Are you planning your next wet hiking trip? If that’s the case, you probably don’t want to leave your valuable items at home.
Yet, considering you’ll be out in nature where everything is unpredictable, bringing them with you seems a bit scary. Well, it looks like you need to start thinking about the best dry bags for hiking that you can find.
AT A GLANCE: OUR TOP 5 PICKS FOR HIKING FANNY PACKS
- Best Overall Value Ydrybag 20/30/40 L
- Best Budget Choice Zbro 20/30/40 L
- Pocket-rich BRU Active 35 L
- Bassdash 24 L
- MIER 30 L
Our main goal is to help our readers pick the best equipment for their hiking trips, thus making sure they get the most out of their experience.
On a side note, since you’re here, you might be interested in our comprehensive list comprising the top-performing waterproof hiking backpacks of 2021.
That’s why we spend many hours testing products, reading reviews, and gather unbiased opinions.
In the end, we structure the collected information and present it to you in the best possible way, not sparing a single important detail including features, benefits, specifications, as well as pros and cons.
It might be a pain to search for a quality dry bag, mostly because it’s difficult to find a durable one that can keep your contents really dry. It gets even tougher when you think about the hiking aspect – the bag has to be comfortable to carry and to have adequate organization options.
Browsing endlessly on Google or Amazon doesn’t help either, not unless you actually know what features to look for. Well, in this post, you’ll find plenty of information that will show you exactly why a particular dry bag is good for you.
We did our best to include bags you can really trust, bags with proven quality, and tested functionality.
We also added a buying guide at the end of the list, so you know what features you should pay attention to when getting a dry bag. In addition, I will quickly show you how to use one the right way so you don’t end up with your clothes or valuables soaking wet.
Are you ready to discover some amazing dry bags? Let’s get to it, then!
Table of ContentsOur Top PickThe Best Dry Bags For Hiking Of 2021: Quick Overview#1 Piscifun Angry Face 20/40/50 L#2 Relentless Recreation 30 L#3 Earth Pak Summit 35/55 L#4 Idrybag 20/30/40 L#5 Bassdash 24 L#6 Zbro 20/30/40 L#7 BRU Active 35 L Dry Bag#8 MIER 30 L Dry SackHow To Properly Seal And Pack A Dry BagHow Waterproof Is My Dry Bag Exactly?5 Crucial Features To Consider When Choosing The Best Dry Bag For YouFabricsSide Water PocketsOuter And Inner PocketsHarness Designed For HikingPadding And VentilationFAQHow to clean my dry bag?Do dry bags float?Can I swim with my dry bag?Will the phone case keep my phone dry?Conclusion (Plus Infographic)
Our Top Pick
In order to choose the best dry bag, we scrutinized its trail-friendly features. After all, that’s what makes it suitable exclusively for hiking.
In other words, we searched for a hiking backpack that’s a dry bag.
IDRYBAG 20/30/40 L
- Fully waterproof with IP68 rating.
- Superior harness including chest and waist strap.
- Fully padded and breathable back panel.
- Multiple pockets including a see-through built-in smartphone pocket and a separate small dry bag for extra storage.
View At Amazon
Last update on 2021-08-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
And after a meticulous examination, this is undoubtedly #4 IDRYBAG. It comes in different volumes – 20, 30 or 40 L. This impressive bag has it all:
Last but not least, the price is tempting too.
The Best Dry Bags For Hiking Of 2021: Quick Overview
*Ingress Protection rating – measures the level of protection against dust, water, and solid objects. More info in the “How Waterproof Is My Dry Bag Exactly?” section
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | MIER |
| View On Amazon → |
 | Piscifun Angry Face |
| View On Amazon → |
 | Relentless Recreation |
| View On Amazon → |
 | Earth Pak Summit |
| View On Amazon → |
Best Overall Value | Idrybag |
| View On Amazon → |
 | Bassdash |
| View On Amazon → |
Best Budget Choice | Zbro |
| View On Amazon → |
Many Pockets | BRU Active |
| View On Amazon → |
#1 Piscifun Angry Face 20/40/50 L
Click image to see the bag at Amazon.
Here’s a nice example of what you get when you combine durability with comfort. The Angry Face boasts with 500D PVC material and a waterproof phone case. This dry pack is great for multiple uses – hiking, boating, camping, and even swimming. An outer pouch and an inner pouch will allow you to you keep your valuables safe and sort them out as you see fit. The ergonomic padding on the back panel and on the shoulder straps will alleviate strain and discomfort on longer hikes. See it!
