Complete Guide To Sailing Bags - What To Use When

Whether you’re setting off on a sailing holiday or going out cruising for the day, one thing remains a constant necessity: a dependable sailing bag or sailing kit bag to carry and protect your kit. 

Of course, not every type of sailing calls for the same luggage, and what you pack for one type of adventure will vary quite significantly to another (you can learn more about this in our packing guides for day sailing, weekend trips and sailing holidays). However, in all of these scenarios, a good sailing bag does an awful lot more than just get your clothing from the car to the deck. 

When spray comes overboard, you need a bag that can keep your technical layers dry. When the heavens open, you need to be able to quickly grab your waterproof layer throughout the day. And, when you’re taking lots of essentials, it’s always handy to have luggage that makes organisation simple. On many boats, storage space is limited too, so choosing the right sailing bag can make life on board significantly easier.

At Gill, we’ve lived these experiences for years and understand that sailing bags aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why our range includes several different types of waterproof sailing bags, including sailing duffel bags, roll top dry bags, and backpacks, each designed for a specific purpose. 

Here’s how each works, and when you should reach for one over the other.

Waterproof Duffel Bags

Best for: Sailing holidays, weekends away and offshore passages where a whole sailing clothing system is required.

When most of us think of a sailing kit bag, it’s a duffel bag style that usually comes to mind. These traditional, fuss-free bags typically offer the largest carrying capacity and are ideal for transporting complete layering systems alongside spare layers, footwear and your personal items.

The beauty of a duffel bag is that it is designed to cope with life around boats and pontoons. Unlike a suitcase or roller bag, it can easily be carried across uneven surfaces or loaded into lockers. Where a waterproof duffel bag is concerned, it can also protect your gear from spray and submersion, giving peace of mind no matter the conditions.

Our range of waterproof duffel bags includes two distinct options:

Voyager Duffel Dry Bag

Built specifically for the most demanding marine environments, the Voyager Duffel Dry Bag is one of the most versatile sailing bags out there. It provides a completely waterproof barrier that protects all of your sailing clothing from rain and accidental water exposure, as it’s constructed from puncture-resistant PVC tarpaulin with stitch-free welded seams. A roll-top closure with side-release fastenings strengthens the bag’s waterproofing and creates a dependable watertight seal, while a wide-mouth opening makes packing and accessing larger items nice and straightforward.

A range of practical details make this waterproof duffel bag particularly suitable for longer trips away where versatility is key. Compression straps, an integrated compression valve and a squared-off design help maximise onboard storage space, allowing the bag to stack neatly into the cabin when you don’t need items to hand. The padded shoulder straps, reinforced grab handles and multiple external attachment points also make transporting heavier loads considerably easier - particularly when you’ve got a full 90L bag to carry.

Which Size Should You Choose?

As we’ve just alluded to, the Voyager Duffel Dry Bag is available in three capacities, so there’s plenty of scope to choose the option that best suits your requirements. 

30L

The 30L Voyager waterproof duffel bag is compact enough to stow easily onboard, while still providing enough room for a waterproof jacket, insulating layer and other daily essentials. This makes it perfect for:

• Day sailing

• Dinghy events

• RIB trips

60L

The 60L Voyager Duffel Dry Bag offers the sweet spot between extended capacity and portability. It can comfortably accommodate your whole sailing clothing system and enough layers for a few days without becoming unnecessarily bulky. We’d use it for:

• Weekend coastal cruising

• A few nights abroad

• Coastal passages

• Mixed conditions packing

90L

For week-long adventures and beyond, the 90L version is almost like your wardrobe for the trip. It comfortably carries everything you could need, from technical sailing clothing to evening wear. This sailing bag is particularly well suited to:

• Sailing holidays

• Offshore passages

• Travelling by air

Navigator Tarp Bag

If you could benefit from the practicality of a sailing duffel bag but would prefer a bit of additional carrying flexibility, the Navigator Tarp Bag is a fantastic alternative. 

This waterproof duffel bag is designed for extended trips where organisation is just as important as weather protection. Weather protection is, of course, covered by a hard-wearing waterproof tarpaulin fabric construction, but the Navigator differs from the Voyager in that it has access more akin to a suitcase. The bag features a large U-shaped zip opening, which makes packing and finding clothing straightforward during longer trips.

