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 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
- Upper quick-access pocket (26cm W x 20cm H / 520cm²) - phone, wallet, passport, and keys
- Lower storage pocket (27cm W x 27cm H / 729cm²) - 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
Ideal For
- Surf and bodyboard sessions with full gear
- Bodysurfing gear transport
- Swimming training equipment
- Carrying wetsuits, fins, and towels
- Beach days and ocean gear transport
- Boating, fishing, and kayaking
- Travel and adventure use
- Wet gear containment after water sessions
The Carry System
A heavier load transfers more force through the shoulder straps and back panel over a longer carry. The shoulder straps on the 40L are wider and deeper, constructed with an additional foam layer and finished with breathable air mesh. Load distributes across the full shoulder contact zone, pressure points reduce 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 is created by rolling 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. This suits moving between the car, the beach, and back. The side compression buckles clip on both sides, tightening the rolled seal flat against the pack. These suit 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.
Construction and Protection
Built from tear and puncture resistant PVC tarpaulin with electronically heat-welded construction, the 40L delivers waterproof protection for ocean sports, beach use, and travel. The two-option sealing system allows either a top buckle or side compression closure to create a secure, airtight, and watertight seal.
The dual front pocket system keeps essentials separate from the main load. Welded boundaries around each pocket maintain panel stability and consistent performance under tension, a design detail that proved critical during development testing.
Why 40L and Not 45L
The 40L classification reflects accurate measurement. Actual usable capacity was calculated from real rolled dimensions, not inflated to match a larger marketing number. The same principle applies to every specification on this pack. If it is stated, it is measurable.
IPX6 Waterproof Protection
The two front pockets feature IPX6-rated waterproof zippers, tested to withstand 100 litres per minute at a minimum pressure of 15 psi from all directions for up to three minutes. The main compartment is 100% waterproof and airtight when sealed correctly and floats if dropped in water.
The dual pocket system keeps valuables and session essentials accessible without opening the main compartment. Welded boundaries around each pocket maintain panel stability and consistent waterproof performance under tension.
Waterproof Features at a Glance
- IPX6 - IP66 rated zipper protection on both front pockets
- 100% waterproof and airtight main compartment when sealed correctly
- Electronically heat-welded seam construction throughout
- Dual closure system - top buckle clip and side compression buckles
- Floats if dropped in water when sealed correctly
- Easy to wipe clean after use
- Suitable for brief accidental submersion when sealed correctly
Pack Dimensions
- Height: 56cm (after 3 x roll closure)
- Width: 33cm
- Depth: 17.5cm
- Capacity: 40 litres
At 56cm height, 33cm width, and 17.5cm depth after rolling, the 40L was developed with carry-on compatibility in mind. The slim, balanced profile fits within or near most airline carry-on limits, making it a practical travel bag that also handles a full ocean gear load.
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. Two securing options are then available.
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, where frequent opening is required.
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. The recommended option for longer carry periods, travel, and extended sessions.
Pair the 40L with POD bodysurfing fins and handboards or with POD swim fins and bodyboarding bundles for a complete ocean gear transport setup. For a lighter daily carry, the POD Waterproof Backpack 25L handles single-session loads without the full gear capacity.
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.
