Last Updated: August 10, 2023
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Best Beach Backpack: Coolers, Sports Bags & More

Need a good backpack for the beach? Then you’re definitely in the right place! This detailed review covers all the best beach backpacks, including coolers, waterproof bags, volleyball packs, and more.


At A Glance: Best Beach Backpacks


I included lots of variety, so there should be at least one good option for you, regardless of what exactly you are looking for. And if you’re not sure how to choose the perfect beach backpack for you, our buying guide near the bottom will help!

Top Product Overview

Coleman Chiller Series Insulated Portable Soft Cooler Backpack, Leak-Proof 28 Can Capacity Backpack Cooler with Adjustable Straps and Ice Retention
Best Cooler Backpack
  • Breathable backpanel and hip belt
  • Two insulated compartments
SEE ON COLEMAN →SEE ON AMAZON →
Speedo Unisex-Adult Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Equipment Bag , Prism Violet
Best Mesh Beach Backpack
  • Very affordable
  • Lightweight and quick drying material
SEE ON AMAZON →
Wilson AVP Beach Volleyball Backpack - Black/Yellow
Best Backpack For Beach Volleyball
  • Dedicated volleyball compartment
  • Temperature-regulating side pocket
SEE ON AMAZON →
LOCTOTE Flak Sack Sport - Anti Theft Backpack | Cut-Resistant Bag with Locking Strap, Lock and Waterproof Coating | Men’s and Women’s Travel Backpack | Safe Travel Bag | Anti Theft Purse 1.0
Best Anti-Theft Beach Backpack
  • Anti-theft backpack
  • RFID safe internal pocket
SEE ON AMAZON →
Osprey Stratos 34 Men's Hiking Backpack, Black, Small/Medium
  • Great for organization
  • Comfortable and ventilated back system
SEE ON OSPREY →SEE ON AMAZON →
TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Men and Women
  • Multiple compartments and pockets
  • Very affordable
SEE ON AMAZON →
YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler/Backpack, Charcoal
  • Keeps drinks cold for days
  • Multiple external attachment points
SEE ON REI →SEE ON AMAZON →
geckobrands Lightweight 30L Waterproof Backpack - Lightweight Watertight Outdoor Bag Hiking Traveling Light Water Activities
  • Fully waterproof exterior
  • Zippered pocket on front panel
SEE ON AMAZON →
Lemur Bags Canvas Backpack Purse - Cute Eco-Friendly Drawstring Shoulder Bucket Day Bag (Bananas)
  • Cute design
  • Eco-friendly materials
SEE ON AMAZON →

Top Products


Best Cooler Backpack

Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler

Coleman Chiller Series Insulated Portable Soft Cooler Backpack, Leak-Proof 28 Can Capacity Backpack Cooler with Adjustable Straps and Ice Retention

The Coleman Backpack Cooler is a great option for those of you on a tight budget. It’s one of the most affordable cooler packs you can buy, but it’s by means a cheap beach bag. Coleman makes some amazing portable coolers and outdoor gear in general, and their products are reliable and they perform well.

This pack has two insulated compartments. The main one is quite spacious, and it can hold up to 22 cans. Actually, the total capacity of the backpack is 28 cans, but also includes the capacity of the front compartment, which is much smaller.

You can just put the cans in the bigger compartment and then use the smaller front compartment for sandwiches, snacks, or whatever. The pack is versatile in that way, and that’s a great thing.

Also, this beach bag has two extra side pockets that are great for any smaller items you want to carry, but that doesn’t necessarily need to be insulated. There’s also a bungee cord on the front panel that can easily hold a beach towel, so you might just be able to pack most of your must-haves in the bag.

The back panel is padded and covered with breathable mesh for great ventilation. The same goes for the shoulder straps and even the convenient hip belt, which are essential in keeping you comfortable even if you are carrying 28 cans of beer on your back.

Pros

  • Breathable backpanel and hip belt
  • Two insulated compartments
  • Side and front pockets for extra gear

Cons

  • Zippers are not leakproof
  • No sternum strap

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 19.38 x 14.76 x 1.78"
  • Weight: 17 ounces
  • Capacity: Up to 28 cans
SEE ON COLEMAN
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Mesh Beach Backpack

Speedo Mesh Equipment Backpack

Speedo Unisex-Adult Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Equipment Bag , Prism Violet

The Speedo mesh backpack is a good option if you want something really simple and affordable. This mesh beach bag is small and lightweight, and it’s made from quick-drying fabric, so it’s great for wet swimsuits and beach towels.

