 pounds in empty weight and 13.25 x 15 x 7.75 inches, there’s a lot the YETI Camino 20 Carryall can accommodate. Most importantly, there isn’t a hook that can tear through this thing and it’s durable in the fullest sense of the word. 

GET IT AT YETI

GET IT ON AMAZON

Filson Roll-Top Tote Bag

Filson Roll-Top Tote Bag
Filson Roll-Top Tote Bag

Water is no match for Filson’s boat bag. It’s made from nylon tarpaulin fabric that’s covered in a coating of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Fabric layers are fused through radio frequency welding, ensuring long-lasting structural integrity.  

The Filson Roll-Top Tote Bag doesn’t weigh much, it’s resistant to abrasion, and it can handle some heavy-duty situations. Two-inch wide webbing handles give you the ultimate grip and you can store a couple of things in here thanks to its 28-liter capacity. Carry by hand or on the shoulder, that’s $185 well spent.

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GET IT ON AMAZON

Fishpond Cutbank Gear Bag

When it comes to boat bags fishing fans can enjoy, the Fishpond Cutbank Gear Bag is one of the best on the market. This bag has not one, not two, but four heavy-duty lash tie-down points. In terms of storage, this thing’s got two clear interior zippered pockets and two Velcro-backed pouches. You decide where you want to adjust the pouches and even the Velcro divider system is adjustable.

You have 4.5 pounds of pure waterproof convenience right here enclosed in‎ 23 x 13 x 12 inches of space. You’ll be glad to know that rain will not get the better of you with the Fishpond Cutbank Gear Bag in your hand, as it’s made from a tough molded bottom and recycled TPU fabric that’s welded together for total waterproofing.

The zipper of the Fishpond Cutbank Gear Bag is water-resistant and the several attachment straps that it comes with allow for more functionality. As does the tippet holder which caters to increased control and movement. 

Taking all that into consideration, it makes sense that the reviews for this one are unreal. So much so that nobody seems to be complaining about the $275 price tag.

GET IT ON AMAZON

GET IT AT TROUTS

Orvis Large Boat Bag

Orvis presents us with a TPU coated nylon bag and boy, is it big. It weighs 7 pounds and measures 22.5 x 12 x 11 inches. The Orvis Large Boat Bag comes with two haul handles, three mesh zipper pockets, and 5 removable dividers for just $300. 

A removable shoulder strap lets you wear it how you want to and the overlapping lid is what keeps water from breaking through. When it comes to boat bags fly fishing is one activity that calls for freedom in managing your space, and the Orvis allows you to do just that.

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GET IT ON AMAZON

Patagonia Great Divider Waterproof Boat Bag

They don’t just call it the great divider for nothing. This 5-pound marvel of internal organization can deal with 26 liters of gear and it’s made from 18 x 9.5 x 13 inches of 100% recycled nylon fabric and webbing combined with a 100% recycled polyester shoulder strap. 

Magnetic front closure on the Patagonia Great Divider Waterproof Boat Bag will ensure that nothing gets past that shouldn’t. There are also Velcro patches to stash your bait while the internal dividing system is conveniently adjustable. Items you might need in a hurry are accessible through a clear plastic internal lid pocket and all of this is available for $299. 

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GET IT AT CHARLIE’S

Simms Dry Creek Boat Bag

The Simms Dry Creek Boat Bag Waterproof was made for life on a boat. It’s got multiple latch points that are attachable to boats and you’ve got a zipper and a lid for double protection against moisture. Personalization was prioritised when designing this bag as evidenced by its adjustable dividers and the magnetised buckle makes sure that you catch and release with ease.

The main body is made from a polyester ripstop with two TPU laminated sides. The dimensions are 16 in. x 9.25 in. x 8.5 inches and it has a forty-liter capacity, which is nothing short of incredible. The magnetic buckle is one of the best features of this bag, and most anglers love how easy it is to keep things close at hand when on a boat. 

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GET IT AT ALS

Vos Heavy Duty Outdoor Waterproof Boat Bag

The Vos Heavy Duty is proof that you don’t have to compromise design for practicality. It’s simple enough to provide for all your most pressing needs while out on the water and once you get a load of the materials used, it’s clear where that $30 goes to. 

The PVC mesh ensures that there’s no ripping or puncturing this baby, and all you need to do to secure your stuff is to flip the top and clip it in. Just like that; you’ve got a seal which no air or water can penetrate. 

From canoeing to sledding, and even days out on the beach, the Vos Heavy Duty is the go-to boat bag for water sports enthusiasts and outdoors lovers. One thing that makes this bag truly special is the reflective bar you get on the front; it makes for a brilliant security feature that doubles as a fashion statement and all 18 x 17 x 11 inches of this boat bag are incredible.

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GET IT AT WALMART

Boatmates Safety Gear Bag

The Boatmates Safety Gear Bag is an industrial-level boat bag with an emphasis on minimalism. It weighs only 2.5 pounds, costs just $49, and has dimensions of 15 x 21 x 12 inches. 

