Waterproof & Water-Resistant Bag Guide
Understanding Waterproof & Water-Resistant Bags
Learn more about waterproof and water-resistant bags, how they differ and the features to consider when selecting a bag for work, work travel and outdoor conditions.
What Is the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant?
Waterproof and water-resistant bags provide different levels of protection from water. A water-resistant bag is designed to help protect its contents from rain, splashes and wet conditions, but it is not designed to provide the same level of protection as a fully waterproof bag.
A waterproof bag is designed to provide a higher level of protection against water when correctly closed and used as intended. Waterproof construction can include waterproof materials, sealed or heat-welded seams and closures designed to limit water entry.
Always check the individual product specifications to understand the documented level of water protection provided by the particular bag.
How Do Waterproof Gear Bags Keep Water Out?
Waterproof bags use a combination of materials, construction methods and closures to help prevent water from reaching the contents. The level of protection depends on the complete design rather than the fabric alone.
The Caribee Expedition Series uses waterproof tarpaulin construction, heat-welded seams and a roll-top closure designed to provide 100% waterproof storage when correctly closed and used as intended.
The closure is particularly important. A waterproof bag must be correctly closed according to the manufacturer's instructions to achieve its intended level of water protection.
When Should I Choose a Waterproof Bag?
Choose a waterproof bag when your equipment requires a higher level of protection from water. This can be particularly relevant when working or travelling in heavy rain, exposed outdoor conditions or situations where equipment may come into contact with water.
The Caribee Expedition Series is designed for fully waterproof storage and can be considered when stronger water protection is required.
For general rain and wet-weather exposure where full waterproof protection is not required, a water-resistant gear bag may provide a suitable option. Always consider the conditions and the equipment being carried before selecting a bag.
When Is a Water-Resistant Gear Bag Suitable?
Water-resistant gear bags are suited to everyday conditions where protection from rain, splashes and moisture is required without the need for fully waterproof storage.
Caribee Kokoda, Zambezi and Titan gear bags provide water-resistant or weather-resistant protection and can be suitable for work, work travel and outdoor use where exposure to water is limited or intermittent.
Water-resistant does not mean waterproof. If the bag or its contents are likely to be exposed to significant water or prolonged wet conditions, choose a waterproof model and check the individual product specifications before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a waterproof and water-resistant bag?
Waterproof and water-resistant bags provide different levels of protection from water. A water-resistant bag is designed to help protect its contents from rain, splashes and wet conditions, while a waterproof bag is designed to provide a higher level of protection against water when correctly closed and used as intended.
Always check the individual product specifications to confirm the documented level of water protection before selecting a bag for your intended use.
Which Caribee bags are waterproof?
The Caribee Expedition Series is designed as waterproof gear bags. The range uses waterproof tarpaulin construction, heat-welded seams and a roll-top closure designed to provide 100% waterproof storage when correctly closed and used as intended.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for correctly closing the bag to achieve its intended level of water protection.
Which Caribee gear bags are water-resistant?
Caribee Kokoda, Zambezi and Titan gear bags provide water-resistant or weather-resistant protection. They are designed to help protect clothing, equipment and personal gear from rain and wet conditions.
These bags are not designed to provide the same level of protection as the fully waterproof Expedition Series. Check the individual product specifications for the particular bag before use in wet conditions.
Are waterproof bags suitable for work and work travel?
Waterproof gear bags can be useful for workers who need a higher level of protection for clothing, PPE, equipment and personal gear during work or work travel.
The Caribee Expedition Series provides waterproof storage and can be used where equipment may be exposed to significant rain or wet conditions. Select the capacity according to the amount of equipment you need to carry.
How do I choose the right size waterproof or water-resistant bag?
Choose the capacity according to the amount and type of equipment you need to carry. Smaller bags can suit essential work gear and shorter trips, while larger bags provide additional space for clothing, PPE, footwear and bulkier equipment.
Also consider how the bag will be transported and the available carrying options. Always check the individual product's capacity and dimensions before selecting a bag.
How do I know which level of water protection I need?
Consider how much exposure to water the bag and its contents are likely to experience. A water-resistant bag can be suitable for everyday rain, splashes and wet conditions where full waterproof protection is not required.
If your equipment needs stronger protection from water or is likely to be exposed to heavy rain or significant wet conditions, choose a waterproof design such as the Caribee Expedition Series.
Always check the individual product specifications and use the bag according to the manufacturer's instructions.






