7 Best Beach Backpacks [2023 Expert Picks]

When it comes to choosing the perfect beach backpack, there are a few things you need to take into account. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the backpack is large enough to fit all of your beach essentials – sunscreen, multiple beach towels, swimsuit, goggles, beach toys etc.

Secondly, you need to find a backpack that is comfortable to wear, even when packed full. And of course, you want to find a backpack that looks good – after all, you’ll be carrying it around with you all day.

Table of Contents

1. 7 Best Beach Backpacks
2. Best Beach Backpacks: Runners Up
3. Frequently Asked Questions

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10 best beach backpacks

Before we get into some FAQs, let's dive straight into our picks for the 7 best beach bags on the market (and a few runners-up) for your next beach day.

1. Skog Å Kust BackSåk

🎉 Best Overall

This backpack from Skog Å Kust takes our top pick for the best beach backpack. It’s essentially an upgraded roll-top bag made from a super high-quality 500-denier PVC, with bonded seams, meaning it's fully waterproof and ready for the day ahead. The pack comes in two sizes: 25L and 35L both of which should be large enough to fit all of your beach essentials, plus a few extra items like your phone and wallet can be stashed in the smaller pockets on the front or inside the bag.

The backpack is also very comfortable to wear, thanks to the padded shoulder straps and back pad. The bag comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that suits your style. We liked the yellow best.

Our only gripe? We'd love an extra compartment on the outside for our wet items.

• Size: 11.5 x 16 x 6" / 12.5 x 19 x 6"
• Capacity: 25L / 35L
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cost: $$
• Extras: Splash-proof front pocket, interior pockets, D-rings

2. Yeti Panga Series Backpack

🤩 Staff Pick

We voted the Panga bag as our staff pick. On the surface this just looks like a traditional backpack, but it's a Yeti so we know better. Its airtight design allows you to submerge the bag in water and keep your gear dry. This, along with the BackSåk, is one of 2 fully waterproof bags that made our list.

'But wait, the BackSåk could do that. What's so special about this?!' GREAT question. Although the BackSåk is high quality and durable, the Yeti is on another level thanks to a THICKSKIN SHELL that seems pretty puncture proof. It's fully air tight - even the Hydrolock Zipper closure keep the water out. The con? It costs almost 5x as much. If you can justify it, we highly recommend this.

There are a couple of inside pockets and while these aren't the greatest, they gave us an option to throw our wet swimsuits into afterwards. Just try not to tip the bag up or the water from your suits will get into the main compartment,

• Size: 12.5 x 20 x 7"
• Capacity: 28L
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cost: $$$$$
• Extras: Puncture resistant outer, Fully Waterproof, D-rings

3. Topo Designs River Bag

💲 Best Value

Having been a long time user of the Topo Klettersack for the past 4 or 5 years, it only felt fair to test their newer River Bag for our best beach backpacks list. The bag works well as a daily backpack, but for the beach, it's even better.

Sure, it's a little compact, but it's made very well and has a whole host of external and easy access interior zippered pockets for smaller items, as well as mesh pockets on the outside for your swim trucks, beach blankets, towels and other wet gear to dry in transit. These also double as water bottle pockets that fits the big Hydroflasks! Win, win.

It has both backpack straps and carry handles to make life that little bit easier. As for the materials, this is made from 1000D recycled nylon with a 200D recycled nylon collar/liner.

• Size: 10.5 x 15 x 5"
• Capacity: 12.8L
• Waterproof: No
• Cost: $$
• Extras: Internal organization, mesh side pockets, dual carry straps

4. KAVU Rope Sling Pack

Much like all items from Kavu, the Sling Pack comes in a bunch of rad designs that look great whether you're hiking, camping or hitting the beach. The bag itself is one of the cheaper (and more basic) options on our list, but it gets the job done for those who don't wish to spend too much cashmoney.

The single cross body strap is surprisingly comfy, even for long days of bag carrying. One major bonus of this bag is the fact that its made rom a cotton canvas material whcih can be thrown in the washing machine as and when you need. Yes, it's not waterproof, but it dries pretty quickly anyway.