Also, the sides of the beach bag are made from airy mesh, which further helps with quick drying. The bag has shoulder straps that let you carry it like a backpack, and the entire thing weighs a little over 11 ounces, so it is super lightweight.

This is a great beach bag if you don’t carry too many items to the beach. It has a spacious main compartment that’s great for any textile items, and then there are two smaller pockets for any items you want to keep separate. One of those is zippered and great for items you want to keep dry, while the smallest mesh pocket is big enough to hold a water bottle or sunscreen.

This small beach backpack has a total capacity of 33 liters, so it’s actually a lot bigger than it looks. It has two convenient shoulder straps in the back, and that’s the only feature it has in common with traditional backpacks. There’s no padding though, so keep that in mind while you’re packing the main compartment.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Lightweight and quick drying material
  • Spacious

Cons

  • Not very comfortable
  • It is not water resistant

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 18” x 24”
  • Weight: 11.2 ounces
  • Capacity: 33 liters
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Backpack For Beach Volleyball

Wilson Bags Backpack

Wilson AVP Beach Volleyball Backpack - Black/Yellow

If you’re into beach volleyball, you need a good backpack with a dedicated place for the ball. The Wilson backpack is one of the best options for beach volleyball players since it was designed with them in mind.

The beach bag has quite a few volleyball-related features, the main one being the ball pocket on the front panel. It is adjustable with compression straps, so the pocket can easily fit pretty much any type of ball. Also, this beach bag has a convenient vent that lets you get rid of any sand in the bag without having to take out all the gear.

The main compartment is very spacious and it features a versatile laptop sleeve inside. There’s another large compartment in the front, as well as multiple smaller pockets. Overall, if you carry a lot of stuff when you go to the beach, I think you will find it really easy to stay organized with the Wilson pack.

This backpack also features an insulated side pocket that’s great for regulating the temperature of food and drinks. You can keep a water bottle cold for hours even in direct sun on the beach, and that’s quite convenient. Also, the backpack has strategic vents in a few places, which let you air out the wet clothes so they can dry faster.

On top of all that, it’s important to note that the back system of the Wilson backpack is quite comfortable. It is heavily padded and covered with breathable mesh, for great carrying comfort. There’s even a convenient sternum strap, but unfortunately no hip belt.

Pros

  • Dedicated volleyball compartment
  • Temperature-regulating side pocket
  • Padded and ventilated back system

Cons

  • No hip belt
  • Exterior not waterproof

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 23.5” x 15” x 1.5”
  • Weight: 1lb
  • Capacity: Not specified
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Anti-Theft Beach Backpack

Loctote Flak Sack Sport

LOCTOTE Flak Sack Sport - Anti Theft Backpack | Cut-Resistant Bag with Locking Strap, Lock and Waterproof Coating | Men’s and Women’s Travel Backpack | Safe Travel Bag | Anti Theft Purse 1.0

The Loctote Flak Sack is an excellent option if you have no peace of mind when you go for a swim. Especially if you frequent crowded beaches and you want to be certain that your precious belongings will be 100% safe even when you’re having fun in the water.

At first glance, this drawstring backpack looks like any simple beach bag. But it’s far from a simple beach bag – this is actually an anti-theft sack backpack, with features that you likely wouldn’t expect from such a simple-looking bag.

It has a locking strap reinforced with steel, which makes it impossible for thieves to cut through it. And that strap is supposed to be locked with a heavy-duty combination lock that only you can open. Also, the entire beach bag is made from slash-resistant material and it’s water-resistant on the outside, which makes it pretty much perfect for the beach.

If you secure this bag to a fixed object, you can turn your back on it and still have peace of mind – it’s that safe. Also, the beach bag has an RFID-safe pocket inside, so you’ll be safe from any kind of thief that might pinpoint you as a mark.

