Waterproof Backpack 40L - Heavy-Duty Ocean and Travel Pack

Heavy-Duty Waterproof Backpack for Ocean Sport and Travel

The POD 40L is a full carry system built for ocean sport and travel. It handles a complete session load, wetsuits, fins, towels, clothing, cameras, and water bottles, without losing waterproof protection or carry comfort.

The 40L is the full gear carry in the POD waterproof system. Where the 25L handles daily use, the 40L handles everything else.

Key Features

• 40-litre capacity for wetsuits, fins, towels, and full ocean gear transport
• Dual closure system - top buckle clip for quick access, side compression buckles for extended carry, both independent of the waterproof seal
• Moulded carry handle - structurally separate from the sealing system, built for the load demands of a fully packed 40L
• Dual-layer ventilated shoulder straps - wider and deeper, constructed with breathable air-mesh for load distribution, reduced pressure points, and airflow across the shoulder contact zone
• Ventilated airflow back panel - padded mesh construction keeps the pack off the back for airflow during extended carry
• Adjustable chest strap - stabilises load distribution across the upper body
• Balanced load profile - weight sits close to the back for controlled carry under heavier loads
• Heavy-duty 500D PVC tarpaulin construction - tear and puncture resistant
• Electronically heat-welded seams - waterproof construction throughout
• Two waterproof IPX6 zipper front pockets - organised quick-access storage fully independent of the main compartment
• Made-to-length waterproof zippers with moulded ends - each pocket zip is made to its exact length with moulded, sealed ends, not cut from a continuous roll, so there is no open end for water to find
• Upper quick-access pocket (26cm W x 20cm H) - phone, wallet, passport, and keys
• Lower storage pocket (26cm W x 24cm H) - accessories, gear, and session essentials
• 2 x D-ring attachment points for external gear
• Floats if dropped in water when sealed correctly
• Travel-compatible dimensions - 56cm H x 33cm W x 17.5cm D after rolling, built with carry-on compatibility in mind

The Carry System

A heavier load transfers more force through the shoulder straps and back panel during longer carries. The 40L shoulder straps are wider and deeper, with an additional foam layer and a breathable air mesh finish. Load is distributed across the full shoulder contact zone, pressure points are reduced under load, and airflow reduces heat build-up during extended carry in warm conditions.

The carry handle is moulded, not webbing. On a pack carrying this volume, a webbing handle concentrates load pressure into a narrow contact point. The moulded handle distributes the load and sits clear of the sealing system, so the waterproof roll is never compromised when lifting the pack.

The Sealing System

The waterproof seal forms when you roll the top of the pack forward tightly three times. Two independent securing options hold the rolled seal in position. The top buckle clip brings the end clip around and locks across the top of the rolled seal, suited to moving between the car, the beach, and back. The side compression buckles clip on both sides, tightening the rolled seal flat against the pack for longer sessions, travel, and any situation where the pack stays on the back for a sustained period. Both options are independent. Neither is the primary seal. The roll is the seal. The buckles secure it.

IPX6 Waterproof Protection

The two front pockets feature IPX6-rated waterproof zippers. The main compartment is 100% waterproof and airtight when sealed correctly and floats if dropped in water.

Pack Dimensions

• Height: 56cm (after 3 x roll closure)
• Width: 33cm
• Depth: 17.5cm
• Capacity: 40 litres

How to Seal Your 40L Waterproof Backpack

Step 1 - Roll the Airtight Seal

Roll the top of the pack forward tightly three times toward the front of the bag until the Velcro attaches. This creates the waterproof seal.

Step 2 - Top Buckle Clip for Quick Access

Bring the end clip around and lock it into the top buckle to secure the rolled seal. Suited to short carry periods between the car, home, or beach.

Step 3 - Side Compression Buckles for Extended Carry

Clip the side buckles and tighten the compression straps to secure the rolled seal flat against the pack. Recommended for longer carry periods, travel, and extended sessions.

For a lighter daily carry, the POD Waterproof Backpack 25L handles single-session loads without the full gear capacity.

Questions About the 40L Waterproof Backpack

Is the 40L really waterproof?
The main compartment is 100% waterproof and airtight once you roll the top three times and secure it, and it floats if dropped in water. The two front pockets use IPX6 waterproof zips, each made to length with moulded, sealed ends. Zips cut from a continuous roll can let water in at the cut ends, and sealed ends close that gap. IPX6 keeps out heavy spray and rain but isn't a submersion rating, so if the bag could go under, keep your phone and passport in the main compartment.

Can I take it on a plane as carry-on?
Rolled and sealed, the 40L measures 56 x 33 x 17.5 cm, which sits within the carry-on size limits of most airlines. The shallow depth also keeps the load close to your back instead of pulling away from it. Limits vary, so check your airline before you fly.

Should I choose the 25L or the 40L?
The 25L suits a single session or a day at the beach. The 40L carries a full load: wetsuit, fins, towels, clothing and a camera, with two waterproof front pockets that cover most of the front face for quick-access items. For your phone and keys on their own, the 2L waterproof cross body bag completes the set, giving you three waterproof carry options.

Built for the Load. Ready for Anywhere.

The POD 40L carries what the 25L cannot. Built for the days when you need everything in one bag and the bag needs to keep up.