The Best Dry Bags of 2022
Dry bags have a vital responsibility to keep their interior possessions arid as a bone. If you've ever had your whitewater raft lodged upside down, only to find that every single item of overnight clothing is drenched, then you know a dry bag is a sanctuary in the wilderness.
There are a ton of dry bag sizes and applications, and a single bag won't suit every person. To help you find the right bag for your adventure, we've highlighted a variety of options.
Best Overall: YETI Panga 75 Dry Duffel
The Panga stands out among waterproof duffel designs. It's been a few years since this YETI bag was released and we've been continually impressed. It's super durable, holds a ton of gear (the 75L is 11 x 12 x 15.5 inches), and is incredibly adaptable in the ways it can be strapped to a boat. The Panga ($300-350) comes in both 50L and 75L versions.
"My favorite quality of this duffel is the variety of tie-down points, which makes rigging up the gear super easy and helps keep everything tight," said one tester, who took the duffel on a multiday river and flat-water canyon trip.
The bag's six lash points are uniquely arranged in a line, like a daisy chain. And there are four handles-two on the top and two on the bottom-plus four points where the comfortable backpack-style dry-haul straps attach.
And the HydroLok zipper performed well. "I'd never used a dry bag with a zipper closure, but not a drop of moisture got into my bag on the entire trip," our tester reported.
The EVA-molded bottom is waterproof and rugged, and the laminated, high-density nylon shell is thick enough that even the long nails of an excited 60-pound husky didn't puncture the walls.
We've checked this bag countless times while flying, stuffed it to the gills, and submersed it regularly. Through it all, our gear has come back dry, safe, and protected. Yes, it's an investment, but it's one that will last.
Best Budget Dry Bag: NRS Bill's Bag Dry Bag 65L
Bill's Bag ($159) is simple, classic, and reliable-and about one-third the price of comparably sized bags. We like that the bag is durable, can hold all our apparel for overnight trips, and is also malleable enough that it can compact down and fit as a day bag on the front of a standup paddleboard.
"Plus, the fold-down closure system is soft and easy to use," said one tester, who hiked with the dry bag and board during a mountain lake to paddle.
The adjustable backpack harness with padded shoulder straps is convenient but removable, which is key for reducing potential snags. The four compression straps help condense and cement gear into place, and the aluminum fasteners on the straps are dependable.
One drawback: Fold-down or roll tops are easy to use, but there's room for user error. Make sure your roll is tight and practice before you go.
Best Day Bag: Watershed Chattooga 22L
The quality and durability of the 22L Chattooga ($135) set a high bar among dry bag standards. At 10 x 19.25 x 9.5 inches, this duffel is an ideal day bag for anytime access to important gear.
Four hard lash points create durable tiedown points. And two compression straps squeeze the load together. We like that the convenient carry handle is lightly padded for comfort.
Plus, the ZipDry closure on this bag is bombproof. We could hardly get it open once it was closed, which is reassuring but can also be slightly annoying. It's basically a heavy-duty ziplock bag closure.
"No water or animal or dust particle is getting inside that bag," said one tester, who used the dry bag to carry goods for two people on a standup paddleboard day trip in the mountains.
The ZipDry closure tab is made from a new superstrong material, Armathane, for an even longer lifespan. Note: After January 2020, these bags will include a clear reinforcement panel on the top of the sides for additional durability.
