Getting wet is half the fun of Stand Up Paddleboarding. Whether you are goofing around with friends, challenging yourself to learn new techniques, or just getting the hang of standing up at all, falling in is part of the sport. While getting ourselves wet isn’t necessarily a problem, it can be an issue for some of those important things we carry with us. Your phone, keys, wallet, granola bar, and/or fishing license don’t tend to hold up to well to being wet, especially for any extended period of time, but they are important to keep available or secure while you are out on the water.
Quality dry storage is important for paddlers and not all dry bags are equal. Waterproof fanny packs, or waist packs or hip packs depending on where you are reading this from, are a great way to keep those items protected, but within easy reach. I know I love to take photos while I’m out on the water, and I often even keep a little notebook and pencil with me as well. All of that, and more, can easily fit into a waterproof fanny pack and be accessible within just a few seconds.
All of these bags have a waterproof main compartment, however it is important to know that many also have a smaller pocket on the outside that is only water resistant and protects against splashes, but not full immersion. Always test your equipment before you use it, and keep it clean and dry when not on the water for the best longevity of your bag.
We’ve compiled a list of the best waterproof waist packs available and made the comparison easy for you to choose one that suits you best. Below you’ll find a comparison chart of our favorite waterproof fanny packs, and then more detailed info on why we like them.
Best Waterproof Fanny Pack Comparison Chart
| section-hd | Top-Rated Waterproof Fanny Packs |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bag | Size | Closure | WARRANTY | PRICE | |
| Atoll Overkill | Atoll Overkill
| 11.5” x 7” x 3” 4 Liters | Roll Top | 2 Years | Check Price |
| Aquapac Trailproof | Aquapac Trailproof
| 13.75” x 6.5” x 3” 3 Liters | Roll Top | 5 Years | Check Price |
| YETI Sidekick | YETI Sidekick
| 11.75” x 7.25” x 3.25” 4 Liters | Magnetic | 3 Years | Check Price |
| Mountainsmith Dry Kick | Mountainsmith Dry Kick
| 9” x 6.5” x 4” 4 Liters | Roll Top | Lifetime | Check Price |
| OverBoard Waterproof Waist Pack | OverBoard Waterproof Waist Pack | 7.8” x 5.1” x 3.1” 3 Liters | Roll Top | 5 Years | Check Price |
| Sea to Summit Evac Dry Bag + Sling | Sea to Summit Evac Dry Bag + Sling
| 8.4” x 6.7” x 5.2” 3 Liters | Roll Top | Lifetime | Check Price |
| AiRun Tech Waterproof Dry Bag and Phone Case | AiRun Tech Waterproof Dry Bag and Phone Case
| 8.5” x 5.8” x 1” 0.75 Liters | Snap Lock | 30-Day Return | Check Price |
Atoll Overkill Dry Bag Fanny Pack
The Overkill Dry Bag Fanny Pack by Atoll is a stylish and functional waterproof pack for your essentials. The Overkill is made with an odor-free, waterproof TPU material and heavy-duty waterproof zipper closure. The T-grip on the zipper is easy to grab for quick entry and secure closure. The waist belt is lightly padded and has compression straps to cinch down the bag if you only have a few small items in it. The 4 liter volume is enough to easily carry your personal items, a small snack, and even a small water bottle without breaking a sweat.
Check the best price for Atoll Overkill Dry Bag Fanny Pack
Aquapac Trailproof Waterproof Waist Pack
The Aquapack Trailproof waterproof waistpack is a slightly smaller (3 Liter) roll-top closure dry bag available in high-visibility “acid green” and a more subdued “cool blue” color. The waist belt has a wider section for more comfort around your hips. Made with a PVC-lined polyester fabric and is backed with a 5 year warranty from Aquapac.
