Everyday Carry

The Best Waterproof Wallets (Buyer’s Guide in 2022)

Bernard Capulong
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The Best Waterproof Wallets (Buyer’s Guide in 2022)

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In This Article

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.

Jump to Our Top Waterproof Wallet Picks

How 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.

Best Waterproof Wallets — 2022 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]

Product List
Skog

Skog Å Kust Plånbok Floating Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
Welded seams
Sealing comparments
Floats in water
Specifications
Material
CORDURA Ballistic
Capacity
6 cards
Size
5.12” x 3.62” x 0.12’’
EDC Rating


Price
$
The best overall waterproof wallet for most people would be the Skog A Kust Planbok wallet due to its combination of materials and design. It’s made of TPU-coated CORDURA Ballistic, a high-quality brand-name material with excellent water resistance and durability against abrasion. It’s held together with high-frequency welded seams to better seal out water compared to traditional stitched construction, which pokes holes into the fabric. This bifold design features card slots for easy access and an ID window on the exterior for displaying your driver’s license. Two large internal pockets can be sealed using a Ziplock-like mechanism to keep contents dry. To top it off, the wallet can also float, making it an ideal choice for handling near large bodies of water.
Pelican

Pelican G5 RF Field Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
IP67-rated seal
Crushproof
Lanyard attachment point
Specifications
Material
Aluminum
Capacity
Up to 10 cards
Size
4.1" × 2.6” × 0.4”
EDC Rating


Price
$
The Pelican G5 is the only fully waterproof, RFID-blocking aluminum wallet on this list. As such, it’s also an excellent solution if you need a travel wallet since it’ll keep your valuables safe in every sense. Undoing its water-tight clasp grants access to its two internal pockets, fitted with a rubber mesh and rubber band to hold various items like your credit cards, driver’s license, folded cash, or even a spare key. The wallet is admittedly on the thicker side due to its crushproof aluminum construction and larger capacity to carry around ten cards. Luckily, it’s still slim enough for front pocket carry. The G5 comes with a wrist lanyard as another way to carry it. If you need the highest level of protection and a larger capacity to hold various essentials, we recommend the Pelican G5 RF Field Wallet.
Chums

Chums Surfshort Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
Key ring
Dual zippered compartments
Great for camping and hiking
Specifications
Material
Nylon
Capacity
Up to 8 cards
Size
4.5" x 3"
EDC Rating


Price
$
The Chums Surfshorts Wallet is an excellent zippered wallet for the beach, camping, hiking, or an active lifestyle. Its water-resistant rip-stop nylon construction is lightweight and durable enough to carry when you need to travel light. It offers some basic organization with two zippered compartments that are big enough to hold credit cards, folded cash, and loose coins. The exterior also sports a clear, quick access slot for an ID card and a tuck-away keyring for attaching keys or a lanyard. This slim wallet is available in various colors in a compact design ideal for front pocket carry.
Rains

Rains Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
Polyurethane coating
Smooth finish
Exterior card slots
Specifications
Material
Polyester
Capacity
Up to 10 cards
Size
4.57" x 3.46"
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$
Rains brings their signature waterproof polyester material from their outerwear to a minimalist zip wallet design. The 100% polyester material is finished with a flexible polyurethane coating, offering durability and water protection. The wallet’s smooth texture makes it easy to slip into your pocket. It can fit three of your most frequently used cards in the easy-access exterior card slots, while the main zippered compartment can hold cash, coins, and other small essentials.
Wayfinder

Wayfinder Daybreaker Billfold Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
Billfold section
Waterproof materials
RF-welded construction
Specifications
Material
TPU-coated polyester
Capacity
Up to 16 cards
Size
4.45” x 3.46 “ x 0.28“
EDC Rating


Price
$
The Wayfinder Daybreaker Billfold performs well in all conditions, made from a waterproof, hydrophobic, stretch- and grime-resistant TPU-coated polyester material. The fabric is laser cut to precise tolerances and then RF-welded together, resulting in stitch-free seams to better seal out water. For a high-capacity, modern take on the traditional bifold wallet that won’t take up much space in your pocket, check out the Daybreaker Billfold.
Magpul

Magpul DAKA Bifold Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
Slim profile
Smooth edges
RF-welded construction
Specifications
Material
Reinforced polymer
Capacity
Up to 12 cards
Size
4.125" x 3.05"
EDC Rating


