Best Dry Bags In 2021
For everyday adventuring, a dry bag is essential for your kit list. You can't control the weather or avoid the lure of the water, but if you really want to safeguard your gear, then any one of our best dry bags is the only way to go.
A dry bag gives you the confidence to squeeze every drop out of each adventure, knowing that no matter what the environment throws at you, your clothes and gear are safe and water-free. There's nothing worse than that sinking feeling when you shake out your soggy sleeping bag or can't bag an awesome wildlife photo as your lovely new camera is waterlogged. But a dry pack can help turn the tide on these wilderness disasters.
Whether it's a sleek and simple dry sack for stowing aboard your fishing kayak or a heavy-duty waterproof duffel bag for a mountain camping trip, there's a dry bag out there for you. To help, we've put together our best dry bag favorites.
1. YETI Panga Airtight and Submersible Bag
We now go to the top end of our best dry bag review budget with the awesome Yeti Panga, which offers premium performance and quality. At just under $300, it's not a cheap ‘go to' drybag but a dry bag duffel that is perfect for the serious adventurer who can't avoid getting wet. Think long fishing trips, remote camping or extended wild river adventures and you get the gist. Totally submersible, airtight and waterproof, this is the heavyweight of our review, without actually packing on the extra pounds.
For its size, it is pleasantly lightweight and can hold a serious amount of stuff. The ‘Thickskin' shell outer is made from high-density, laminated nylon which is puncture and abrasion-resistant while its clips and fittings are totally hardcore. Sealed with a waterproof zipper, its hydro lock system creates a watertight seal at the zip's end dock, ensuring your gear remains secure. With its comfortable dry haul straps, you can carry, drag, lift or stash your Yeti Panga without worrying about offending it. This is a tough, waterproof dude that's happy to take the wet and the rough. If you love duffel bags, check out our selection of the best rolling duffel bags.
2. Earth Pak - Waterproof Dry Bag
We've picked out the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag as our Top Contender product as it's exceptionally high quality and well-rated by consumers. It durable and of high-quality construction, so should provide years of waterproof protection no matter how intrepid your outdoors pursuits might be. You have an option of 5 different sizes from a small capacity 10-liter bag up to a massive 55-liter bag which comes with an additional heavy-duty waist belt. Choose the size that suits the amount of gear you need to transport and protect on your trips. It also comes in a range of bright colors from an eye-popping yellow that will make sure you're highly visible as you rappel that waterfall, to a sleek black design.
What makes this Earth Pak so convenient is the addition of an IPX8 certified waterproof phone case. Featuring a clear front and back and a simple snap lock and access design, you can even take photos while your device is safely protected in the case. If you love photography or just want to capture your exploits on camera without damaging your phone, then this is an invaluable addition to your dry bag. The smaller sized kit bags are comfortable to carry while the larger sized ones come with backpack style shoulder straps and an adjustable waist and sternum strap so that you can secure and stabilize your load. Constructed from 500D PVC, they're the perfect companion dry bags to have by your side on that next camping or kayaking adventure.
3. IDRYBAG Waterproof Dry Bag
Our next dry bag recommendation is the IP68 certified waterproof multi-purpose bag from IDRYBAG. This 30-liter capacity bag comes in a choice of 4 different colors, each of which features the same honeycomb design carrying system. This is a customizable and comfortable system that supports the back through an ergonomic mechanic design. Thick straps can be fully adjusted for your comfort and there's also an additional waist buckle and sternum buckle so that you can carry heavy loads more evenly. The bag is double reinforced at all the major pressure points so that it's durable and wear-resistant. It's also constructed from a 500D waterproof nylon material that is scratchproof and high performing, ensuring no water can enter from the top of your dry sack.
IDRYBAG designs are intended to support a wide range of activities and can be used in most wet and dry conditions by all the family. Form camping and backpacking to mountaineering and kayaking. If you love spending outdoors and you are looking for a stylish and functional bag, then the IDRYBAG is a highly reliable option. Featuring both an outer and inner bag, use the inner section to store those higher value items. There's also a clear front pocket to store things you might want to quickly access, like a flashlight or a knife. For anyone trekking at night or in poor light conditions, this dry bag also features a reflective trim so that you are more visible.
4. Sea to Summit Event Compression Dry Bag
Compression dry bags are great if you need to reduce down the size of your clothing and soft gear, for easy carrying or storing inside a larger backpack. With the Sea to Summit Event compression dry sack, there's no need for bulky purge valve to make it water and airtight. Made from tough 70D nylon which has a soft and pliable feel, it uses its ‘eVent' air-permeable base to enable you to push down and out all the air inside the sack, leaving it compressed and watertight. Clip down the compression straps to keep it in shape and off you go. The sack, whether compressed or full size, remains waterproof, thanks to its 10,000mm hydrostatic head rating, which is enough to protect your gear when out on the water, but the makers recommend that you avoid prolonged full submersion. This compression sack is ideal as a camping dry bag. It can easily take a lightweight sleeping bag or your dry clothes although we feel the material is perhaps not quite tough enough for repeated dragging or storing on rough and rocky ground. If you love activities on the water, make sure you also check our guide to the best fishing backpacks.
5. Såk Gear DrySåk Waterproof Dry Bag
For a quality waterproof backpack that's robust enough for most outdoor activities but won't weigh you down on price, the DrySåk is easily our best choice. In two usable sizes – 10 and 20 liters – and with a removable carry strap, this smart dry pack takes you from canoe to music festival weekender without breaking into a sweat.
Made from 500-denier PVC, with welded seals and a roll-down top with secure clip, the main compartment will keep your clothes and gear dry while the easy-access side pocket is perfect for your smaller essentials. The outer pocket is only splash proof rather than watertight, so we recommend putting valuable items in their own waterproof cover, but it is handy for quick access to your daily essentials. We like the bright colors as your bag will be visible in the water should it go overboard. Leave a little air in the bag when you seal it and it floats easily too. To create a watertight seal, you do need to roll the top down several times, which means you may lose a little of the internal capacity but there should be enough space for overnight essentials. And at this price, you can always buy two!
6. Adventure Lion Premium Dry Bag
For a truly amphibious dry bag, check out the Premium dry pack from Adventure Lion, which is as happy in the water as it is on dry land! These are some of the best dry bags for kayakers and sailors and as they range from 5-40 liters, there's a size to cover most water/land trips.
Made from super-tough PVC that stays flexible even in the coldest temperatures and with a snug roll-top closure, this dry bag carries its waterproof credentials with pride. So confident are Adventure Lion in the durability of their Premium dry sacks, they offer a lifetime guarantee. Sealed tight, with a little air left in the main compartment, and the bag will also stay easily afloat, making the Adventure Lion a great dry bag for snorkelers too.
