Getting your kit properly sorted before and after a wild swim matters more than most people realise.
A bag that soaks through, falls apart at the zip, or can't hold your post-swim layers is a fast way to ruin an otherwise brilliant experience.
In this guide, we’ve put together what actually makes a good bag for wild swimming, with some recommendations.
Why the bag matters as much as the swim
Most wild swimmers spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear in the water and what to throw on after a dip, but far fewer put the same thought into what carries everything to the water's edge, and that's usually where things can go wrong.
You need a bag that keeps your kit properly dry, handles being put down on wet grass or a muddy bank, doesn't take an age to dry itself, and is easy to get into with cold hands.
It's worth knowing that not all "waterproof" bags are created equal. For example, a bag described as water-resistant will probably handle a bit of drizzle but definitely won't survive being soaked through or dunked.
A truly waterproof bag, with welded seams and a roll-top or sealed closure, is a different thing entirely, and it’s what sets the best bags for wild swimming apart from the rest.
Types of bags for wild swimming
Before picking a specific bag, it helps to know which type of bag suits what you’re looking for.
Dry bags
The most watertight option. A dry bag typically uses a roll-top closure and heat-welded seams to create a proper seal, meaning your kit will stay completely dry even if the bag goes briefly underwater.
Simple dry bags are lightweight, pack flat when empty, and are the go-to choice when you're carrying anything you absolutely cannot get wet, like a phone, car keys, or a change of clothes. (although always err on the side of caution with valuables and double bag them, e.g., a waterproof phone case)
Wild Moose dry bags
Wild Moose’s waterproof dry bags are made from tough waterproof 210T ripstop PVC, and they’re built to handle any adventure. Available in 5L and 10L, these waterproof dry bags are ideal for minimum gear wild swims, beach trips, or packing inside a bigger bag to keep wet and dry kit separate.
Waterproof backpacks
If you're walking any distance to a swim spot or need to carry more than just a few bits of kit, a waterproof backpack is the most practical choice. It keeps your hands free, distributes weight comfortably, and gives you more organisation options than a smaller dry bag.
The key difference to look for versus a regular backpack is the waterproofing method. Most outdoor backpacks are made from water-resistant fabric with standard zip closures, which is fine in light rain, but not fine when it's tipping it down!
A properly waterproof backpack will have welded or taped seams and either a roll-top or sealed zip closure.
Wild Moose waterproof backpacks
Wild Moose’s 45L roll-top waterproof backpacks have a fully waterproof main compartment, (note external pockets are water resistant rather than waterproof). They are made for wild swims, weekend hikes, soggy commutes, and everything in between.
Waterproof tote bags
For shorter swims close to the car, a waterproof tote bag is often the most convenient option. They're quick to pack and unpack, easy rummage in, easy to carry, and take up almost no space when not in use. Many tote bags claiming to be waterproof, have an open top which essentially turns them into a giant bucket if it rains.
Wild Moose waterproof tote bags
Wild Moose’s fully waterproof tote bags are ready for whatever the weather (or waves) throw at you. They’re tough, practical and feature a roll-top closure to keep all moisture out (making them a dry bag) - perfect when you don’t need to hike for miles.
What to look for when choosing a wild swimming bag
Waterproofing - what the terms actually mean
There's a lot of loose use of "waterproof" in outdoor gear marketing, so it's worth knowing what you're actually buying.
Water-resistant / DWR treated
Repels light rain. Will soak through eventually in sustained wet conditions.
Waterproof fabric
The material itself won't absorb water, but stitched seams and standard zips often still let water in.
Welded seams + roll-top
No stitching for water to penetrate. A roll-top closure creates a genuine seal rather than just a barrier.
Size and capacity
How much you need to carry depends on how far you're going and for how long. A quick post-work dip needs a lot less than a full day at a remote lake.
Ease of access with cold hands
This sounds like a minor detail, but it’s really important.
After a cold swim, your hands stop working properly before the rest of you does. A bag with a fiddly zip, tiny pull tabs, or a closure that requires two hands to open is extremely frustrating.
Roll-top closures with large clips, and bags designed for easy one-handed access all make post-swim life significantly easier.
Durability
Wild swimming bags have a hard life.
They sit on wet rocks, get dragged through car boots, and are regularly stuffed with damp kit. Reinforced handles, quality zips, and robust welded construction all make a difference over time. It's worth spending a little more on a bag that will last a few seasons rather than replacing a cheaper one every year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best waterproof bag for wild swimming?
The best bag depends on what you need. For keeping a small amount of clothes and valuables fully dry, a simple dry bag is the most watertight option. For carrying lots of kit to a remote spot, a waterproof backpack is more practical. For a lot of kit and no need to walk far, a tote bag makes a great choice. Wild Moose makes all three, built specifically for open water use rather than general outdoor activities.
Is a dry bag the same as a waterproof bag?
Not quite. A dry bag specifically refers to a roll-top bag with welded seams designed to create a watertight seal. A "waterproof bag" is a broader term that may include backpacks, totes, and kit bags with waterproof construction.
Do I need a separate dry bag if I have a waterproof backpack?
Not necessarily, but many swimmers keep a small dry bag inside their main pack for valuables like a phone and car keys. This means the main bag can be left partly open for easy access while the essentials stay sealed. The Wild Moose backpack features a zip-out waterproof bag to help separate wet and dry gear.
What size bag do I need for wild swimming?
For a typical cold water swim, changing robe, towel, a flask, spare layers, and a few personal items, a 40–45L backpack gives you the extra room without being too much. For a quick dip close to the car, a tote bag or small dry bag is all you might need.
Can you take a waterproof bag into the water?
A properly sealed roll-top dry bag, yes, they're designed to withstand a brief full submersion.
A waterproof backpack or tote bag without a roll-top is designed to protect contents from rain and splashing rather than full submersion, so it's best left on the bank.