The Smart Traveller’s Guide to Waterproof Gear

Rain, waves, boat rides, or beach days when you travel, water always finds a way to test your gear. Whether you’re exploring the Whitsundays or wandering through Bali’s monsoon season, waterproof travel gear is no longer optional it’s essential.

Let’s be honest nothing ruins a trip faster than a soaked phone or a soggy wallet. But not all waterproof gear is created equal. Here’s how to choose the right protection for your next adventure.

Why Waterproof Gear Matters More Than Ever

We take our valuables everywhere: phones, passports, cameras, and cards. But the average beach bag or backpack isn’t built for exposure. Salt, sand, and moisture can quietly destroy electronics and documents over time.

Modern travel calls for lightweight, waterproof essentials that actually perform not just claim to. That’s where brands like AquaStash come in, designing travel-ready gear that merges function with comfort.

What Makes Gear Truly Waterproof?

Waterproof ratings aren’t marketing fluff they’re technical measures of protection. Here’s what to know:

Water-Resistant: Handles light splashes or drizzle good for jackets or light travel wear.
Waterproof: Blocks water under pressure ideal for bags, pouches, or clothing with sealed seams.
IPX8: The gold standard submersible and pressure-tested to stay sealed underwater. AquaStash waterproof pockets use this exact rating.

The higher the IPX rating, the better the defence against water ingress. Anything less than IPX7 shouldn’t be trusted around surf or pools.

The Essential Waterproof Travel Kit

If you want total confidence on the go, build your travel kit around these three essentials:

1. Waterproof Pocket Swim Shorts

Instead of juggling dry bags and phone pouches, carry your valuables with you. AquaStash waterproof pocket swim shorts feature a hidden IPX8 pocket sealed by magnetic Gooper® tech keeping your phone, keys, and wallet dry, even when submerged. It’s security that moves with you.

2. Waterproof Backpack

A backpack like the AquaStash waterproof range offers 100% sealed protection for your clothes, camera, or laptop. Look for welded seams and magnetic or roll-top closures to prevent leaks, not just repel rain.

3. Dry Bag for Day Trips

Ideal for kayaking, sailing, or beach days. A waterproof dry bag acts as a mobile locker for spare gear — light, floatable, and easy to clip onto boats or boards. AquaStash’s TPU construction and IPX8 design make them ultra-durable for outdoor use.

Quick Tips for Choosing Waterproof Travel Gear

Check the waterproof rating. IPX8 means full submersion, not just splash protection.
Look for welded seams. Stitching can leak over time — welded joins are airtight.
Test it before travel. Seal your gear with tissue or paper inside, submerge it briefly, and check for moisture.
Keep sand away from seals. Even the best magnetic closures can weaken if clogged with grit.

The Smart Way to Travel Dry

Travelling smart means being prepared — and staying dry isn’t just about convenience, it’s about keeping your essentials safe and stress-free. From boardshorts to backpacks, AquaStash creates waterproof gear designed for Australian travellers who don’t want to slow down when the water shows up.

Shop AquaStash waterproof pocket swim shorts — trusted by travellers, adventurers, and everyday explorers.

FAQs

What does IPX8 mean?
It’s a waterproof standard that guarantees protection even when fully submerged. AquaStash gear meets this level — up to 30m underwater.

Are waterproof bags heavy?
Not anymore. AquaStash waterproof backpacks are made from lightweight TPU — durable, flexible, and easy to carry.

Do I still need a pouch if I wear waterproof swim shorts?
No — AquaStash’s built-in pocket replaces the need for extra waterproof pouches.