Best Surfing Backpack in 2023

Dakine Cyclone II Dry Pack 36L

The Dakine Cyclone II Dry Pack is one of the most versatile surfing backpacks around as it can be used for anything from traveling abroad to going to work, and it’s awesome for surfing too!

Built from tough nylon, this surf backpack is 100% watertight with waterproof compartments to protect all your gear in. This means sand, water, and salt will be a thing of the past! Not only that but it comes with additional pockets for easy access and gear organization.

Inside the main compartment is a padded laptop compartment (great for travel and work) and the front pocket is made for carrying fins, waxes, and anything else you need access to. There is a side pocket for water too and even a surfboard carry system when you have to hike to a break.

Having 36 liters of space, it is also the perfect size for weekends away and has more than enough space for everything you need. When fully loaded, it can get heavy but the padded breathable straps and back panel ensure you are always comfy.

The only downside is that the roll-top closure makes it hard to find things at the bottom, otherwise it is an excellent surf backpack.

COR Surf Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack

If you are shopping on a budget then one of the top surfing backpacks on the market for you is the COR Surf Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack. 

Despite being affordable these surf backpacks are made from tough PVC which resists everything from abrasions to punctures and blocks all water and sand from entering inside too. This means your things are 100% protected from the elements all the time. 

With a large roll-top main compartment, there is more than enough space for dry clothes, towels, and anything else you need. You can slot in fins, wax, and sunscreen in the outside pocket, plus the side mesh pockets for water or anything else. 

These surfing backpacks also have a sleeve for laptops so you can travel with them or take them to work too. Plus the padded back panel and straps mean that carrying it is comfortable. 

There is nowhere to put your surfboard, so you will have to carry it plus finding things at the bottom of the roll top compartment can be a drag. Otherwise, it is an awesome surf pack for the money.

Patagonia Black Hole 25L

The Patagonia Black Hole surfing backpacks are the perfect middle ground between a backpack that works for everyday life, life in the outdoors, and for surfing too.

Being made by Patagonia means it is made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop, a big eco tick there, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee, so they will always fix it for you if they can. Plus, Patagonia’s build quality is something you can be sure will last too.

These surf packs are super resistant to water ensuring your gear stays dry by the sea and in the rain. The large main compartment is easy to access through the zipper bucket lid and inside you will have a space for a laptop, a zippered mesh valuables pocket, and an organizational panel too.

There is also a front pocket on these surf packs which is perfect for everything from fins to wax. As you can see, there is a space for everything and this surf pack is great for everything from travel, to work, to surfing! You can even add a hydration bladder for hiking.

To top it all off, the awesome straps and back panel come together to ensure maximum comfort when carrying this surf pack around.

Patagonia Disperser Roll-Top Pack 40L

The Patagonia Disperser Roll-Top Pack is quite a different surfing backpack from the Patagonia pack we just looked at above. This one is specifically designed for use around water whereas the other was more of an all-rounder.

Being a Patagonia pack, it is made from recycled materials, is super durable, and comes with Patagonia’s guarantee so you are covered for life!

It features a watertight design with just one large compartment that has a single organization panel inside and a roll top closure. The compartment is large and has loads of room, but finding things lurking at the bottom of this surfing backpack isn’t so easy.

There are, however, a load of external attachment points where you can add gear you need access to quickly, and these can be used as lashing points too.

Overall, it is one of the best surfing backpacks around for dedicated surf use, but it isn’t very versatile for any other uses.

Dakine Mission Surf DLX Wet/Dry 32L Backpack

The Dakine Mission Surf DLX Wet/Dry Backpack is another of the best surfing backpacks on the market, especially when it comes to versatility. With great looks and design what looks like a normal backpack is great for work, travel, and surfing.

This pack comes with a dry/wet compartment which is sealed from water so that you can either keep gear dry or put all your wet stuff inside it after a surf – removing the need for wetsuit bags. It also has a wax pocket which is lined with tarp plus a sunglass pocket lined with fleece so your sunnies never get scratched.

On top of all that, you also get three other compartments for gear like laptops or sunblock and there is even an exterior towel holder plus pockets for water bottles. It is an awesome pack for surf trips, keeping everything dry, and it is comfortable to carry too!

NRS Bill's Bag Dry Bag

The NRS Bill’s Bag Dry Bag is one of the best surfing backpacks around if you are looking for a 100% waterproof pack to use on serious surf trips that involve using a boat.

Built from tough PVC, these dry bags are very durable but they do not have any surf-specific features, as they are simply roll-top dry bags with removable shoulder straps. This means all your gear will have to be in one compartment but the welded construction and material make sure that everything is dry and protected at the same time!

Being a 65-liter bag, there is plenty of room for everything you need for a long trip but without a wet compartment, you will need wetsuit bags on the side so your dry gear stays dry.

Overall, it is a great dry bag but it would be nice to see some more compartments and pockets.

RVCA Weld Backpack

The RVCA Weld Backpack is designed for all-around use meaning it is great for everything from weekends away day trips and surfing.

It features a large roll-top main compartment that is water-repellent for your dry items along with two front pockets for smaller things like fins, wax, and valuables. There is a side mesh pocket, and a lashing system on the outside too plus some external attachment points.

It is safe to say, keeping gear organized and accessible is easy with this pack plus it will stay dry too! There is even a special pocket for your sunglasses with a fleece lining.

In addition, it is also very durable and has a very supportive carry system but it is not 100% waterproof which would be a nice addition.

Dakine Cyclone Roll Top 32L Backpack

The Dakine Cyclone Roll Top Backpack is another backpack made in a dry bag style. This means it has a large main compartment that is waterproof that is perfect for keeping dry things dry but it is not possible to keep wet and dry things in the same bag.

You will also find a useful front stash pocket for smaller items and there are mesh side pockets for water or anything else you can slot in there.

This pack has an excellent build quality that is designed to last around saltwater and the breathable straps and back panel ensure it is comfortable to carry, even in the heat.

The main issue with the pack is that accessing things in the main compartment is hard due to the roll top closure, so some extra compartments would be helpful.

Dakine Patrol Backpack

The Dakine Patrol Backpack is a great surf pack as long as it doesn’t get wet. Unlike the other backpacks, this is not described as being resistant to water at all, so don’t let it get wet if you buy it.

It is, though, a great all-around backpack for adventures. The pack is made to handle rugged environments and it features enough storage compartments and pockets to ensure you can carry everything you need in an easy and organized way.

There is a laptop compartment, dedicated sunglasses pocket, mesh side pockets, and a large compartment for all your other essentials too. In addition to this, the carrying system is also excellent so you won’t overheat and you will have all the support you need.

Rip Curl F-light 2.0 Surf Backpack

The Rip Curl F-light 2.0 Surf Backpack is an awesome all-around pack that is great for everything from surfing to diving to work and travel.

It comes with multiple compartments, one of which is a wet/dry compartment which you can use as a wet section for your wetsuit or boardshorts after a session. 

There is also a cooler pocket for keeping drinks cold, a dedicated external wax and sunscreen pocket plus a slot for a laptop. Rip Curl really did think of everything on this one! 

Built from 100% polyester, this pack is durable and with a size of 40 liters, there is more than enough room inside to pack for a multi-day adventure. Plus with all its organizational features, it is awesome to travel with too!