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What’s the best dry bag for kayaking and backpacking?
A good lightweight dry bag is a must on trips that include kayaking, rafting and paddle boarding. But you don’t have to do any water sports to benefit from the freedom a quality dry bag gives. It allows you to go on a hike no matter the weather. Not surprisingly, for many it’s the next most important piece of hiking gear after footwear. To help you find the right dry bag for your adventure, here we have selected some of the best dry bags.
Some of them are smaller, others — bigger, all — high-quality.
Table of Contents
Best Dry Bag for Kayaking and Backpacking
No more stressing about the weather forecast.
With a proper dry bag you are always good to go. Just in case you are considering making a DIY dry bag, check out these hassle-free and cool looking quality dry bags first!
1. HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag With Phone Case (click for more details)
Waterproof dry bag with vacuum seal.
Overall, the best dry bag for kayaking and hiking, our favorite.
This dry bag has 0.02” thick wear resistant walls and a double layer super thick bottom. The 0.6” wide seal makes sure that the water is locked out. The 5 liter and 10 liter bags have a wide adjustable strap. But the 20 liter, 30 liter and 40 liter bags have double adjustable straps that allow you to wear them as backpacks.
There is also a convenient handle on the side.
SIZE: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 liter
EXTRAS: mini dry bag / small waterproof bag for a phone
2. Earth Pak Dry Bag With Phone Case (click for more details)
Fully waterproof dry bag with shoulder straps.
The bag is made out of 500D PVC material. The 10 and 20l dry bag come with a single strap. The 30 liter, 40 liter and 55 liter bags have two straps for backpack style carrying and sternum strap for added stability. The 55 liter bag also has a heavy duty waist belt. All of these bags are lightweight and very packable.
You can easily keep them in your hiking backpack when not in use.
SIZE: 10, 20, 30, 40, 55 liter
EXTRAS: IPX8 Certified 6.5” small dry bag for a phone
3. Unplug Heavy Duty Waterproof Duffel Bag (click for more details)
Large backpack duffel bag, available up to an extra large size.
These bags go up to 155 liters. If you are looking for a very large dry bag, that’s also easy to carry, it may be your best option. The biggest one is big enough to even carry a kayak.
The bag is made out of 1680D TPU coated 100% waterproof material. With strengthened tie down points, end grab handles and durable buckles, it’s designed for heavy duty conditions. The shoulder straps of this waterproof duffel bag are padded and breathable for extra comfort. The bag has a lockable and waterproof YKK zipper.
SIZE: 65, 110, 155 liter
EXTRAS: 5-year warranty
4. Skog Ã… Kust DrySÃ¥k Waterproof Floating Dry Bag (click for more details)
Watertight bag with a cool print and slip pocket at the front.
This fun looking dry bag is made out of 500D, PVC material. The bag is IPX6 certified. The front pocket is water resistant and has a reflective trim that makes you visible, as well as makes it easier for you to find your bag in darkness. Its shoulder strap is adjustable and removable.
Great choice for paddle boarding or kayaking, but note that these bags can’t float.
SIZE: 5, 10, 20 liter
EXTRAS: water resistant slip pocket with reflective trim
5. Wise Owl Outfitters Waterproof Dry Bag – 3 Pack (click for more details)
Submersible dry bag set of three bags in different sizes.
A good budget deal. These bags are made out of 190D diamond ripstop polyester with airtight weave and waterproof coating. If they are not overpacked, they float well. The total weight of the set is only 10 oz / 283 g. If you are looking for dry bags that are submersible and can be carried by attaching to your backpack, the Wise Owl Outfitters set is a great choice.
But mind that they don’t have shoulder straps.
SIZE: 5, 10, 20 liter
EXTRAS: submersible, D-ring for easy attaching to a backpack
6. MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag (click for more details)
Durable, heavy duty roll top dry bag that floats.
This dry bag is made out of 500D ripstop tarpaulin and feature sturdy seam construction, made possible by its advanced thermo welding technology. The result is tear, rip and puncture proof. The 5 liter and 10 liter bags have a single shoulder strap, while 20 liter and 30 liter bags have two detachable straps. The 40 liter bag has comfortable backpack style straps.
These bags can float. Just make sure to close the bag completely.
SIZE: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 liter
EXTRAS: double sided PVC material that is much stronger
Photo by Alexander Bobrov from Pexels
What Is a Dry Bag?
Dry bag is a waterproof bag designed to keep your belongings dry.
Many dry bags have roll top closure that is fastened with two buckles. This keeps your belongings dry in the rain, under water splashes or even when put directly in the water. It’s important to understand that not all dry bags offer the same level of water protection. Some are built for rain, while others can also be submerged in water.
Dry sacks and backpack style dry bags have become outdoor essentials for many. You can easily use a 10l dry bag that fits a towel, snacks and a water bottle as your daypack for hiking, beach day or sightseeing. Even on a sunny day. You don’t need to wait for the rain to use it. A dry bag can easily replace your EDC backpack and they look cool.
How to Find the Best Dry Bag For Yourself?
How to find the best dry bag for backpacking that suits your needs?
Let’s make this super simple.
Generally speaking it’s mostly about these 4 simple things.
1. Water Protection
Are all dry bags waterproof?
They are water resistant, for sure. But not all are waterproof.
Some dry bags will keep the contents dry under some splashes of water or when being accidentally dropped in the water. But others can float in the water or even be submerged under water when diving.
When comparing the bags look for deniers. That will let you know how thick the fabric fiber is. The higher the number, e.g., 1680D the more water resistant the fabric will be. Another criteria is water resistance score, e.g., IPX8. The higher the last digit, the more water resistant the product is.
2. Durability
How to know that a dry bag or a backpack dry bag is durable?
How to be sure that it will last more than just one trip?
Most of the best dry bags are made out of good quality polyester or nylon materials. But seams are equally important. Some bags are welded at extra high temperature, to make them more durable, while others feature extra wide seams (to achieve the same result). Double bottom and double layer fabric are other great solutions to make the bag last longer. Pay attention to these characteristics!
Lastly, pay attention to the straps. If you plan to carry your dry bag on your shoulders, the straps should be wide enough and the buckles and hooks should be well made to be able to hold the weight of a fully packed bag.
3. Size
What size hiking / kayak dry bag should you choose?
For day trips the most popular size is 20 liter. If you’re going on a longer trip, think of at least a 30 liter dry bag. That said, not always you will want to carry all your items in the dry bag. Perhaps you already have a good backpack and will use the roll top dry bag just for the most important items. In that case a 5 liter or 10 liter dry bag may work just fine.
Nevertheless, there are also dry bags that are as big as a kayak.
If you want to carry large items, there are extra large bags for that too.
4. Extras
What other details to look for in dry bags?
When it comes to dry bags for camping, transparent material is not just a matter of style. See-through material allows you to get your items without turning the whole bag upside down. As well as pockets allow you to separate the most important things from the rest. Straps that allow them to be arranged in different positions for shoulder and crossbody carrying are also useful to have.
Other smaller details like D-ring, zipper pulls and reflective trims can be helpful in unexpected situations too.
What is your experience with dry bags and kayaking gear? What’s the best dry bag you have tried so far?
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