The Best Backpacking Dry Bags For 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best backpacking dry bags
Best backpacking dry bags

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: Floating Waterproof Dry Bag, Roll Top Sack Keeps Gear Dry

The Floating Waterproof Dry Bag, Roll Top Sack is a must-have for your next adventure. This watertight dry bag is easy to use and clean even after being rolled and buckled 3 or 5 times. The non-slip bottom helps it stay put in the water as well as on land, making it a perfect fit for boating, kayaking, paddling, sailing, canoeing, surfing or having fun at the beach. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Frelaxy Compression Sack, 40% More Storage

Pack everything and keep it close with the Frelaxy Compression Sack. Available in multicolor, this super lightweight bag is great for internal pack organization, packing up whatever you feel like belongs in a bag that can be compressed, eg clothes, blanket, sleeping bag, tent, pillow and gloves. The sack is also ideal for carrying your gear when you are on-the-go. Read Review

3. Best Lightweight: Outdoor Products All Purpose Dry Sacks

Outdoor Products' All Purpose Dry Sacks are designed to be lightweight, affordable and durable. These waterproof dry sacks provide a waterproof barrier for your gear while also reducing bulk. Read Review

4. Best Capacity: Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack, All-Purpose Dry Bag

With a volume of 1 liters, the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack is perfect for carrying snacks, trip essentials or your wallet. Nylon is light-weight and breathable with a 10,000mm waterhead (the higher the waterhead rating, the more waterproof the fabric) making it ideal for wet conditions. Read Review

When you’re hiking on a backcountry trip, you don’t always know what the conditions will be like. You might camp in a creek bed with lots of trees to protect you from the rain, or you could end up spending the night in an exposed alpine valley. Either way, your gear needs to be protected from the elements and staying dry is paramount for your survival.

Dry bags are your best friend when it comes to keeping your gear dry and ready for another day at the trailhead. In this article we look at some of the best backpacking dry bags available on the market today. These bags are perfect if you plan on taking overnight trips into the backcountry without access to a washing machine or shower. They also make excellent gifts for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors and depends on their gear to get them home safely!.

