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Not too long ago, if someone outside of the kayaking, sailing or surfing community would have asked your average Joe what a dry bag was, not many people could have answered. However, they’ve had somewhat of a glow-up recently and are becoming popular as waterproof bags and backpacks for running, hiking and even everyday use, which makes sense in the rain-soaked UK!
As you’d expect, these bags are all about keeping goods safe and dry, but how do you tell one apart from another? In our guide, we’ll show you the features you should consider before buying. After that, we’ve gathered the best options for paddle boarding, swimming, boating and more for you to check out, all of which are available to order from affordable sites such as Amazon.
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Table of Contents
When it comes to dry bags, there is only one place to start – the material. The best packs are made from either vinyl (PVC) or nylon, although often companies won't always mention which they've used because they both work in the same way. Therefore, it’s not overly pertinent, but we’d like to know if possible.
Need an activity idea to take your new dry bag out for a ride? Check out our article on stand up paddle boards!
The most notable difference between the two is that vinyl is usually used for smaller bags and nylon for the bigger ones. If we were pushed to decide between the two, we would say nylon probably edges the battle as it is a little more durable, which is handy if they’re rattling around on a sailboat or the side of a kayak. Otherwise, they're both solid options.
The next thing you’ll want to think about is the capacity. Before deciding what is best for you, think about what you plan to carry in the bag. Bigger isn’t always better, especially as most bags use a roll-top closure, meaning that if they are too packed, you might not be able to seal them properly.
Browse our selection of women's wetsuits here!
Dry bags come in plenty of sizes, from small options that will carry your phone and wallet to backpacks as large as 120 litres. For reference, a 5-litre bag is ideal for taking the essentials, such as phones, wallets and keys, but it will also fit a decent DSLR camera and small first aid kit.
A 50-litre bag, on the other hand, will have you comfortably carrying wetsuits, a few days worth of freeze-dried food, a stove and some dishes. So, with all that said, the trip you plan on taking will be the determining factor for the capacity you require. If you want options, go for a multi-size set.
Dry bags perform their duty by incorporating reinforced, fully-taped seams. This is what makes them completely waterproof and gives them extra protection should they end up submerged. However, without an opening to put objects in the bag, they would be useless.
The most popular is the roll-top, which requires the user to, well, roll the top shut. It is then closed by a clip. This works extremely efficiently to keep the bag airtight and watertight. Plus, it also creates a carrying handle which makes them easy to transport. Don’t worry if you’re a little unsure about how to close the bag, as each will come with instructions to ensure you do it correctly.
We have a top 10 ranking of men's wetsuits too, explore our buying guide here.
The other option is a press-and-seal type zipper, which functions similarly to a freezer bag. These will work effectively and keep the water out. However, they’re not as robust and will lose quality over time, which means you’ll be required to upgrade sooner. This style is mainly used on smaller bags.
The definition of a bag is a flexible container with an opening at the top, used for carrying things. Therefore, if you’re transferring your bags from your transport to a campsite, hotel or other vehicle, you’re going to want a comfortable way to do this – hence why many companies include carrying straps with their purchase.
These can come as either one strap, which is thrown over the shoulder and carries the bag diagonally over your body, or a two-strap which works more like a traditional backpack. Either will work well, and it’s just a matter of finding one that fits your preference.
However, it’s worth mentioning that not all bags come with straps. This might not be such a problem if you’re going straight from the car to the kayak and back again, but if you’re partaking in a more adventurous journey, it could be an issue.
Another feature that is pertinent when it comes to transporting these bags is whether they have external D-rings. Luckily, most do, especially those that are designed for water travel as opposed to damp trekking. These inclusions allow you to attach the bags to boats, stand up paddleboards, kayaks and anything you like in order to stop them from falling into the water.
D-rings made from solid plastic are preferable as seawater (or any water) shouldn’t erode or damage them any time soon. However, we would recommend double-checking them every time you set off because nothing will ruin your lovely day on the lake like not knowing where you dropped your bag before it submerged.
The one downside to dry bags is that they’re not the most organised pieces of kit as they’re usually just one large compartment that is stuffed with a bunch of your belongings. As you can imagine, if you get a large 50-litre bag, you're going to lose your headphones in there from time to time.
One way to avoid this is by opting for bags that come with additional pockets. Now, these are rare, but from time to time you will be able to find those with internal or external options.
Of course, the external ones will not be waterproof but are handy for holding things like water bottles that are nice to have easy access to. Inside pockets will help you organise the contents a little better. That said, if you like a bag that doesn’t have this, you could always use packing cubes.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Aqua Quest Mariner | £22.00 Mid | Versatile Dry Bag Rucksack for Outdoor Activities and Sports | ||
2 | Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Package | £200.00 High | Waterproof Roll-Top Bag for Hiking and Swimming | ||
3 | Vango Dry Bag |Set of 3 | £35.00 Mid | A Clever Set That Lets You Colour-Code the Contents | ||
4 | Ultra Dry Adventurer Premium Waterproof Bag | £16.49 Mid | Dry Bag With Free Waterproof Phone Case | ||
5 | Arteesol Waterproof Dry Bag | £17.99 Mid | Solid Waterproof Protection for Your Items | ||
6 | Fjällräven Rolltop 23 Backpack | £107.50 High Mid | Stylish Weekend Dry Bag With 23 Litre Capacity | ||
7 | Keep Fit Kit Waterproof Bags|Set of 2 | £15.99 Mid | Two Affordable Bags for the Price of One | ||
8 | Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag | £55.95 High Mid | 65 Litre Dry Bag for Outdoor Adventuring | ||
9 | Karrimor Dry Bag | £4.49 Low | High-Vis Dry Bag From a Trusted UK Company | ||
10 | Zavarea Waterproof Dry Bag Set|Set of 5 | £13.99 Low Mid | Organise Your Gear With a Range of Different Sizes |
The Aqua Quest Marina is the perfect middle-of-the-road dry bag. It works just as well when kayaking as it does when roaming through the wilderness, and it's this versatility that took it to our number one spot. The chances are that when buying this bag, you'll need it to do both well.
