New Red Paddle Co 2-in-1 Reversible Swim Tow Float Dry Bag Backpack
Open-water swimming is brilliant, but the kit side of it can sometimes be a faff. You want to carry your towel, clothes, shoes, phone and keys to the water, keep everything dry while you swim, and stay visible once you are out there.
The new Red Paddle Co 2-in-1 Reversible Swim Tow Float Dry Bag Backpack has been designed to make that whole process simpler. It works as a waterproof backpack on land, then reverses into a bright swim tow float dry bag when you are in the water.
For wild swimmers, swimrunners, lake swimmers, coastal dippers and anyone who walks to their swim spot, this is a clever bit of kit that solves a very real problem.
A waterproof backpack before your swim
In backpack mode, the Red Paddle Co 2-in-1 Swim Tow Float Backpack gives you 28 litres of waterproof carrying capacity. That is enough room for typical open-water swim essentials such as a towel, spare layer, lightweight changing kit, footwear, snacks and small valuables.
The backpack straps and chest harness make it much easier to walk to the water than carrying a standard tow float, dry bag and loose kit by hand.
This is especially useful if you swim away from the car, walk to quieter launch spots, or need to carry kit across beaches, riverbanks, lakeside paths or uneven ground.
A high-visibility tow float while you swim
Once you are ready to swim, the bag reverses into a bright tow float with around 19 litres of dry storage inside. That means you can take light essentials with you rather than leaving them unattended on the bank.
The tow-float side is designed to improve visibility on the water, while the adjustable waist belt and extendable tether help the float sit behind you with less interference as you swim.
It also has dual inflation chambers, built-in safety whistles and reflective detailing, making it a more considered option than a basic swim buoy.
Why it is useful for UK open-water swimming
For UK swimmers, this makes a lot of sense. Many of our best swim spots involve walking from the car, changing outdoors, dealing with wet kit afterwards, and carrying shoes or clothes that need to stay dry.
A normal dry bag is useful, but it is not designed to tow behind you. A basic tow float is useful, but it is not always practical for carrying kit before and after your swim.
The Red Paddle Co 2-in-1 Reversible Swim Tow Float Dry Bag Backpack sits neatly between the two. It gives you proper carrying capacity on land and a practical tow-float setup in the water.
Key features
| Product type | Reversible waterproof backpack and swim tow float dry bag |
| Backpack capacity | 28 litres |
| Tow-float dry storage | Approx. 19 litres |
| Buoyancy rating | 186N |
| Maximum land carry load | 10kg |
| Material | PVC-free TPU with nylon webbing |
| Weight | Approx. 0.97kg / 2.1lb |
| Best for | Open-water swimming, wild swimming, swimrunning and coastal dips |
Choose this if...
- You want one bag that works before, during and after your swim.
- You swim away from the car and need to carry kit to the water.
- You want better visibility while swimming outdoors.
- You do point-to-point swims where you may not finish where you started.
- You want a neater setup than carrying a separate backpack and tow float.
It may not be right if...
- You only want the smallest possible tow float for short training swims.
- You need a large expedition dry bag for bulky overnight kit.
- You are looking for a life-saving device rather than a visibility and storage aid.
If you mainly need waterproof storage for paddleboarding, kayaking or general watersports use, it is worth browsing our full waterproof bags collection as well.
Good to know before you buy
This product is designed as a visibility aid and dry-storage tow float for competent swimmers. It is not a life-saving device and should not replace proper open-water safety planning, local knowledge, suitable swimwear, checking conditions or swimming with others where appropriate.
For electronics such as phones or car keys, we would still recommend using an additional waterproof phone case or small dry bag inside the main compartment for extra reassurance.
Complete your open-water swim setup
The Red Paddle Co 2-in-1 Swim Tow Float Backpack pairs well with other open-water essentials, including a suitable wetsuit, changing robe and compact dry storage from our waterproof bags collection.
It is also a useful crossover product if you already paddleboard, kayak or spend a lot of time around the water, as the backpack mode gives you a practical way to carry wet kit and essentials to and from the beach, river or lake.
Shop the Red Paddle Co 2-in-1 Swim Tow Float Backpack
You can view the full product details, current availability and order options here:
Shop the Red Paddle Co 2-in-1 Reversible Swim Tow Float Dry Bag Backpack
You can also browse more Red Paddle Co accessories and our wider range of waterproof bags if you are comparing storage options.
FAQs
Is the Red Paddle Co 2-in-1 Swim Tow Float a backpack or a tow float?
It is both. On land it works as a 28L waterproof backpack. When you reach the water, it reverses into a high-visibility swim tow float dry bag with around 19L of internal dry storage.
Who is it best for?
It is best for open-water swimmers, wild swimmers, swimrunners, triathletes and adventure swimmers who need to carry kit to the water and keep essentials dry while swimming.
Can I keep my phone and keys inside while swimming?
Yes, the dry compartment is designed for essentials such as keys, phone, clothing, snacks and a towel. For electronics, we would still recommend using an additional waterproof phone case and making sure the roll-top closure is sealed correctly.
Is it suitable for beginner swimmers?
It is best used by competent open-water swimmers. It helps with visibility and storage, but it is not a life-saving device and should not be used as a substitute for swim safety, supervision or suitable conditions.
How much can it carry?
In backpack mode it offers 28L of capacity with a maximum recommended land carry load of 10kg. In tow-float mode, the dry-storage capacity is around 19L, suitable for light clothing, towel, footwear, snacks and small valuables.
Will it get in the way while swimming?
The adjustable waist belt and extendable tether are designed to help the float sit behind you with reduced drag and less interference. As with any tow float, correct adjustment makes a big difference.
Can I use it for paddleboarding?
It can be useful around paddleboarding if you also swim or want a waterproof backpack for the walk to the water, but its main purpose is open-water swimming. For SUP-specific storage, browse our waterproof bags and paddleboarding accessories collections.
Final thoughts
The Red Paddle Co 2-in-1 Reversible Swim Tow Float Dry Bag Backpack is a smart bit of kit for anyone who swims outdoors and wants less faff before, during and after a session.
It keeps things simple: carry your kit to the water, reverse it into a visible tow float while you swim, then turn it back into a backpack for the walk home.
If you are not sure whether this is the right waterproof storage option for you, contact The SUP Company team and we will help you compare it against the rest of our waterproof bag range.