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8 Best Dry Bags: Our Top Picks

8 Best Dry Bags: Our Top Picks

Written by Fernando Lopez
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Published on October 17, 2018
a row of bright yellow and red waterproof dry bags

Everybody loves the outdoors, but the only way that we can truly enjoy it is if we don’t have to worry about getting our things wet and dirty. Whether you’re going camping, scuba diving, boating, or engaging in any other type of outdoor activity, you should definitely invest in a good waterproof bag that will keep your clothes, food, and electronics safe and dry.

The only problem with purchasing a dry bag is that they come in so many different shapes, sizes, and styles. In this article, we narrow down the most popular and reliable dry bags that can fit nearly everything that you need for your outdoor adventures.

lady posing with pink dry bag by the shore

You’ll find hundreds of quality dry bags on the market, but you can trust that these spacious LeisurePro items can serve multiple purposes and protect a good number of your personal things while you conquer the great outdoors.

Akona Dry Duffel Backpack

Akona Dry Duffel Backpack best dry bag backpack

Keep all your clothes, towels, gadgets, or even your scuba fins dry with the Akona Dry Duffel Backpack. What we love about this big and spacious bag is that it’s not only constructed with super-thin and tear-resistant 500D PVC tarpaulin and welded seams to effectively keep water out, but it also features comfortable padded backpack straps (aside from the top grab handle) for enhanced portability and convenience.

After stuffing the bag, simply roll the top three times. The bag’s plastic stiffeners will help create a reliable waterproof seal to ensure the safety of your belongings in all types of environments. It also features tie-down accessory loops along the left and right sides for convenient attachment of accessories that don’t necessarily need protection, like your whistle and keys.

Key Specifications:

  • 156L Internal Volume
  • 0.02in (0.55 mm) 500-Denier PVC Tarpaulin Construction
  • Padded Backpack Straps & Welded Seams
  • Roll Top Closure with Squeeze-Style Side Release Buckle
  • Tie Down Accessory Loops
  • Measures 33.5 x 19in (90 x 48 cm)

Dry Pak Roll Top Dry Gear Bags

Dry Pak Roll Top Dry Gear Bags best dry bags

This smaller Dry Pak model is actually pretty similar to our other favorite roll-top dry bags, but we simply love that it comes in a semi-transparent design that makes it so much easier to locate your items inside, especially when under challenging weather conditions. The vinyl material has RF-welded seams, so it also promises to keep your belongings dry and safe as long as the top is properly secured.

The Dry Pak Roll Top Dry Gear Bag comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and in two other colors (blue and yellow). It’s the ideal—and affordable—choice for boating, kayaking or canoeing, camping, cycling, off-roading, and so much more.

Key Specifications:

  • 24L / 41L / 71L Internal Volume
  • Vinyl/Polyester Tri-Laminate Construction
  • Electronically Radio Frequency (RF) Welded Seams
  • Roll Top Closure with Squeeze-Style Side Release Buckle
  • Top Grab Carry Handle
  • Measures 9.5 x 16in / 11.5 x 19in / 12.5 x 28in

Mad Water Waterproof Classic Roll-Top Duffel

Mad Water Waterproof Classic Roll-Top Duffel best dry bags

The Mad Water Waterproof Classic Roll-Top Duffel Bag is built like a traditional roll-top dry bag with a PVC interior, nylon fabric exterior, and full radio frequency (RF) welded seams, but it’s designed to be long rather than tall so you can see and search through your things a lot easier.

After being properly sealed with the top rolled down 3 or 4 times and secured with squeeze-style, side-release, corrosion-proof plastic buckles, the bag will be buoyant enough to float and spend some time on the water.

This bag is also fully submersible—it’s been given an IPX6 waterproof rating after successfully passing several submersion tests. It also comes in two sizes: 30L for day trips or general use around the water and 60L for multiple day trips or more gear.

Key Specifications:

  • 30L / 60L Internal Volume
  • Nylon Fabric Exterior & Seamless PVC Interior
  • Radio Frequency (RF) Welded Seams
  • Roll-Top Closure with Squeeze-Style Side Release Buckles
  • Four Deluxe D-Rings
  • Adjustable/Removable Shoulder Strap
  • Cinch Straps & Padded Carry Handle
  • IPX6 Waterproof Rating
  • Measures 22 x 10in (30L) / 13 x 10 x 27in (60L)

Dry Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag

Dry Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag best dry bags

This popular, high-rated waterproof bag by Dry Pak comes in a duffel bag size that actually looks like a regular, sizeable out-of-town bag. But don’t be fooled—this bag is made from heavy-duty vinyl polyester laminate with a molded bottom so it can hold its shape and withstand the harshest weather conditions when boating, paddle boarding, and camping.

Another advantage of the Dry Pak (DP-D1) duffel bag is that it features a waterproof exterior pocket with a zipper and storm flaps, so you don’t need to bring a separate case to keep your cell phone or other small items dry. It also has a large opening to fit bigger items conveniently, and an internal volume of 70 liters, although you can go for the Dry Pak (DP-D2) 110L Waterproof Duffel Bag if you need a much bigger one for heavy loads.