Our experts have determined the models that would be the greatest fit for your requirements, specifically Floating Waterproof Dry Bag, Roll Top Sack Keeps Gear Dry, after doing extensive study and analysis over a considerable time. Consider Frelaxy Compression Sack, 40% More Storage as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are definitely worth considering, and we've put up a useful shopping guide to help you decide!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Floating Waterproof Dry Bag, Roll Top Sack Keeps Gear Dry
Our Score:
9.8
MARCHWAY
  • Multiple Sizes: 5 Liter to 40 Liter to meet your demands on different occasions. 5L, 10L include one adjustable and removable shoulder strap for cross-body, 20L, 30L, 40L include two straps for backpack style carrying.
  • Versatility: The dry sack can float on water after being rolled and buckled, so you can track your gears easily. Perfect for boating, kayaking, paddling, sailing, canoeing, surfing or having fun on the beach. A nice Holiday Gift for families and friends.
  • Durable and Compact: Made from ripstop tarpaulin with sturdy welded seam which is designed for years usage, tear, rip and puncture proof. Perfect for almost any extreme adventure you can imagine.
  • Easy Operation and Cleaning: Just put your gear in bag, grab top woven tape and roll down tightly 3 to 5 times and then plug buckle to complete seal, whole process is very quick. Dry sack is easy to wipe clean due to its smooth surface.
  • Waterproof Guarantee: Solid roll-top closure system provides secure watertight seal. Keeps your gear dry in any wet situation where the bag is not fully submerged. Protects your valuables from water, snow, mud and sand.
TOP Choice #2 Frelaxy Compression Sack, 40% More Storage
Our Score:
9.6
Frelaxy
  • ❤️ FREE Exchange size if not match WITHOUT RETURNING & WORRY-FREE 12-MONTH WARRANTY & LIFETIME CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • SAVE 40% MORE SPACE: Frelaxy Compression Stuff Sack is an incredibly simple and practical solution to space-saving, they will give you more space to pack what you need and give you an unprecedented portable experience.
  • Considerate Design: 1. Comes with 4 adjustable straps for even compression (2 Strong compression straps & 2 Quick-Release Buckle Straps) 2. Pull handle on the bottom for easy carry.
  • Made of high-quality 210T Tear Resistant Polyester Material, Effectively balances LIGHTWEIGHT (only 80g,90g,120g,140g,160g Size: S~XXL) and DURABILITY, features a water-resistant coating to keep your valuables dry.
  • Keep Your Gear Organized: Available in multicolor and 5 Sizes (11L/ 18L/ 30L/ 45L/52L) for all your needs, ideal for internal pack organization, packing up whatever you feel like belongs in a bag that can be compressed, eg clothes, blanket, sleeping bag, tent, pillow, hat, gloves.
TOP Choice #3 Outdoor Products All Purpose Dry Sacks
Our Score:
9.4
Outdoor Products
  • Polyurethane-coated with watertight, double-stitched, tape-sealed seams for waterproofing
  • Three lightweight, waterproof dry sacks for backpacking, kayaking, or adventure travel; includes 2-, 4-, and 8-liter bags
  • 8-liter sack measures 10.75 x 22 inches; 4-liter sack measures 9.5 x 15.5 inches; 2-liter sack measures 7.75 x 13 inches
  • Backed by the Outdoor Products Plain + Simple Lifetime Guarantee
  • Soft and flexible rip-stop fabric with watertight roll-top closure for maximum compression
  • Cylindrical base has ideal height-to-width ratio for easy packing ; patent-pending field repair buckle can be replaced in seconds
  • Waterproof seams are tape sealed; secure hypalon roll-top closure with D-ring for easy attachment
  • Manufactured from lightweight PU-coated 70D nylon; 10,000mm waterhead (the higher the waterhead rating, the more waterproof the fabric)
  • Lightweight 1-liter roll-top dry sack is a do-it-all dry storage and organizing option for backpacking, hiking, camping, sea kayaking, ski touring, cycling and travel
  • 1-liter dry bag is ideal for carrying snacks, trip essentials, wallet, and keys; open dimensions: 4.3 x 9.4 inches, weight: 1.3 ounces, volume: 1 liter (with closure rolled three times)
5 Bear Outdoor Dry Sack/Waterproof Bag
Our Score:
9.2
Bear Outdoor
  • Lightweight: Our dry bag made of premium lightweight material help us travel light and say goodbye to exhausted long journey;
  • Keeps your accessories dry while rafting, boating, kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, camping, fishing, canoeing and backpacking.[Caution: Please keep the dry bag inflated so that it can float on the water to avoid water soaking into the sealing part]
  • A snap hook on the quick-release buckle provides a handy attachment point.
  • Ultimate durable:dry bag is made with quality 500D PVC fabric ensure that your bag will not rip, crack, and leave your items damaged;
  • ADJUSTABLE SHOULDER STRAP:Our dry bags come with an adjustable shoulder strap,Adjust the length of you need.
6 Wise Owl Outfitters Waterproof Dry Bag
Our Score:
9.1
Wise Owl Outfitters
  • FULL SET: Available in 1 pack or 3 pack and 3 different sizes - 5L, 10L, and 20L. Our marine dry bags allow you to choose the size that's best suited to your activity.
  • SECURE: Keep your valuables dry, protected, and accessible at all times with our roll-top waterproof river bags that safely seal your equipment away with a D-ring clip.
  • MULTIPURPOSE: Whether you're kayaking, jet skiing, or fishing, our waterproof bag is designed to keep your gear safe and dry, no matter the activity.
  • DURABLE: Made with lightweight yet strong, 190D diamond ripstop polyester, our canoeing dry bag is watertight and ultra-durable.
  • SECURE: Keep your valuables dry, protected, and accessible at all times with our roll-top waterproof river bags that safely seal your equipment away with a D-ring clip.
  • Reinforced waterproof seams are double-stitched, and tape sealed, with reinforced stitching at stress points; secure hypalon roll-top closure; fabric is translucent for visibility of contents
  • Cylindrical base has ideal height-to-width ratio for easy packing; patent-pending field repair buckle can be replaced in seconds
  • Manufactured from 30D Ultra-Sil Cordura nylon with a smooth finish for easy packing; 2,000mm waterhead (the higher the waterhead rating, the more waterproof the fabric)
  • 2-liter dry bag is ideal for carrying snacks, trip essentials, gloves, and hats; open dimensions: 5.1 x 11.4 inches, weight: 0.8 ounces, volume: 2 liters (with closure rolled three times)
  • Ultralight 2-liter roll-top dry sack is the ideal dry storage and organizing option for backpacking, bike touring, and travel
  • 20-liter dry bag is ideal for a sleeping bag plus a liner; open dimensions: 9 x 20 inches, weight: 5.9 ounces, compressed volume: 6.7 liters - 20 liters (with closure rolled three times)
  • Durable, versatile 20-liter roll-top/compression strap dry sack is a sleeping bag and clothing dry storage option for backpacking, camping, and water sports; valve-free expelling design for compact packing of bulky clothing and gear
  • Pull handle on the bottom for hauling gear; patent-pending field repair buckle can be replaced in seconds
  • Manufactured from lightweight PU-coated 70D nylon, with a 40D nylon air permeable/waterproof base; 10,000mm waterhead (the higher the waterhead rating, the more waterproof the fabric)
  • Reinforced waterproof seams are double-stitched, and tape sealed, with reinforced stitching at stress points; secure hypalon roll-top closure with four straps for even compression
  • Waterproof seams are tape sealed; secure hypalon roll-top closure with D-ring for easy attachment
  • Includes three dry bags: 1L (open dimensions: 4.3 x 9.4 inches, weight: 1.3 ounces), 2L (open dimensions: 5.1 x 11.4 inches, weight: 1.8 ounces), 4L (open dimensions: 5.9 x 13 inches, weight: 2.1 ounces)
  • Set of three roll-top dry sacks for do-it-all dry storage and organizing for backpacking, hiking, camping, sea kayaking, ski touring, cycling and travel
  • Cylindrical base has ideal height-to-width ratio for easy packing ; patent-pending field repair buckle can be replaced in seconds
  • Manufactured from lightweight PU-coated 70D nylon; 10,000mm waterhead (the higher the waterhead rating, the more waterproof the fabric)
  • MOLLE – Loop strapping, conveniently add your favorite tactical fishing accessories for easy transport and access
  • ROLL TOP- Zippered closure keeps your items dry and safe when the bag is rolled up and latched
  • G-HOOK – Closure system o0ffers quick access and long lasting hardware to keep your items secure
  • LIGHT WEIGHT- For easy portability, 30 liter capacity all covered with Kryptek Camo technology, Dimensions (20’’ L x 10’’ W x 10. 5’’ H), 2. 5 LBS. empty weight
  • MADE STRONG-Using the latest in dry bag fabric technology, the TPU fabric has strong abrasion resistance & shear strength, resistant to cold weather cracking

