Best beach bags for swimmers
Roomy enough for a changing robe, easy to rummage around in and waterproof to boot: we choose seven of the best beach bags for swimmers.
Wild Moose Caribou Tote Bag
£75
They say: This fully waterproof bag, with roll-top fastening, has been designed with outdoor swimmers in mind. It can pack in plenty of gear with easy rummaging and pop-out internal dividers. Alternatively, have one big space and fit in a changing robe or other large items. For your wet stuff there is a separate, rip-stop dry bag.
We say: I was seriously impressed by the size of this bag and its various compartments, having enough room to hold a significant amount of swimming kit. The option of using either the shoulder strap or grab handles allows for a comfortable hold. The insulated pocket was by far my favourite feature of the bag; a game changer for the colder months.
Invent Sports Beach Bucket
£25
They say: The Waterproof Folding Beach “Bucket” is your perfect companion for days out at the beach, the lake or water park. Constructed from very stable, waterproof material and with the added benefit of practical, wide, strong and comfortable carrying handles. With its 35cm diameter and 30cm height you really can pack loads in – wetsuits, towels and your swimmers!
We say: I loved the versatility of the bag – due to its bucket shape it can be used as a changing mat, to wash swim kit and even as a drinks cooler. This multi-purpose bag proves practical, particularly as it stays upright and holds its shape when in use (and folds down well when it’s not).
Orca Waterproof Tote Bag
£69
They say: The Waterproof Tote Bag is the perfect bag to keep your things organised and dry in any situation. Its multiple pockets and its main compartment divided in two lets you easily organise your things, with the ability to separate wet and dry gear.
We say: This bag was clearly designed with the outdoor swimmer in mind, with a spacious, waterproof interior divided in half to prevent dry kit getting wet. I liked this bag’s sleek design and high-quality feel; I would use it for more than just my swims. The bag also proved easy to clean after use, which was great.
Decathlon Swimming Bag Cabas Kbag
£28.99
They say: Our design teams have developed this big carry bag for swimmers wanting to easily transport their swimming gear. Want a large practical bag for carrying your swimming kit or that of the whole family? This swimming bag has a large interior capacity, handy pockets and is easy to open and close!
We say: A massive bag at a decent price point. Enough room to use for more than one person, or to pack bulky changing robes in the colder swimming months. One downside is that the bag itself is not waterproof, so a drybag will need to be used in addition if wet swimming kit needs to be transported.
Deakin and Blue Keep it Dry Bag
£15
They say: We were tired of wrapping our wet swimsuits and bikinis in carrier bags or disposable plastic after a swim, so we created our handy 2 litre, roll-top Keep it Dry Bag in bright blue. Perfect for the beach, the local pool, travelling, surfing and water sports, boating, families, friends and more.
We say: A robust bag, made from strong PVC and a secure roll-top to prevent any leaks. As a dry bag, it doesn’t have as much space as the other products on the list, so best used in addition to a larger bag. For those looking to keep their wet kit contained, this is a great option, particularly as it rolls up small.
Yeti Camino 35L Carryall
£150
They say: Not too small, not too big, perfectly tough. The 35L Carryall is built for an on-the-go lifestyle. Bring it to the beach to keep wetsuits contained on the way home. Or pile in camping essentials for easy carry. Carryall’s welded construction is waterproof, so you can set it down in a wet spot and no water will pass through the bottom or sides.
We say: This is an incredibly durable bag with an open top design that makes it easy to pack in the gear. It is roomy enough to pack in a towel robe, has zipped pockets for valuables and front detail that you can clip things onto. We also loved it as a large wet bag. All the wet kit went into it and the water was still contained within it once home, rather than a wet spot in the car.
Chrome Ruckas Tote
£100
They say: This roomy hybrid bag has been cleverly designed to be worn either as a backpack or a traditional tote, with convertible shoulder straps. Light not only on weight, but also on the planet, the Ruckas Tote is PFC free and has been consciously constructed with weather resistant and recycled scratch resistant outer shells. Designed to transport your tech safely and securely, inside the spacious main compartment you’ll also find a padded laptop sleeve designed to hold devices of up to 15”. All packs in the Ruckas family feature a handy webbed hanging/grab loop to the top and wide, adjustable straps to allow for all day carrying comfort and great weight distribution when loaded.
We say: We loved this robust, versatile and lightweight bag, which converts easily between a rucksack and tote bag. For its 0.5kg weight, it has a generous 27L capacity, which is ample room for a quick-dry towel, swimsuit and goggles. On the outside, it has two expandable pockets for drinks and an external stash pocket for goggles or snacks, while inside there’s a 15″ padded laptop sleeve and various internal pockets. The recycled material feels hard-wearing and is water-resistant. While it doesn’t have the back support of some larger adventure bags, we think it’s ideal for post-work swims and those who prefer minimal kit.
This is an extract from the August issue of Outdoor Swimmer. If you buy a product through a link on this page we may receive a commission. Last updated Feb 2024.
Omie Dale
Omie is an outdoor swim coach and swim instructor who works to increase access to swimming for underrepresented groups in the sport. She is a director of Swimunity, a Community Interest Company that offers free swimming lessons for children and women in London, as well as free beach days and excursions for families to help them to connect with nature and the outdoors.
