Best Waterproof Blind Bag for Waterfowlers in 2026

Despite waterfowler hunters being very particular about their gear, there’s one item they all agree is essential: a blind bag. These bags are a waterfowler’s pack horse, carrying anything and everything to and from the blind, regardless of where or how you hunt. Recently, waterproof blind bags have become the preferred choice for many hunters, and rightfully so. These bags protect your calls, headlamps, shells, and expensive electronics like your phone or camera. Fortunately, I’ve tested many waterproof blind bags over the years and compiled a list of my (and many other waterfowl hunters’) favorites. 

How I Tested the Blind Bags

The only proper way to test a blind bag is in the field. While you can submerge waterproof bags to see just how water-tight they are, this only tells you so much about a bag. Important criteria like comfort, storage, and practical use can only be tested in the blind. A few of these bags (at least versions of them) lasted me several seasons, while some others are still relatively new to my lineup but show a lot of promise. I also took recommendations from other waterfowl hunters I’ve hunted with over the years. 

Best Overall: Divebomb Waterproof Zip Backpack

Key Features

• Materials: TPU Outer Shell
• Size: 13″ x 19″ x 7″
• Pack Type: Backpack

Pros

• 100% waterproof
• Comfortable
• Keeps my gear fairly organized
• Ideal for camera gear

Cons

• Expensive
• Durability unknown

The Divebomb Waterproof Zip Backpack is the best waterproof blind bag overall and the newest addition to my collection of blind bags. I’ve been using this backpack for hunting, kayak fishing, and hiking, and I really like it as a camera bag because it features padded slots to protect my expensive gear. The slots also keep my other gear like calls, headlamps, and the all-important TP organized. In addition, the Divebomb Waterproof Zip Backpack has been incredibly comfortable on long walks, even when loaded down with gear. My brother carried it on one of our hunts, and the first thing he mentioned was how comfortable this bag is on his back. 

Camera gear is expensive and rarely waterproof, so I needed a bag that would protect it from the elements, especially the water. I’ve dunked this (empty) bag a few times to ensure water wouldn’t leak in if I took an accidental spill or it started pouring rain. I’m happy to report it is waterproof, and I don’t have any concerns about my delicate camera gear getting ruined while in the zipped bag. 

However, I have a couple of concerns with other aspects of this Divebomb backpack. The first is the price. At $200, I understand it’s not for everyone. That’s money that could be spent on other expensive duck hunting gear, but if you have delicate equipment to protect, like cameras, it could save you a lot of money. My other concern is the durability. I haven’t owned it long enough to say it will last you several seasons confidently. I also noticed a part of my bag that looks like it could wear a hole faster than another portion, but so far it’s held up to the abuses I’ve run it through. 

Best Backpack: Banded Arc Welded Day Pack

Key Features

• Materials: TPU Outer Shell
• Size: N/a
• Pack Type: Rolltop Backpack

Pros

• 100% waterproof
• Large storage compartment
• Durable
• Comfortable

Cons

• I’m not a fan of roll-top bags

The Banded Arc Welded Day Pack is the best backpack blind bag because it’s 100% waterproof, has a large storage compartment, and is incredibly durable. I’ve owned one of the first versions of this bag for many seasons and still use it regularly. The newest iteration addressed two of my biggest gripes about the Arc Welded Day pack when they installed internal dividers and made the shoulder straps more comfortable.

I’ve never had a problem with my gear getting wet while secured in this bag. However, I’m not the biggest fan of roll-top style bags, because I feel like they create wasted space. I would rather have a zippered back that’s easier to access quickly. That being said, the Banded Arc Welded Day pack has plenty of room in the large compartment, and I love that it now features internal dividers to help keep your gear organized, rather than jumbling together.

Even though I’ve hunted and kayaked with the older version for many years, I still see many more years of use ahead, so I have zero doubts about the durability of the Banded Arc Welded Day Pack.

Best Storage: Rig’em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack

Key Features

• Materials: Soft Shell Style Bag
• Size: 17″ high x 8″deep x 13″wide
• Pack Type: Backpack

Pros

• Lots of storage options with easy access
• Comfortable
• Floats
• Durable
• Versatile

Cons

• Not 100% waterproof

The Rig’em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack boasts some of the best storage I’ve ever seen in a blind bag, as it keeps your gear organized while maintaining quick access, and it’s comfortable on long walks. This is another backpack (an older version) I’ve used for many seasons because I could fit all of my gear in it. However, it is not 100% waterproof. Only the bottom is waterproof, so I don’t like to keep my expensive camera in this bag. 

While it’s not entirely waterproof, if you happen to knock it over the side of the boat or drop it in the water, it won’t sink like a rock because it’s designed to float. This means you won’t ruin your hunt with a minor accident. The Rig-em Right Lowdown Floating Backpack is also designed as a travel bag, with a spot for your laptop or tablet, so you’re not limited to using this backpack only during hunting season. I also use it for dove hunting. I just have to make sure all my lead dove shells are out of the bag when waterfowl season rolls around. 