You certainly want to make sure you can fit all the necessary items in your dry bag, and luckily, you will not have any issue in that regard with this particular one.
You can choose between three sizes with three different volumes – 20L, 40L, and 50L. The 20L one (2.1 pounds) measures 15.7” x 11.8”. The 40L one (2.4 pounds) measures 17.7” x 12.6”, while the 50L one (3 pounds) measures 22” x 14.4”.
If you’re not sure about the size, my advice is to go for the 40L because it’s neither too big nor small. It’s more flexible and you never know when you might need that extra space. For trips longer than 2-3 days you will need the 50 L.
The product is made out of rugged 500D PVC ripstop nylon which is proven to be fully waterproof. So water won’t penetrate inside, thus keeping your gear dry and safe from any damage and moisture.
Besides, the material will not tear apart easily because a PVC with such a high denier is really bombproof. That’s why it’s among the best dry bags this season. Perfect for day trips.
But now let’s see what ended up impressing us about this already great bag, and what we didn’t like so much.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
#2 Relentless Recreation 30 L
Click image to see the pack at Amazon.
You can easily keep your most important gear safe and secure stowed in this celebrated rolltop bag. Coming with a see-through smartphone pocket on the front and padded harness, you can rest assured you’ll get the results you want from a dependable dry bag. Sturdy and lightweight, it also has the comfort that you normally expect from a regular hiking daypack. With 3 quick access and capacious pockets, you will not lack the space you need to bring all your belongings with you.
Coming in 3 color combinations, this highly rated 30L dry bag is suitable for anyone headed to an adventurous trip that involves water. It will keep your gear dry no matter what.
There is more than enough space to fit your valuables inside, and you even have mesh outer pockets to hold your bottles. There’s a front pocket too for your dry clothes.
Both of them are very easy to reach because they’re on the top right side and not on the bottom as with many other packs. So you can easily access them on the go which is cool.
To make sure you can wear it with ease, the bag features not only padded straps and a chest strap but also a carrying handle. What’s best is that it’s lightweight – only 1.5 lbs or 0.690 kg. That’s why it made it to this list of the best dry bags of summer 2021.
That’s a nice benefit because most dry bags tend to be heavy due to the solid PVC material and ripstop nylon they are made out of.
Let’s find out the pros and cons of this pack. I also suggest you check out our detailed hands-on Unigear dry bag review. This is a great bag that really impressed us.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
#3 Earth Pak Summit 35/55 L
Click image to see the pack at Amazon.
There’s a lot to love about this top-selling bag. Robust and easy to carry, it is perfect for adventure travel involving water. Because of the roll-top closure with a buckle, it is easy to fold and use. What’s more, it offers complete waterproof protection, and it comes with a waterproof phone case as well. The padded harness and back panel will add comfort and make sure no pressure on stress points will ruin your trip. This bag’s a hit among adventurers. Check it out!
Earth Pak Summit is available in two sizes and multiple colors like most hiking drybags. You will have fun choosing between black, gray, yellow, blue and green. Also, you can either have a 35L or a 55L model.
You can use the bigger version to store and protect your tent since tent bags are not made to be waterproof.
In both cases, you receive tons of well-organized space for a trip that lasts more than just a day. The weight of the 35 L Earth Pak is 2.5 lbs and the 55 L monstrous bag weighs 2.8 lbs.
Made from a 500D PVC material and ripstop nylon, nothing you store inside the Earth Pak will get wet. This bag will keep your gear dry. Besides, the fabric is air permeable, allowing for good breathability. Still, below are the things that we found great and not so great about this waterproof bag with an ergonomic design.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
#4 Idrybag 20/30/40 L
Click image to see the pack at Amazon.
What’s better than a dry bag that not only does a great job in preventing water damage but also comes with all the features of a complete hiking pack? And that at an affordable price that includes a bonus – a separate 2 L dry bag! This rucksack also has an ergonomic design with three waterproof layers and super comfortable adjustable harness with an emergency whistle. Let’s see it.
Excellent for hiking and multiple outdoor activities, the Idrybag pack is considered by many as a worthwhile investment. Again, the material here is strong 500D PVC fabric and ripstop nylon with a lightweight design that’s also air permeable. Plus taped seams for further protection.
An impressive durability!