The total capacity of this backpack is 12 liters, so you should be able to fit all your essentials for a day on the beach. But you can’t really keep them organized, and you might want to pack a waterproof pouch for any wet items you’ll have to carry home.

Pros

  • Anti-theft backpack
  • RFID safe internal pocket
  • Lightweight but spacious

Cons

  • Not great for staying organized
  • Pricey

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 18" x 14"
  • Weight: 1.25 lbs
  • Capacity: 12 liters
SEE ON AMAZON

Osprey Stratos 34 Men's Hiking Backpack

Osprey Stratos 34 Men's Hiking Backpack, Black, Small/Medium

Are you the one who’s always stuck carrying everyone’s stuff when you go to the beach? If so, the Osprey Stratos hiking backpack is actually a good option for you. This is a hiking backpack but is made from premium materials and it’s definitely versatile enough to be used as a large beach backpack.

This beach bag has multiple compartments and pockets, so staying organized will be super easy. You can put all the tech in one compartment and then all the towels and swimsuits in the other, or you can just separate gear from different people in different pockets.

Another thing that makes this pack great for the beach is the sleeping pad straps at the bottom. They’re perfect for foam or rubber mats, and the sleeping bag compartment at the bottom works well for towels and foldable beach blankets.

Also, this Osprey backpack has an excellent back system. It is designed for hiking after all, so it’s made to be comfortable even if the bag is filled to capacity and you’ve been walking around for hours. The back panel is covered with airy breathable mesh for great ventilation, so it will take a while before you start to sweat.

Oh and one more thing – the back comes with an integrated rain cover, which is actually perfect for the beach. It’s a 100% waterproof beach backpack, so in case you can’t find a totally dry spot for the bag, just put the rain cover on it and you don’t have to worry about anything getting wet.

SEE ALSO: OSPREY STRATOS 36 REVIEW

Pros

  • Great for organization
  • Comfortable and ventilated back system
  • Large capacity is great for people who carry a lot of gear

Cons

  • Not really a beach bag
  • Pricey

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 27” x 14” x 8”
  • Weight: 3.08 lbs
  • Capacity: 34 liters
SEE ON OSPREY
SEE ON AMAZON

TOURIT Cooler Backpack

TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Men and Women

The Tourit cooler backpack is a really good option if you need a budget-friendly bag for drinks. It is made from high-density foam and oxford fabric and it features a leakproof liner inside. The total capacity of the backpack is 30 cans, which should be plenty for a day on the beach.

The best thing about this family beach bag is that it looks nothing like a cooler. Even if you are carrying 30 cans of beer inside it, nobody will be able to tell! Well, that’s unless they don’t look closely at the shoulder straps – one of those features a bottle opener, and that might give you away.

The backpack has thick padding in the back panel and shoulder straps, so it should be pretty comfortable to wear. There’s a zippered pocket in one of the shoulder straps that’s big enough to fit a smartphone, and that’s pretty cool. It keeps your phone easily accessible, but at the same time, it’s nowhere near the water.

In addition to that, this cooler has quite a few pockets and compartments, but only the main compartment is insulated and leakproof. The smaller front and top pockets are great for snacks, cutlery, and just other stuff that doesn’t really need to stay cold throughout the day. You could even use them for swimwear, sunscreen, or other beach essentials, and you wouldn’t have to worry about them getting wet or mixing with the food.

Pros

  • Multiple compartments and pockets
  • Very affordable
  • Convenient bottle opener on shoulder strap

Cons

  • Back system not ventilated
  • No hip belt or sternum strap

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 13" x 7.5" x 15.8"
  • Weight: 1.1 lbs
  • Capacity: Up to 30 cans
SEE ON AMAZON

Waterproof Beach Backpack

YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler/Backpack

YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler/Backpack, Charcoal

Yeti is an exceptionally popular brand for coolers and their Hopper backpack is one of their best-selling items. It is an incredibly versatile backpack made from premium materials, and it’s perfect if you want to camp out on the beach and still have ice-cold drinks the next day.

This backpack is made from high-density waterproof fabric that is resistant to punctures, UV rays, and mildew. And the liner inside is made from food-grade material, so it’s perfectly safe for consumables. Also, the zippers are fully waterproof, meaning you can actually walk through water with this beach bag and no water can get inside.

