Summer is coming, which means one thing: time at the beach!
If you’re looking for a new beach bag to haul all your gear, we’ve got you covered.
These five bags are our picks for the 5 best beach bags NZ! They’re stylish, functional, and affordable – perfect for any summer getaway.
Most of them are waterproof and are cooled for beverages and food, so you won’t go wrong on your beach day. If you don’t take our word for it, we’ve also included a beach bag buyer’s guide so you know what to look for when making your decision.
See also:
- The 5 BEST Beach Chairs NZ! (2023)
- The 5 BEST Beach Trolleys NZ! (2023)
- The 5 BEST Beach Tents NZ! (2023)
The 5 BEST Beach Bags NZ
1Corkcicle: Cooler Bag

Price: $249
Key specs: Cooler interior | Backpack
If you’re looking for a stylish, insulated bag to keep your food and drinks cold on the go, the Corkcicle Cooler Bag is definitely worth checking out!
The bag features padded, adjustable backpack straps for comfortable carrying, plus a reinforced vegan leather top handle and base for extra durability.
There’s also a rear accessory pocket with zippered closure, perfect for storing smaller items.
The best part? The bag is made with space-grade insulation to ensure that your food and drinks stay nice and cool. Plus, the interior is food safe, so you can rest assured that your snacks are protected.
Whether you’re headed to the beach or the park, this bag is essential for keeping your refreshments chilled.
2Slowlife Collection Cooler Bag

Price: $220
Key specs: Cooler interior | Over-the-shoulder style
The Slowlife Collection Cooler Bag is a stylish and functional accessory for any beach day or outdoor event.
This bag features a striped interior and leather details, as well as a removable strap for easy carrying.
The cooler bag can accommodate up to six beverages, including champagne bottles.
The navy and olive color options make this bag a versatile addition to any picnic blanket or cooler.
Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch in the park or celebrating a special occasion, the Slowlife Collection Cooler Bag will keep your drinks cold and refreshing.
3Caribee: Bombora 32L Backpack

Price: $90
Key specs: Waterproof interior | Backpack
The Caribee Bombora 32L Backpack is a great triple compartment daypack design that is perfect for moving all your gear.
The handy rear Wet/Dry compartment keeps your wet or dirty gear away from your dry gear, making it a great bag for the gym or beach.
The Action Back Extreme padded harness provides great comfort, while the strong reinforced construction and A4 compatible size main compartment provide ample room for storage.
The side zip utility pockets are great for keys, phones and sunscreen, and the front pocket with organiser panel ensures that you have everything you need within easy reach.
4OZtrail Enduro Backpack

Price: $180
Key specs: Cooler interior | Backpack
The OZtrail Enduro Backpack is the perfect choice for those looking for a durable and reliable beach bag.
Made from PVC fabric with a water-resistant zipper, it is built to last.
The 27mm EPE foam body and 38mm EPE foam base provide superior thermal insulation, while the wipe clean food grade liner is easy to keep clean.
The moulded EVA base adds structure and support, and the neoprene padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry. The front accessory pocket is perfect for holding small items, and the integrated bottle opener is a handy addition.
5Soft Cooler Backpack Deluxe 35

Price: $180
Key specs: Cooler interior | Backpack
The Soft Cooler Backpack Deluxe 35 is perfect for keeping your items ice-cold for up to 72 hours.
It features high-density NBR foam and thermoplastic polyurethane construction, as well as an attached bottle opener for easy access to beverages.
Additionally, the adjustable chest strap and waist belt add stability and security for all body shapes and sizes. Plus, the front bungee cord system provides extra storage for sleeping bags, jackets, and more.
And, the mesh pocket on top lid and sides allows for easy access to quick-grab items. Finally, the IPX-7, leak-proof, waterproof zipper ensures that your cool temperature stays in and warm air stays out.
Buy now for $220 from Trade Tested
Beach Bag Buyers’ Guide
In this buyer’s guide post, we will be discussing everything that potential buyers should consider before making a beach bag purchase.
We will provide a list of questions that buyers should ask themselves before deciding on their purchase, so you know exactly what to look for in a beach bag.
Whether you’re looking for a large tote bag to fit all your summer gear, or a small clutch to carry with you on the go, read on for some helpful tips!
What are the different types of beach bags?
There are a few different types of beach bags. The most common type is the tote bag, which is a large bag that can be carried over the shoulder.
There are also duffle bags, which are similar to tote bags but have more compartments and tend to be larger.
Backpack beach bags are also popular, as they are easier to carry if you are bringing a lot of items with you to the beach.
What should you consider before buying a beach bag?
When considering which type of beach bag to buy, there are a few things you should take into account.
First, think about how much stuff you need to bring with you and what kind of items you will be bringing.
If you are just bringing a towel, sunscreen, and a book, a small tote bag should suffice.
However, if you are planning on spending the day at the beach and need to bring snacks, drinks, extra clothes, and beach toys, you will need a larger bag.
What are the best materials for a beach bag?
Beach bags are typically made from canvas, nylon, or polyester.
Canvas is a durable fabric that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but it can be heavy when wet.
Nylon is a lighter weight fabric that dries quickly, but it might not be as durable as canvas.
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is durable and dries quickly, but it can retain heat.
What are the best features for a beach bag?
Some of the best features for a beach bag include multiple compartments, waterproof lining, and an adjustable strap.
Multiple compartments can help you keep your items organized, and a waterproof lining will protect your belongings if they get wet.
An adjustable strap can be helpful if you want to be able to carry the bag over your shoulder or as a backpack.
What size beach bag should I buy?
A small bag might be fine for just a towel and sunscreen, but if you are planning on spending the day at the beach, you will need a larger bag.
You should also consider whether you want a bag that can be carried over the shoulder or worn as a backpack.
Are there any other features I should consider before buying a beach bag?
Some other features you might want to consider before buying a beach bag include a zip top closure, side pockets, and an inner key ring.
A zip top closure will keep all of your belongings inside the bag, and side pockets can be helpful for holding items like sunscreen or sunglasses.
An inner key ring can be a convenient place to store your house keys so you don’t have to dig through the bag to find them.