Updated May 11, 2023
A waterproof dry bag for kayaking and other watersports is a Godsend. We can probably all remember a trip that has been spoiled by our food, clothes, cell phone, or other important possession getting wet when inadequate plastic bags or a backpack hasn’t done the job.
Finding the best dry bag for your day on the water could involve a bit of time for research. To shorten the process, some of the best in the broad range on the market today have been selected to introduce to you. Below you’ll find a comparison table, followed by reviews with descriptions, key features, photos, and videos, and a basic buying guide to finish up.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Boats
Best Dry Bags Reviews
- Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
- Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack
- Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag
- Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag
- SealLine Black Canyon Waterproof Dry Pack
- Adventure Lion Premium Waterproof Dry Bag
- SealLine Baja Dry Bag
- Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack
- Leader Accessories Waterproof Dry Bag
- Freegrace Waterproof Dry Bags Set of 3
Best Dry Bags Comparison Table
| Photo | Waterproof Bag | Material | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag | 500D PVC | 10L, 20L, 30L, 40L, or 55L | $$ |
  | Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack | 70D Nylon | 1L, 2L, 4L, 8L, 13L, 20L, or 35L | $ |
  | Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag | TPU Laminated 420 Denier Nylon | 3L, 5L, 8L, 13l, 20L, 35L, or 65L | $$ |
  | Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag | Y7 .5mm500D Polymer | 10L or 20L | $ |
  | SealLine Black Canyon Waterproof Dry Pack | 400D & 600D PU Coated Nylon | 65L or 115L | $$$ |
  | Adventure Lion Premium Waterproof Dry Bag | Y7 .5mm 500D Polymer | 5L, 10L, 20L or 40L | $$ |
  | SealLine Baja Dry Bag | 1,000D Reinforced Vinyl | 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, 40L or 55L | $$ |
  | Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack | 600D TPU Laminated Polyester | 35L, 65L, 95L or 120L | $$$ |
  | Leader Accessories Waterproof Dry Bag | Vinyl Polyester Trilaminate | 5L, 10L, 15L, 20L, 30L 40L or 55L | $ |
  | Freegrace Waterproof Dry Bags Set of 3 | 500 Denier Tarpaulin | 5L, 10L, 20L or 35L | $ |
| Photo | Waterproof Bag | Material | Capacity | Price |
It is 100% waterproof with a roll-top closure for a solid seal and comes in a range of sizes holding from 10 to 55 liters depending on the space you have on your kayak and how much you want to bring along.
The larger bags have backpack straps and the 55L version has a sternum strap, as well, for extra support.
It comes in 8 different colors, some bright, some more reserved, and the package includes a handy waterproof phone case. The pricing is quite reasonable.
- Material: durable 500D PVC
- Volume: 10L, 20L, 30L, 40L, or 55L
- 100% waterproof
- Roll-top closure for a leakproof and airtight seal
- welded, leakproof seams
- 10L and 20L bags have a 24 to 32-inch shoulder strap
- 30L, 40L, and 55L bags have backpack-style straps with a sternum strap for stability
- 55L bag also has a waist belt
- IPX8 6.5-inch waterproof phone case included
- Comes in black, blue, light blue, forest green, orange, red, white, and yellow
- Reasonable pricing
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack
With a simple cylindrical shape and oval bottom, a Hypalon roll-top closure provides a water-tight seal.
It comes in a wide range of sizes from 1 liter in volume up to 35 liters.
A D-ring provides an attachment point to secure it onboard and an easy-to-install field repair buckle is part of the package.
The fabric is resistant to light abrasion and punctures and protects contents well in wet weather and from splashing but prolonged submersion is not recommended.
The pricing is extremely low and it is available in 5 colors.
- Material: waterproof 70D nylon with polyurethane coating
- Fully taped seams
- Volume: 1L, 2L, 4L, 8L, 13L, 20L, or 35L
- Lightweight fabric
- White inner lining makes items easy to find
- Waterproof Hypalon roll-top closure with side-squeeze buckle
- D-ring attachment point
- Oval-shaped base
- Includes a field repair buckle (requires only a screwdriver)
- Comes in black, red, apple green, pacific blue, and yellow
- Full submersion is not recommended
- Low-priced
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag
The main difference lies in the durability level.
