The Best Waterproof Luggage for 2024
Are you an active adventure-seeker whose ideal travel getaway requires facing the elements? Or maybe you’re a city-hopping nomad who needs a waterproof bag that won’t get soggy when you’re caught in a rainstorm. From keeping your cards safe with a waterproof wallet to protecting your camera with a waterproof camera bag, we’ve rounded up all the best waterproof luggage for your travels in 2024 and beyond.
What makes luggage waterproof?
To be waterproof, luggage must be made out of a robust, durable synthetic material, like nylon, polyester, or PVC fabric. These materials will keep your travel gear safe, dry, and protected, whether you’re caught in the rain or shielding yourself from splashes during a boat ride. Keep in mind, however, that waterproof does not mean submersible: For a submersible and waterproof bag, keep an eye out for sealed, watertight zippers.
We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). These are products we’ve heavily researched and stand behind. You can read through our full affiliate disclosure here.
11 best waterproof luggage options for 2024
1. Best waterproof duffle: Sea to Summit
Not all waterproof luggage has to be bulky, wheeled hard suitcases! For a lightweight, easy-to-carry duffle bag that will still protect your travel gear from the elements, turn to the Sea to Summit Duffle Bag. Made out of tough tarpaulin Laminate and 1000D nylon, this waterproof duffle bag was built for ultimate reliability—whether you’re trekking in the damp outdoors or you’re just unlucky enough to catch that surprise rainshower downtown. It’s worth noting, however, that the zippers are not watertight, so it is not safe to submerge this duffle bag in water.
Price: starting at $160
2. Best waterproof backpack: Patagonia
For outdoor hikes and treks, it’s always best to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw at you. And more often than not, that means rain. On your next trip, be ready for anything come rain or shine with the Guidewater Backpack 29L from Patagonia. Made out of a combination of 100% recycled polyester and nylon with a PU face coating and a TPU back coating, this waterproof backpack really goes the extra mile. In fact, it’s fully submersible! Plus, it’s got the Patagonia extras we always love: made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory with 1% of sales pledged to environmental preservation and restoration.
Price: starting at $299
3. Best waterproof rolling duffle bag: Gonex
Despite your best intentions to pack like a minimalist, sometimes you just need to go big or go home. For an extra-large suitcase you can count on to keep your belongings dry from departure until arrival, we like the Large Wheeled Travel Duffle from Gonex. This waterproof rolling duffle bag is made out of 1200D high-density PVC fabric with durable YKK zippers and an ergonomically-designed telescopic handle to make airport-lugging that much easier. Like a lot of waterproof luggage, the zippers themselves are not watertight, so you should be careful not to submerge this large duffle. ( … Though that should be pretty easy, right?)
Price: starting at $156
4. Best waterproof sling bag: TurnWay
Besides keeping all your clothes and other belongings safe and dry during transit, it’s important to have a trusty day bag you can tote around town, even in the middle of a surprise rainstorm. Enter the TurnWay Waterproof Sling Bag. This nifty little crossbody backpack (which you can snag in your choice of 10 different colors), is made out of a lightweight, durable, waterproof polyester. Plus, pockets galore and an adjustable shoulder strap make it comfy and convenient to wear on long travel days when you need to go hands-free and stay nimble on the fly.
Price: starting at $33
5. Best waterproof fanny pack: Bellroy
For a sleeker alternative to a do-it-all crossbody, try going old school with a modern twist with this waterproof fanny pack from Bellroy. With a zipper that opens from both ends, this bag has an extra-wide opening that makes it easy to grab your travel wallet or phone in a flash. It even features an expansion gusset so you can enlarge this small fanny pack to fit a lightweight sweater or a water bottle when you know you’ll be out of the house for a full day. Available in four modern earth tones, like Bronze and Nightsky, this waterproof fanny pack is a unisex favorite we’ll be wearing and gifting to friends all year long.
Price: starting at $139
6. Best waterproof wallet: Skog Å Kust
Are you adventure-bound? If you’re headed on an outdoor excursion, it’s a good idea to double down on the waterproof luggage. Beyond a waterproof suitcase, that means safeguarding the essentials, like your ID, cards, and bills, with a waterproof wallet. And the Skog Å Kust Plånbok Floating Waterproof Wallet is pretty hard to beat. Not only is this a waterproof wallet, but it’s also a floating wallet! Even when you load up the TPU-coated cordura ballistic fabric with six cards, 20 folded bills, an ID card, AND two standard keys, this baby still floats to the top. Shop it in four different, cool-toned hues, and travel with a new peace of mind whether you’re beaching, boating, Jet Skiing, or swimming on your next travel getaway.
