Swim Buoy Backpack - Admiral Blue | 2 in 1 Reversible Backpack

Description

Developed around feedback from open-water swimmers, our 2-in-1 Reversible Swim Buoy Backpack is a smart waterproof backpack that turns inside-out to become a high-vis swim buoy.

Carry all your kit to the shore,...

Dual-purpose: waterproof backpack on land / high-spec swim buoy in the water.
Simple: grab the pull-through handle to turn inside-out and reconfigure.
Tough: built in PVC-free TPU with welded seams for lightweight longevity.
Visible: neon swim buoy side, with reflective strips and accessory attachment points.
Secure: adjustable fit with extra-long waistband to suit all body shapes and sizes.
Low drag: adjustable tether to optimise tow position and reduce kicking interference.
Dry storage: waterproof internal compartment protects essentials while you swim.
Quick access: exterior mesh pocket keeps wet-use items close at hand.
Emergency-ready: integrated whistles on both tow-float and backpack sides.

Reverse backpack so blue is inside, with yellow swim buoy exterior.
Place essential items within blue internal chamber.
Roll top down tightly to marked ‘roll area’, before clipping ends together at front.
Blow to inflate both chambers, then tighten valves.

This is not a lifesaving device and should only be used by competent swimmers.
Do not lean on the swim buoy as a resting aid to prolong your swim – doing so makes you less visible in the water. If you are tired, head back in.
Ensure you roll the swim buoy closure tightly before entering the water.
To guarantee waterproof protection, place valuables inside a secondary dry bag.

Capacity (backpack): 28L
Capacity (tow float): c.19L
Buoyancy: 186N
Maximum load weight: 10kg
Height: 720mm
Width: 380mm
Weight: 0.97kg

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
PP hard plastic components
Nylon webbing and mesh

At Red, sustainability isn’t just marketing hype – it’s at the core of what we do. As a certified B Corp (www.bcorporation.net) we champion high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Built for longevity, to withstand the rigours of regular swims and rough handling, the Swim Buoy Backpack uses hard-wearing, PVC-free TPU that releases fewer toxic chemicals during production and disposal. Combining backpack and tow float in one dual-purpose design cuts down on extra kit and material usage.

Store dry, away from direct sunlight and sharp objects.
Wipe clean.
Hand wash in cool or warm soapy water.
Do not dry clean.
Do not bleach.

Developed around feedback from open-water swimmers, our 2-in-1 Reversible Swim Buoy Backpack is a smart waterproof backpack that turns inside-out to become a high-vis swim buoy.

Carry all your kit to the shore, then stay safely visible with your essentials while you swim: perfect for adventure swimming and point-to-point swims.

Neon yellow in the water, it offers a generous 19L of dry storage plus an easy-access exterior mesh pocket – then reverses back into a comfortable 28L backpack to take wet gear home again.

Durable, lightweight and soft-touch in PVC-free TPU with reliable welded seams, it’s built to last for years.

Dual-purpose design for simpler swim days

Feature set

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Reversible Design 01

Pull-through configuration turns inside-out from waterproof backpack to high-vis tow float dry bag, quick and easy to reverse between land and water use.

TPU Fabrication 02

Lightweight, PVC-free TPU with welded seams for superior durability, flexibility and abrasion resistance – this smooth, soft-touch material is seriously hard-wearing.

High-Vis Tow Float 03

Fluorescent colours, reflective elements and light attachment points keep you visible in the water, even in low light, to confidently stay safe and seen during open-water swims.

Mesh Stash Pocket 04

External mesh pocket provides easy access from the water to items that can get wet, so you can quickly grab gels, snacks, or other necessities mid-swim.

Adjustable Tow System 05

Extra-long adjustable waistband and drag-reducing extendable tether create a secure, comfortable tow set-up, with flexible positioning and a personalised fit to suit different body shapes, heights and leg lengths.

Dual Inflation Chambers 06

Double-sided inflation chambers provide buoyancy and stability in the water, ensuring the float performs reliably throughout your swim.

Integrated Whistles 07

Built-in safety whistles on both the tow-float and backpack chest harness clips, to attract attention in an emergency – whether from shore or in the water.

Comfortable Carrying 08

Lightly padded shoulder straps and an adjustable chest harness provide ergonomic comfort on the walk to and from the water.

Dry Storage

Waterproof internal chamber keeps essentials protected while you swim, with 19L of space for towel, footwear, keys, phone, and more.