The 420 Denier Nylon with TPU lamination is a mid-weight material that is much more durable and abrasion-resistant.
The Big River has the same effective, waterproof Hypalon roll-up closure and D-ring attachment points to secure it on your kayak or vessel.
In addition, there are Hypalon attachment lash loops and an oval base to resist rolling.
This one also comes in a wide range of sizes holding from 3 liters to 65 liters and in 5 different colors.
- Material: TPU Laminated 420 Denier Nylon
- Double-stitch, taped, and sealed seams
- Volume: 3L, 5L, 8L,13L, 20L, 35L or 65L
- Waterproof Hypalon roll-top closure with side-squeeze buckle
- White inner lining makes items easy to find
- D-ring attachment points and Hypalon attachment lash loops
- Oval-shaped base
- Includes a field repair buckle (requires only a screwdriver)
- Comes in apple green, yellow, black, orange, and royal blue
- Reasonably priced
Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag
It has roll-top closure for a secure seal and reinforced vinyl at vulnerable locations.
Available in 2 sizes (10 and 20 liters) and 5 colors, it has long adjustable shoulder straps that can be configured in an easy-to-carry backpack formation on the 20L model, all at a budget price.
- Material: durable, waterproof Y7 .5mm 500D Polymer
- Strong, wide thermal-welded seam
- Reinforced vinyl at stress points
- Volume: 10L and 20L
- Removable and adjustable shoulder straps up to 48 inches in length
- Waterproof roll-top closure with buckle
- Includes an IPX8 waterproof mobile phone case
- Comes in pink, black, blue, yellow, and grey
- Low-priced
- 2-year manufacturer’s guarantee
SealLine Black Canyon Waterproof Dry Pack
Constructed with PVC-free durable PU-coated nylon it has lash points for securing accessories to the pack or the pack to your vessel.
The suspension system is comfortable with padded shoulder straps, a waist belt, and a lumbar for carrying a heavy load from car to boat.
The interior lining has a light color making it easier to distinguish the contents, it comes in 3 colors, and there is a generous lifetime warranty, which is kind of nice since the price is a little bit high.
- Material: durable 600D (body) and 400D (bottom) polyurethane-coated nylon
- Welded seams
- Volume: 65L and 115L
- Waterproof dry seal dual-strip roll-down closure with side compression straps to seal
- Padded shoulder straps, waist belt, and lumbar for comfort
- Lash points for securing accessories
- Light-colored interior for easy identification of the contents
- Comes in blue, black, and yellow
- Limited manufacturer’s lifetime warranty
Adventure Lion Premium Waterproof Dry Bag
With 4 sizes from 5 to 40 liters in volume, each option has an ergonomic strap or handle system suitable to the size and task.
Very reasonably priced, it comes in 3 colors and has a generous lifetime warranty.
- Material: durable Y7 .5mm thick 500D Waterproof Polymer
- Volume: 5L, 10L, 20L, and 40L
- Roll-top closure for a waterproof seal
- Adjustable straps on all sizes for comfortable portage
- Dual straps on the 40L model
- Top handle on 20L and 40L models
- Comes in blue, black, and yellow
- Reasonably priced
- Lifetime warranty
It has a rugged construction with welded seams, durable puncture and abrasion-resistant 1,000D vinyl, and a quality roll-down seal.
There’s a D-ring to secure your bag to the kayak or accessories to the bag and it comes in 4 colors.
With sizing ranging from 5 liters to 55 liters and very low pricing, you can afford to purchase several different sizes for different types of loads.
- Material: durable 1,000D 19-ounce scrim-reinforced vinyl (body) and 1,000 30-ounce scrim-reinforced vinyl (bottom)
- Welded seams
- Volume: 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, 40L, and 55L
- Waterproof dry seal dual-strip roll-down closure
- D-ring for attaching items or securing the bag
- Round bottom
- Comes in black, olive, red, and yellow
- Reasonably priced
Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack
Extra heavy-duty with all-welded seams and waterproof TPU-laminated polyester, it has a TPU roll-up closure for a secure seal.
With a range of 4 larger sizes from 35 liters to 120 liters, it is set up with an easy-to-use EVA foam and mesh harness and waist belt to distribute the load and allow comfortable portage from car to boat.
Available in 3 colors, the Hydraulic Dry Pack is fairly high priced.
