Kids' swim bags

Should a swim bag only cover the basics, or should there be room for all the equipment? Here, we help you find the right swim bag for your child.

We stock swim bags in several sizes and from four different brands, so you can find the model that suits your child’s age and training needs. Take a look at the full range of swim bags for all ages and needs, while we guide you towards the right choice below.

How to choose the right size swim bag for your child

Most of our swim bags hold 45 litres, which is also the right choice for most children and young people who train regularly. However, if your child is younger or smaller, a smaller bag may actually be the best choice - both because it is easier to carry and because they rarely need more space at this stage.

Use your child’s age and training needs as your guide:

If you are unsure, it is better to choose a bag that is slightly too large rather than too small - your child’s equipment often grows faster than you think.

What to pack in your child’s swim bag for the pool

When packing for a training session or competition day, it is rarely just the swimwear that needs to come along. Most children have a whole set of equipment that needs to fit in the bag without taking up too much space or ending up in one big mess:

• Swimwear and an extra set to put on after showering
• A towel - preferably a quick-drying one
• Swimming goggles and swimming caps
• Water shoes for slippery tiles
• Water bottles for breaks

Put it all together, and you can quickly see why the space mentioned in section 2 needs to be used wisely. An ordinary backpack rarely keeps wet and dry items separate at the same time, and that is exactly where a proper swim bag stands out - not only because it is large enough, but because it is designed specifically for this equipment.

What features should a swim bag for children have?

It is not only the size that determines whether a swim bag works well in everyday life. How the space is arranged is just as important - a bag with plenty of litres but only one large compartment will still end up mixing wet swimwear with dry clothes and the school bag.

• Multiple compartments to separate wet and dry items: If the bag is divided into separate compartments, wet swimwear and towels can be kept apart, while clothes, shoes and schoolbooks remain dry in another compartment. It also makes it easier for your child to find their way around the bag. In the Watery Raider Pro 45L, the space is distributed specifically for this purpose - it is designed for swim training and outdoor activities, where the equipment is rarely completely dry.

• Waterproof material or compartments: A waterproof layer around wet swimwear prevents moisture from seeping through to the rest of the bag. Without it, the towel often ends up making the entire contents damp - from documents in the school bag to the fresh T-shirt that was meant to be worn after showering.

• Ventilation to let the equipment breathe: A compartment with mesh or small air holes allows swimwear and towels to start drying even while they are in the bag on the way home. It also helps keep odours down, which becomes noticeable after a few weeks of regular training. The TYR Alliance Team 45L is a good example of a bag where the entire setup has been thoughtfully designed to hold swimming equipment and swimwear without everything ending up in one big mess.

Consider these three features together when choosing a bag, and you will end up with something that actually works in practice - not just on paper.

How to choose the right brand for your swim bag

Once the size and features have been decided, there is still one final choice to make: the brand. The four brands we stock each meet different needs - from broad and versatile options to bags tailored specifically to competitive swimmers.

Watery - versatile bags for training and outdoor activities

Watery is our own brand, and it includes the Watery Raider Pro 45L. It is designed for both swim training and outdoor activities, allowing the bag to follow your child from the pool to other leisure activities without having to change bags along the way.

Arena - for athletes and competitive swimmers

If your child takes part in competitions, the Arena Spiky III is worth considering. It is specially designed for athletes and competitive swimmers, with shoulder straps that do not scratch or dig in, even with heavy daily use.

TYR - tried-and-tested design in its third generation

The TYR Alliance Team 45L is now in its third generation and is a clear favourite among our swim bags. The design has been thoughtfully developed to keep all swimwear and equipment together in one place.

Speedo - for those looking for a smaller bag

If you are looking for a smaller model for a younger child, take a look at the Speedo swim bags in our range, which include bags with a capacity of 35 litres.

How to make sure a swim bag sits comfortably on your child’s back

Once the size, space and brand have been decided, there is one final factor that determines whether the bag is comfortable or a pain to carry: how it feels on the back. This is especially important if your child needs to carry the bag to and from the pool several times a week.

• Padded straps: Soft, wide straps distribute the weight more evenly across the shoulders, so the bag does not dig in, even when it is packed with heavy, wet swimwear.

• Adjustable buckles: Straps that can be tightened and loosened allow the bag to grow with your child and sit close to their back instead of hanging and swinging around.

• Good weight distribution: A bag that distributes the weight evenly is something you really notice in everyday use - not just during a single trip to the pool.

That is exactly what the Arena Spiky III is designed for, with shoulder straps that neither scratch nor dig in, even with daily use.

Buy a swim bag for your child from Watery

Now you know more about size, features and brands - and hopefully you also have a good idea of which bag is right for your child. Whether you choose a versatile Watery bag, a competition-ready model from Arena, a tried-and-tested TYR or a smaller Speedo bag for the youngest swimmer, we offer a wide selection in all sizes.

If the bag will be used for more than just your child’s swimming training - for example, for yourself or another member of the family - take a look at the full range of swim bags for all ages and needs. Choose your bag and make trips to the pool a little easier for both of you.