For stuff you don’t mind getting wet, you’ve got a mesh pocket in the front. For the things you’d rather keep dry, there’s a smaller zippered area at the top for important items like solar flares and other emergency supplies. You then have a larger zippered area on the bottom that’s big enough to pack a coat or two.

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GET IT AT BASS PRO SHOPS

Abu Garcia Unisex- Adult’s Waterproof Boat Bag

Abu Garcia’s offering of the Abu Garcia Unisex- Adult’s Waterproof Boat Bag is one of the lighter ones on the list, weighing just over 2 pounds with 18.9 x 14.9 x 9.4 inches of plastic facilitating water-free storage. 

There’s no need to wonder about whether the bag will fit in most storage spaces because you can easily fold it up and squeeze it in just about anywhere. It also features solid zips, a buckled shoulder strap that’s very accommodating, and two handles on the sides. Considering how easy this bag is to use, it’s no wonder anglers are getting a kick out of it.

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GET IT AT HAPPY ANGLER

ToteSak Waterproof Tote Beach Bag

The ToteSak Waterproof Tote Beach Bag is a waterproof beach bag with a couple of tricks stashed in its pockets. Whether water trickles down or washes over it, there won’t be a breach. You don’t have to worry about your belongings sinking into the water if it ever ends up dropping over the side of the boat, as it’ll float long enough for you to be able to retrieve it.

TPU coated nylon is the material at work here, and it’s so nicely put together, it practically screams sophistication. The main compartment serves as the ideal place to keep all the big stuff while a mesh pocket lets you keep smaller items like your phone and keys safe and dry. 

Overall, the ToteSak Waterproof Tote Beach Bag is known for its durability and versatility and beachgoers just can’t get enough of it, and $75 is all it’ll take for you to get your hands on one.

GET IT ON AMAZON

GET IT AT WALMART

Conclusion Boat Bags Waterproof: In the Same Boat

There it is; the best waterproof boat bags for 2023. By now, you should‘ve figured out which one you’re leaning more towards. Whichever one you end up going with, you should make sure it’ll serve you well out on the waters. The only way to do that is to give all the different features a lot of thought while keeping your lifestyle in mind and you’ll be ready to get out onto the water. 

Best Waterproof Boat Bag: FAQs

What are the Benefits of a Waterproof Boat Bag?

We’re living in a time where even the most sensitive items are being waterproofed. The reason for this is that your ability to enjoy outdoor water activities can be limited to how well your stuff can handle water exposure and you want to go out there as a duck takes to water. You don’t want to worry about anything getting damaged and you want to be able to take everything you feel you’ll need with you at all times. Waterproof boat bags are the answer.

Are Waterproof Boat Bags Worth it?

The great outdoors can be unforgiving, and water isn’t the only thing that could pose a threat to your possessions. Standing up against sharp rocks and passing through thorny bushes can result in a puncturing or ripping situation. So a waterproof boat bag will protect your most important possessions so you can focus on enjoying the nature around you, no matter how rugged it is. 

What Can you Put in a Waterproof Boat Bag?

Each boat bag is different in terms of how much allowance you’ll get. Still, you should have no trouble placing your valuables in these. Soccer moms are using them as go-bags, while fishermen use them for professional purposes. They’re also being used on all kinds of boats, from canoes to cruise ships.

Clothing and towels, fishing gear and emergency supplies, even refreshments have been known to be found inside boat bags. As long as you want it or need it on the boat with you, it shouldn’t be a struggle to keep anything in there. Sunglasses and sunscreen, an extra pair of shoes; so many useful things could get tucked away in there.  

What Should I Look for in a Waterproof Boat Bag?

Comfort must be considered when buying something like a bag, even if it will be used out in the wild. Some boat bags have padding or several straps to help with weight distribution. The simpler designs usually result in more comfortability since there isn’t much to get in the way of the user.

Ease of access is something else you’ve got to keep in mind. How fast or easy will it be to get to your stuff? How hard is it to open and close the boat bag? These are questions you need to ask yourself before deciding on which one to go for. 

Can you Swim with a Waterproof Boat Bag?

Just because something is waterproof, doesn’t mean it’s meant to operate in water all the time. Be that as it may, you may be wondering what might happen if you’re in a situation where you’ve got to get in the water with the bag on. 

It’ll all boil down its opening mechanism. You need to consider if water will be able to seep through or force something to open the bag. While a bag may be waterproof, it could still be put in a position where the elements can do their worst.

Overall, you shouldn’t expect any difficulties when swimming with a waterproof boat bag, but it helps to be conscious of the things that could render everything protecting it useless. Imagine if a branch was the cause of your bag’s buckle getting opened, would that be your last line of defense or can you rely on a zipper underneath that buckle? Your choice will ultimately determine how much you can get out of the bot bag experience.

Notice: We take part in affiliate programs such as the amazon associates program. If you click on one of the links in the text and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we are convinced of. Thanks for supporting our business. All images courtesy of amazon and the manufacturers.