What to Look For in a best backpacking dry bags?

A range of elements, including those listed below, influence the best backpacking dry bags. The study process varies depending on the material. We'll be able to assist you and provide solutions since we're here to help you.

Please keep in mind the following points before selecting best backpacking dry bags:

Extra Features

Dry bags are not limited to the traditional sack. They can also have additional features that make them more useful for you.
Look out for dry bags that have pockets, compartments or extra padding to protect your valuables or tech, as well as straps and points of attachment. These are all great to have but they're not essential.

Straps

If you intend to keep it with another bag, you will want a dry bag with straps.
You'll have the ability to move around hands-free with a dry bag without having to carry it.
While some dry bags only have a shoulder strap for carrying, others can be transformed into backpacks with straps. If you have heavy items in your dry bag, you may find padded straps to make it more comfortable.
When comparing models, this is something that you need to be aware of.

Size

There are many sizes of dry bags, so make sure you check the dimensions before purchasing.
The sizes range from extremely small to very large. Medium bags can hold between 10-20 litres of dry bag, and small bags range in size from 1--10 liters.
You can get dry bags up to 55 Liters if you have a large item. However, this may not be enough if you are looking to take it with you on adventures.
A typical dry bag for day adventures is around 20 liters. This size can be used as a guideline when selecting the right dry bag for you.