Furthermore, there are a few decent size options available to buyers, and it's made from a solid PVC material. Not only that, but the roll-top closure and backpack carry straps both work well and it looks quite smart too, giving you plenty of reasons to keep this dry bag on your radar.
Here we have another option from the company Sea to Summit. This bag is designed more for traversing in inclement weather than for being on the water, although you can rest assured it will work very well in both situations. We can tell this because the design is all about its portability, with thick padded backpack straps and chest and waist harnesses.
Moreover, it's available in some mammoth sizes, such as 90 and 120 litres. Therefore, if you're planning on heading into the wilderness for a long journey, then this will, quite literally, have your back. It's a little more expensive than many of the other options, but sometimes in life, you get what you pay for.
If you're looking for a set to stay organised, then this offering from Vango is an excellent choice. Not only can you arrange the contents separately, but each bag is also a different colour, so you can colour-code your contents and make everything much easier to find later down the line.
The set comes in three different sizes of 2, 6 and 13 litres, meaning there's plenty of space for a weekend away. Likewise, you could just take one of the smaller bags if you're only heading out on a day trip.
This oval-shaped sack from Ultra Dry Adventurer is 100% waterproof and will keep all your gear protected from rain, snow, sleet and practically anything else Mother Nature can throw at it. Plus, not only do you get the backpack, which comes in various capacities, but you also get a free waterproof phone case thrown in for those mid-paddle action shots and selfies.
The bag utilises the roll-top closure and comes with multiple D-ring attachments, should you need to attach your bag in different ways. Not only that, but you'll get two carry strap handles for transporting your goods.
This offering from Arteesol is a strong, durable dry bag that will provide solid waterproof protection for your items. This is the third incarnation of the design, with the company improving and updating the piece each time. It has to be said that by now, they seem to have hit their stride.
The bag seems to have a bit of everything, with a roll-top for the main compartment and a sealed zipper for the external pocket. Alongside that, you also have the two carry straps that see the bag work as a traditional backpack when you're out of the water.
Dry bags are certainly more about function and not aesthetics, but having one with a touch of style isn't going to hurt. Step forward this option from the always-cool Fjällräven, whose 23-litre capacity makes it an ideal smaller weekend bag for those who like to travel light.
Additionally, the bag has an internal laptop sleeve to keep your electronics safe, as well as two external pockets on its sides. As with many top-tier big brand goods, it's considerably more expensive than the other options, so it's up to you whether you want to pay that extra cost. However, it is more versatile than most.
With this set from Keep Fit Kit, you don't just get a backpack but also a smaller gadget pouch too. The big bag is available in two different sizes, 10 or 20 litres, while the smaller bag's capacity is not divulged. We expect it's more than enough for the essentials, though, and it handily straps around the waist for easy access.
The main bag can be carried using either one or two straps, meaning you can work with whichever is comfiest for you. The only feature we're concerned about is the small gadget bag's closure, as it uses a seal zippered lock and Velcro which isn't as robust as a roll-top.
Big River Sack by name, Big River Sack by nature. If you need a dry bag to carry a ton of weekend outdoor gear, this mammoth 65-litre option is sure to be up to the task. A feature we particularly like is the inner white lining, which makes it much easier to see inside.
The shape also makes it easier to pack and the D-rings are robust and reliable. It might be a little on the large side for your average adventurer, but if you like to get out on the water or in the wild frequently and for days at a time, then this will be right up your street.
Karrimor are a British company (hence the logo) who focus on creating top-quality backpacks and outdoor equipment for both novice explorers and pro mountaineers. Here, we have their take on the dry bag. It's a pretty simple and straightforward option, with just one large compartment and a roll-top.
The bright orange is good for visibility, but if it's a bit much, you also have the choice of four other colours including neutrals, blues and reds. A potential downside is that some buyers have found the clip a little unreliable, which is not something you want to be worrying about if you're out on the water.
Getting us underway is this set from Zavarea. What you'll find is a pack of five waterproof dry bags in a range of sizes from 1.5 to 6 litres, meaning that although they don't have pockets, it will be a little easier to organise your belongings.
Furthermore, each of these bags has a D-ring, which allows you to string them together should you need to. However, some people have found that the nylon used for the bags is quite thin, which makes us question their durability. They're affordable, but perhaps best for occasional use.
No. 1: Aqua Quest |Mariner
No. 2: Sea to Summit|Hydraulic Dry Package
No. 3: Vango|Dry Bag |Set of 3
No. 4: Ultra Dry Adventurer |Premium Waterproof Bag
No. 5: Arteesol |Waterproof Dry Bag
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