Key Specifications:

  • 70L Internal Volume
  • Vinyl/Polyester Laminate with Plastic Hardware Construction
  • Electronically Radio Frequency (RF) Welded Seams
  • Roll-Top Closure with Squeeze-Style Side Release Buckles
  • Removable/Adjustable Shoulder Strap & Top Grab Handles
  • Measures 24 x 12 x 12in (61 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm)

Armor Dry Duffle Bag

Armor Dry Duffle Bag best dry bags

If you like the Mad Water Duffel Bag’s horizontal orientation, the Armor Dry Duffle Bag is pretty much the same, except it offers more space and convenience with its 118-liter internal volume and zipper seal with hook and loop storm flap (as opposed to the usual roll-top closure).

The lengthwise design and wider opening make it easier for you to see and fish for items inside. The bag is made from premium waterproof tarpaulin with RF-welded seams and is only waterproof up to the zipper and protective flap, but it has to be completely submerged underwater before there can be any sign of water leakage. Thanks to its size, you can easily fit all of your important underwater gear, including your long fins and dry suits.

Key Specifications:

  • 118L Internal Volume
  • Durable, Waterproof Tarpaulin Construction
  • Radio Frequency (RF) Welded Seams
  • Zipper Closure with Hook & Loop Storm Flap
  • Removable/Adjustable Shoulder Strap & Top Grab Handles
  • Measures 36 x 16in (91.4 x 40.6 cm)

Aquapac Wet and Dry Backpack

Aquapac Wet and Dry Backpack best dry bag backpack

This special Aquapac bag may look like a regular hiking backpack but, if you look closely, it’s actually a roll-top dry bag that’s disguised by its external side mesh pockets and dark fabric coloring. It’s the ideal choice if you want a reliable waterproof backpack that does not look like the typical tarpaulin dry bag.

Aside from being made from 210-denier lightweight thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-coated fabric, the Aquapac dry sack has a hot orange lash tab for easy attachment of your carabiner clips and other necessities (like water bottles and helmets), thick and padded backpack straps, sternum and waist straps for extra load support, and a stormproof (fire hose proof) rating of IPX6 for truly impressive waterproofing.

Key Specifications:

  • 15L / 25L / 35L Internal Volume
  • 210D TPU-Coated Fabric with Taped Seams
  • Roll-Top Closure with Squeeze-Style Side-Release Buckle
  • Adjustable Shoulder Straps and Top Grab Handle
  • Chest Strap and Removable Waist Strap
  • IPX6 Stormproof Rating

Seattle Sports Explorer Dry Bag

Seattle Sports Explorer best dry bags

If you’re looking to buy dry bags in different sizes, consider the Seattle Sports Explorer. The smallest ones (5 and 10 liters) are great for keeping your smaller valuables separate, so you don’t have to rummage through a bigger bag to find your passport, wallet, watch, camera, and cell phone. Medium bags (20 and 40 liters) are ideal for your flares, first aid kit, tools, and snacks, while the largest one (55 liters) provides ample space for your multi-day trip essentials, such as a camping stove, sleeping bags, boots, and food.

As for its material, it’s made of vinyl-coated nylon with RF-welded seams, plus a heavy-duty bottom that’s abrasion-resistant so you can literally bring and place your bag anywhere. It utilizes the traditional three roll-top closure and a sturdy, squeeze-style side-release buckle to keep your gear dry and secure. It doesn’t have backpack straps, which could’ve been useful for the larger bags, but the closure carry handles are sturdy enough to support the entire bag even when full.

Key Specifications:

  • 5L / 10L / 20L / 40L / 55L Internal Volume
  • Vinyl-Coated Nylon Construction
  • Radio Frequency (RF) Welded Seams
  • Three Roll-Top Closure with Squeeze-Style Side-Release Buckle
  • Top Grab Carry Handle
  • Measures 10 x 6in / 15 x 7.5in / 18 x 9.5in / 25 x 11.5in / 28 x 12.5in

Watershed Big Creek Dry Bag Backpack

Watershed Big Creek Dry Bag Backpack best dry bags

It may not be the top choice for some because of its steep price tag, but if you’re looking for the best dry bag backpack, this is probably the best option for you. The Watershed Big Creek Dry Bag Backpack is made of high-quality materials and packed with user-friendly features that make it great for water sports enthusiasts and adventure-seekers.

The bag’s laminated 420-denier nylon construction (20ml Polyurethane for the clear model) and zip dry closure (similar to heavy-duty freezer bags) with RF-welded seams provide a depth rating of up to 300 feet (90 meters)–leaving virtually no doubt about its waterproof and airtight seal. It also features removable padded backpack straps, an adjustable sternum strap and waist belt, and two compression straps for packing your gear in tightly.

Key Specifications:

  • 24L Internal Volume
  • Laminated 420-Denier Nylon / 20ml Polyurethane Construction
  • Radio Frequency (RF) Welded Seams
  • Zip Dry Closure
  • Removable Padded Backpack Straps
  • Adjustable Chest Strap and Waist Belt
  • Depth Rating of 300 ft (91.5m)
  • Measures 24 x 10 x 6in (61 x 25.4 x 15.2 cm)