Check the best price for the Aquapac Trailproof Waterproof Waist Pack
YETI Sidekick
The YETI Sidekick has the most unique closure system on our list. Rather than a roll top or zip closure, the Sidekick uses a set of magnets to snap the bag shut and a velcro strip to hold the outer opening in place. Once closed, the Sidekick is fully waterproof, yet incredibly easy to access. The stiff and heavy duty “Dryhide” material also makes it easy to see and grab what you are looking for in it’s 4 liter compartment. The Sidekick is covered by YETI’s 3 year warranty, however it does not include a belt – so BYOB(elt)! The Sidekick also comes in a dazzling array of color choices to best match your kit.
Check the best price for the YETI Sidekick
Mountainsmith Dry Kick
The Mountainsmith Dry Kick touts itself as a more versatile option designed to work easily as a waist pack or over-the-shoulder. The 4 liter bag uses TPU-coated nylon with an extra-long liner to provide even more peace of mind when rolling the top of the bag closed, whether you latch it on the sides or over the top. It’s also covered by Mountainsmith’s “Forged For Life Guarantee” lifetime warranty.
Check the best price for the Mountainsmith Dry Kick
OverBoard Waterproof Waist Pack
The OverBoard Waterproof Waist Pack is a 3 Liter dry bag designed for maximum comfort. The oversized hip padding on the belt makes for very comfortable carrying, even when using the stow-able mesh external water bottle holder. The OverBoard Waist Pack is made of a lightweight TPU material and carries a 5 year warranty from OverBoard.
Check the best price for the OverBoard Waterproof Waist Pack
Sea to Summit Evac Dry Bag + Sling
Sea to Summit makes a wide variety of dry bags and other products that we’ve extensively tested and use on a near-daily basis. The Evac dry bag is made with a nylon outer shell and a waterproof eVent membrane that keeps water out, but lets air out to make it easy to pack the bag and reduce bulk once it is closed. While the Evac bag isn’t a fanny pack on its own, it is compatible with the Sea to Summit sling. This allows you to easily and comfortably carry the Evac bag without interfering with belt-back inflatable PFDs.
Check the best price for the Sea to Summit Evac Dry Bag
AiRun Tech Waterproof Waist Pouch and Phone Case
The AiRun Tech Waterproof Waist Pouch and Phone Case combination makes it to our list as a great option for a super-lightweight, low-profile, and low-cost dry bag fanny pack. The main PVC pouch is large enough to fit your phone, keys and wallet, but not so large that it feels cumbersome. The Snap Lock closure works like a Ziplock bag – so it’s easy to tell that it’s sealed – and is backed up by folding the top portion closed. Included with the waist bag is a clear PVC, touch-screen-compatible, and includes a lanyard for secure use while on the water. The only downside with this material is it is not as durable as the fabric coated materials used in the other bags on this list, so make sure to frequently check your bag throughout the season for tears or punctures before use.
Check the best price for the AiRun Tech Waterproof Waist Pouch and Phone Case
Final Thoughts
We hope that this waterproof fanny pack buyers guide has helped you narrow down the perfect hip pack for your paddle boarding adventures. In addition to being great for SUP, these versatile packs are also excellent for a wide variety of other activities and really do a fantastic job of keeping valuables dry.
Waterproof waist packs are great to wear while paddling as they give you quick and easy access to your phone, point and shoot camera, and other small items. We love the comfort and hands-free convenience that these pouches offer, and it’s nice to know that your stuff is going to stay dry while you’re out on the water.
If you’re looking for additional waterproof storage options for items that might not fit in a fanny back, be sure to check out our best dry bags reviews.
Regardless of what you decide to buy, enjoy your new waterproof belt pack and happy paddling!
Thanks for the reviews. How did you use the Yeti Sidekick Dry as a fanny pack? Did it come with a belt adjustment or did you use something else that worked well?
Hi Kevin – we just added it to the back of the belt of our inflatable PFD.
I tried to get the blue sky packs and was told they could not deliver to my address..? It’s West Virginia…
Linda, that’s odd! Was that on Amazon? It’s possible that it’s due to the current COVID-19 situation – Amazon has changed some of their stocking and shipping priorities to ensure “essential” goods are prioritized. You might try again in a couple weeks.