Internal mesh pockets help to separate smaller items, while an external zipped pocket allows you to keep frequently used essentials like your sunglasses close to hand. Notably, the bag also features integrated rucksack straps, which can be tucked away when not required, making longer walks through marinas and airports far more comfortable. 

Roll Top Dry Bags

Best for: Keeping valuables and spare layers completely dry whilst onboard with frequent exposure, such as in racing environments.

Dry bags are a compact and waterproof storage solution that come into their own both as secondary bags during overnight trips and as your primary bag when racing or day sailing. These sailing bags can protect the equipment you’ll want close by throughout the day, whether that’s a camera, phone, wallet, or your lunch!

Ours, the Voyager Dry Bag, is manufactured from puncture-resistant PVC tarpaulin like the rest of the Voyager range, creating a completely waterproof construction. A roll-top closure forms a secure watertight seal, while external D-ring attachment points allow the bag to be clipped safely on board. Another particularly useful feature is a semi-transparent viewing panel, allowing you to quickly identify what’s inside and grab what you need without unpacking the entire bag.

Which Size Dry Bag?

The Voyager Dry Bag is available in three distinct sizes. The smallest - 5L - is ideal for packing light and taking just the essentials on board, such as when you’re racing. The 10L doubles capacity with the same functionality, which is great when you want to add a few snacks or a lightweight layer to your kit list. 

This sailing dry bag also comes in a larger 25L capacity version, which gives plenty of room for a waterproof outer layer and is perfect for a full day afloat.

Sailing Backpacks

Best for: Everyday sailing, commuting, marina life and day trips.

Where a traditional sailing duffel bag isn’t the most practical solution, but you still need solid capacity and something portable, a sailing rucksack can be the perfect option. A waterproof sailing backpack offers the balance between practicality and comfort needed when sailing extends to exploring, and our range includes a number of distinct waterproof options which combine features normally associated with an everyday backpack with sailing must-have features.

Voyager Roll Top Backpack

Available in both 25L and 30L capacities, the Voyager Roll Top Backpack is one of the most versatile waterproof sailing bags in the Gill collection. Its waterproof PVC tarpaulin construction and welded seams provide complete weather protection, while the roll-top closure keeps contents dry during wet passages.

Unlike many sailing bags, it's equally useful once you're ashore. Internal organisation includes a padded compartment, secure zipped pocket, bottle holders and even a clear map window, making it ideal for exploring coastal towns or carrying everyday essentials during a sailing holiday.

The breathable padded harness also makes it comfortable enough for longer walks between marinas, ferry terminals or airports.

Voyager Kit Bag

The Voyager Kit Bag bridges the gap between a backpack and a traditional sailing kit bag. Offering 35 litres of storage, it's ideal when you need enough capacity for technical clothing but still want the convenience of a backpack.

Alongside its waterproof construction, the bag includes a removable padded laptop sleeve, making it equally suitable for commuting, travelling and everyday use. A large front pocket provides quick access to frequently used items, while the external bungee storage system offers a convenient place to secure waterproof layers or damp clothing.

Voyager 2.0 Backpack

The latest addition to the range, the Voyager 2.0 Backpack, builds upon the original design with refined organisation and everyday usability.

Like the rest of the Voyager collection, it uses puncture-resistant PVC tarpaulin with welded seams to create a fully waterproof barrier against the elements. Inside, the 30L capacity provides ample space for daily sailing essentials, while a removable laptop sleeve, external bottle pockets and quick-access front compartment make it particularly well suited to commuting, travel and regular marina visits.

Which Sailing Bag Is Right For You?

Ultimately, the best sailing bag depends on what you’ve got planned. It’s not uncommon to use a combination of all three options outlined in this guide: a waterproof duffel bag carries your clothing for longer trips, a dry bag protects valuables during the day, and a backpack is your go-to when exploring ashore. 

There’s no right or wrong way of doing things, so long as you prioritise practical features, have adequate waterproof protection and a capacity that won’t give you a packing headache. 

You can explore the full Gill range of sailing bags online now and get in touch with our team if you have any questions.