9 Waterproof Essentials for Days by the Beach, Lake, and Pool

With warmer weather comes an appetite for water adventures. From kayaking to canoeing, boating to kiteboarding, there are so many ways to explore the waterways in your hometown or on the road. Having the right waterproof gear is an essential part of keeping your possessions safe and dry while out and about. “I’m an avid kiteboarder, and one of the most important parts of keeping my phone and keys secure is using waterproof gear,” says Vasco Borges, the CEO of Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos, who relies on LifeProof’s waterproof phone case and GoPro’s underwater camera when spending a day on the water.

Whether you are setting sail on a boat tour, kayaking tranquil rivers, or experiencing adrenaline rushes while whitewater rafting, here are nine great pieces of waterproof gear to add to your packing list.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • LifeProof Frē Case

    The Frē waterproof case by LifeProof will keep your phone safe in nearly any circumstance: It is waterproof for an hour in up to 6.6 feet of water, and is protective against dirt and snow. If your phone falls out of your hand while on land, the case is designed to protect the phone from heights up to 6.6 feet, too. With a built-in screen cover, you can still easily perform all of the phone’s regular functions while it's protected, like making calls or recording epic videos on the water. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes to fit most current Android and iPhone models.

    $90 AT LIFEPROOF

  • Orvis Waterproof Sling Pack

    If you’re doing some deep wading while fishing or decide to take a kayak out on the water, the Sling Pack by Orvis is a practical bag to bring along. It does double duty on the waterproof front, with both a TPU-coated nylon material and a YKK Flexseal zipper to shield important items from any splashes or dunks. The pack has pockets on the interior and strap, allowing for easy access to essentials, as well as a water bottle pocket so you can stay hydrated on the go.

    $249 AT ORVIS

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  • GoPro HERO9 Black

    Feel like snorkeling, surfing, or doing some shallow free diving? GoPro's newest action camera is waterproof up to 33 feet and includes a sensor that delivers 5K video and 20-megapixel photos. Some of the tech features of the HERO9 Black include HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization, in-camera horizon leveling, a new front-facing display, and a larger rear display. This model offers 30 percent more battery life than the previous model, too, so it'll keep working throughout long days on the water.

    $350 AT GOPRO

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  • Jabra Elite Active 75t

    When you need Bluetooth earphones designed for a day on the water, Jabra’s Elite Active 75t are the way to go: Fully waterproof and sweat-proof, you can pass under storm clouds with no stress. The earbuds are designed to withstand up to three feet of fresh water for 30 minutes, and depending on how much of the natural surroundings you’d like to take in, the device has both noise cancellation technology and HearThrough technology, which acts as a volume button for the outside world.

    $150 AT AMAZON

  • Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack

    A waterproof backpack that can take you from camping to hiking to water activities, the Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack comes in seven brilliant colors that range from ochre yellow to rowan red. The backpack is made from 100 percent recycled nylon and its standout feature is its fold-top closure with a zipper and metal clasp, keeping water out when it's most urgent. Front and side pockets allow for easy stowing of phones and other small items.

    $100 AT BACKCOUNTRY

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  • Chacos Chillos Sport Sandal

    Strap into waterproof sandals with a convenient cinch buckle and secure heel strap. If you lose your shoes during your paddle session or boating adventure, not to worry—the lightweight EVA material was chosen so that the shoes float in water. The soft construction is also built to support your feet: the LuvSeat arch support promotes healthy alignment, making these ideal to slip into when sore from hikes, walks, or runs.

    $55 AT CHACOS (WOMEN'S)

    $55 AT CHACOS (MEN'S)

  • Pendleton Women's Sonoma Waterproof Jacket

    Even if rain is in the forecast, that shouldn’t put your on-the-water plans to a halt. With the right gear, like the Pendleton Sonoma Waterproof Jacket, you can still enjoy water-based adventure on cloudy days. The waterproof slicker is lined with one of Pendleton’s classic prints—their Tucson jacquard pattern—and is machine washable; just make sure you use a gentle cycle with cold water. Perhaps even more impressive than the interior of the jacket is its exterior: the zippered enclosure protects from rain, and the two pockets are great for storing waterproof accessories. Once the rain stops, you can detach the hood for less bulk. For a similar men's style, check out Pendleton's Seal Rock Waterproof Zip-Up.

    $175 AT NORDSTROM

    $175 AT PENDLETON

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  • Zealios Sun Barrier Sunscreen

    A zinc-based SPF 45 sunscreen that actually rubs in without the chalky white film? Yes, please. Sun Barrier's formula consists of eight percent micronized zinc, which means it rubs in and dries clear, all while feeling lightweight. The sunscreen is perfect for sunbathing, sweating, and jumping in the water—it has been tested to be water resistant for 80 minutes.

    $15 AT ZEALIOS

  • Body Glove Hip Pack

    If you need a place to store just the essentials (phone, wallet, lip balm, map), the Body Glove Hip Pack is compact and won’t put much weight on your body or kayak. The waterproof pack is made with TPU-coated poly material and has secure plastic fasteners that close around your hip. The convenient phone pocket is in a separate compartment in the front, so you won’t miss out on recording any action happening around you while trying to find your phone camera. Although the pack is water resistant, it's not meant to be submerged.