Waterproof Gear for Kayaking | Keep Your Phone & Keys Dry
Waterproof Bags: How to Choose the Right Bag for Water, Travel & Everyday Use
A truly waterproof bag should protect your essentials when getting wet becomes more than just a possibility.
The best waterproof bag depends on what you're carrying and how close to the water you're getting. For phones, keys, wallets and everyday essentials, a compact waterproof crossbody gives you easy access without the bulk of a traditional dry bag. For larger loads, a dry bag or waterproof backpack may make more sense.
There's a big difference between carrying a bag through light rain and taking it paddleboarding, rafting, swimming or onto a beach where it may actually end up in the water.
Unfortunately, the word "waterproof" gets used loosely. Some bags are built to shed rain. Others are designed to protect what's inside even when the entire bag is submerged.
Understanding that difference makes choosing the right waterproof bag much easier.
What should you look for in a waterproof bag?
Look at how the bag is constructed, how the opening seals, whether the material itself is waterproof, and most importantly, whether the bag is designed for splashes or actual submersion. For phones, keys, wallets and electronics used around water, a fully waterproof or submersible bag provides significantly more protection than a typical water-resistant bag.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Bags
This is the most important distinction to understand before buying any bag for use around water.
Water-Resistant Bag
Designed primarily to resist limited exposure to water.
- Light rain
- Small splashes
- Occasional spray
- Short exposure to moisture
Waterproof / Submersible Bag
Designed for environments where significant water exposure is expected.
- Heavy rain
- Waves and spray
- Drops into the water
- Activities around rivers, lakes and oceans
What Makes a Bag Actually Waterproof?
A waterproof fabric by itself doesn't automatically make a waterproof bag.
Water can enter through seams, stitching, zippers, closures and other weak points. That's why the construction of the entire bag matters.
The exterior material needs to prevent water from soaking through the body of the bag.
The seams need to prevent water from working its way through the places where materials join together.
The zipper or closure system needs to create an effective barrier rather than leaving the opening vulnerable.
The finished bag should be designed around the actual amount of water exposure it's likely to encounter.
What Size Waterproof Bag Do You Need?
Bigger isn't always better. The right size depends entirely on what you plan to carry.
| What You're Carrying | Typical Use | Best Bag Style |
|---|---|---|
| Phone, keys, wallet | Beach, travel, paddleboarding | Waterproof crossbody |
| Essentials + sunscreen + small accessories | Day trips and water activities | Crossbody or small waterproof bag |
| Clothing, food, towel | Half-day adventures | Medium dry bag |
| Clothing, camera gear, safety equipment | Longer outdoor trips | Waterproof backpack or large dry bag |
When a Waterproof Crossbody Makes More Sense Than a Dry Bag
Dry bags are great, but there's no reason to carry a large one when all you need is your phone, wallet and keys.
A waterproof crossbody fills the gap between a tiny phone pouch and a full-size dry bag.
You can keep your essentials attached directly to your body, access them quickly, and continue wearing the same bag when you leave the water.
The SKÖ Waterproof Crossbody
The SKÖ Waterproof Crossbody is built for people who want everyday-size storage without giving up real protection around water.
- Designed to be fully waterproof and submersible
- Compact enough for everyday essentials
- Worn securely across the body
- Built for travel and outdoor use
- Designed for phones, keys, wallets and small valuables
- Works both in and away from the water
What Can You Carry in a Waterproof Crossbody?
The goal of a waterproof crossbody isn't maximum capacity. It's protecting the smaller things that would cause the biggest problem if they got wet or disappeared.
- Smartphone
- Car keys
- Wallet
- ID and credit cards
- Passport while traveling
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Small camera accessories
- Earbuds
- Other small valuables
Where Are Waterproof Bags Most Useful?
Waterproof bags aren't only for extreme outdoor sports. They're useful anywhere there's a realistic chance that water could reach the things you're carrying.
Waterproof Bags for Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is one of the clearest examples of where real waterproof storage makes sense.
Even experienced paddlers fall occasionally. Boat wakes, wind and simple balance mistakes can put both you and your gear into the water quickly.
For a short paddle, carrying your phone and keys in a waterproof crossbody can be easier than strapping a larger dry bag to the board.
For more detail, see our guide to waterproof gear for paddleboarding .
Waterproof Bags for Travel
Waterproof bags are especially useful while traveling because the same bag can solve several problems at once.
A compact waterproof crossbody can carry your phone, passport, wallet and other essentials through airports and cities, then continue working at the beach, on a cruise excursion or during a water activity.
That versatility is one reason a small waterproof bag can be more practical than carrying a specialized dry bag everywhere you travel.
Waterproof Bags for the Beach
At the beach, water isn't the only issue.
Wet towels, sunscreen, sand, saltwater and unexpected waves all make phones and wallets surprisingly vulnerable.
Keeping your most important items in their own waterproof bag means you don't have to bury them underneath towels or hope they stay dry inside a regular beach bag.
How to Choose a Waterproof Bag
Before buying one, ask yourself four questions.
A wet towel isn't a disaster. A soaked phone or electronic car key might be.
Rain protection and accidental submersion are two very different requirements.
Don't carry a 20-liter bag if all you need is your phone and keys.
Items you use frequently are usually more convenient in a crossbody than buried inside a large dry bag.
Waterproof Bag FAQs
What's the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
Water-resistant gear is generally designed to resist limited exposure such as rain or splashes. Waterproof gear is designed to provide a higher level of protection when significant water exposure is possible. Always check the specific product's intended use rather than relying on the word "waterproof" alone.
Can waterproof bags go underwater?
Some can and some cannot. A bag described as waterproof isn't automatically designed for submersion. If you need protection underwater, look specifically for a bag designed and tested for submersible use.
What's the best waterproof bag for a phone and keys?
If you're carrying only a phone, keys, wallet and a few small essentials, a waterproof crossbody is often more convenient than a full-size dry bag because it stays attached to you and keeps your valuables easy to reach.
Do I need a dry bag if I already have a waterproof crossbody?
It depends on how much you're carrying. A crossbody works well for valuables and small essentials. If you need to carry clothing, food, towels or substantial outdoor gear, you'll probably want additional dry storage.
Are waterproof bags good for travel?
Yes. They're particularly useful for carrying phones, wallets, passports and other valuables in destinations where you may encounter rain, beaches, boats, pools or water activities.
Are waterproof bags worth it for the beach?
If you're bringing electronics, car keys or other valuables, waterproof storage can be very useful. It protects your essentials not only from waves and splashes, but also from wet towels and other damp gear inside a larger beach bag.
Can I use a waterproof crossbody as an everyday bag?
Yes. A waterproof crossbody can work like a normal everyday bag while providing additional protection when you encounter rain, travel, beaches, boats or other wet environments.
Waterproof Protection Without the Bulk
You don't always need a full-size dry bag to protect the things that matter.
If you're carrying a phone, keys, wallet and a few everyday essentials, the SKÖ Waterproof Crossbody gives you compact waterproof storage that stays attached to you and works both on and off the water.
Fully waterproof protection for your everyday essentials.