• Size: 11 x 20 x 3"
• Capacity: ?
• Waterproof: No
• Cost: $
• Extras: Dual main pockets, zippered front and internal pockets

5. Coleman Chiller Backpack

This cooler backpack is perfect for keeping drinks and snacks cool with a fully insulated cooler compartment that can hold up to 28 x 12fl oz cans. It also has additional storage pockets for other beach essentials, as well as adjustable straps for comfortable carrying.

One of the things we love about the Coleman Chiller Backpack is its durability. Made from high-quality materials, it can handle the wear and tear of regular use. Additionally, its spacious design and ample storage space make it a practical choice for longer beach trips or outdoor activities.

It's worth noting that the backpack can be heavy when fully loaded with drinks and food, which may make it less comfortable to carry for extended periods. Also, as the backpack isn't waterproof, it may not be ideal for beach goers planning to spend a lot of time in the water.

• Size: 19.3 x 12.2 x 6.3"
• Capacity: 10L
• Waterproof: No
• Cost: $$
• Extras: Insulated cooler compartment with heat-welded seams (keeps cool for up to 24h), padded straps, organizational pockets

5. Herschel Little America Backpack

This backpack from Herschel is a great choice if you need to bring your laptop to the beach. The bag is made from high-quality materials and features a padded sleeve that can fit most laptops up to 15 inches. It also has plenty of other pockets and compartments for storing your other items, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

• Size: 19.25 x 11.25 x 7"
• Capacity: 25L
• Waterproof: Water Resistant
• Cost: $$
• Extras: Magnetic snap flap, laptop sleeve, water-resistant outer, hidden pockets for valuables

6. North Face Bozer Backpack

This lightweight backpack from The North Face is always a solid choice. It’s made from durable materials and features a comfortable design that makes it perfect for carrying to the beach.

The backpack has plenty of storage space for all of your gear, and it comes in a variety of colors, each with a large drawstring front pocket for wet or larger items and a non-PFC Durable Water-Repellant (DWR) to keep everything dry.

• Size: 17 x 12 x 5"
• Capacity: 19L
• Waterproof: Water Resistant
• Cost: $$
• Extras: Laptop sleeve, water-resistant outer, large front pouch

7. Patagonia Black Hole Backpack

This backpack from Patagonia is another great pick. It’s made from durable materials and features a highly water-resistant design (basically waterproof, but not submergable) that makes it perfect for taking on a fishing trip or day to the beach. The backpack also has plenty of storage space for all of your gear, and it comes in a black or camo color.

There are multiple carry options on this one, with the ability to remove the shoulder straps and use as a duffel. We liked the 25L version best - not too big, but a large beach backpack with plenty of room for a few days worth of gear and the ability to carry heavy loads.

• Size: 21 x 13 x 10"
• Capacity: 25L
• Waterproof: Water Resistant
• Cost: $$$
• Extras: Eco-friendly, zipped extra pockets, laptop sleeve, removable shoulder straps, gear attachments

Other Runners up:

Dakine Mission 25L Backpack

This backpack from Dakine is our top pick if you need to bring your skateboard to the beach. It’s made from durable materials and features a design that’s specifically for carrying a skateboard. The backpack also has plenty of other compartments for storing your other items, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Lululemon Take It On Tote

This tote is a great pick for a simple beach bag. It’s made from high-quality materials and features a design that’s perfect for carrying to the beach or the pool. The tote is also large enough to fit all of your beach essentials, and it comes in a a variety of colors.

Bogg Bag

The original Bogg Bag is the 'Crocks' of the bag world. Made entirely from rubber, the design features carry straps and drainage holes. It's basic but large enough to fit all of your other beach essentials, snorkeling gear, wet clothes and whatever else you like. It comes in a variety of different colors and patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a beach backpack?