It’s absolutely an awesome cooler backpack with a decent capacity of up to 20 cans (with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio). Also, it’s important to note that this backpack has several external attachment points, and it’s actually possible to attach another bag to the exterior of this one.

What about the downsides? Well, it’s quite heavy at more than 5 lbs, it’s very pricey and it doesn’t have separate pockets and compartments. But the insulation inside this beach bag is absolutely amazing, and it can definitely keep your drinks and snacks cold for days at a time.

The backpanel is heavily padded so it will be quite comfortable even if the pack gets really heavy. Also, there is a convenient hip belt that will ensure you stay comfortable even when the Hopper is full to capacity. But there is no breathable mesh on the bag, so ventilation might be an issue at high temperatures.

Pros

  • Keeps drinks cold for days
  • Multiple external attachment points
  • Entirely waterproof inside and out

Cons

  • Quite heavy even when empty
  • Ventilation is not great
  • Pricey

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 13.75” x 19.13” x 8.5”
  • Weight: 5.3 lbs
  • Capacity: 20 cans of beer (with ice)
SEE ON REI
SEE ON AMAZON

Geckobrands Waterproof Lightweight Backpack

geckobrands Lightweight 30L Waterproof Backpack - Lightweight Watertight Outdoor Bag Hiking Traveling Light Water Activities

The Geckobrands backpack is an excellent option if you want a fully waterproof backpack with a simple design. It has a roomy main compartment with a capacity of 30 liters and an extra waterproof pocket on the front that’s perfect for your phone and wallet.

The backpack features roll-top closure with buckles that ensure no drop of water can get inside the main compartment. And it’s 100% waterproof, so it will keep everything inside protected from external elements.

One thing to note is that the backpack only has that one big compartment, so there’s really no way to separate dry and wet items inside. However, the brand does sell waterproof dry bags, so you could buy a couple of those to create your own dry and wet compartments. It’s useful if you’re carrying tech or books in addition to a beach towel and swimsuits.

The shoulder straps are padded and they feel very comfortable to wear. There is no padding in the back panel, so the items inside might poke you in the back. But that’s not a big deal – this is designed as a collapsible bag that you could throw in the pocket of a bigger backpack, and foam in the back panel wouldn’t allow for that. Overall, it’s a great fully waterproof bag at a reasonable price!

Pros

  • Fully waterproof exterior
  • Zippered pocket on front panel
  • Padded shoulder straps

Cons

  • No separate compartments for wet and dry items
  • No sternum strap or hip belt

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 19” x 15” x 6.5”
  • Weight: 0.6 lbs
  • Capacity: 30 liters
SEE ON AMAZON

Lemur Bags Canvas Beach Backpack

Lemur Bags Canvas Backpack Purse - Cute Eco-Friendly Drawstring Shoulder Bucket Day Bag (Bananas)

You don’t have to value function over form every single time, especially in a beach backpack. If you don’t need a cooler and you just want a cute backpack to carry your beach essentials in, the Lemur Bags Canvas Beach Backpack is a seriously good option.

It’s available in seven styles, from a wacky banana print to a bland gray design, so there’s something for everyone’s tastes. The bag is also made from canvas, an eco-friendly material, which is always a great option. It’s sturdy and durable but doesn’t have the water resistance of synthetic materials.

Canvas also doesn’t have the best stain resistance, so you might want to bring an extra plastic bag to ensure your SPF lotions won’t leak everywhere. But even if they do, the backpack is machine washable so you can clean it in no time.

The drawstring backpack has a capacity of 15 liters, which should be plenty for a day on the beach. You’ll easily fit your essentials inside, including SPF, a book, magazines, a change of clothes, and a beach towel. Just don’t put anything too heavy in the backpack, since the drawstring straps aren’t exactly comfortable if the bag is heavy.

Pros

  • Cute design
  • Eco-friendly materials
  • Affordable

Cons

  • No water- or stain-resistance
  • Lacks internal organization

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 5.51” x 12.2” x 13.98”
  • Weight: 7 oz
  • Capacity: 15 liters
SEE ON AMAZON

What To Look For

What’s The Backpack For?

