Backpacks are a staple for hauling around our daily gear, but contents often don’t fare well when splashed, dunked, or stuffed into damp storage compartments. This trio of boat-friendly backpacks is ready to get wet and wild in a variety of scenarios—and still sling over your shoulders for the commute home.
Quiksilver Sea Stash 20L Medium Surf Backpack
The Pack: Made from a durable PVC/polyester blend with sealed seams, this 20-liter backpack skews closest to a traditional dry bag. A roll-top enclosure seals off the primary bonded wet/dry compartment. An exterior pocket with hook-and-loop flap is ready for gear you’d like to keep within easy reach. Twin pockets on each side do likewise for your water bottle and sunscreen.
The Wack: Bare-bones shoulder straps don’t offer much padding for -longer hauls.
Price: $75; quiksilver.com or westmarine.com
Dakine Mission Surf DLX Wet/Dry Pack 40L
The Pack: Numerous internal compartments stylishly separate wet and dry gear. The internal, seam-sealed roll-top dry bag is big enough to handle a wetsuit.
A padded, back-panel compartment with organizer pockets isolates a laptop and other electronics. Toss sandy flip-flops in the zippered bottom compartment, and sunnies in their own fleecy, scratch-free nook.
The Wack: Gear-friendly size and amenities might feel a little much during simple commuter duty.
Price: $175; dakine.com or amazon.com
Read Next: Survival Gear Bags
Woda Bag
The Pack: The Woda Bag is made from EVA foam. It’s waterproof, mold- and mildew-resistant, and like a pair of Crocs, it’s peppered with ventilation holes. Get sandy at the beach and just rinse with a hose. Load up to 30 pounds of gear, and there’s no concern if your stuff is wet or dry. A -removable pouch offers waterproof protection for phone and keys.
The Wack: Airy exterior won’t keep contents dry. Structured design stands on its own, but it doesn’t flatten for storage.
Price: $149; wodabag.com