Most Comfortable: Sitka Full Choke Pack

Key Features

• Materials: RF Welded Bottom and TPU Outer Shell
• Size: 15L Storage Capacity
• Pack Type: Backpack

Pros

• Comfortable
• Plenty of storage with excellent organization
• Durable

Cons

• Expensive
• Not 100% waterproof

Alright, all you Sitka lovers, the Sitka Full Choke Pack is one of the most comfortable blind bags on the market, offering sufficient storage for all your gear. However, it also has some glaring flaws. I hunted with a buddy who swore by this bag, so I tossed it on my back and understood why he raved about it. It was very comfortable. He also said he’d hunted with it for multiple seasons and it’d held up pretty well. 

I like all the quick-access storage options it has, but don’t count on it to protect your gear from the water because it’s only water-resistant, not waterproof. Besides that, my biggest complaint is the price, but we all knew that was coming since it’s Sitka. It’s more expensive than the other waterproof bags on this list, by a long shot. If you’re all about comfort and style, the Sitka Full Choke Pack is one you need to check out for this waterfowl hunting season. 

Best Budget-Friendly Blind Bag: Northern Flight Waterfowl Backpack

Key Features

• Materials: Welded TPU Construction
• Size: 19″H x 14″W x 8″D
• Pack Type: Backpack

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Lots of organized storage
• Comfortable

Cons

• Not 100% waterproof
• Durability is TBD

The Northern Flight Waterfowl Backpack is significantly less expensive compared to the other blind bags on this list. Yet, it’s quite comfortable and offers waterfowlers ample storage for all our gear. 

I appreciate how Northern Flight (Cabela’s brand) thought out how to organize the gear and keep it easily accessible. I’ve lost track of the number of birds I didn’t get a chance to shoot because I was scrambling to reload or fumbling around looking for something in my blind bag when I should have been shooting. This budget-friendly bag does its best to eliminate those instances.

However, this bag is only water-resistant, so it can handle light rain or being splashed, but it’s not suitable for sitting in water or getting dunked. I’m also concerned about the durability of this bag. I’ve had some Northern Flight gear that has held up well, and other stuff that hasn’t. If I were on a limited budget, the Northern Flight Waterfowl Backpack would be the first blind bag I looked at because it’s inexpensive, can hold all my gear, and is comfortable on long walks through the marsh. 

Things to Consider

When choosing a blind bag, several key considerations must be taken into account. The following are generally at the top of my mind.

Backpack vs. Messenger-style

As you can see, I prefer backpacks over messenger-style bags. This is just a matter of personal preference, having hunted with both styles for many years. My dad still hunts with a messenger-style blind bag, as do many of my hunting buddies. I find backpacks more comfortable and capable of holding all my gear. 

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant

Many companies market their blind bags as water-resistant, and waterfowlers mistakenly assume this means they’re waterproof. Waterproof means it won’t leak when sitting or submerged, whereas water-resistant means it will protect your gear from light rain or splashing, but water will eventually seep through the material. Waterproof bags are generally more expensive, but they are worth the investment. 

Price

Whether you’re in college or married with three kids, we’re all on a budget and are forced to stick within it. Most of the bags on this list fall within the same price range, but you may need to compromise on certain features to choose a bag within your budget. 

Comfort

If you overlook how comfortable the bag is, it’s either because you don’t hunt very far from a motorized vehicle or you’re tougher than I. Either way, I value comfort for those long walks carrying gear because it keeps my spirits up about the hunt, and I’m getting older, I want to be as comfortable as possible most of the time. 

Organization

Since I carry a lot of gear that other waterfowl hunters don’t necessarily haul around, like three cameras and spare batteries, keeping my gear organized and protected is very important to me. Even when I didn’t bring all my cameras, I learned the value of staying organized, and I don’t ever want to go back to being completely unorganized. 

Ease of Access

Along the same vein of being organized is having quick and easy access to your gear. There are many instances when I need to grab something in my bag in a hurry, so having multiple access points is incredibly helpful. 

Durability

I don’t want a bag that will fall apart on me in the middle of the season, especially if I spend $100 or more on it. I want a durable blind bag that will last me several seasons of abuse. Waterfowl hunters are hard on our gear, and our blind bag should be able to withstand the adversities. 

FAQs

Q: What should I put in a blind bag?

What you should put in a blind bag will vary from hunter to hunter, but I always have my calls, extra shells, facemask, headlamp, duck tote, toilet paper, snacks, drinks (usually coffee), gloves, and a DIY gun cleaning kit. 

Other items I bring, although not necessary, include cameras, extra batteries, a tripod, spare batteries for my spinning wing decoy (and remote, if you have one), and sunglasses.

Q: What makes a good blind bag?

Several key features make a good blind bag, in my opinion: comfort, organization, durability, waterproofing, and ease of access.

A blind bag should be comfortable for long public land walk-in spots. I also want my gear to be organized and easily accessible, while having enough space for everything. I’m tough on my duck hunting gear, so a good blind bag will be able to handle everything I put it through, including if I have to take it for a swim or accidentally dunk it. 

Final Thoughts on Waterproof Blind Bags

Waterfowl hunters are rough on gear, and water is an inevitable part of hunting. Whether you’re field hunting, walking into public land, or running a boat through the marsh, all waterfowl hunters could benefit from a waterproof blind bag. These bags come in several configurations, all tailored for specific types of hunting. I’ve learned over the years that waterproof blind bags are not an area to skimp on. In general, go with the best waterproof blind bag you can afford, and you won’t regret it.