Enjoy the Thrill of Water Sports With the Best Dry Bags
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Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag -
Wise Owl Outfitters Dry Bag -
Marchway Dry Bag -
HEETA Dry Bag -
Piscifun Dry Bag -
Buyer's Guide
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the thrill of water sports. But the water isn’t so friendly to our valuables like electronics. If you’ve ever dreamed of paddling through white water rapids, you need to make sure you have an excellent dry bag to protect fragile equipment such as cameras and GPS systems.
A dry bag is a simple, effective solution. Wallets, phones, and cameras can be safely stored in a compact dry bag for trips lasting only a few hours. Larger dry bags are essential for longer trips — such as weekend getaways — to keep food, clothing, and camping gear dry and clean. There are many options on the market and choosing one before you embark on your adventure can be frustrating. Don’t worry! We’ve researched and compiled a list of the top dry bags of 2022 to help you enjoy your favorite sports this summer. Let’s take a look!
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Features comfortable padded shoulder straps
- Multiple sizes for different needs
- Splash-proof pocket isn’t durable
- Only for light water exposure
Wise Owl Outfitters Dry Bag
- Multiple sizes ensure multipurpose use
- Comes in three colors
- 190D diamond polyester ensures durability
- Material is thin
Marchway Dry Bag
- Thick material ensures durability
- Simple, sturdy scratch-resistant design
- Features optional backstraps
- Not 100% waterproof
HEETA Dry Bag
- Transparent design makes finding your items easy
- Ideal for a range of outdoor activities
- Water-resistant to protect your valuables
- Not designed to withstand water pressure
Piscifun Dry Bag
- Unique, durable design
- Included dry pouch for your phone
- Nine vibrant color options
- Material is not heat-resistant
Comparing the Top Dry Bags of 2022 in Detail
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag - Best Overall
The waterproof dry bag from Earth Pak is designed to ensure that your goods remain dry whether you’re hiking, kayaking, cycling, commuting, or camping. Designed with a roll-top closure and a reinforced strip, you can rest assured that water will not enter this bag. What’s more, the inside and outside of the bag feature compartments to store your belongings. The outside features a big splash-proof zipper for easy access to essentials that you want to grab and go, while the inside features an integrated zipped pocket, mesh compartment, and key ring. We’ve chosen this innovative bag as our best overall choice because of its small, lightweight size, which makes it simple and efficient to use.
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Features comfortable padded shoulder straps
- Multiple sizes for different needs
- Splash-proof pocket isn’t durable
- Only for light water exposure
Wise Owl Outfitters Dry Bag - Optimal Durability
The Wise Owl Outfitters Dry Bag is multipurpose, durable, and secure. No matter what sport you’re participating in, this waterproof bag is made to protect your gear from getting wet and dirty. The use of light and robust 190D diamond ripstop polyester ensures this bag’s durability. What’s more, the leading feature of this bag is that it comes in a set of three sizes, allowing you to select a size that matches your needs at any given time. The bag also features a D-ring clip that can be used to secure your equipment. Put your worries about your belongings to rest with this bag knowing your camera, wallet, and keys will stay dry and protected no matter where you go.
- Multiple sizes ensure multipurpose use
- Comes in three colors
- 190D diamond polyester ensures durability
- Material is thin
Marchway Dry Bag - Best Material
The Marchway Dry Bag is a roll-top bag designed with a cylindrical shape that provides a modest level of protection against water. This bag is perfect for rafting or commuting in the rain. What’s more, this waterproof pack contains two backpack straps, allowing you to carry all of your items in one go. Made of heavy-duty ripstop tarpaulin that is resistant to scratches, this bag won’t get damaged or scraped up no matter where your adventure takes you. While this bag is incredibly durable, some find it not as waterproof as other options. That said, it should still provide adequate protection from light splashes, rain, and puddles. Featuring sturdy construction, the thick design of this bag makes it a durable, long-lasting choice.
- Thick material ensures durability
- Simple, sturdy scratch-resistant design
- Features optional backstraps
- Not 100% waterproof
HEETA Dry Bag - Most Versatile
If you're in the market for a versatile adventure pack that can double as a dry bag, check out the HEETA Dry Bag. You can use this versatile dry bag for various outdoor activities, including boating and kayaking. What’s more, your arms and shoulders won't be taxed by the weight of this ultra-compact waterproof dry bag. Thanks to its superb waterproofing, you don't have to worry about your electronics getting wet when you’re out exploring the wilderness. As an added bonus, this dry bag can be used for any outdoor activity thanks to its robust, wear-resistant material.
