Documents such as medical records, banking statements, and bills are stored in the cloud or on digital thumb drives. However, paper documents still play a role in business and personal life, so you’ll want to protect them. Whether you’re looking to add a measure of security to your visa or a certified copy of your birth certificate, a fireproof document bag can help.
The best fireproof document bag for you will depend on the documents and the fire protection level you need. Ahead, learn more about fireproof document bags and find out why the following options are among the best available.
- BEST OVERALL: Roloway Safe Large Fireproof Bag
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Colcase Fireproof Document Bag
- BEST WITH WATERPROOF: Flypal Fireproof and Waterproof Document Bag
- BEST LARGE: DocSafe Fireproof Document Bag With Multiple Pockets
- BEST SMALL: Rollaway Safe Small Fireproof Money Bag
- PREMIUM PICK: Engpow Multi-Layer Fireproof Document Bag with Lock
How We Chose the Best Fireproof Document Bags
We researched the most sought-after fireproof bags in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their heat resistance, size, materials, versatility, and other special features included by top brands.
While searching for the best fireproof bags available, the most popular picks among users were made with double-coated, silicone-coated fiberglass to withstand temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Each of the above picks is large enough to fit small to large documents including legal forms, birth certificates, and passports while also being capable of holding jewelry, electronics, and cash.
These fireproof bags defend against intense heat and flames, plus many are water-resistant or waterproof, as well as fireproof, for complete protection. In addition, select bags come with shoulder straps, handles, interior pockets, and even combination locks.
Our Top Picks
These fireproof document bags withstand intense heat and feature strong, reliable closures. Depending on your individual needs, the best fireproof document bag for you might well be among the following models.
Photo: amazon.com
For protecting documents and other valuables in heat up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, consider this Roloway fireproof document bag. The bag measures 15 inches by 12 inches by 5 inches and comes with both a handle and an adjustable shoulder strap. Made from two layers of silicone-coated fiberglass, the bag features a high-quality zipper and a Velcro-type closure.
The Roloway fireproof document bag is large enough to store a stack of papers along with other valuables, or even a laptop. It also comes with a lockable zipper (lock not included). This bag also offers a measure of water resistance.
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size: 12 inches tall by 15 inches wide by 5 inches deep
- Materials: Silicone-coated and PVC-coated fiberglass
Pros
- Zipper and Velcro closure ensures a tight seal
- Includes a comfortable rubber handle and adjustable shoulder strap
- Dual fiberglass layers provide both fireproof and water-resistant protection
Cons
- Storage in a fireproof briefcase or safe recommended
Get the Roloway fireproof document bag at Amazon, Walmart, NewEgg, or Roloway Safe.
Photo: amazon.com
Protecting your valuable documents doesn’t have to break the bank. The Colcase Fireproof Document bag comes with an affordable price tag and resists 2,000-degree Fahrenheit conditions with dual layers of silicone-coated fiberglass.
This 100 percent fireproof bag is 15 inches tall by 11 inches wide, making it suitable for small and large documents, jewelry, and even a laptop. But to ensure even more protection, this bag is also waterproof and has a zipper and flap closure.
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size: 15 inches tall by 11 inches wide
- Materials: Silicone-coated fiberglass and aluminum foil
Pros
- Zipper and flap closure with 2 separate compartments
- Dual-layered design provides additional protection
- Large enough for legal-size documents
Cons
- Quite thin; can’t be closed tightly if too many documents are inside
Get the Colcase fireproof document bag at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Flypal fireproof document bag is a reliable and secure solution for safeguarding important documents and valuables. Its impressive features make it a must-have for protecting belongings. Not only is it fireproof, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, it is also waterproof, ensuring that items remain safe from water damage.
The Flypal bag is equipped with a lock, providing an added layer of security. With a spacious interior and an additional interior zipper pouch, the bag provides storage space that is 6.5 inches deep, which is ample space to organize documents, cell phones, or even external hard drives and keep them readily accessible. The Flypal fireproof document bag can provide users optimal protection for their valuable possessions.
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size: 12.6 inches tall by 16.6 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep
- Materials: Silicone gel, fiberglass, aluminum foil, and nonwoven fabric
Pros
- Plenty of interior space for larger items such as phones or hard drives
- Includes a lock on the outside to keep valuables more secure
- Waterproof in addition to fireproof at up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- Can have quite a strong chemical odor at first
Get the Flypal fireproof document bag at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The DocSafe fireproof document bag is an ideal solution for keeping a large number of important documents and valuables secure and protected. The bag is a generous 7.2 inches deep, which offers ample storage capacity for all essential items. Designed with multiple pockets, slots, and compartments, this document bag will help organize belongings with ease. From passports and legal documents to USB drives and jewelry, items can be neatly arranged and easily accessible.
One notable feature of the DocSafe bag is the reflective strip on its exterior. This strip enhances visibility, so the bag is easier to locate in low-light conditions or emergency situations, such as a house fire. This bag ensures your documents remain safe from fire, water, and other potential hazards at home, the office, or on the go.
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size:12.5 inches tall by 17 inches wide by 7.2 inches deep
- Materials: Silicone-coated fiberglass and aluminum foil
Pros
- Largest option on this list to provide fireproof storage of multiple items and documents
- Reflective strip on the exterior allows better visibility to find the bag in an emergency
- Multiple compartments and pockets can neatly store documents, jewelry, and electronics
Cons
- Some users report the fabric can feel sticky
Get the DocSafe fireproof document bag at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Just the right size for safely stowing cash, a passport, or folded documents, the Roloway Small Fireproof Bag is easy to tuck inside a suitcase or a backpack. It measures a diminutive 5 inches by 8 inches and will protect your valuables in temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
This Roloway bag is made from silicone-coated fiberglass and comes with a fold-over Velcro-type closure at the top. Pair it with a larger fireproof bag for added security, or store it in a fireproof safe for even more protection.