2-in-1 Reversible Tow Float Backpack

One smart solution, from shore to swim and back again

Reversible Tow Float Backpack: TPU Construction

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a major step up from the standard PVC used for traditional swim floats. It’s lighter, more flexible and more abrasion-resistant, so our 2-in-1 Reversible Tow Float Backpack handles frequent use in the water and rough treatment on the shore without failing. Welded seams keep the dry compartment secure, while the soft-touch finish feels smooth and tactile. Plus PVC-free TPU avoids the harmful plasticisers used in PVC and releases fewer toxic chemicals during production and disposal. The result is a much tougher, longer-lasting product with a more responsible material at its core.

Reversible Tow Float Backpack: Reversible Design

Our innovative flip-through configuration is what makes the 2-in-1 Reversible Tow Float Backpack unique. It’s a refined waterproof backpack to carry what you need to the swim spot. Then pull it inside-out to reverse the compartments, and inflate both chambers to turn it into a high-vis tow float with dry storage inside. After your swim, it reverts back to a dry backpack to carry wet kit home again. The pull-through handle makes the whole process quick and easy. This dual-purpose design solves some familiar swimmer frustrations: too many bags, extra hassle, and nowhere to keep essentials while you swim.

Reversible Tow Float Backpack: Adjustable Tow System

A good tow float must stay visible without compromising your swim. Our 2-in-1 Reversible Tow Float Backpack uses an adjustable tether to help reduce drag and kicking interference, so it tows comfortably behind you instead of constantly disrupting your stroke. The extra-long adjustable waistbelt is designed to securely fit a broad range of body shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to personalise, ensuring every swimmer can achieve a secure attachment. Together, the tether and waistband create a more comfortable, confidence-boosting tow set-up that feels completely dependable yet as unobtrusive as possible.

"Having one piece of equipment that works as both a backpack and a tow float means there's no need to carry multiple bags or extra weight."

Michael Ward, Ultramarathon Swimmer/Runner

FAQ – Reversible Swim Buoy Backpack

A swim buoy backpack is a dual-purpose swimming accessory that combines a waterproof backpack with an inflatable swim buoy dry bag. It allows open-water swimmers to carry kit to the shore, then convert the bag into a high-visibility swim float with dry storage for essentials while swimming.

The swim buoy backpack uses an innovative pull-through reversible design. Before your swim, simply turn the backpack inside-out so the high-vis swim buoy side faces outward, place essentials inside the waterproof dry bag chamber, roll and secure the closure, then inflate both chambers. After swimming, it reverses back into a comfortable backpack for carrying wet kit home.

For more information, check out our how to guide: How To Use The 2-in-1 Reversible Swim Buoy Backpack

Yes. The internal dry compartment is designed to keep essentials protected while you swim, including items like footwear, a towel, keys, snacks, and spare layers. For valuables such as phones or wallets, we recommend using an additional dry pouch for complete protection.

The dry storage compartment is highly water-resistant thanks to welded seams and a roll-top closure. When sealed correctly, it protects your kit from splashes, rain, and water exposure during swims. As with any dry bag, electronics and valuables should be placed inside a secondary waterproof pouch for maximum protection.

A properly designed swim buoy should create minimal drag in the water. The Reversible Swim Buoy Backpack uses an adjustable tether system that helps optimise tow position and reduce interference while swimming, allowing the float to track comfortably behind you.

Swim buoys help improve visibility in the water, making swimmers easier to spot by boats, paddleboarders, lifeguards, and other water users. They also provide convenient waterproof storage for essentials during point-to-point swims, training sessions, and adventure swims.

Yes. The dual-purpose design is particularly useful for adventure swimming, point-to-point routes, and longer open-water sessions where you may need to carry extra kit, nutrition, footwear, or layers with you while swimming.

Unlike standard swim buoys, which are designed primarily for visibility in the water, the Reversible Swim Buoy Backpack is an innovative 2-in-1 solution that combines a waterproof backpack with a high-vis swim buoy dry bag. Its unique reversible design allows you to carry your kit comfortably to the water, then transform it into a swim buoy with 19L of waterproof storage for essentials while you swim. After your session, it reverses back into a backpack to carry wet gear home, reducing the need for multiple bags and making adventure swimming simpler and more convenient.

Standard dry bags are not designed to function safely as swim buoys. The Reversible Swim Buoy Backpack is specifically engineered for swimming, with dual inflation chambers, high-visibility materials, reflective detailing, an adjustable tow system, and secure waist attachment.

