Needtounplug gives you advice on finding your ideal waterproof bag. Sand, UV rays, latent humidity, salt… When going out to sea, there is no lack of threats to attack your clothes or your electronic equipment. The waterproof bags are then a perfect solution to avoid these problems and effectively protect your belongings.
From durable lightweight backpacks to large waterproof travel bags, manufacturers have a wide range of products for you to check out. Several points are important to check to find the right bag for your activity:
- Bag capacity
- Bag waterproof index
- The type of closure
- The type of bag
- The use of your bag
1 – The capacity of the waterproof bags
0 to 40 L: Perfect for transporting small on-board equipment, ideal for small trips by the sea to protect your keys, your mobile phone, GPS, tablet or a beach towel.
40L to 60L: Suitable as a small travel bag for regattas or trips on the water. Large and practical enough for a weekend getaway. It fits easily in a cabin and is easily worn over the shoulder.
60L to 80L: For races or long weekends, it allows you to transport enough business or to carry bulky equipment in complete safety. Ideal for offshore races or demanding racers.
80L and +: The waterproof travel bag par excellence. A large capacity to transport a maximum of material, the models with wheels allow the bag to be pulled on docks or airports without putting too much strain on the arms.
2 – The protection index of waterproof bags
Needtounplug offers in its “ Waterproof bag ” category only bags designed to resist both water and sand.
Usually made with thick fabrics to allow better resistance to abrasion and impact and ensure optimal impermeability, we thus find PVC or nylon bags, widely used in the marine environment. The most effective fabrics in extreme conditions are greater than 600g / m², they will be thick and resistant enough to avoid tears and strains.
The IP rating is an international standard for evaluating the waterproofness of a bag. It is measured on a scale of 1 to 8 for humidity. In its “waterproof bag” category, Needtounplug only offers bags that meet at least the IP X4 index, which corresponds to proven resistance to rain.
3 – The different types of closure
The seams are the weak points of the bags, most are heat-sealed at high frequency to prevent water from infiltrating but 3 categories exist for the closures:
The 3-turn folding closure. Efficient and with an incomparable look. It allows rapid total immersion in water while protecting its contents against water and dust.
Zipped bags. More practical than bags with a folding closure, they are sometimes lined with a protective flap when the zip itself is not waterproof. Note the bags with the patented TIZIP closure are IPX7 waterproof. All zip bags allow better access to the contents without unpacking everything.
Submersible cases. The must to protect your electrical equipment, they are resistant to both dust and water. With a removable foam interior, they protect perfectly with their rigid shells and O-rings.
4 – The different types of waterproof bags
Backpack: Convenient for transporting equipment on the trails, to the beach; or just keeping a few things handy when you are sailing, waterproof backpacks are often reclosable by rolling up. The shoulder strap models provide a decidedly marine look.
Some backpacks are specially adapted for carrying laptops or digital tablets. In this case, they have a thin compartment allowing it to be inserted, light and robust at the same time.
The plus: Removable shoulder straps.
The least: The capacity of the bag which decreases with rewinding.
For everyday use, at work, on the boat or at the beach. The waterproof saddlebags give a typical marine look and are useful for traveling in wet weather when you have to take your papers or your computer with you.
Watertight suitcases: In order to transport fragile, technological and / or electrical equipment, the suitcases provide optimal protection thanks to the solid shells and O-rings which ensure a foolproof seal. The internal foam is removable to adapt to the contents and helps to absorb shocks in the event of a fall or collision. Their capacities vary from 1L to 40L and their weight from 1 to 10 kg.
The plus: Some brands offer a lifetime warranty.
The least: Bulky for large models.
Waterproof covers and shells: For the more technophiles, there is a wide range of waterproof covers allowing you to use your smartphone / tablet / computer or VHF in a marine environment. There are thus simple pockets in which to slide your equipment; which is enclosed by different closure systems and which allows use through touch devices.
For iPads and iPhones, there are also specially adapted waterproof cases. Thin and light, they even allow access to the jack and the power outlet.
The plus: You can finally use a phone underwater.
The least: Touch products are slightly less responsive.
5 – The use of your bag
The walk / outing by the sea
To carry the bare essentials but to protect your belongings against sand and humidity, light and practical for storing keys or your mobile phone.
The weekend trip
To leave with a few things and practical enough to be stored in limited spaces, some models offer air release valves to reduce the volume of the bag.
Our selection: 65L ULTIMATE ADVENTURE BAG
The trip
Ideally, a bag with wheels over 65 L to carry enough stuff and not be encumbered by the weight when traveling.
Our selection: 110L ULTIMATE ADVENTURE BAG
Water sports (Jet-skiing, Surfing, diving …)
Practical bags to be able to carry and store your equipment correctly. Rather than a backpack to be easily transported on jets or on the beaches, it must have a good capacity to carry both equipment and spare items.
Our advice
For roll closure bags, the capacity decreases when closing the bag, if you are just in terms of filling, take a slightly larger bag.
The waterproof bags facilitate the phenomenon of condensation in hot weather, to avoid humidity, put absorbent paper in the bag (paper towel type).
Large bags can be transformed into backpacks using the shoulder strap handles.
Needtounplug dry bag backpack is particularly resistant. It resists tension, abrasion and tears. One of the best materials on the market.