Furthermore, it doesn’t just provide water resistance, it’s fully waterproof (IP68 certified) and it closes with a roll top system that seals the opening. This heavy duty dry sack will keep your gear dry. It comes with instructions how to use it so that you make sure to protect your essentials properly.
Depending on where you want to go, you can get the bag in 20L (2.1 lbs), 30L (2.6 lbs) or 40L (3.1 lbs). It has an ergonomic rectangular shape.
But what are the good and the bad parts of this product? Here’s what we discovered.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
#5 Bassdash 24 L
The best thing about Bassdash is that you receive top-notch quality for a reasonable price. With this dry bag you don’t have to worry about not being able to bring what you need for your trip and seamlessly protect it. The IPX6 waterproof design, the cushioned padded harness, and the breathable back plate – you have it all. This is a quite comfy, lightweight, and tough pack. Check it out!
Lightweight as a dry bag could be – 1.9 lbs. or 861 grams and with an upgraded water proofing using high frequency welding, Bassdash goes beyond the industry norms. It’s foldable and you can carry it in your main backpack if needed, without adding extra weight.
Unlike other dry bags on our list, this one uses 420D high density nylon combined with strong TPU lamination for maximum water resistance. The taped seams contribute to that as well.
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is better than the regular PVC. Besides being more durable, it’s abrasion resistant and more breathable.
That gives the bag rugged character so you know you can use it and even abuse it. No matter if you hike in heavy rain, or your trip involves rafting, the bag does its job flawlessly. Hundreds of verified buyers are quite happy with it.
It folds down and seals with a buckle on each side, to fully protect your gear from dampening. But don’t worry, it comes with a short user manual and I’ll explain later how to close a dry bag properly.
And the rectangular shape fits quite well in larger backpacks.
Now, let’s jump to the pros and cons.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
#6 Zbro 20/30/40 L
Click image to see the dry bag at Amazon.
Slick and firm, Zbro comes with a lifetime warranty and that’s a cool benefit already. The dry bag can float and it has removable shoulder harness and bungee cord compression system on the front. It’s lightweight, and it offers reliable protection of your items. Zbro would be a necessary addition if you’d like to make your adventure safe and comfortable. Check this bag out!
This pack comes in several colors and three sizes. So you have options to choose from, which gives you the freedom to decide what’s best for you depending on your hike.
The 20 L bag makes a cool daypack that weighs only 1.8 lbs or 816 grams. The 30 L version is suitable for trips where you need to take more items or simply more bulky objects. Its weight is 1.9 lbs or 862 grams.
You can take the 40 L bag if you plan on hiking on long weekend trips or you just have to wear your kids’ stuff. It’s enough stable and comfortable. Expectedly, the extra weight is more, though – 2 lbs or 908 grams.
No surprise when it comes to the material. Dry bags that claim to be watertight should have extra strong fabrics. As with most other dry bags, Zbro has 500D PVC ripstop nylon which is quite sturdy and you will notice that when you hold it. It provides awesome water resistance thanks to the taped seams too.
Here are the pros and cons.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
#7 BRU Active 35 L Dry Bag
What a funny name and what a stylish bag! This model is on our list not only because of its well thought out trail-friendly features. It’s also because of the attractive price. It has padded adjustable shoulder harness and a back panel that’s cushioned on stress points. You’ll be surprised by the many pockets and its ergonomic, versatile design. This is a premium pack that extreme adventurers just love!
Although voguish, this dry bag has a very simple and easy-to-use design. With a nice color, BRU Active can be easily adjusted for an ultimate fit. What makes it stand out from the rest is the multitude of pockets. You’ll be able to organize any type of gear effortlessly, which is a cool plus.
Made of robust PVC tarpaulin, BRU Active is fully leak-proof to prevent water from getting in. It’s proven to provide great water resistance. Your stuff will stay dry. At the same time, you’ll see how effortlessly it is to maneuver with it. That’s because it’s lightweight, despite the robust fabrics. The pack weighs only 1.8 lbs or 860 grams.
Good news for all ultralight hiking fanatics! It won’t add extra weight to your load.
The pack opens with a roll top closure that protects your essentials. Don’t forget to fully roll it and buckle it up! The taped seams don’t leak, as they are sealed.
The shoulder harness and the chest belt are easy to adjust so you can obtain maximum comfort, as well as a better ability to carry it. Conveniently, there’s hip belt for further load distribution. The rubber handle is also pretty convenient because it’s flexible and strong – something you need when you hand-carry the bag.