Yes. The tow system includes an extra-long adjustable waistband designed to comfortably fit a wide range of body shapes, sizes, and layering choices. The tether is also adjustable so you can have it as long or short as you would like to depend on leg length or swimming style.

Yes. It’s suitable for year-round open-water swimming, including cold-water sessions, training swims, and outdoor adventures. The waterproof storage is useful for carrying warm layers, footwear, and post-swim essentials.

No. Swim buoys are designed to improve visibility and carry essentials, not as lifesaving or flotation devices. Swimmers should not rely on the float for resting or buoyancy support in the water.

The Reversible Swim Buoy Backpack offers an ample 28L of waterproof storage when used as a backpack and c.19L when being used as a swim buoy. This is perfect for holding essentials for your time both in and out of the water, such as footwear, layers, a towel, and nutrition.

The Reversible Swim Buoy Backpack features an adjustable waistband and tether system which fits a range of body shapes and sizes. You can also customise the fit to ensure the backpack is comfortable when worn with clothing, a swimsuit, a wetsuit, or additional layers.

A swim buoy is not mandatory for open water swimming, but it is highly advisable that you do use one. A swim buoy ensures that you are visible to other water users, and the backpack element of the Reversible Swim Buoy Backpack also offers convenient dry storage.

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6 Reviews

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Reviewed by Becca

Verified Reviewer

I recommend this product

Rated 5 out of 5

Review posted

FINALLY A SIZE INCLUSIVE TOW FLOAT

I don't have to tie belts together anymore, I don't have to worry about sticky buckles not adjusting quickly when my partner uses it.... also being able to adjust the length to be close on those rougher sea swims to further away on those dreamy flat swims is not something I expected to love so much! Glides through the water and doesn't keep hitting me and taking me out of my stroke. Perfection. If I could give it 6 stars I would ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Reviewed by Jonty

Verified Reviewer

I recommend this product

Rated 5 out of 5

Review posted

The New Benchmark of Tow Floats

If you want a high quality, highly visible tow float that doubles as a spacious rucksack, then this new one from Red Equipment is the best I have seen and used.

I’m not the smallest of swimmers, and finding straps that actually fit can be a gamble. No issues here — the waistband has plenty of length and will be comfortable for most. The padded straps mean when it’s full it carries really well as a backpack, and when towing you can adapt them to make sure it sits exactly where you want it.

The build quality is the best I’ve found and the compartment easily swallows my robe, shoes, towel, flask, phone and warm kit. It goes from rucksack to bright, visible float in seconds, and having those two built-in safety whistles is a top touch. I think this is the new benchmark to which others will be judged. Love it.

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Reviewed by Katie O.

Verified Reviewer

I recommend this product

Rated 5 out of 5

Review posted

Multi purpose kit.

I love kit that does more than one job and that’s exactly what this bag / tow float does. I love the super soft material and how durable it feels, my last tow float from another brand popped and I feel great about how sturdy this tow float feels! It’s super reassuring having my kit in the dry bag section as I’m swimming and I like that the inflated portion of the bag is separate to where my kit is. This towfloat back pack has made me excited for the adventures it will enable us to do and I can’t wait to get out again!

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Reviewed by Adele B.

Verified Reviewer

I recommend this product

Rated 5 out of 5

Review posted

The first size-inclusive tow float?!?

I've never been more impressed with a tow float before. The first time I tried it on I thought I'd gone mad as I'm so used to extending the waist belt to the very end - even as a UK size 18 - to fit my waist, only to find that this goes above and beyond that. It's robust too, the material feels high quality and you can tell how much thought and consideration has gone in. From the velcro pouch so you don't lose anything, the built in whistle for safety, to the reflective strips to increase visibility. Game changer for those that love to swim!

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Reviewed by Mel B.

Verified Reviewer

I recommend this product

Rated 5 out of 5

Review posted

Transformer Backpack!

I call this my transformer bag! As a dry bag, it’s fabulously well made, super comfy, and really roomy. Can fit all my swim stuff in easily! Then voila it turns into a tow float that fits all your belongings in. I have had so many tow floats in my time, but this one is by far the best. Big and robust, but floats so well and so out of the way I have to keep checking it’s there! Then after a swim I turn it back into a backpack and all the wet stuff is kept inside! Such a fab idea.

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