Red Paddle Co Waterproof Tote Bag 33L – Reviewed & Tested

Outdoor gear usually finds its limits in the hands of Kelly and Paddy from Gippsland Adventure Tours, so when the Red Paddle Co Tote Bag was added to their adventure kit, it was definitely put on notice!

We love thoroughly researching potential field equipment to make sure it’s durable enough to survive the rugged adventures we routinely go on.

Red Paddle Co describes the 33L Waterproof Tote Bag as a ‘mega tough, almost indestructible, practical waterproof carry-all’. That’s already ticking quite a few boxes for us, but the bag’s durability still has a lot to live up to (and survive) in our hands —and we’re definitely up for the challenge!

Why We Are the Right People To Do This Review

Putting it bluntly, if a piece of kit claims to be almost indestructible, we’ll definitely test that theory. Both of us have a long history of destroying outdoor gear!

Basically everything we use for our adventures, whether that’s completing the world’s most gruelling survival paddle race – 1600km through the Arctic circle! – or just dragging gear around our local rivers, beaches, and bush for our business, it’s got to work hard and last.

Let’s just say a bit of time was happily ‘allocated’ in the office of Gippsland Adventure Tours to peruse the Red Paddle Co website of high-quality performance gear designed by adventure people for adventure people. 

Quick Specifications

Capacity: 33L
Dimensions: 41cm (H), 50cm (W), 22.5cm (D)
Weight: 1.4kg
Strap Length: 28cm (shoulder strap)
External Fabric: Recycled 420D nylon with double-sided TPU coating
Internal Fabric: Recycled polyester with double-sided TPU coating. Straps: Cotton webbing
RRP: $180

Performance

We had an expectation that this bag would be a workhorse for us. And work it did in various environments from rivers, to bush, to the ocean. 

The internal and external organising pockets were pretty handy for putting all those smaller important bits of our kit in a ‘safe place’ which relieved me from needing to keep tabs on all the things Paddy ‘couldn’t find’ later on. Even better, the zips on the pockets are water-resistant for those items you want to protect from the elements. 

Tonnes of places to tuck smaller gear so it doesn’t get lost in the main cavity

The waterproof nature of the bag meant it held wet gear in the back of our car without leaking, and at a handy 33L capacity, we could fit clients’ wetsuits and water shoes in with space for a throw rope or two on top. 

Durability

The bag’s inner lining endured us chucking all sorts of river gear in it without any tears or punctures. Not even close. While full of carabiners and ropes, it was thrown in the bush, even in the river, and at one stage, attempted a solo descent of a Grade 3 rapid. 

After all this, the Red Paddle Co Waterproof Tote Bag dusted itself off and sat back up with its smug self-supporting structure design. Even an overnight trip in our tandem canoe getting washed with saltwater didn’t seem to bother it. 

And it handled being hosed down on the lawn with the rest of our kit when we got home with ease. This bag certainly lives up to being durable, tough, and even damn near indestructible (and yes we did try to kill it).

Comfort

As a smaller person, weight always plays a factor in the gear I choose. This bag isn’t heavy for its size and solid design, weighing in at only 1.4kg. 

The soft-feeling but hard-wearing outer lining is fully waterproof and durable, and the recycled 420D nylon with double-sided TPU coating wasn’t scratchy against the body to carry.

Design

Colour

Something we weren’t expecting was the chameleon nature of this tote bag, with its very attractive design. The Storm Blue colour suited our water theme nicely and matched Paddy’s eyes on dressy outings, but there are a range of earthy colours on offer. 

Straps

One of the many standout features of this bag is the strap design. The cotton webbing straps are great for throwing the whole bag over your shoulder, but the hand clutch strap was an absolute winner and not something we’ve seen before in this type of bag.

Cleaning

It was also simple to wipe down and reuse for a family picnic at the park and a day at the beach – a double agent in disguise carrying ice and a few sneaky cold beverages! 

Clip

Given the nature of the bag, the wide opening at the top is great for easy access and quickly stuffing gear in, although we did find the magnetic clip a bit clunky and felt it’d have been great to have a totally sealable option instead. 

Sustainability

Caring for the environment we love is an important consideration for adventurous souls and this is factored into the design of this bag which is biodegradable, recyclable, and its production is non-toxic.

Red Paddle Co also champions high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability as a certified B Corporation (just like We Are Explorers!).

Price

The Red Paddle Co Tote Bag delivers on what you pay for and more. With an RRP of $180, a decently higher price point than the average tote bag, we can confidently say this isn’t your typical tote.

With every detail of quality, style, durability, and sustainability being carefully considered, this bag is a purchase that will last a lifetime. And if it’s the only one you buy, and you use it often, then $180 is reasonable.

Final Thoughts

When a durable, hard-working yet stylish bag that can be pulled out for all occasions is needed, the Red Paddle Co Tote Bag is a complete winner. 

Getting good tools for the job has always been one of our mottos, so after testing this bag, we feel it lives up to all expectations, with a few surprises in its pockets as well.

FAQs Red Paddle Co Waterproof Tote Bag

Is the Red Paddle Co Tote Bag waterproof?

Yep, 100%. This tote keeps your gear dry thanks to its recycled nylon with double-sided TPU coating. Whether it’s rain or a rogue dip in the river, your stuff stays dry.

How durable is the Red Paddle Co Waterproof Tote Bag?

This bag is tough. It survived being thrown in the bush, dragged through rivers, and even a solo whitewater run without a hassle.

How much can the Red Paddle Co Waterproof Tote Bag carry?

At 33L, it’s roomy enough for your adventure essentials. Basically, if you can carry it, so can this bag.

Is the tote comfortable to carry?

Yup! The cotton webbing straps are sturdy but soft, and the lightweight design (just 1.4kg) makes it easy to haul, whether on your shoulder or in your hand.

How easy is the Red Paddle Co Waterproof Tote Bag to clean?

A quick hose-down or wipe with a damp cloth does the trick.

Is the Red Paddle Co Waterproof Tote Bag eco-friendly?

Yep! Made from recycled materials and built to last, it’s a sustainable choice. Plus Red Paddle Co. is a certified B-Corp, meaning they care about the planet as much as we do.

Is the Red Paddle Co Waterproof Tote Bag worth the price?

At $180, it’s an investment, but it’s one that’ll outlast a dozen cheaper bags. If you need a tote that does everything and lasts a lifetime, this is it.

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