In addition, it is a great ally when you go hiking, but also when you want to go snowboarding, kayaking, camping, fishing or anything of the sort. You can put in there various clothing such as a windbreaker or your warm leggings for hiking.
Now, let’s see some benefits and downsides of this dry bag.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
#8 MIER 30 L Dry Sack
Hope you’re ready to enjoy the recognizable quality courtesy of Mier Sports – a big name in the industry. Made with a 210D TPU coated ripstop nylon and durable water repellent layer, this bag can safely handle quick submersions. You even get an inner Ipad pocket for convenience. It has more pockets that you’d expect from a dry bag and the adjustable harness technology is top-notch. It’s a pack with which hiking in wet conditions is a breeze.
The MIER dry bag is one of those items that can’t be missing from your hiking arsenal.
It has a lot of features that make it suitable for a complete adventure. Being large enough, it can fit most of your gear for a fulfilling day trip. Overnight hiking? No worries. There’s enough space.
The bag weighs only 2. lbs or 900 grams, which means you will not have to worry about the weight slowing you down. It’s true that Mier is not the lightest pack on our list, but it’s quite versatile, durable, and functional.
With it, you could easily carry 55 lbs. and it will feel comfortable on your back. If you spend some time reading the reviews online, you will see that often, buyers call this bag “the best dry backpack on the market”.
This is a regular roll top closure bag. The closure has a strong buckle. The robust construction is designed to withstand submersion and rugged use thanks to the welded seamless design. Your belongings are sure to stay dry.
The Mier pack has an IP66 enclosure and taped seams. And a TPU lamination for further sturdiness too. It has more then average water resistance qualities. Technically, it means the fabrics could withstand strong water jets and still protect your essentials. It works exactly as described, and that’s backed up by the positive consumer feedback.
It has a media pocket in the main compartment where you can store your smartphone, Kindle reader or any other valuable objects. I usually out there either my phone or my wallet. It’s a cool feature that you’ll surely use.
Let’s get straight to the point, though – here are some great things about the bag, but also some aspects that could use some improvement.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
How To Properly Seal And Pack A Dry Bag
You cannot overlook the importance of using and packing a dry bag the right way to take the most out of its water resistance. Otherwise, how are you supposed to have a safe protection for your items?
The first thing you need to keep in mind is to put the most important essentials at the very top. By doing so, it will be easy to reach your belongings for any situation. If it gets dark, you can quickly grab a torch, for example.
Begin by putting bulky stuff such as your clothes or sleeping bag at the bottom. In that way you’ll distribute the entire load more evenly starting from the heaviest items and ending with the lightest ones.
If you have trouble packing, maybe you should consider using waterproof packing cubes. They save space and organize your gear better. In most of them, your gear will stay dry in wet conditions.
Make sure not to put any breakable bottles inside. If you bring beer or any other liquids, use plastic bottles or titanium ones.
Most dry bags have a roll top closure. To properly seal your rucksack, bring the two sides together, then fold it over, making sure you have a nice, clean fold. Then, you have to get the air out of the bag, by pushing it and waiting for the air to escape.
Continue folding and fold it about four times. If no air goes out, then no water can get in. Secure the straps and the buckles and test it. Don’t forget to test it. Just in case, I will repeat – test it. If there’s no issue with it, it’s ready to be used.
Also, don’t forget to follow the instructions described in the user manual that your dry bag comes with.
How Waterproof Is My Dry Bag Exactly?
In case you noticed, when describing the bags, for many, we mention their IP rating. In fact, in every shipping package, the manufacturer includes that rating. It’s either in the user manual or in the product specifications.
That’s the ingress protection rating, sometimes referred to as enclosure or certification.
In layman’s language, it measures the level of protection that your bag provides against water and interaction with other elements such as dust and friction with solid objects.
The IP rating is usually followed by two digits and an optional letter. The first digit shows how strong is the material when exposed to dust and solid objects. The second digit measures the level of water tightness.
As you’re already guessing, the highest the rating, the more solid the material is. When it comes to the level of protection against dust and solid objects, 6 is the maximum. As for the water tightness, 9 is the maximum.
Every decent dry bag has an IP rating of either IP66 or IP68. For example, #4 Idrybag on our list is IP68 certified.
It means that, first, it’s completely protected against physical contact with objects, and second, it’s able to handle submersions deeper than 1 meter.
