Keeping your belongings dry when you’re on the water can be difficult. This is where a dry bag comes in handy and they are particularly useful if you’re in a kayak, canoe, or SUP.
With so many different examples on the market that can be used to keep your gear dry, we have helped you narrow down your search by choosing our top 8 picks for the best dry bags.
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
Earth Pak – Waterproof Dry Bag
- Ipx8 certified waterproof phone case
- Easy to fold and pack tight in any sized luggage
- Roll Top Dry Compression Sack Keeps Gear Dry
We have provided you with some advice and factors to look out for when choosing your product and we have selected some of our favorite picks too.
Our Favorite Waterproof Dry Bags in 2022
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Earth Pak – Waterproof Dry Bag |
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Freegrace Waterproof Dry Bags |
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MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag |
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Unigear Dry Bag Waterproof |
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OUTXE IP67 Kayak Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack |
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Relentless Recreation Dry Bag Backpack |
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HASLE OUTFITTERS Waterproof Dry Bag |
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Docooler Outdoor Waterproof Bag Drifting Dry Bag |
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Dry Bags For Kayaking and Canoeing
1. Our Top Pick: Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
The Earth Pak Waterproof dry bag incorporates a waterproof design and is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 10-40 liters, so you can choose the size that is the most suitable for your activity.
This cylindrical dry bag has been constructed out of 500 denier PVC which gives it its waterproof exterior. It has a fold down top which can then be secured using the buckle straps. This bag has been designed to keep all of your belongings dry even if it happens to fall overboard and it will float too.
The 10 and 20-liter bags have been designed with a single strap design and the larger sizes have backpack style straps which make it much easier to carry heavy loads and gear. If you plan on spending a day on the water, the 20-liter bag will be an ideal choice as this will provide you with plenty of room to store your towel, a change of clothes, shoes, and valuables too.
Usefully, this dry bag also comes with a waterproof phone case that provides additional protection to your phone whether it is in your bag or loose on the deck. This is also useful if you need to take your phone into the water for any reason as it is going to be protected from any potential damage.
2. Freegrace Waterproof Dry Bags
The Freegrace Waterproof Dry Bags are available in a set of three. This includes a dry bag, waterproof waist pouch as well as a waterproof phone case. The dry bag is available in many sizes from 5 to 35 liters and each of these comes with the additional pouch and phone case. This is great for choosing the best sized bag to suit your activity.
This bag is very similar to a Ziploc bag as it can be closed via the double strip closure seals. Although it does not have a roll top closure fastening, it is still designed to keep your belongings dry, even if it should get submerged into the water.
The waist pouch is also closed similarly, however, this uses triple seals and this is also designed to withstand submersion underwater as long as the seals are all closed correctly. It is ideal for keeping your phone and wallet safe if you go paddling.
Made from 500 denier tarpaulin it is very durable and all of the sizes have been designed with a single adjustable shoulder strap, although the largest size does have backpack style straps which make it easier to carry.
3. Docooler Outdoor Waterproof Dry Bag
This 25-liter waterproof bag is a great choice for a range of different watersports.
Made using PVC it is a durable option and the roll top closure needs to be rolled around 3-5 times before being secured into place using the buckle. With a 25 liter capacity, it is ideal for overnight trips as it is spacious enough to store a change of clothes as well as spare shoes and some clothes too.
The backpack style straps make this bag much more comfortable to carry around, especially if you are hiking over a distance. The small handle also makes it very convenient.
Featuring D -ring clips on the front of the bag, you can attach additional items but this is also useful for tying it down on your paddleboard or kayak too.
4. Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag
The Marchway Floating Dry Bag is made from 500 denier tarpaulin, as a waterproof bag, it is going to keep your gear dry regardless of the activity that you are doing whether this being canoeing, kayaking or fishing. It is available in a range of sizes from 5 liters to 40 liters so you can choose the best one for your needs. It is available in a variety of bright colors too.
With a roll top closing design, you simply need to roll it down a few times before securing it into place using the buckle strap. The 20 and 30-liter bags come with versatile detachable straps, giving you the freedom to choose between the backpack straps or the single cross body straps. The smaller sizes are designed with single straps while the 40-liter bag has backpack straps.
This bag has been designed to float when it is sealed, so if it falls overboard it is going to be easy to retrieve.
5. Unigear 600D Dry Bag Sack
This Waterproof Unigear bag has been crafted out of durable polyurethane-coated nylon. Although it is waterproof, it is not designed to be fully submerged in water for long periods. However, if your bag happens to fall overboard for a short period it is going to keep your belongings dry.
Available in a variety of colors and sizes, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. It comes with a touchscreen waterproof phone case too. This is ideal as you can still use your phone while keeping it safe in the case.
This bag has a roll top closure which can be secured using the buckle lock. All of the bags have detachable single shoulder straps apart from those above 20 liters. The two largest bags have padded shoulder straps that allow you to wear them as backpacks and provide you with maximum comfort whilst doing so.
It has also been designed to float too.
6. OUTXE 100% Waterproof Dry Bag
The OUTXE dry bag is available in two different color choices and a range of sizes, the smallest being 5 liters and the largest at 20 liters. This gives you plenty of choice to select the one that is best suited to your needs. The 5-liter option has been designed with single straps.
