Product Testing

Here at OverBoard, we take our promises seriously. When we say that our waterproof products will keep your valuables safe and dry, we want to be 100% confident they will do just that. This is why we subject all of our products to a rigorous testing programme. 


For example, our waterproof technology cases have been heated to 40 degrees Celsius to simulate hotter climates, submerged in water for hours at a time, pelted with dust and pressure tested at an underwater depth of 7m for 1.5 hours.  OverBoards product testing partners include the Industrial Products Department and Intertek Labtest.


If you would like any further information on our testing programme, please Email support@over-board.com.au

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temperature test

Temperature Test

The materials used in our OverBoard waterproof tech bags and cases are heated up to +40°C to simulate use in very hot climates. They are then placed in 1 meter of moderately warm shallow water to simulate surface water capabilities to check for leaks, floatation, humidity and durability. We also test for accelerated frost resistance by freezing our cases to -20°C to check for cracking, elasticity pliancy, and snow ingress. Now we don’t recommend you do the same with your teach for prolonged periods - it won’t damage the product, but condensation might build up inside the case and your electronics could become inoperable if they get too hot or cold!

Depth test

Depth Test

Water ingress protection is our speciality and our waterproof tech cases are submerged down to 7 meters for 1.5 hours to see if they can defend against leaks and pressure. We’re pleased to say that they all passed with flying colours - but don’t forget that these are extreme test conditions so we don’t advise you do the same with your tech. The deeper you go underwater the more pressure there is which can crack the screen on your phone, tablet or electronic device which is why we have approved our cases for use down to 6m / 19ft for 60 minutes only.

strength test

Strength Test

Before any gear can roll off the production line, it undergoes Break Strength Testing – We literally test our products and their components to breaking point using specialised hydraulic equipment. The things we look out for are maximum load at break, deflection at maximum load, load break and deflection at break for all our straps, clips, buckles, Velcro, stitching, zippers, welds and webbing.

Dust, Sand, and Dirt Test

Dust, Sand, and Dirt Test

Our waterproof tech cases are also tested in a controlled environment using Norwegian talcum powder – the finest man-made dust available.  The case is exposed to these minute dust particles in an irregular, multi-directional manner and afterwards, the cases are then inspected for any ingress. It’s a messy job but our cases don’t mind, they’re dust, dirt and sand proof too.

Dunk Test

Dunk Test

Sometimes the simplest tests are the most effective, at the end of production, we fill our waterproof cases with compressed air and we check them for holes, leaks, waterproofing, colour fastness, dust defence and decay by dunking our gear in all sorts of dirt and liquids.

Wield Pressure Test

Weld Pressure Test

We like to batch-test our gear by filling our waterproof dry tubes, dry bags and backpacks with compressed air and then squeeze them really hard in our hydraulic compression tester. This forces compressed air in all directions making sure every seam and stich-free high frequency weld has been fused correctly making them 100% waterproof.

Repetitive Stress Test

Repetitive Stress Test

We open and close our waterproof cases for hours at a time to test for component fracture and fatigue using slow-speed static testing and high-frequency dynamic fatigue testing to make sure our clips, buckles, hook and loop fasteners and zips can withstand a lifetime of daily use.

Load Break Test

Load Break Test

If we say our waterproof backpacks can hold 20kgs, we want to make sure that every strap, weld and seam can handle it so we use a high-capacity sheer tension testing process where we stretch, twist, flex, bend and pull everything apart to make sure it won’t break its promises.

POPULAR QUESTIONS

HOW MUCH ICE DO I NEED INSIDE MY OVERBOARD COOLER?

To get the best cooling performance, we recommend filling approximately 1/3 of the cooler’s total capacity with ice, placed on top of your drinks or food. This setup helps ensure your contents stay cold for up to 24 hours.

For longer-lasting chill, consider using large ice blocks or reusable ice packs, which melt more slowly than loose cubes.

Tip: Always pre-chill your items before placing them in the cooler for maximum efficiency.

HOW LONG WILL AN OVERBOARD COOLER BAG OR BACKPACK RETAIN ICE FOR?

Thanks to an innovative dual-layer foam core, our Cooler Bags and Backpacks are designed to keep contents cold for up to 24 hours. The integrated air valve boosts insulation by allowing you to add air once the cooler is packed, further helping maintain internal temperature.