To take another example, #7 Faroe Wild Dry Bag has an IP66 enclosure. The second “6” means that the pack can resist shallow submersions and heavy splashes of water.
For more information about the IP rating, read more here.
Many folks wrongly believe that every dry bag is good for prolonged swimming. That’s true only when the pack has a rating of IPX8 and beyond. Otherwise, the pack will handle accidental shallow submersion, heavy rain, and in general – splashes of water.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the IP rating. In that way you will know its limits and best use.
5 Crucial Features To Consider When Choosing The Best Dry Bag For You
If you want a high-quality dry bag for hiking, either for yourself or as a gift, then you must consider the following features.
Fabrics
The material of the dry bag is extremely important. The more durable and waterproof it is, the better. When shopping for a dry bag, make sure it is at least 500D PVC, because that’s when you know it is waterproof and durable enough.
Otherwise, you risk getting a bag that will leak or tear apart easily. Also, it’s best that the rucksack has an Ingression Protection rating of at least IP66 (see previous section) or above. That will ensure you a 100 percent protection against elements and water.
The last thing you want is to end up with your camera or laptop swimming in your bag.
Side Water Pockets
You have to stay hydrated when you’re hiking, and that’s why your dry bag must have at least one bottle holder on either side.
Otherwise, you have to put your bottle in the main compartment or stabilize it using the bungee cords on the exterior (if any). While that’s far from impossible, it’s a bit impractical.
Outer And Inner Pockets
Don’t be surprised to learn that dry bags are not designed with many pockets and separate compartments.
In that regard, they differ from regular hiking backpacks. With that being said, make sure to have at least one inner pocket and one external one (not counting the water bottle holders).
Sometimes, the highlight of a trail is a sandy, sunny beach!
Most dry bags also have gear loops on the exterior. This allows you to attach bulky gear with carabiners. Think about that too. In addition, look for bags that have built-in pockets for smartphones or come with a separate phone case that’s fully waterproof.
Let’s face the truth – even in nature we can’t live without our smartphones. So at least, let’s protect them.
Harness Designed For Hiking
Many dry bags don’t have shoulder straps or only a single one. While that’s great if you’re kayaking or rafting, it’s not a viable solution for walking.
At least two shoulder straps must be added to your dry bag. If not, there might be an uneven weight distribution, which will cause plenty of discomfort.
What’s also important is your bag to have a chest strap and a hip belt. It makes a huge difference when it comes to the right fit and efficient load distribution.
Padding And Ventilation
The padding on the straps will protect your back and shoulders from irritation and rubbing. Plus, it will ease the tension from carrying the load for long hours. That’s a crucial feature, especially if you plan on hiking extensively with the dry bag on your back.
You need padding and ventilation on your bag on hot summer days.
You’d also want that the back panel provides some air circulation. That will save you on hot days. Look for packs whose back panel has a space between your back and the pack.
FAQ
Faq
How to clean my dry bag?
You can use warm water to rinse the exterior and remove any dirt. When you’re ready to store your bag, you can use a toothbrush to clean the closures and remove any debris. Avoid using laundry and dry machines as this may result in damaging the waterproof material. Consult this article for more info.
Do dry bags float?
Yes. They can float for a certain time while keeping the contents dry.
Can I swim with my dry bag?
It depends on how waterproof it is. The IP rating is a good measurement of that. If it’s IPX8 certified – yes you can. But if it’s IPX6 or less, it’s not advisable to do it. Test first to be sure.
Will the phone case keep my phone dry?
Although phone cases are generally IP68 certified, it’s still recommended to be cautious around water because you can never be too sure. The best way to know is to test with any other object inside first. That’s the most secure method to have an exact answer.
Conclusion (Plus Infographic)
Hopefully, this list of dry bags and the buying guide will help you get the most suitable bag for you. Choosing a dry bag requires some extra attention because after all, you’re risking the safety of your gear when exposed to water.
From Visually.
I made sure to include only high-quality packs proven to work well so that you can use any of them worry-free. Now go and enjoy hiking and water.
Do you have any comments, remarks or feedback regarding some dry bags? Leave them below!
Asen Stoyanchev
Founder of this website, Asen is a passionate hiker and writer who is also a gear nerd. He’s been featured on many established hiking websites where he gives hiking advice & tips. When he is not trekking with his family or friends, he is writing articles and product reviews. Asen spends most of his time in Bulgaria but he constantly travels the world in seek of more unforgettable experiences. Read more about Asen here.
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