- Transparent design makes finding your items easy
- Ideal for a range of outdoor activities
- Water-resistant to protect your valuables
- Not designed to withstand water pressure
Piscifun Dry Bag - Best Design
To most manufacturers, a dry bag is a dry bag; there seems to be little interest in making their dry bags more visually appealing. The colors and patterns on most dry bags are either boringly simple or sometimes even downright unattractive. If you’re tired of the same old nondescript waterproof dry bag designs, this dry bag from Piscifun might grab your attention thanks to its unique design. The PVC material used to make this dry bag is durable enough to withstand the rigors of the wilderness. The fact that it's visually appealing doesn't detract from its capabilities; it performs admirably well under adverse conditions. There's also an IPX8-certified dry pouch for your smartphone - it's completely waterproof and doesn't block any touchscreen functionality.
- Unique, durable design
- Included dry pouch for your phone
- Nine vibrant color options
- Material is not heat-resistant
Buyer's Guide
Dry bags, in a nutshell, are simply waterproof bags that keep your valuables dry. Sturdy construction prevents water from penetrating and the sealing system ensures that no moisture will make its way inside. It may seem like all dry bags are the same at first glance, but this is far from true. Some can only withstand a small amount of water, while others can be entirely submerged. Some are tough and long-lasting, whereas others are made of thin, flimsy material. If you’re looking for an ideal dry bag for your next trip, here’s a quick guide to the most crucial qualities to look for before purchasing.
How To Choose Your Perfect Dry Bag
Size
First, you need to choose the proper size to fit your needs. Bags are measured by the number of liters they can hold, making proper sizing self-explanatory. Therefore, a "10-liter bag" offers 10 liters of storage space.
Size is a crucial consideration. You won't be able to fit everything you need into your bag if it’s too small. On the flip side, a bulky bag is a hassle to lug around. If you have a lot of gear to carry, you may prefer to use multiple smaller bags rather than one heavy-duty pack.
Material
Nylon and PVC are the two most common materials used in the production of dry bags. In addition to being extremely resistant to water, these materials are also very resistant to wear and tear. If your dry bag is going to be used for something specific, you'll want to pay attention to the material. If you're likely to encounter white water, we recommend choosing a bag that is made of abrasion-resistant fabrics. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, it's a good idea to choose a bag made of UV-resistant material. Make a list of all the conditions your dry bag will have to withstand before purchasing.
Construction
Besides looking at the materials used, examining how they’re put together is even more critical. High-quality fabrics can only go so far if they're not correctly bonded together to prevent water from seeping in. Sewn and taped seams are common in most dry bag designs. While they get the job done in most cases, they aren't the best option available. If you have a larger budget to work with, fully welded seams provide the most water resistance. Keep in mind that you may not want to spend a lot of money on a dry bag that you'll only use for light-duty trips.
Carry method
You will only want to use a dry bag if it’s easy to carry around. While it’s possible to carry a dry bag without straps, this may not be the best option. Most dry bags come with a shoulder strap for carrying them on your back or over your chest. The straps on certain bags resemble those on a backpack, making them considerably more comfortable to carry when the bag is fully loaded. Choose a bag with a strap that is appropriate for your situation. Keep in mind that not all bags come equipped with a strap by default.
Waterproof
It’s essential to keep in mind that most dry bags are not designed to resist prolonged exposure to water. Dry bags are made to prevent your contents from being splashed with water or being submerged for a brief period. While we recommend following the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the dry bag's intended use, it’s also a good idea to perform a test on the dry bag before using it.
Dry Bag FAQ
Q: How do I determine which dry bag is ideal for my trip?
A: We recommend choosing a bag based on size (how long your trip is) and what you plan to do. Keep in mind that extreme weather conditions can cause wear and tear on your bag or even cause your bag to break. Always look for a bag that is easy to carry and has enough space for your belongings.
Q: Can I swim with a dry bag?
A: Yes, if the dry bag is able to withstand prolonged submersion. Waterproof bags are important, but you should always double-check the rating before purchasing a bag as some are rated to protect your contents from only light water exposure.
Q: Are all dry bags waterproof?
A: There are different types of dry bags, some of which are more water-resistant than others. Water resistance can range from complete submersion to just a few splashes of water. If you plan on spending a long time in the water (like rafting), you'll need to choose a dry bag that can withstand extensive submersion.
