Best Waterproof Bags for Swimming: Stay Dry with Aquatic Bags

When it comes to aquatic activities, keeping your belongings dry is crucial. Waterproof bags for swimming have become an essential accessory for swimmers, beachgoers, and water sports enthusiasts. These specialized bags offer protection against water damage, ensuring that valuable items like phones, wallets, and clothes remain safe and dry during water-based adventures.

Choosing the right waterproof bag can make a significant difference in your swimming experience. This article will explore various types of waterproof swimming bags, including tote bags, waterproof backpacks, and dry bags. We’ll also discuss important features to look for, such as durable materials and secure closures. Additionally, we’ll cover essential accessories like waterproof phone cases and other swim gear to complement your waterproof bag, helping you stay prepared for any aquatic activity.

The Importance of Waterproof Bags for Swimmers

Waterproof bags have become an essential accessory for swimmers, offering a range of benefits that enhance the overall swimming experience. These specialized bags provide protection, safety, and convenience during various aquatic activities.

Protecting Valuables

One of the primary reasons swimmers opt for waterproof bags is to protect their valuable belongings. These bags offer a secure and dry storage solution for items such as phones, wallets, and clothes ensuring they remain safe from water damage during beach visits or pool outings. For off-shore snorkeling adventures or snorkeling tours, waterproof pouches are particularly useful for carrying essential items like money, credit cards, and car keys. This is especially important in areas where car break-ins targeting valuables left behind are common.

Safety and Visibility

Waterproof bags also play a crucial role in enhancing swimmer safety and visibility. Many waterproof bags, such as tow floats and swim buoys, are designed to be towed behind swimmers, providing increased visibility in open water. These brightly colored floats help other water users, such as boaters, to spot swimmers more easily, reducing the risk of accidents. Some models, like the Tow Float Pro, are ideal for guides, groups, or those new to open-water swimming, offering additional safety features.

Convenience During Water Activities

Waterproof bags offer unparalleled convenience for swimmers engaged in various water activities. They allow swimmers to carry essential items with them while in the water, eliminating the need to leave belongings unattended on the shore. Some waterproof bags, like the Tow Donut feature a dry bag in the middle with ample storage space for keys, cell phones, water bottles, and snacks . This design enables swimmers to access their belongings while in the water, making it a versatile choice for longer swims or extended water activities.

For those engaging in activities that involve both land and water, options like the Wild Swim Bag provide added versatility. This 30-liter dry bag comes with removable shoulder straps, transforming it into a comfortable backpack for land use and a towable dry bag for swimming . This dual functionality makes it an ideal choice for adventurers who transition between land and water activities.

By offering protection for valuables, enhancing safety and visibility, and providing convenience during water activities, waterproof bags have become an indispensable tool for swimmers. Whether for casual beach outings, intense training sessions, or adventurous water sports, these bags ensure that swimmers can focus on enjoying their time in the water without worrying about the safety of their belongings or their visibility to others.

Comparing Different Types of Waterproof Swimming Bags

When selecting a waterproof bag for swimming, it’s essential to consider the various types available, each with its unique features and benefits. This section will explore different categories of waterproof swimming bags, helping swimmers choose the most suitable option for their needs.

Roll-Top Dry Bags

Roll-top dry bags are a popular choice among swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. These bags feature a flexible, cylindrical design with a roll-down top that creates a watertight seal when properly closed. However, it’s important to note that not all roll-top bags are created equal when it comes to submersion protection.

To ensure the best performance from a roll-top dry bag:

1. Fold the corners of the bag opening at a 45-degree angle before making the first fold of the collar.
2. Make tight, well-creased folds rather than simply rolling the opening shut.
3. Look for bags with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 68 https://enrichingpursuits.com/best-waterproof-bag-for-snorkeling/, which indicates protection from long-term immersion in water up to a certain pressure or depth.

While roll-top dry bags are versatile and widely available, they may not be the best choice for prolonged submersion. Other options might be more suitable for activities involving extended periods underwater.

Sealed Waterproof Cases

For those requiring maximum protection for valuable items like electronics, sealed waterproof cases offer a higher level of security. These cases typically use specialized zippers or clasps to create a watertight seal.

One notable example is the Watershed bag, which uses a zipper type similar to those found in dry, hazmat, and even space suits. This hardcore closure system provides a secure lock when fully zipped, offering superior protection against water ingress.

Key features to look for in sealed waterproof cases include:

• RF welded seams instead of glued construction
• Materials resistant to UV rays, saltwater, and chlorine, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
• Touch-sensitive screens for those planning to use their phones underwater

Inflatable Dry Bags

Inflatable dry bags combine buoyancy with waterproof protection, making them an excellent choice for open-water swimming and other aquatic activities. These bags can be adjusted to provide varying levels of buoyancy, which is particularly useful in different water conditions.

