YETI's Panga line is completely air- and water-tight, and rugged as can be. This is the pick for those of you who are rough on your luggage.
"A whole new category of waterproof" might sound a little gimmicky, but YETI isn't wrong in the introduction of the Panga dry duffel bag line. So far, I've taken it offshore, leaving it atop, beside, and on occasion beneath a carelessly-strewn array of anchors, chains, tools, and fishing tackle. A friend's little brother even tossed a freshly-sharpened and heavily-weighted fishing hook atop it (as little brothers do). A hook that sharp, I was sure, would have quickly rendered this bag no longer waterproof.
The EVA molded bottom is even tougher, which is key for anyone using this bag for more rugged, outdoorsy applications. The Panga is sleek enough to travel with, too, especially to destinations that require potentially wet boat rides.
Using technology reminiscent of what is used for a dry suit zipper, YETI has stepped up the waterproof bag game with its trademarked Hydrolok Zipper, which is exceptionally rugged, if simple. It puts most other waterproof zippers to shame. This zipper system is so airtight that I've actually been filling YETI's bags up with air and sitting on them, using them as cushions on boat rides, and I still haven't been able to break the seal it forms.
Around the web, YETI receives an exceptionally heavy pat on the back for this one. GearJunkie is "convinced it's unlike any other waterproof bag on the market," and 33 Amazon customer reviews rounded out to a 4.6/5-star rating.
The zipper can be a little tough to operate and requires a little force to open, but that's the same issue that arises with most good, fully waterproof products, and precisely why it works. It's also corrosion-resistant, and so long as you pull the zipper shut, there's no room for human error like there is with a more traditional roll-top bag.
And while whatever you might stuff in our 55-L pick, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, will eventually get wet, the YETI Panga will, in fact, survive a hurricane, and even a full submersion. — Owen Burke
Pros: Ultra-durable, probably the sturdiest duffel I've ever used, comes in three sizes
Cons: Expensive, not great compartmental storage, scuffs up quickly
Buy the YETI Panga series from YETI for $299.99-$399.99 (50L, 75L, 100L)