Reversible Swim Tow Float
Awesome piece of kit
Ideal for those swim’s when heading off on an adventure.
Stops that niggle in the head “ I hope my stuff is ok back on shore “
Lovely to swim with
Love it
Colour: Admiral Blue
Shipped From US | No Duties or Import Taxes
SUP Connect 'Brand of the Year' 2025
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,...
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.
Feature set
Feature set
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.
Lightweight, PVC-free TPU with welded seams for superior durability, flexibility and abrasion resistance – this smooth, soft-touch material is seriously hard-wearing.
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.
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.
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.
Double-sided inflation chambers provide buoyancy and stability in the water, ensuring the float performs reliably throughout your swim.
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.
Lightly padded shoulder straps and an adjustable chest harness provide ergonomic comfort on the walk to and from the water.
Waterproof internal chamber keeps essentials protected while you swim, with 19L of space for towel, footwear, keys, phone, and more.
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.
Awesome piece of kit
Ideal for those swim’s when heading off on an adventure.
Stops that niggle in the head “ I hope my stuff is ok back on shore “
Lovely to swim with
Love it
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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
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!
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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