Guide to choosing Custom Waterproof bags
Custom Waterproof bags are accessories designed to carry and protect personal belongings from rain, splashes and moisture when travelling or taking part in different activities. The wide choice of sizes and models makes them suitable for many needs and situations. Materials determine their structure, weight and durability, while closures and other features affect protection and ease of use. Personalisation allows logos, lettering and artwork to be added, connecting these accessories to the identity of a company, event or organisation.
Available materials
In these waterproof bags, materials affect strength, weight and flexibility and, above all, determine resistance to water. Most components are synthetic and plastic-based, which helps provide this protection. One of the most common materials is polyester, valued for its lightness and durability. It is also available in ripstop fabric, whose weave is designed to limit the spread of tears. RPET is made from recycled PET plastic and reflects greater attention to sustainability. PVC is another flexible plastic that withstands exposure to water and moisture; it can be used for the bag itself or for coatings and transparent inserts. PP, or polypropylene, is less common but is also used for its versatility and durability.
Shapes, models and capacities
These waterproof bags mainly come in two shapes: cylindrical or tubular, elongated with a generally rounded base, and rectangular, which may extend either lengthways or sideways depending on the product. There are also flat versions with minimal thickness and shaped versions designed to fit the items they protect. These shapes are used for models that differ in capacity, how they are carried and their intended use.
- Dry bags and pouches: lightweight, flexible and compact, they are suitable for small items, clothes and personal accessories. Capacities range from 1.5 to 10 litres. This group also includes document pouches and waterproof backpack covers.
- Bags: available in several sizes, they usually have handles or shoulder straps for easier carrying. Capacities range from 1.5 to 25 litres.
- Holdalls: roomier and more structured, they can carry clothing and bulky equipment. Capacities can reach 35 litres, and some can be carried by shoulder strap or as a backpack.
- Backpacks: designed to distribute weight across the shoulders, especially for travel and outdoor activities. Most models have a capacity of between 20 and 30 litres.
Closures and other details
The closure is particularly important because it helps isolate the contents from contact with water. Common options include roll-top closures, where the opening is rolled several times to reduce water ingress, and snap closures with buckles or clips, which fasten quickly and often complete the roll-top system. Zips provide fast and convenient access. Practicality also depends on other features: handles allow the bag to be held in the hand, shoulder straps make it easy to carry on one shoulder and backpack straps spread weight across the back. Carabiners let pouches be attached to other supports, while pockets, compartments and transparent inserts help organise belongings. Certain models also include reflective details for better visibility in low light or padded compartments to cushion electronic devices.
Printing techniques
Waterproof bags can be customised using different techniques, each offering distinct colour reproduction, definition and graphic results. The most suitable method depends on the product material, the logo and the available print area. Screen printing is a frequent choice: versatile, cost-effective for large quantities and particularly suitable for simple logos using only a few colours. Transfer printing is also common: the artwork is first reproduced on an intermediate support, then transferred to the bag using heat and pressure; the result offers high resistance to washing, wear and weather. Digital transfer uses a similar process but makes it possible to reproduce more complex images, shading, fine details and numerous colours. Less common is DTF printing on fabric, where the design is transferred from a special film for good definition, even with multicolour artwork.
Gift ideas and suggestions for use
These waterproof bags can protect small personal items, carry clothing and keep essentials sheltered from water while travelling. When selecting them as gifts, consider the needs of recipients and the occasions when they will use them. In tourism, hotels, resorts and beach establishments can offer them to guests for beach or pool visits as well as trips and excursions. Their resistance to rain also makes them suitable for outdoor sports requiring clothing or equipment to be carried. Trekking, cycling and water sports are just a few examples. They can also be useful for football, athletics and rugby, where training and matches often take place outdoors and players need somewhere to keep their belongings dry. Shops can offer these products as gifts linked to promotional campaigns or loyalty programmes. Lighter models also suit trade fairs, conferences and corporate events, where they can be given to visitors. Paired with Promotional Umbrellas and Custom Rainwear, they form a practical kit for travelling on rainy days.
For further information or a practical checklist to help you choose the right waterproof bags for your needs, download this document.
Custom Waterproof bags - FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Ripstop is suitable when the bag is used frequently or during outdoor activities. Its special weave increases resistance to tearing and is useful, for example, on hikes, during water sports and for everyday journeys. Before ordering, also assess the model features and closure system.
Dry bags and pouches are useful when you only need a few belongings during an activity. Sailing schools and sports clubs can give them to students for their phone, keys and documents. Waterproof bags are better suited to carrying several items by hand and to regular, everyday use. They make good gifts for hotel and resort guests as well as shoppers and shopping-centre customers.
A backpack is better for people who need to move about with their hands free, for example when cycling or attending events at several locations. A holdall is better for changes of clothing or bulky equipment and is especially suited to sports teams, gyms and campsites. Check the available capacities before choosing. Some holdalls can also be worn as backpacks, although they will feel heavier.
For outdoor activities, roll-top closures with a buckle are particularly helpful for reducing water ingress; adjustable shoulder straps or backpack straps also make carrying easier. Consider carabiners if you want to attach a pouch to a backpack or holdall, and pockets to keep items organised. Reflective features can be useful for hiking, cycling events and water sports. Choose a zip if the bag needs to be opened and closed frequently.
Decide according to what you need to carry. Models of 1.5 to 2.5 litres are suitable for small personal items, while 3.5 to 5 litres can hold the essentials for a day at the beach. Capacities up to 10 litres provide room for towels and lightweight clothing. For bulkier equipment and complete changes of clothes, bags, backpacks and holdalls of 20 to 35 litres are available.
It depends on the model. The most common positions are the front, back and sides. Some products also allow branding on the top, bottom or pocket, where available. You can check these details on each product page in the “Printing info” section.
For a conference with many attendees, compact dry bags and lightweight bags are easy to store and hand out. A 5-litre dry bag can hold a small welcome kit, while a bag with handles is more suitable for brochures and bulky materials. Before ordering, compare capacity, available logo area, quantities and packaging dimensions: these details matter when distributing hundreds or thousands of items.
Yes, this option is available in most cases. Go to your chosen product page, click “BUY SAMPLE” and complete the purchase. A sample is particularly useful before a large order because you can check dimensions, capacity, colour reproduction, closures and other details in person.