Water can be your best friend on a hot day. But it won’t be so kind to your favorite EDC wallet, even if it’s made with the best leather. While materials are essential for any item in your everyday carry, you should also keep carry conditions in mind. For example, you don’t want your wallet bleeding dye into your pants or peeling apart after getting caught in a rainstorm or spilling your drink at the bar. One way to ensure your valuables stay nice and dry is to pick up a quality waterproof wallet.
This guide will highlight waterproof and highly water-resistant wallets that won’t leave you peeling apart soggy bills.
Best Waterproof Wallets — 2023 Edition
The Best Overall Waterproof Wallet: Skog Å Kust Plånbok [Buy]
The Best Budget Waterproof Wallet: CountyComm Matrix [Buy]
The Most Waterproof Wallet: NiteIze Runoff Pocket [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Most Protective Wateproof Wallet: Pelican G5 RF Field [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Most Versatile Waterproof Wallet: Alpaka Zip Pouch [Buy]
Skog Å Kust Plånbok | CountyComm Matrix | NiteIze Runoff Pocket | Pelican G5 RF Field | Alpaka Zip Pouch |
$ | $ | $$ | $ | $ |
Material: CORDURA Ballistic | Material: Dyneema | Material: TPU | Material: Aluminum | Material: VX21 X-Pac |
Capacity: 6 cards | Capacity: Up to 12 cards | Capacity: Over 12 cards | Capacity: Up to 10 cards | Capacity: 4-12 cards |
Key Features: Welded seams, floats in water | Key Features: Double-stitched nylon piping | Key Features: Patented TRU zip opening | Key Features: Lanyard attachment point | Key Features: RFID blocking material |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Skog Å Kust Plånbok Floating Waterproof Wallet
PurchasePelican G5 RF Field Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseChums Surfshort Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseRains Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseWayfinder Daybreaker Billfold Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseMagpul DAKA Bifold Waterproof Wallet
PurchasePioneer Division Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseSlimfold Micro Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseFlowfold Card Holder Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseCountyComm Matrix Waterproof Wallet
PurchasePelican Micro Sport Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseNiteIze Runoff Pocket Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseHyperlite Mountain Gear Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseAlpaka Zip Pouch Waterproof Wallet
PurchaseHow to Choose the Best Waterproof Wallet for EDC
There are several factors to consider when choosing a waterproof wallet. Some are the same for any wallet, while others are more specific to resisting water. When selecting a wallet for everyday carry that’ll hold up in wet conditions, consider the following:
- Materials: When it comes to the best waterproof wallets, you want to avoid canvas wallets or leather wallets that soak up water and get damaged. Instead, look for technical synthetic fabrics and anti-corrosive metals to protect from moisture.
- Functionality: EDC wallets usually prioritize easy access and slimness over everything. For a more weather-resistant front pocket wallet, look for features like watertight zip closures, sealed seams, and clasps to keep water out.
- Durability: Generally, waterproof and weather-resistant wallets will be heavy-duty enough for everyday carry. If you choose one with the materials and hardware mentioned above, chances are it’ll have long-lasting durability.
- Capacity: Pick a wallet that can fit your most essential credit cards and some spare cash if needed, and avoid getting a bigger wallet than you need. An unnecessarily large wallet can result in unused space, potentially have more points of entry for water to get in, or can weigh you down in wet conditions.
- Ease of use: At the end of the day, you want your essentials to be safe and easily accessible. Make sure your wallet can accommodate your essentials and hits a balance of access and security you’re comfortable with.
Waterproof vs water-resistant: what’s the difference?
It’s important to highlight the slight nuance between waterproof (or weatherproof) and water-resistant (or weather-resistant) when it comes to your EDC wallet.
Truly waterproof wallets can keep their contents completely dry by not letting any moisture get inside. These products often have Ingress Protection ratings, more commonly seen as IP ratings.
IP (and sometimes IPX) ratings indicate how much they protect against moisture getting inside so you can better understand how the product is intended to be used. A high rating, such as IP67, is functionally waterproof for EDC needs, meaning you can submerge it underwater. An IPX-6 rating would protect well against splashes and rain, but wouldn’t protect against prolonged submersion, for example.
It’s also worth noting that some wallets are made of waterproof material but designed or constructed so that they aren’t completely waterproof as a whole. For example, you can have a wallet made with high-performance technical sailcloth in a traditional bifold design. While water can’t penetrate the sailcloth material itself, it can still get between the slots of the bifold since that design is “open.” Still, it’s a water-resistant wallet, thanks to the materials used. A wallet with a sealed waterproof zipper, for example, would protect against water getting in even better.
Can I Make My Wallet Waterproof?
Now that you understand the differences between waterproof and water-resistant, you might be wondering if you can somehow make your current wallet waterproof.
The short answer is no, unfortunately. That’s because the waterproofness of the wallet largely depends on the materials used, the design of the wallet itself, and the way it’s constructed, making it practically impossible to waterproof your wallet on your own properly.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best waterproof wallets and water-resistant wallets worthy of your EDC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best waterproof wallet for everyday use?
The best waterproof wallet for everyday use is the Skog Å Kust Plånbok wallet. It has many features that seal out water in a durable design but not too bulky for everyday use.
Is a Bellroy wallet waterproof?
In general, most Bellroy wallets are made of leather and are not waterproof. Bellroy once offered a now-discontinued line of All Conditions wallets, including a zippered waterproof phone case.
What is a beach wallet?
A beach wallet is a waterproof or water-resistant wallet that you can use at the beach or during water sports like kayaking and boating. The most waterproof beach wallets would offer peace of mind in case they get submerged, like while snorkeling.
How we picked
Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.
What is Everyday Carry?
Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.
Why you should trust us
Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.