Quick Facts:
- Product: RUX Waterproof Duffel Box in 55L and 75L.
- Closure: Segmented roll top, sealed with three turns.
- Fabric: 840-denier nylon coated with TPU on both faces, RF welded seams.
- Weight: 4.01 lb for the 55L, 5.07 lb for the 75L.
- Load limit: 50 lb for both sizes.
- Price: $340 for the 55L on RUX’s page, $390 for the 75L per Overland Expo.
- Colors: Black, Green, and Navy (Navy was on pre-order).
- Best for: Gear exposed to rain, spray, and dust on a truck bed or roof rack.
6 min read
In This Article
Overview
The new RUX waterproof duffel box replaces the long zipper with a roll top closure. Because a zipper lets rain and road spray inside, the swap matters on an open bed or roof rack.
RUX launched the bag in 55L and 75L sizes, and Overland Expo Compass covered it on Oct 29. The body is 840-denier nylon with TPU coating on both faces. Also, RF welded seams replace stitching, so no needle holes remain for water to wick through.
Three turns of the roll top seal the bag against water and dust, according to RUX. However, the maker does not rate it for prolonged submersion. Instead, treat it as protection against rain, spray, and a soaked bed.
For the wider picture, start with our guide to keeping overlanding gear dry.
The waterproof model sells on RUX’s own site. Amazon lists the original RUX Duffel Box in 55L and 75L. RUX calls the original its weather model, with the same wide-mouth design.
The original weather model
How the RUX Waterproof Duffel Box Seals Out Water
Most duffels get their wide opening from a long zipper. RUX left the zipper out instead. A patent-pending segmented roll top gives the sealing edge a surface to roll against. Three tight turns then close the bag.
First, press the extra air out. Then roll the top down three times. Either way, RUX says the seal is identical in both carry modes. Box Mode closes the roll over the load for quick access during the day. Burrito Mode, however, rolls the top down the sides and buckles it to the lower clips.
Unrolled, the opening runs the full length of the bag. Because of this, you see the whole load without digging. The stiffened base also keeps the bag standing open on wet ground.
RUX states the bag forms a waterproof seal when you close the roll top closure correctly. It covers rain, spray, wet decks, and a soaked truck bed. Prolonged submersion is outside the rating.
Key Specs at a Glance
The numbers below come from RUX’s product page. Also, RUX lists the same 50 lb load limit for both sizes.
| Specification | 55L | 75L |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14 x 18.25 x 13.5 in | 14 x 26 x 13.5 in |
| Weight | 4.01 lb | 5.07 lb |
| Body fabric | 840D nylon, TPU coated both faces | 840D nylon, TPU coated both faces |
| Lash points | 360-degree Hypalon | 360-degree Hypalon |
| Load limit | 50 lb | 50 lb |
Built for Truck Bed and Roof Rack Loads
RUX shows the bag strapped into a truck bed. The maker says it keeps a sleeping bag dry through hours of highway rain. Hypalon lash points run all the way around the bag. You strap it to a rack, raft, sled, or truck bed and expect it to stay put. On a roof rack, the lash points circle the bag, so you choose the strap angle.
The base is a honeycomb stiffener with foam, so the bag rides flat instead of sagging. This helps when truck bed gear shifts over washboard or wet gravel. Also, the same three turns seal against dust, which matters on desert roads.
RUX builds three versions of the duffel. The standard model targets weather, the MultiCam targets wear, and this one targets water and dust. Compared with a rigid waterproof gear box, the duffel gives up hard walls. In exchange, Burrito Mode pulls the load tighter.
Stay under the 50 lb load limit. A full 75L bag fills fast with camp gear, so weigh it before you strap it down. If you sleep in the bed, our truck bed camping setup guide shows what to carry and where.
What the RUX Waterproof Duffel Box Means for You
Pick the size by the trip. For example, RUX says the 55L suits two to four days of kit. The 75L suits longer trips, bulky gear, or one load shared between two people. Because both sizes share the 50 lb limit, the 75L adds room, not capacity.