Are you looking to get a beach backpack for essentials like towels, SPF lotion, books, etc., or do you want something more practical that’s also a cooler so you can have ice-cold beers all day long?

I’ve included both basic backpacks and cooler backpacks, so there are plenty of options for you no matter what exactly you’re looking for. But it’s important to note that none of the beach bags featured here are versatile enough to function as both a basic pack and a cooler backpack, so you should really make up your mind first.

Cooler backpacks are 100% waterproof from both sides and they have a special insulation that ensures the drinks inside stay cold regardless of the temperature. However, it’s still recommended to keep that out of the sun, since the ice (packs) inside will melt faster if they’re in direct heat. These beach bags will usually have a few different compartments, allowing you to separate drinks from food for better insulation throughout the day.

Basic beach backpacks are just regular backpacks with a beachy design. They are usually smaller than everyday bags and hiking packs, and some offer better ventilation since they’re meant to wear in high temperatures. Also, some of the bags featured here are fully waterproof, so even if some massive waves shower the bags, the items inside won’t get drenched.

Materials And Features

A beach backpack can mean a lot of different things, and the best bag for you heavily depends on what stuff you normally carry to the beach. For some people, it’s just a towel and an extra swimsuit and for others, it’s a whole arsenal of gear from a beach tent to crossword puzzles.

That’s why I included lots of different backpack designs, from lightweight string backpacks to proper hiking bags with multiple compartments and external attachment points. The simpler bags are best for people who only carry the essentials and don’t need a bunch of different pockets and compartments to stay organized.

On the other hand, if you are that one friend who is stuck carrying everyone’s gear which usually includes everything from a foam mat to sandwiches, you might find a classic hiking backpack more suitable for you.

Additionally, the fabrics and their water resistance are something else you should pay attention to. If you carry tech to the beach, you need a bag that has at least some water resistance. Or a hiking backpack with a rain cover. But if you just throw in your swimsuit and a towel, a basic quick-drying mesh bag can work just fine for you.

Best Beach Backpack: Our Top Picks

Not sure which beach backpack you should get? Just go with one of our top picks, depending on what exactly you are looking for in the perfect bag!

If you want a cooler, go with the Coleman Cooler Backpack. It has an inconspicuous design that doesn’t immediately let everyone else on the beach know you have 20+ cans of beer on you. And the insulation in this bag is excellent, so whatever you put inside will stay cold for hours on end.

The Coleman backpack has multiple pockets and two insulated compartments, so you will be able to separate food from drinks. And it’s comfortable to carry even when it’s packed to the brim!

Sale
Coleman Chiller Series Insulated Portable Soft Cooler Backpack, Leak-Proof 28 Can Capacity Backpack Cooler with Adjustable Straps and Ice Retention
  • INSULATION: Main compartment keeps contents cold and prevents leaks with heat-welded seams
  • CAPACITY: Holds up to 28 cans

In case you want a simpler beach backpack that can hold just your essentials, I would recommend the Loctote Flak Sack. This minimalist drawstring back is as anti-theft as beach bags get, with steel-reinforced straps and a heavy-duty combination lock.

The entire fabric is cut-proof and there’s even an RFID-safe pocket inside! If you want a bag that you can leave unattended on the beach, this is definitely the best option for you. Just remember to secure it to a pole or something before you run off into the sea!

LOCTOTE Flak Sack Sport - Anti Theft Backpack | Cut-Resistant Bag with Locking Strap, Lock and Waterproof Coating | Men’s and Women’s Travel Backpack | Safe Travel Bag | Anti Theft Purse 1.0
  • CUT-RESISTANT FABRIC & STRAPS - With ANSI cut rating A4, the FLAKWeave fabric body is knife-resistant while the drawstring straps are reinforced with UHMWPE, protecting your belongings from futile slash & grab attacks.
  • LOCK ‘N LEAVE SYSTEM - A steel-reinforced locking strap allows you to secure your anti theft bag to stationary objects with the heavy-duty combination lock included. Go about your day worry-free knowing your items are guarded in your portable safe.

Head over to Amazon to check out the prices and color options of all the beach backpacks featured in this review.  And if you’re looking for more ideas on great bags that can work for the beach, you’ll find some excellent options in our related posts!

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