To maximise performance, here are some helpful tips:

• 🧊 Use plenty of ice – ideally 1/3 ice to 2/3 contents, or more if weight isn’t an issue
• ❄️ Pre-chill or freeze drinks before loading
• 🕶️ Keep your cooler in the shade or a cool place whenever possible
• 🧺 Load drinks first, ice last – cold air travels downward
• 💧 Don’t pour out melted water – it helps maintain a cold environment
• 🔒 Seal the cooler properly and minimise how often it’s opened

By following these tips, you can get the maximum cooling duration and performance out of your Waterproof Cooler—whether you're heading to the beach, on the water, or out for a full-day adventure.

HOW WATERPROOF ARE YOUR COOLERS?

Our soft sided Cooler Bags and Backpacks are 100% waterproof thanks to their welded seams and roll-top sealing system. Once sealed correctly, they will protect the contents from rain, splashes, and even quick submersion.

This means you can confidently use them around boats, beaches, campsites, and wet environments without worrying about water getting in—or melting ice leaking out.

Note: While they can handle quick submersion, we don’t recommend prolonged immersion in water.

WHAT WILL FIT INSIDE EACH SIZE OVERBOARD COOLER BAG AND COOLER BACKPACK?

To help you choose the right size, we’ve created a Cooler Size Comparison Guide that shows how many 330ml cans + ice each cooler can hold. You can download the guide here.

As a general rule, we recommend filling around 1/3 of the cooler with ice, placed on top of your drinks, to keep contents chilled for up to 24 hours.

This layout maximises cooling efficiency while leaving plenty of space for your drinks or food.

Tip: Using large ice blocks or ice packs (instead of loose cubes) can help reduce melt rate and extend cooling time.

IS IT OK TO STORE FOOD IN YOUR WATERPROOF COOLER BAGS & BACKPACKS?

Yes! All of our Waterproof Cooler Bags and Backpacks are safe for storing food and drinks.

The internal lining is fully tested and certified BPA-free (Bisphenol A-free), meaning it’s food-safe and non-toxic. You can confidently use our coolers to store everything from snacks and sandwiches to fresh ingredients and beverages.

Perfect for days out, picnics, and camping trips—no additional food-safe liners required.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WATERPROOF MAIN COMPARTMENT AND THE WEATHERPROOF ZIP POCKET?

The Coolers Dry Bags include an external weatherproof zip pocket with an IP65 rating.

  • The main compartment (IP66) is designed for quick submersion and will protect contents if the bag is briefly dropped in water.
  • The weatherproof zip pocket (IP65) is foul weather and spray proof, meaning it can handle rain, splashes, and spray—but it is not submersible. Water may enter the zip pocket if the bag is fully submerged.

Tip: Store valuables, electronics, or water-sensitive items inside the main roll-top compartment rather than the outer zip pocket when in wet or unpredictable conditions.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT THE OVERBOARD COOLERS CAN CARRY?

All of our Cooler Bags and Backpacks are tested to safely carry up to 25kg of total weight.

This includes the combined weight of your drinks, food, ice, and any additional items. Whether you're packing for a day at the beach, a camping trip, or a boat excursion, you can rely on the cooler to handle heavy loads with ease.

WHAT IS THE AIR VALVE USED FOR?

The air valve on our Cooler Bags and Backpacks serves two key purposes:

(1.) It allows you to purge excess air trapped between the two insulating layers, making the cooler easier to compress and pack away after use.

(2.) When in use, you can add extra air into the insulation chamber to boost cooling performance, helping to maintain internal temperature for longer.

Helpful Tips:• Avoid over filling with air, as this can reduce insulation efficiency and limit internal storage space.

• If using your cooler around or in water, make sure the air valve is firmly closed to prevent water from entering the insulation layer.

HOW DO YOU SEAL THE WATERPROOF COOLER BAGS AND BACKPACKS?

All of our soft cooler bags and backpacks use a simple roll-top sealing system that makes them 100% watertight.

To seal:

(1.) Roll the top down tightly at least 3 times

(2.) Then clip the buckles together at the sides or top

This design eliminates the need for zips—so there's nothing to jam or break—and makes it quick and easy to access your food and drinks while keeping water out.

WHAT’S COVERED BY YOUR 5-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY?

Our 5-year extended warranty covers manufacturing defects, including issues with materials, stitching, and zippers under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, accidents, or wear and tear. For full details and to view the warranty terms, please visit our Warranty Portal.

WHAT IS YOUR EXCHANGE AND RETURNS POLICY?

We offer a hassle-free exchange and returns policy, allowing you to return items within a specified period for an exchange or refund, as long as they meet our return conditions. For full details on how to return or exchange items, please visit our Exchange & Returns Policy page.