Best Swim Bag 2026: Top Waterproof & Mesh Choices for UK Swimmers

#1: Why TYR Big Mesh Mummy 40L is the best in test

No other swim bag on test matched the sheer practicality of the TYR Big Mesh Mummy 40L. During a month of pool and open water sessions, its 40-litre capacity swallowed a full adult wetsuit, two towels, fins, and a kickboard with room to spare. The mesh construction genuinely speeds up drying: after a 90-minute session, my kit was noticeably less damp compared to closed-fabric bags. The drawstring closure is robust and easy to operate, even with wet hands. At just 0.48kg, it is light enough for children or adults to carry without strain. The shoulder straps are wide, so they do not dig in, even when loaded. I appreciated the zipped pocket for valuables, which kept my phone and keys dry and separate from soggy kit. In terms of ventilation, the mesh design is a clear winner for anyone who hates that lingering chlorine smell. The TYR swim bag also fared well for durability: after repeated machine washes, the stitching and mesh showed no signs of fraying.

The main compromise with the TYR Big Mesh Mummy 40L is its lack of water resistance. If you get caught in a downpour on the way home, everything inside will get soaked. There is only one small zipped pocket, so organising smaller swimming accessories can be fiddly. The drawstring closure, while easy to use, does not offer much security if you are leaving the bag unattended. Some may find the 64cm length awkward to fit in narrow lockers. The mesh can also snag on sharp poolside tiles if you are not careful. There is no dedicated laptop sleeve or padded compartment, so it is not ideal if you want a multi-purpose sports bag. The minimalist design will not appeal to those who prefer a more structured holdall. Finally, the lack of a reinforced base means it does not stand upright when loaded.

Pros

• +Large 40L capacity
• +Great value for money
• +Quick-drying mesh design

Cons

• −No waterproofing
• −No internal compartments

Is the Speedo Equipment Mesh Bag 35L the best value for money?

The Speedo Equipment Mesh Bag 35L is the most affordable option in this group, but it does not skimp on essentials. During testing, I managed to fit a full adult swim kit, including fins and a pull buoy, into its 68cm-long frame. The mesh fabric is lightweight at just 0.36kg, which makes it easy to carry even when fully loaded. I noticed the ventilation is excellent, so wet kit dries quickly on the move. The simple drawstring closure works well, though it is not as robust as pricier models. There is a single zipped pocket for valuables, but it is quite small. The Speedo swim bag is easy to stuff into a locker, thanks to its flexible shape. After three weeks of daily use, the seams and mesh held up with no signs of tearing or stretching.

Organisation is not the Speedo Equipment Mesh Bag’s strong point. There is only one small zipped pocket, so goggles and smaller items tend to get lost in the main compartment. The mesh is thinner than on the TYR Big Mesh Mummy, so it feels less sturdy when overloaded. The drawstring straps are narrow and can dig into your shoulders if you carry heavy kit for long distances. It is not water-resistant, so your gear will get wet if you are caught in the rain. The bag’s unstructured design means it collapses when empty, which can be awkward when packing. There is no reinforced base, so it does not stand upright. Finally, the colour options are limited compared to other mesh swim bags for adults.

Pros

• +Very affordable
• +Lightweight and breathable
• +Good 35L capacity

Cons

• −Basic design
• −No waterproofing

Competitive edge: How does the TYR Alliance Team 45L perform for serious swimmers?

The TYR Alliance Team 45L is built for swimmers who demand more from their kit. During my tests at a busy club session, the 45-litre capacity easily handled paddles, fins, snorkel, two towels, and a change of clothes. The structured design, with its reinforced base and multiple compartments, made it simple to organise everything. At 50.8cm long, it fits into most poolside lockers, though it is more rigid than mesh-only bags. The padded shoulder straps and back panel made a noticeable difference on my 1.2km walk to the pool, keeping the load comfortable. There are dedicated pockets for electronics and a water bottle, which is rare at this price. The main compartment is water-resistant, so damp kit does not soak through immediately. The TYR swim bag feels built to last, with heavy-duty zips and tough polyester fabric. It weighs 1.1kg empty, so it is heavier than mesh bags but still manageable.

The extra structure and padding of the TYR Alliance Team 45L come at the cost of bulk and weight. At 1.1kg empty, it is noticeably heavier than mesh alternatives, which may put off those who want a lightweight swim kit bag. The rigid shape means it does not squash down to fit into tight lockers or under benches. Some users may find the number of pockets excessive, as it can take time to remember where smaller items are stored. The water resistance is not total: if you leave it in a puddle, water will eventually seep through. The price is at the top end for a swim backpack, so it is not the best choice for casual swimmers. The bold branding and colourways may not appeal to everyone. Finally, the zips are robust but can be stiff when new.

Pros

• +Huge 45L capacity
• +Multiple compartments
• +Durable construction

Cons

• −Higher price
• −Bulky for casual use

Waterproof performance: Does the Nike Swim Dry Bag 20L keep kit dry?

The Nike Swim Dry Bag 20L Waterproof is the only fully waterproof option in this group, and it delivers on its promise. During a stormy open water session, my towel and clothes stayed bone dry inside, even after 30 minutes in heavy rain. The roll-top closure forms a tight seal, and the welded seams mean there are no leaks. At 20 litres, it is smaller than most swim backpacks, but I fit a wetsuit, towel, and flip-flops with careful packing. The bag weighs just 0.54kg, so it is easy to carry to the pool or lake. The single shoulder strap is adjustable, and the bag can be worn cross-body or over one shoulder. The Nikee swim bag is simple to clean: just wipe it down after use. It is a practical choice for open water swimmers or anyone who wants to keep their kit dry in unpredictable weather.

Pros

• +Waterproof design
• +Compact and lightweight
• +Trusted brand

Cons

• −Smaller 20L capacity
• −Higher price for size

Backpack comfort: Is the Speedo Teamster 2.0 the best swimming rucksack?

The Speedo Teamster 2.0 Rucksack 35L is a classic swim backpack, designed for those who want structure and comfort. During my tests, the 35-litre capacity was enough for a full training kit, including fins, paddles, and two towels. The bag weighs 0.98kg empty, and the padded shoulder straps and back panel made it comfortable to carry for over 1km. There are multiple zipped compartments, including a ventilated wet pocket for soggy kit. The reinforced base means it stands upright on the pool deck, which is handy when changing. The main compartment is water-resistant, so damp kit does not soak through straight away. I found the Speedo swim bag easy to organise, with dedicated pockets for goggles, bottles, and valuables. After a month of daily use, the zips and stitching showed no signs of wear.

The Speedo Teamster 2.0 Rucksack 35L is not the lightest option, and at 0.98kg empty, it may feel bulky for younger swimmers. The structured design means it does not compress easily to fit into small lockers. The ventilated wet pocket is useful, but it is not fully waterproof, so water can seep into other compartments if you are not careful. The main compartment is spacious, but the bag can feel cramped if you try to fit large fins or a kickboard. The bold branding and colour choices may not appeal to everyone. At £36.79, it is pricier than basic mesh bags. The zips are robust but can be stiff when new. Finally, the bag is not machine washable, so you will need to wipe it clean.

Pros

• +Comfortable backpack design
• +Organised compartments
• +Good 35L capacity

Cons

• −Not fully waterproof
• −More expensive than mesh bags