Sure, you may just be going out for a short paddling workout, some paddleboard yoga or a race. However, SUPs are also great for longer excursions. I mean – why not make a day of it and take a deck bag?
Day-long or multi-day expeditions open up lots more paddling opportunities where you would need to bring along supplies, food and water or equipment. Some examples include camping trips, picnics, fishing – and even a mode of transportation, especially in remote locations.
For longer trips, it makes sense to have a waterproof bag to carry all of your gear. An SUP is big enough and sturdy enough to carry a bag without getting in the way of paddling. Most models include metal D-rings to secure your cargo (and one even has built-in storage!). Even if you aren’t going out for a long ride, it can be a nice convenience to be able to bring some stuff along with you.
1. Bic Deck Bag
The Bic Deck Bag (photo above) is a good-sized bag that measures 15″ x 15″ on your SUP. It has a 30L capacity, and it has a water resistant exterior.
And yes, there is an internal compartment that is waterproof for items like a phone, camera, keys, dry goods, etc..
I really like the shape of this deckbag, as it is flat on the bottom and has a curved top. This makes it more secure on the board while items on the inside are still easy to access without having to remove the bag.
It’s ideal if your SUP has 4 D-rings in a square formation, which makes it super easy to secure the 4 corners of your bag (with the included velcro straps and rope loops). However, you can purchase additional D-rings to attach to your SUP where needed, so if you like this deckbag, it’s simple to make it fit your paddleboard.
The bungee cords across the top of the deckbag are another nice feature because they can hold items like a water bottle, walkie-talkie, hat or PFD that you might want to have nearby without having to unzip a pouch. There is a place for everything!
Plus, this package also comes with a shoulder strap, so that you can comfortably carry your gear when you get off your board. Genius!
2. Connelly Mesh Deck Bag:
Another option is the Connelly SUP Mesh Deck Bag
Rather than having a water-resistant exterior, it is constructed with mesh. Water can get in it, but it can also easily drain out and dry out quickly. Another benefit to mesh is that you can see through it, so that you can see what you’re grabbing more easily. If you already have smaller dry sacs that you want to be able to secure to your SUP without having them roll around, this is a good choice.
This has a similar attachment system to secure to your board, however, it lacks the external bungee straps. This may or may not be a big deal, depending on what you want to carry.
3. Taj M’Haul Deck Bag:
NRS also makes a deckbag for kayaks that can work equally as well for paddleboards. It’s cleverly called the Taj M’Haul Deck Bag.
It has pretty much anything you could ever want in a deckbag, including interior dry bag, exterior mesh compartments, a drink holder, extra exterior side compartments, bungee straps and cinch cord. It’s a great way to keep all your gear organized, and you way want to go paddleboarding just so you can use your bag.
In addition to having 4 corner clips that attach to D-rings, this version has 2 larger velcro straps along the bottom that you can wrap around bungee cords on your board (your SUP may include these).
Deck Bag Video Review:
Here’s a video that explains more (the third bag shown is the Taj M’Haul):
4. SUP AdventurePockets:
Lastly, if you’re going out for a short ride, but you want a place to stow your gear without having to ear it on your body, the SUP Pocket is pretty cool and easy to use.
It’s a simple mesh bag with suction cups that attach to your board. Because the suction cups require a smooth flat surface to maximize their adhesions, make sure that your SUP has enough smooth and flat surface area to work. These won’t stick to the grippy deck pad. That said, if you want extra security and don’t mind having the bag permanently attached to your SUP, you can glue the suction cups using a waterproof glue like Gorilla Glue
Dimensions: 11.5″ x 9″
Now, even though this pouch is smaller than the other options above, it’s still strong and durable, constructed with 600 Denier Polyester mesh and PVC backing
Alternatively, you can attach a cooler backpack to your SUP. Icemule makes a waterproof, leakproof and floating pack that can keep drinks cold for multiple days at a time.