A beach backpack is a bag designed to be carried to the beach. It is typically made of a durable material such as nylon or polyester, and often has compartments or pockets to keep items organized. Beach backpacks are often brightly colored or patterned, making them easy to spot on the sand. They may also include features such as mesh panels for ventilation, or straps that can be used to attach umbrellas or towels.

When do you need a beach backpack?

If you are going to the beach for any time over 10 minutes, it’s usually a good idea to have a beach backpack. This will help you from losing anything, or getting sand in your wallet, etc.

That being said, here are a few things to consider when selecting a beach backpack:

• Size: How much stuff do you need to bring with you? Choose a backpack that's big enough to fit everything, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to carry.
• Storage: What type of storage features do you need? Some backpacks have special compartments for wet clothes or towels, while others have pockets for sunglasses or sunscreen. Choose a backpack with the right mix of storage options for your needs.
• Comfort: Will you be carrying the backpack for long periods of time? If so, make sure it's comfortable to wear, with straps that distribute the weight evenly.
• Style: Go for a beach backpack that matches your personal style. Whether you want something colorful and fun or more subdued and functional, there's a backpack out there that's perfect for you.

What is the best size for a beach backpack?

When it comes to beach backpacks, size definitely matters. After all, you want to be able to fit all of your beach essentials into one bag so that you can easily carry them from the car to the sand. But what is the ideal size for a beach backpack?

Here are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect size beach backpack:

• The number of people in your group: If you're going to the beach with a large group of people, you'll need a bigger backpack so that everyone's belongings can fit. On the other hand, if you're going solo or with just a few friends, a smaller backpack will suffice.
• The type of beach activities you'll be doing: Are you planning on doing a lot of swimming? Then you'll need a backpack that's large enough to fit your towel, sunscreen, and other beach gear. But if you're just going for a leisurely walk on the beach, a smaller backpack will be fine.
• Your personal style: Do you prefer a backpack with a lot of pockets and compartments so that you can easily organize everything? Or do you prefer a simpler design? Consider your personal style when choosing the right size beach backpack.

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Where is the best place to buy a backpack for a beach trip?

We like to shop on Amazon.com - it has a great selection of pretty much every beach backpack you want, delivered for free within a few days. Plus they have a great return policy should you not like it.

What are the advantages of a backpack over a tote?

If you're looking for a versatile bag that can be used for work, school, or travel, a backpack is a great option. Backpacks are more comfortable to carry than totes, and they often have more features, such as pockets and compartments for organization.

Some people find backpacks more stylish than totes, as well. And if you're looking for a bag that will hold up to wear and tear better, a backpack is usually a better choice. Backpacks are also generally easier to keep clean than totes.

A Tote bag on the otherhand is more like a carryall bag. A big open bag with two carry handles. These are a great option if you just want to throw your beach gear in a bag and have done with it. They usually don't have any extra compartments, zipped areas or other bonus features.

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What is the name of the company that makes the best backpack for the beach?

If you're looking for the best backpack for the beach, then you'll want to check out products from Yeti, Skog Å Kust & Topo Designs. We felt these companies made some of the most durable and functional backpacks that we tested, and their products are perfect for use at the beach.

Check out our reviews, above.

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What are some of the benefits of a backpack for a beach trip?

A backpack can be a great option for carrying all of your beach essentials, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time on the sand. Here are some benefits of using a backpack on your next beach trip:

1. You'll have both hands free. This is ideal for carrying other items like a beach chair or umbrella, or for playing games in the sand.
2. Your belongings will be more secure. Backpacks typically have multiple compartments and zippers, which can help keep your things organized and safe from the elements.
3. You can pack heavier items. If you're planning on bringing along heavier items like towels or a change of clothes, a backpack can make it easier to carry them to and from the beach.
4. You'll be more comfortable. Backpacks distribute weight evenly, which can help reduce fatigue and back pain.
5. You can find ones with special features. Some backpacks come equipped with built-in coolers or waterproof compartments, which can come in handy on a hot day or if you're headed to the beach after a swim.

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