Water and gear don’t mix. Whether you’re running a drift boat down the Green River, chasing bass on a reservoir, or loading a raft for a multi-day float, the stuff you bring needs to stay dry. Spray from rapids, rain rolling in, a wave over the bow. It doesn’t take much to soak a phone, ruin a jacket, or destroy a day’s worth of food.
The right waterproof bag keeps your gear protected without getting in the way. The wrong one leaks at the worst possible moment. Here’s how to pick the right one.
Soft bags vs hard cases
Both have a place on a boat. Which one you need depends on what you’re protecting and how much space you have. Soft waterproof bags (duffels and dry bags) pack down, fit into awkward spaces, and can be strapped just about anywhere. They’re the go-to for clothes, sleeping bags, and gear that can handle some compression. Hard cases and dry boxes offer rigid protection for fragile items. Optics, cameras, electronics, anything that can’t take a hit. They also double as seats or tables in camp. The tradeoff is bulk. They take up fixed space whether they’re full or empty. Most setups use both. Soft bags for the bulk of your gear, hard cases for the stuff that needs extra protection.
What “waterproof” actually means
Most bags marketed as waterproof aren’t. They’ll handle light spray. They won’t survive getting dunked when the boat takes on water or sitting in a puddle all day. Water-resistant means the fabric sheds moisture for a while. Eventually it gets through, especially at seams and zippers. Waterproof means water doesn’t get in. Period. Full submersion, extended exposure, it doesn’t matter. Look for IPX ratings. IPX8 means fully submersible. Anything less is splash protection at best. If the product page doesn’t mention an IPX rating, assume it’s not truly waterproof.
Features that matter on a boat
A bag that works great for hiking might be useless on a boat. Here’s what to look for:
- Tie-down points: D-rings or lash tabs let you secure the bag to the frame, deck, or rail. A loose bag becomes a problem fast when things get rough.
- Low-profile shape: Tall bags catch wind and tip. A wider, flatter duffel packs better and stays put.
- Easy access: Roll-top closures are reliable but slow. If you need to get into the bag throughout the day, a waterproof zipper is worth it.
Sizing for boat storage
Space on a boat is limited. You’re working with compartments, straps, and whatever you can wedge between frames. A 60L duffel fits most applications. A day’s worth of gear, extra layers, food, camp clothes for an overnighter. It’s small enough to stash under a seat or strap to a frame without dominating the boat. A 90L handles multi-day trips or bulkier loads. Sleeping bags, full camp setups, extra supplies. It’s bigger, so plan where it’s going before you load up. Measure your space first. Know what fits in your boat before you buy.
River and lake conditions
Western rivers and lakes come with their own challenges. Rivers mean rapids, spray, and the occasional full swim. Your bag might end up underwater. It needs to handle submersion, not just splash. It also needs to survive getting dragged across aluminum raft frames and rocky banks. Lakes are calmer but not dry. Morning dew, afternoon storms, spray from choppy water. A bag that sits in the bottom of a boat will sit in water eventually. Cold water is part of the deal out here. Cheap PVC bags get stiff and crack when temps drop. TPU stays flexible in cold weather and holds up longer.
Saltwater considerations
If you’re fishing coastal waters or offshore, salt changes things. Salt corrodes metal hardware. Zippers, buckles, D-rings. Anything that’s not marine-grade will eventually fail. Rinse gear after every trip. Even good bags need the salt washed off to last.
TPU handles salt better than PVC. It doesn’t break down as fast from the exposure.
Use cases
Different boats, different needs.
- Drift boats and rafts: Bags get strapped to frames and live there all day. Tie-down points are essential. The bag needs to handle spray, submersion, and getting banged around on rocky put-ins. 60L to 90L depending on trip length.
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Fishing boats: Quick access matters more here. You want a bag you can open one-handed while the other hand holds a rod. Smaller duffels or pouches for essentials, larger bags stashed out of the way for backup gear.
- Kayaks and canoes: Space is tight and weight distribution matters. Smaller bags that fit in hatches or behind seats. Compression straps help.
What we’d recommend
For day trips and overnighters: 60L. Fits most boats, carries what you need, easy to stash.
For multi-day floats and bigger loads: 90L. Room for the long haul. Check out the Deso Gear waterproof duffel bags and grab one before your next trip.