Made from 420 denier TPU it is a lightweight and durable option. The Zipock seal protects your belongings by preventing the water from getting inside. Alongside the roll top closure, this provides added water protection.
The welded seams make it all over waterproof. All of the bags come with detachable shoulder straps. There is a front mesh pocket featured on the front of the 10 and 20-liter options as well as D-rings and cords. This gives you room to carry any extra items if needed and it can be secured into a vessel easily too.
7. Relentless Recreation Dry Bag Backpack
This 30-liter dry bag by Relentless Recreation is a waterproof option that is ideal for holding clothes and food if you are going away for a few nights.
It is durably designed and as it is made from 500 denier Polyvinyl tarpaulin it is going to be effective in keeping all of your belongings dry. The small front pouch provides you with a secure place to keep your phone. However it is important to note that whilst this is splash proof, it is not very waterproof so it is not going to protect your phone very much if the bag should happen to go overboard.
The side mesh pockets are a convenient place for storing your water bottles. This bag has been designed with a roll top and buckle closure and a reinforced handle to make it more comfortable to carry. The paddle shoulder straps allow you to wear it as a backpack too.
8. HASLE OUTFITTERS Waterproof Dry Bag
This bag is available in a range of different sizes which makes it great for a range of activities. You can choose one with as much or as little space as you need.
It is waterproof and has a roll top which is then secured with a buckle. Featuring a small pouch on the front there is additional room for storing any small items. It is designed with adjustable and removable shoulder straps for convenient carrying. There is also a waterproof phone case that comes separately too. This helps to keep your phone safe and damage free from the water.
The strap attaches to D rings and these are also useful for securing your bag to the deck of your kayak or canoe if you use some bungee cords.
How to Choose the Right Waterproof Dry Bag for Fishing & Kayaking
What should you look for in a dry bag for kayaking?
The Material
When browsing a selection of dry bags, you are likely to find that different materials are used. You will find some dry bags that are different variations of similar materials. Common fabrics used to manufacture dry bags are nylon and vinyl, however, you may also find some that are made with a combination of fabrics and this may be polyurethane (TPU), PVC, or tarpaulin.
Materials with thicker denier are likely to be more durable and long-lasting.
The Style of the bag
The style of the bag that you choose is likely to be dependent on personal preference and convenience. The bags may differ depending on the style of the straps. Some may only have a single strap that can be worn on your shoulder or across your back.
Others can be worn like backpacks thanks to the double shoulder straps. This may be a preferable choice for those who are traveling a long distance on foot or for a heavier and larger bag.
Backpacks are an easier option for those who are camping or fishing as they make it easier to carry additional gear by freeing up your hands. Evenly distributing the weight in your dry bag makes it much easier for you to carry without placing added pressure upon your back.
The Color
When looking for a dry bag you may be inclined to choose one in your favorite color, however, it is useful to consider the visibility of this color in the event of an emergency. Of course, brighter colors are going to be more noticeable on the water but they are also more likely to attract attention if you find yourself getting into difficulties.
If your bag falls overboard, one that is brightly colored is also going to be much easier to locate. Also, as a bright colored bag stands out more it isn’t likely to get lost as you and others on the water should be able to locate and grab it easily.
The Size
Your intended use of the bag is going to influence the size of the bag that you choose. Dry bags are typically measured by volume in liters, the same as traditional backpacks. Dry bags with a higher volume are likely to hold more gear.
If you are looking for a bag to keep your phone, wallet, clothes, etc, dry for a few hours, then a 10-liter bag should suit this purpose. However, a 30 or 40-liter bag is going to be more suitable for longer and multi-day trips.
You may require more than one dry bag if you are planning on taking an extended trip, especially if this involves a kayak or a canoe. This will help to keep camping equipment, food, clothes, and any other essentials dry.
Is your dry bag waterproof?
These dry bags typically tend to be constructed with a waterproof design. This will help to keep your valuables and gear dry if your bag should end up in the water. They are a perfect addition on your paddling trips, fishing trips, or an outing to the beach.
Some manufacturers recommend avoiding submerging the bags in water for long periods. Most of these bags on the market are designed to withstand a brief submersion into the water.
If your bag is always sealed correctly, this should prevent any water from getting inside. You will find that lots of these bags have roll top closures with buckles in place to secure the folds. Others may be designed with additional seals for added protection. In some cases, they may be designed like this instead of the roll top closure.
Our Final Thoughts
Choosing the best dry bag is often going to depend on what you are looking for. You will need to think about what it is that you need to keep dry. If you have a few essentials then you may be able to fit these into a smaller dry bag. If you have quite a lot of gear to carry then you may need a larger bag or multiple bags. Some of the bags that we have mentioned come with additional storage compartments too which makes them ideal for long days and trips.
It is also necessary to consider your style preferences as this will help you to choose the dry bag that is best suited to your needs. You will also find some that come with additional accessories. A number that we listed above come with extra storage pouches and waterproof phone wallets which help to protect them if they come into contact with water.
Of course, a very important feature of a dry bag is that it is waterproof, even if it is not designed for lengthy submersion in the water, you want a bag that ideally is going to be waterproof as this is going to help to protect your belongings from water damage.
Earth Pak – Waterproof Dry Bag
- Ipx8 certified waterproof phone case
- Easy to fold and pack tight in any sized luggage
- Roll Top Dry Compression Sack Keeps Gear Dry