Price: starting at $26
7. Best waterproof camera bag: PGYTECH
If your travel photography far exceeds what a basic phone can deliver, then you want to make sure you protect those goods! And depending on what kind of travel you’re into, a standard camera bag may not be enough. For outdoor adventure-seekers (or even just city-wanderers who aren’t afraid of a little rain), upgrade your basic camera bag to a waterproof version with the OneMo 2 Camera Backpack from PGYTECH. Made with a high-performance, PU-coated splash-proof material, this waterproof camera bag will be your trusty sidekick when you’re angling for the best shot. It even comes with an attached rain cover for an extra layer of protection in inclement weather. (Fair warning: This camera bag is not submersible safe—so be careful when photographing near bodies of water!)
Price: starting at $220
8. Best waterproof crossbody: Arden Cove
For those of you who see the advantages of traveling with a waterproof bag but aren’t quite ready to sacrifice style for practicality, we hear you loud and clear. Don’t fret—there’s a way to stay stylish and safe from the rain whether you’re sightseeing, running errands, or headed out for drinks. It’s a simple hack: Just wear the Anti-Theft Waterproof Crossbody Bag from Arden Cove. This travel crossbody has a completely waterproof nylon body that (bonus!) features a slash-proof lining for another layer of protection. Even the zippers are waterproof so you can romantically get caught in the rain during a walk by the Seine (Midnight in Paris style) and never worry about your stash of euros getting soggy.
Price: starting at $130
9. Best waterproof tote bag: Baggallini
With a good travel tote bag on your arm, you can do it all. Jet off on a quick weekend trip. Enjoy a photo-worthy picnic in the park. Juggle all the essentials on your way to the office. Unfortunately, during any one of these very montage-able moments, rain can strike. That’s why you want a waterproof tote bag, like the Baggallini Avenue Tote Top Handle Bag. Available in 13 different colors and neutral prints with enough pockets to let you organize your heart out, this crinkle-nylon tote doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to checking the list of tote bag must-haves: lightweight, machine-washable, and easy to carry through the airport or train station with a built-in trolley sleeve.
Price: starting at $68
10. Best submersible waterproof backpack: Breakwater Supply
So far, we’ve done our best to caution you that water-resistant doesn’t necessarily mean waterproof—and waterproof doesn’t mean submersible. For most travel days, a simple waterproof backpack will do the trick. But for our outdoor adventurers who need to protect their belongings against more than just a rain shower, it’s time to level up with a fully-submersible waterproof backpack, like this one from Breakwater Supply. Their 100% Waterproof Submersible Backpack is made out of what they call their “virtually indestructible” Hydrowall TPU with permanently-welded seams, weatherproof nylon straps, non-corrosive UTX Duraflex hardware, and drysuit-grade airtight zippers. Whew! Can you believe it even has an airtight, waterproof compartment to protect your laptop? Wandering tech adventurers rejoice.
Price: starting at $160
11. Best waterproof beach bag: ALOHA
It goes without saying that a day at the beach involves … well, water. And while a standard canvas tote may be an easy choice for a few hours on the sand, it won’t offer much protection if you’re packing a camera, an e-reader, or other delicate items. To catch some real R&R while soaking up the sun, get peace of mind with a waterproof beach bag. The ALOHA Collection Zipper Tote is made out of the brand’s signature SPLASH-PROOF® material. Designed to protect your beach gear from light splashes and rain, this lightweight beach tote is the perfect companion for the day at the beach with ample zipper pockets for easy storage and organization. (Note: This is not a watertight bag, so keep an eye out for that rising tide!)
Price: starting at $70
Common FAQs
What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
There is a crucial difference between waterproof and water-resistant materials. While water-resistant materials can repel water and, thus, ward off severe damage, they can’t withstand more than a few drops of water. Waterproof materials, on the other hand, will remain tough in the face of prolonged contact with water. Bear in mind, however, that waterproof does not mean watertight—your average waterproof material isn’t meant to be fully submerged in water.
What materials are waterproof?
The best waterproof materials for a suitcase are nylon, PVC fabric, or polyester. Remember that not all waterproof bags are safe to submerge underwater. If you need a submersible waterproof bag, look for one with sealed, watertight zippers.
Are hard suitcases waterproof?
Unlike most fabric, soft-shell suitcases that do little to protect your travel gear against the elements, most hard suitcases are waterproof—or at least water-resistant. When shopping for waterproof hard suitcases, look for a durable fabric, like nylon, polyester, or PVC fabric. Note that for a fully submersible waterproof suitcase, you’ll need one outfitted with watertight zippers.