Next, weigh the cost of the coating. The 55L weighs 4.01 lb against 2.36 lb for the original RUX Duffel Box, a gap of 1.65 lb. RUX says the extra weight is the coated fabric and the stiffened base. Therefore, if your gear rides inside the cab, the lighter original makes more sense.
A waterproof duffel bag suits you if your gear rides outside, because rain, spray, and dust all reach an open bed. If you prefer a rigid waterproof gear box, read our breakdown of hard case storage boxes. For built-in bed storage, compare truck bed drawer systems first.
Accessories, Reviews, and Tie-Downs
Existing RUX owners gain from the shared rails. Specifically, RUX says the pockets, panels, and bags you already own clip straight in. An Organizer Panel 30×30 or Pocket 6L mounts in five positions in the 55L and six in the 75L.
Keep the evidence in perspective. RUX’s page shows four five-star reviews, but three carry photos labeled as the original Duffel Box. As of Oct 31, we found no independent water test. Therefore, treat the seal claims as the maker’s specification until field results arrive.
Truck bed gear and rack loads also need tie-downs. Pair it with Upgraded 1 inch x 8 ft cam buckle tie down straps with hooks. They come as a pack of 2. Cam buckles cinch the load without knots, while the hooks clip to bed anchors and rack rails.
Upgraded 1'' x 8' Tie Down Straps, Cargo Roof Rack Strap Cam Buckle with Hooks, Heavy Duty Secure Strap, Black - Pack of 2
A simple strap pair for pinning a duffel to a bed or rack.
- Pack of two 8 ft cam buckle straps
- Cam buckles cinch without knots
- Metal hooks clip to bed anchors and rack rails
- Third-party brand with a short review history
Price, Colors, and Availability
RUX’s product page lists $340 with the 55L selected. The page text shows no separate 75L price. Overland Expo Compass lists the 75L at $390, so confirm at checkout. RUX also lists a lifetime guarantee, with replacement buckles, straps, and snaps shipped worldwide.
Black and Green were shipping at the time of writing. RUX listed Navy as a pre-order, with US shipping around Oct 27. Since the date has passed, check the page for current Navy stock. Orders placed before 5 pm ship the next day, according to RUX.
Final Thoughts
The idea behind this bag is simple, and I like it. As a waterproof duffel bag, this one wins by dropping the zipper. The segmented roll top suits a wet bed because it removes the weak point instead of covering it.
Two trade-offs stand out. At 4.01 lb for the 55L, it weighs 1.65 lb more than the original. Also, $340 is a steep entry for a duffel. Still, the lifetime guarantee softens the price, while replaceable parts mean a broken buckle does not retire the bag.
If your gear rides in the cab, I would save money and buy the lighter original. For gear in an open bed or on a rack, however, this one fits the job. Also remember the limits: keep loads to 50 lb and avoid prolonged submersion.
Wait for field reports if you want proof beyond the maker’s specification. Otherwise, pick the size by trip length, roll the top three times, and strap it down well.
FAQ
Is the RUX waterproof duffel box fully waterproof?
RUX says it forms a waterproof seal when you close the roll top correctly. This covers rain, spray, wet decks, and a soaked truck bed. However, RUX does not intend it for prolonged submersion.
How do you seal the RUX waterproof duffel box?
Press out the extra air and roll the top tightly three times. The seal is the same in Box Mode and Burrito Mode. Burrito Mode pulls the load tighter.
How much does the RUX waterproof duffel box weigh?
The 55L weighs 4.01 lb and the 75L weighs 5.07 lb. Both also carry a 50 lb load limit.
Is the RUX waterproof duffel box carry-on size?
RUX calls the 55L carry-on capable in Burrito Mode. Airline size limits vary, so check your carrier before you travel.
Which size should you buy, 55L or 75L?
Choose the 55L for two to four days of kit. Step up to the 75L for longer trips, bulky gear, or one load shared between two people.
What is the difference between the standard and waterproof versions?
The standard model targets weather and weighs 2.36 lb in the 55L. By contrast, the waterproof version adds coated 840-denier fabric, RF welded seams, and a stiffened base. Therefore, the 55L weighs 4.01 lb.
Related Reading