- Material: 600D TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) laminated polyester
- Durable RF welded seams
- Volume: 35L, 65L, 90L, and 120L
- Easy attach/detach EVA foam and air mesh harness with sternum strap and a waist belt with corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum buckles
- UV and cold weather-resistant fabric
- TPU roll-top closure with side-squeeze buckle
- Heavy-duty lash loops for secure attachment
- Oval-shaped base prevents rolling
- Includes 1-inch side squeeze field repair buckle
- Comes in yellow, black, and blue
Leader Accessories Waterproof Dry Bag
Made of sturdy vinyl polyester trilaminate with high-frequency welded seams, and reliable roll-top closure for a secure seal, it is 100% waterproof.
In a wide range of sizes from 5 liters to 55 liters, it will keep your gear protected from the elements for a variety of sports aside from kayaking including hunting, camping, or rafting.
Floatable, it can even withstand brief periods of submersion in water.
It also has a shoulder strap with a configuration for each size to make for comfortable and effective portage.
5 colors are available for this very low-priced and surprisingly high-quality dry bag.
- Material: vinyl polyester trilaminate
- Durable high-frequency welded seams
- Volume: 5L, 10L, 15L, 20L, 30L 40L, and 55L
- Roll-top closure for a secure seal
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- D-ring attachment point
- Floatable
- Comes in yellow, black, blue, green, or orange
- Low-priced
- 30-day money-back guarantee
View More From Leader Accessories
Freegrace Waterproof Dry Bags Set of 3
The dry bag, itself, is of durable 500 denier tarpaulin with double closure seal strips to keep the water out.
This system is a zip-lock technology different from the roll-top style used in the other models reviewed here.
It comes in sizes from 5 liters to 35 liters each with a strap or handle system suited to the size for easy portage.
The waist pouch also has an adjustable strap and a waterproof seal using the same closure strip technology, this time with a triple seal.
The cell phone case has a snap and lock system and is certified at the IPX8 level.
Pricing is also very low for this nice set which is available in 5 colors.
- Material: 500 Denier tarpaulin
- Reinforced stress points
- Double closure seal strips for a watertight seal
- Durable buckle
- Adjustable and removable 27.6” to 49.6” shoulder strap
- Volume: 5L, 10L, 20L, and 35L
- 20L model has a grab handle
- 35L model has backpack-style straps with a sternum strap
- 2 D-ring attachment points
- Includes a waterproof pouch for small items with an adjustable strap and triple lock seal
- Also includes an IPX8 waterproof cell phone case
- Comes in yellow, black, navy blue, green, or orange
- Low-priced
How to Choose the Best Dry Bag for Kayaking & Watersports
Size
The size of a waterproof bag is most commonly expressed in its capacity in liters with bags ranging from 1 liter to 120 liters or more. The appropriate size depends on the activity you have in mind and the space available. For day trips 10L to 20L may be enough to bring along the food, clothes, and daily use items you require. If you are going for longer journeys or that involve more people, more capacity may be required. Kayaks are known for a limited amount of space in the cockpit and storage wells or with webbing, so you should plan not to exceed the allotted space.
Durability
With the bumps and scrapes possible in kayaking, durability is key to maintaining the integrity and waterproofing level of the bag, not to mention the protection of the contents.
The base material will usually be a form of nylon, polyester, or vinyl that can include some sort of specialized lamination or coating to increase the water resistance level. Look for sealed seams and reinforced vulnerable areas, especially the bottom.
Closure
To keep water out, most waterproof bags use a roll-top closure system that is pretty reliable. Many companies have incorporated some extra features to enhance the seal. Another popular system has a zip-lock design for the initial seal followed by rolling.
Straps and Handles
Waterproof bags come in a range of options regarding straps, handles, and the like. Many just have a basic place to grab on. The roll-top closure area can be such a place. Others have specific handles, shoulder straps, or twin backpack-style straps. The larger the bag the more necessary it is to have options to make portage easy and comfortable. Many larger bags have padded twin straps and may include a sternum strap or belt to accomplish this.
Visibility
Many of the waterproof bags used for kayaking and water sports are brightly colored. Colors like neon yellow or green increase visibility in low light which can be useful for spotting your bag if it has gone overboard or for helping other boaters and kayakers to see you, as well. A reflector on the bag can have the same effect.
For more reviews of canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
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