Product Specs
- Heat Resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size: 5 inches by 8 inches
- Materials: Silicone-coated fiberglass
Pros
- Suitable for travel or small items
- Fold-over Velcro closure
- Affordable
Cons
- Should be placed in a fireproof safe or larger fireproof bag
Get the Roloway small document bag at Amazon, Walmart, or Roloway Safe.
Photo: amazon.com
With multiple fireproof layers and numerous compartments, the Engpow fireproof document bag is well suited for protecting valuable items while keeping them organized for easy retrieval. You won’t have to dig around in this fireproof bag to find what you’re looking for.
The Engpow fireproof bag measures 10.63 inches tall by 14.17 inches wide and is 3.93 inches deep, offering plenty of room in the main compartment to store letter-size folders and papers. The inside of its zip top contains four mesh bags for securing passports or certificates and two additional compartment folders to hold items like business cards and up to four flash drives.
This bag is built with two layers of silicone-treated fiberglass. A waterproof and fireproof zipper protects the contents from heat up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It also comes with a combination lock that keeps the contents secure.
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size: 10.63 inches tall by 14.17 inches wide by 3.93 inches deep
- Materials: Silicone-treated fiberglass
Pros
- 4 mesh bags can carry multiple items and documents
- 2 compartment folders offer plenty of space for larger items
- Includes a combination lock for keeping sensitive documents safe
Cons
- Additional features make this a little pricier than other options
Get the Engpow document bag at Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing a Fireproof Document Bag
A fireproof document bag should be thought of as “fire-resistant” rather than fireproof, as this type of protective bag can and will fail to protect its contents from a raging fire. Instead, it offers a modicum of security against intense heat if a fire breaks out and the document bag is nearby.
Most fireproof document bags are made from silicone-treated fiberglass, and the better ones come with two or more layers of treated fiberglass for added heat protection. Some also feature aluminum foil liners. If the bag is amid actual flames, don’t expect the contents to escape unscathed. If you want absolute fire protection, consider a fireproof safe that’s rated to withstand flames for 1 or 2 hours.
Fire-Resistance Rating
No federal regulations exist for testing fireproof document bags, but manufacturers use materials known to be resistant to fires in making their bags. To determine the level of fireproof protection, look for the maximum amount of heat the bag can withstand, typically between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some bags bear a rating of “UL 94,” which means Underwriters Laboratories, a global safety certification company, has tested and approved the materials for resisting fire and melting. Still, not all bags will have this rating, and the rating is not an assurance of absolute fireproof protection.
Size and Compartments
Fireproof document bags range in size from envelope-size bags with a single compartment to larger, briefcase-size bags with multiple zipped compartments or pockets for keeping papers organized. Additionally, some fireproof document bags sell in sets, with a smaller bag you can tuck inside a larger one for additional protection.
Water and Heat Resistance
Most manufacturers also advertise their fireproof bags as waterproof or water- resistant, which is important for two reasons. First, a tight seal is required to keep intense heat out of the bag, and that seal will often keep water out as well. More importantly, though, if the bag is in a burning house or the trunk of a car that’s in flames, the fire is likely to be doused with a water hose, so it’s nice to have a level of water protection for the stored documents in the bag.
Lockability and Closure Style
Fireproof document bags typically close with either a zipper made from fire-resistant materials, or they come with a snug-fitting, Velcro-type closure. Some models come with more than one type of closure, such as an interior zipper and an additional Velcro-type closure, increasing the bag’s fire resistance.
Items Being Stored
Common items stored in a fireproof document bag include property records, birth certificates, paper money, passports, and notes with written passwords to online accounts. Some bags are large enough to add other valuables, such as jewelry, antique photographs, or even digital thumb drives.
Tips for Using a Fireproof Document Bag
Merely sticking your documents in a fireproof bag offers a measure of protection, but don’t stop there—always store the bag in a safe spot. A few tips can help you get the most protection from your bag.
- When selecting a fireproof document bag, consider going a size larger because you’ll likely find additional items you want to store.
- The higher the fire-resistant rating, the safer your items will be. For optimal protection, look for a bag that can withstand at least 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Put only dry items in the bag. Fireproof bags can trap moisture inside, making the documents smell musty or encouraging mold or mildew. Make sure all papers and valuables are dry before putting them in the bag.
FAQs
Fireproof document bags offer some protection for your essential papers against heat damage, but they don’t offer a 100 percent guarantee against a raging fire. If this is the first time you’ve considered buying one, you likely have some questions.
Q. Can a fireproof bag replace a fireproof briefcase?
A fireproof bag is not as protective as a fireproof briefcase, but it will still help protect your documents and valuables. Storing your bag inside a fireproof safe or a fireproof briefcase will add additional levels of protection.
Q. How fireproof are fireproof bags?
A quality fireproof bag will protect your documents from igniting from intense heat if they’re near a fire, up to about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature rises above that level or the bag falls directly into the fire, its contents could be damaged or destroyed.
Q. What is a fireproof bag made of?
Most fireproof document bags feature one or more layers of silicone-treated fiberglass, which is known for its fire-resistant properties.
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