The Watershed Futa is an example of an inflatable dry bag that offers:

• A tapered shape for streamlined swimming
• An inflation/deflation tube to adjust buoyancy
• Positive buoyancy to prevent accidental sinking

Waterproof Backpacks

Waterproof backpacks are ideal for swimmers who need to carry a larger volume of gear. These bags often feature multiple compartments, allowing for the separation of wet and dry items, and are designed with comfort in mind for longer carrying periods.

Popular waterproof backpack options include:

• The Speedo Teamster 2.0, which offers a stiffened design to prevent collapsing when opened
• The Arena Spiky III, featuring a top-loading design for easy access to swimming gear
• The Arena Team 45 Backpack, boasting a 45L capacity for swimmers who carry extensive equipment

When choosing a waterproof backpack, consider factors such as volume, compartmentalization, ventilation, and ergonomics to ensure it meets your specific needs as a swimmer.

Essential Accessories for Your Waterproof Swimming Bag

Waterproof Phone Pouches

Waterproof phone pouches are crucial accessories for swimmers who want to keep their devices safe while enjoying aquatic activities. These pouches offer protection from water damage and often come with additional features. Many waterproof phone cases are designed with attachment loops, making it easy to secure the device using carabiners, lanyards, or straps . This feature is particularly useful for swimmers who need to keep their phones accessible while in the water.

One notable advantage of waterproof phone pouches is their ability to float. While many modern smartphones are water-resistant, they don’t have the ability to float if dropped in water. Waterproof cases that float can prevent phones from sinking to the bottom of lakes or pools, providing an extra layer of security for swimmers .

When choosing a waterproof phone pouch, swimmers should consider options that allow for easy use of the device while it’s inside the case. Many pouches permit touchscreen functionality and camera use, ensuring that swimmers can still capture memories or stay connected even in wet environments .

Desiccant Packs of Waterproof Swim Gear Bags

Desiccant packs play a vital role in protecting valuables from moisture damage, especially in waterproof swimming bags. These small packets contain silica gel beads that absorb moisture, helping to keep the contents of the bag dry. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to use one 2-gram packet for approximately 1 gallon or 0.14 cubic feet of container volume.

To maximize the effectiveness of desiccant packs:

• Place items and desiccant packets in a sealed container for best moisture protection.
• Use extra packets for enhanced protection in high-humidity environments.
• Replace or reactivate desiccant packs regularly, especially in humid conditions.

Desiccant packs can be reactivated for reuse. To reactivate, place them in an oven for about an hour at 200°F or microwave for 8-10 minutes on defrost mode. It’s important to note that desiccant packs work best in air-tight sealed containers, as they continuously absorb moisture from open air and quickly become saturated.

Carabiners and Clips of Waterproof Pool Bags

Carabiners and clips are versatile accessories that can greatly enhance the functionality of a waterproof swimming bag. These small but mighty tools serve multiple purposes for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Ultralight carabiners, measuring just 1.75″ long by 1″ wide and weighing less than 3 grams each, are ideal for attaching gear to backpack D-rings or other attachment points.

Swimmers can use carabiners to:

• Secure keys, water bottles, or headphone cases to their bags.
• Hang sunshades, clothes, or lights at campsites or beaches.
• Attach larger items like bike helmets or extra shoes to their backpacks.

When selecting carabiners for swimming bags, look for features such as flexible gates for easy attachment and detachment, and interlocking designs that prevent accidental opening. Non-corrosive materials are also essential for withstanding exposure to water and harsh environments.

Waterproof Aquatic Bags

A waterproof first aid kit is an indispensable accessory for any swimming bag. These specialized kits are designed to withstand water exposure while providing essential medical supplies for emergencies. The Ultralight/Watertight .5 kit, for example, weighs only 3.6 ounces and is suitable for a pair of adventurers on 1-2 day trips.

Key features to look for in a waterproof first aid kit include:

1. Two-stage waterproofing with a waterproof inner bag and a water-resistant outer bag.
2. Compact design for easy storage in swimming bags.
3. Supplies for treating wounds, blisters, and common outdoor injuries.
4. Medications for pain relief and managing illnesses.

Some waterproof first aid kits bags, like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5, offer additional benefits such as blister prevention materials and tools for bug bite relief . For more comprehensive protection, consider kits with IPX7 ratings, which can withstand submersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes .

By including these essential accessories in a waterproof swimming bag, swimmers can enhance their safety, protect their valuables, and be prepared for various aquatic adventures.

Conclusion

Waterproof bags have become game-changers for swimmers and water enthusiasts, offering a blend of protection, safety, and convenience. These bags have an influence on the overall swimming experience, allowing people to focus on enjoying their time in the water without worrying about their belongings. From roll-top dry bags to sealed waterproof cases and inflatable options, there’s a wide range of choices to suit different needs and activities.

To get the most out of your waterproof swimming bag, it’s worth considering some key accessories. Waterproof phone pouches, desiccant packs, carabiners, and waterproof first aid kits all play a part in enhancing safety and functionality. By choosing the right bag and accessories, swimmers can stay prepared for any aquatic adventure, keeping their gear dry and secure while making the most of their time in the water.