Boats are wet. Even on a calm day, spray, rain, wet feet and a cooler full of melting ice put water everywhere. The things that matter most on board, like phones, radios, documents and first aid, are the things that fail first when they get wet. A few good waterproof bags for boating fix that.
What to keep dry on a boat
Electronics
- Phones and a power bank
- Handheld VHF radio if it is not waterproof
- Car keys and key fobs
- Charging cables
Documents
- Boat registration and insurance card
- Fishing licenses
- ID, cash and cards
Safety gear
- First aid kit
- Bleeding control supplies; props, hooks and knives are all on board
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Whistle and signal mirror
Comfort
- Sunscreen, meds and toiletries
- A dry layer
What makes a boat bag actually waterproof
An IP rating. Look for IP67, which means dust tight and protected against immersion to one meter for 30 minutes. That covers a bag in a flooded bilge or one that goes over the side.
A real seal. Roll-top dry bags work if you roll them right, every time. A waterproof zipper seals the same way every time and gives you faster access to what is inside.
TPU construction. Coated nylon eventually wicks water at the seams. TPU does not, and it wipes clean of salt, fish slime and sunscreen.
A way to mount it. Loose bags slide around and end up in the water. MOLLE webbing, clips or handles let you fix a bag to a rail, a T-top or a seat back.
How to organize a boat with waterproof bags
- One bag for electronics and documents. A compact waterproof admin pouch that lives at the helm.
- One bag for first aid. Sealed and easy to find. The Waterproof Field Kit hangs from dual clips.
- One mounted pouch for quick-grab items. A Large Waterproof MOLLE Pouch strapped to a rail holds sunscreen, keys and a flashlight.
See the whole set in Waterproof Bags for Boating and Kayaking.
Build a bleeding control kit for the boat
Boating injuries can be serious, and help can be a long way off. A basic kit includes a tourniquet, wound packing gauze, a pressure dressing, gloves and trauma shears. Our STOP THE BLEED and Trauma Kits collection has ready-made kits. Keep it in a sealed bag and take a STOP THE BLEED class so everyone on board knows how to use it.
FAQ
Do waterproof bags float?
A sealed bag with air inside will usually float, but do not count on it with heavy contents. Mount or clip bags so they stay on board.
Are waterproof bags good in salt water?
Yes. Rinse zippers with fresh water after salt trips to keep them working smoothly.