Price
$
The Magpul DAKA Bifold is an excellent example of the brand's expertise in high-performance materials. The reinforced polymer used in the DAKA line is water-resistant and tactile to remain grippy even when wet. It also features RF-welded construction, resulting in impenetrable seals compared to traditional stitched seams. Overall, it offers good capacity for those who want a slim wallet that can carry cash and cards.
Pioneer

Pioneer Division Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
Super-strong technical material
RFID protection
Plenty of interior card slots
Specifications
Material
10XD
Capacity
Up to 12 cards
Size
7.48" x 3.27" x 0.16" open
EDC Rating


Price
$$
While natural materials like leather and canvas have their place in EDC, the future of performance gear looks like the cutting-edge materials found in the Pioneer Division. The Onyx colorway’s 10XD fabric uses ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, resulting in fibers that are ten times stronger than steel by weight. Not only is it light and durable, but it's also waterproof and offers RFID protection. Combine that with a clever pocket layout, and you have a high-capacity, RFID-blocking bifold that you can carry anywhere without the bulk.
Slimfold

Slimfold Micro Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
Highly resilient exterior fabric
Made in the USA
RFID-blocking
Specifications
Materials
Performance softshell
Capacity
Up to 8 cards
Size
4" x 2.8" x 0.2"
EDC Rating


Price
$$
Bifold wallets are highly practical ways to carry cash and cards. Still, using a different kind of material, the Slimfold Micro Softshell Wallet is a new breed of wallet, unlike the leather wallets you might be used to. It’s made of a synthetic tech fabric that’s stain-, scratch-, and water-resistant. Inside is a cash pocket for carrying bills flat and four interior card slots that can comfortably hold up to 8 cards.
Flowfold

Flowfold Card Holder Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
Low profile vertical design
Water-resistant
Made in USA
Specifications
Material
Recycled sailcloth
Capacity
6-8 cards
Size
4.2″ x 2.75″ x 0.06″
EDC Rating


Price
$
Stronger than steel, yet light enough to float. That's the strength-to-weight ratio you'll get from the DiamondFiber used on Flowfold wallets. DiamondFiber's origins as high-performance sailcloth make it an excellent choice for a minimalist wallet that's strong, slim, light, and able to take on some water.
CountyComm

CountyComm Matrix Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
Cardholder design
Double-stitched nylon piping
Dual pockets
Specifications
Material
Dyneema
Capacity
Up to 12 cards
Size
4" x 2.8" x 0.3"
EDC Rating


Price
$
CountyComm has earned its reputation in the EDC crowd for its excellent value gear. The Matrix Credit Card Holder uses a durable material called Dyneema. It’s used in sailcloth with a unique woven "matrix" appearance that keeps weight down and lets you quickly identify your wallet's contents. Best of all, it's affordably priced at right under $8. Check this one out for an all-weather wallet with a slim design that doesn’t break the bank.
Pelican

Pelican Micro Sport Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
IP54-rated seal
Crushproof
Lanyard attachment point
Specifications
Material
Polypropylene
Capacity
Up to 10 cards
Size
5.75" x 3.5" x 0.5"
EDC Rating


Price
$
Warm weather means trips to the beach, ocean, or a water park. The Pelican Micro Sport Wallet was made with water activities in mind, featuring a crush-resistant case and an IP54-rated seal to keep the internal compartment safe from liquids. Two mesh pockets hold your cards, cash, and keys in a casing that’s only 0.85" thick.
NiteIze

NiteIze Runoff Pocket Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
IP67 waterproof
Patented TRU zip opening
Lanyard attachment point
Specifications
Material
TPU
Capacity
Over 12 cards
Size
3.7" x 5"
EDC Rating


Price
$$
If you need a fully waterproof pouch solution for your outdoor adventures, look no further than the NiteIze Runoff Waterproof Wallet. Its waterproof zipper design lets you pack whatever small essentials you might need along with your cards and cash, like your cell phone, GPS watch, etc. Its TPU construction combined with a water-sealing TRU Zip zipper results in an IP67 waterproof rating, ensuring it'll keep your essentials dry so you can leave the dry bag behind.
Hyperlite

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
Exquisite style
Billfold compartment
Made in Mexico
Specifications
Material
DCH150 Dyneema
Capacity
Over 8 cards
Size
4.38" x 3.25"
EDC Rating


Price
$
Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a go-to brand for ultralight gear enthusiasts who believe every gram matters when you’re out on the trail. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Minimalist Wallet is an excellent choice for a lightweight, outdoor-ready everyday carry. The star of the show is its DCH150 material. It’s made using strong-yet-lightweight Dyneema fibers bonded to a backing material for added structure and durability. The result is a water-resistant wallet that weighs only 0.7 ounces when empty. Despite its barely-there weight, it has plenty of organization with 3 card slots and a billfold section in a familiar bifold wallet design.
Alpaka

Alpaka Zip Pouch Waterproof Wallet

Purchase
Key Features
RFID blocking material
Compatible with HUB keychain system
Internal divider
Specifications
Material
VX21 X-Pac
Capacity
4-12 cards
Size
5.11” x 3.35”
EDC Rating


Price
$
The Alpaka Zip Pouch earns a spot on our list due to its sheer versatility and high capacity in a slim design. It doesn’t slouch with the materials, either. This waterproof pouch uses waterproof YKK Aquaguard exterior zippers and abrasion-resistant, weatherproof VX21 X-Pac technical fabric. The two-zippered compartments offer some organization and give peace of mind that your small essentials will stay secured. It holds up to 12 credit cards, but it’s versatile enough to use as a general gear pouch for other everyday carry essentials.

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.

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Discussion (16 total)

NUNQUAM NON PARATUS ·
Nice list. I would also recommend the Big Skinny line of wallets. They are ultra slim, made of a weather-resistant nylon material, and very durable. They retail for around $20-30 dollars. I have been using my Big Skinny Compact Sports Bi-fold every single day for almost 3 years without rip, tear, or defect.

Another weatherproof wallet I thought worth a mention is the Dynomighty-- another Tyvek wallet very much like the Slimfold
2 Reply
Jimayday ·
Wholeheartedly agree on the Big Skinny. Had that thing for years and still takes it like a champ.
1 Reply
Gregory Paoli ·
Just ordered Countycomm Matrix Waterproof Card Holder, should be here next week. I currently use Dango D01 Dapper and love it.

Question: The low profile keys on the splash image, where can I get keys like that or a tutorial on how to make them?
1 Reply
Charlie Stelle ·
That's a Nite Ize carabiner. A link from a bike chain. Looks like they trimmed down the sides on a tradition key with an angle grinder, etc.. Looks like pure DIY to me. Hope that helps so you don't try looking for something that looks like that off the shelf.
2 Reply
Edmundo ·
Nailed it! That's my stuff in the pic... I cut the keys down with a pair of dykes (I have mechanic hands still) and finished them up on a 1x42 belt sander. Only takes a couple of minutes. I haven't carried a full-sized key in years. If you look at my submissions you'll see a lot of different options. These days I'm carrying a cut down key in 1/2 a Leatherman Micra.
1 Reply
Gregory Paoli ·
Thank you, Guys
0 Reply
Alexandre Koukarine ·
Nothing good :( And 6 out of 8 are actually not waterproof at all! The $3 China-made aluminum clamshell is still better functionally, except its build quality which lasts for less than a year.
1 Reply
Ken ·
I own the chums wallet and love it. Great lightweight minimalist wallet.
1 Reply
Goldthunder ·
Recycled firefighter. And made in USA
0 Reply
zaus ·
The Chums wallet has amazing storage capabilities and still stays smaller than you'd imagine. For about $10 why wouldn't you try it?
0 Reply
TKsovereign ·
Man was this a nice article! I need a new edc type wallet and I would like something water resistant (proof) in nature or as a 2nd wallet for my trips to Cali. That chums wallet looks pretty sweet and I like Pelican gear too. Thanks!
0 Reply
Austin ·
Magpul slim wallet is amazing. Had it for the past few months and I love it. Totally disappears in your pocket. Only thing its lacking is its ability to store any cash. You gotta be a little creative if you keep any notes with you.
0 Reply
Cody ·
I've been carrying the Slimfold Micro for the last few months. Awesome wallet but without a zipper or even a closure I'm not sure that I would call it weatherproof. Granted the material that it's made out of is waterproof, but it's design is like a standard wallet.
0 Reply
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