Material

Dry bags can be made from nylon, vinyl or polyester. Dry bags made of nylon are durable and can be used for many purposes. However, you will also find dry bags made with polyester.
The waterproofing coating on nylon dry bags is made of siliconized CORDURA. It also indicates the strength and durability of the bag. Dry bags made of nylon typically have a fiber indicator. This is usually a number followed with a "D".
Higher numbers mean more fibers were used. Nylon bags of higher density are stronger and last longer so it's worth looking for them.
Vinyl dry bags are not as durable and can be used for small items.
PVC is the most strong and durable material used in dry bags. It is heavier than nylon, so PVC may not be the best choice if you are looking to bring a lightweight bag for trekking.

Closure

Different closures are available for dry bags.
A roll-top is the most common. It closes the bag, secures it with buckles, and prevents water from entering. This bag has a handle at the top and is ideal for keeping water out.
Dry bags can also be made with a zip top. Although zipper tops are fine for some purposes, they don't provide the same reliability as air-tight rolls tops.
Good dry bags have taped seams that keep moisture from seeping through the exterior. You should check this before you buy as it is the best dry bag.

Waterproofing

A dry bag's main advantage is its waterproofness and ability to keep your items dry and safe. There are many levels of waterproofing available, so be aware.
A dry bag is capable of withstanding water, but not enough to keep it submerged. To find out how much water your dry bag is capable of withstanding, make sure you read the label. You should test your bag thoroughly before you take it out on any adventure.
It is best to open the bag and fill it with water. Is it leaking? Is it leaking? If so, how much time did it take to leak? You now know what the limit of your dry bag is!

FAQs

What Is A Dry Backpack/daypack And In What Scenario Would I Want One?

A submersible bag or pack is one that's completely dry. When your gear will be subject to water damage, like on a kayak or tube trip, canoeing, fishing boats, and canyoneering, this bag is what you need. This bag is ideal for when your contents are not at risk of getting wet.

What Is The General Lifespan Of A Waterproof Backpack?

High-quality waterproof packs can last for a minimum of ten years. A good waterproof pack will last for a very long time. It would not be possible to remove a waterproof pack from a backpack if you were a guide, embarking on an extremely strenuous trip or are cutting your packs with an ice-axe or crampon.

How To Clean A Drybag

It is best to empty the contents of a drybag and fill it with water. Seal the bag and shake the bag! It's simple and efficient. For removing grease and dirt, you can use dish soap or Dr. Bronners biodegradable soap. To reach all corners, you can turn the drybag upside-down if extra cleaning is required. Use a sponge to scrub the bag.
You should take care when using a zipper drybag. Make sure it isn't clogged with sand. This can cause leaks. To keep your zipper looking new, it is a good idea to use 303 Rubber Seal Protectant.

Do You Want Bound Seams Or Taped Ones?

While most waterproof bags and backpacks have taped seams for protection, some designs use bonded seams or welded seams. Waterproof garments and packs are almost all about seam tape to ensure waterproofness.

How Long Do Drybags Last?

You can expect at most three years of service depending on which drybag brand you choose and how you take care of it. You can expect to get up to 10 years of service from higher-quality drybags. You can expect to use your drybag for up to 10 seasons.
PVC patches and drybag-specific repair kit kits can be used to fix drybags. Drybag manufacturers can order these accessories. Drybag manufacturers may also offer warranties or repairs. While most drybag manufacturers will charge an additional fee to repair your bag, it is usually cheaper than buying a brand new one. If you have any questions, contact the warranty department and repair team.

How Do You Know If A Backpack Is Good Quality?

A reputable brand is the best choice. This guarantees that you will get high-quality materials and construction. Most often, a version of a life-time warranty. Another indicator is the price: Good quality packs are not always going to cost more. The materials and fabrics used in the construction of this pack should be strong and durable. It doesn't matter how many features it has. Some packs that are more expensive and less useful might contain a large number of features, but they may not have the best quality materials. For larger packs, which are of higher quality, fit and adjustability play a major role.

When updated data are available, our system and editor will update a list of best backpacking dry bags. Please periodically review our website for the newest data.

We can help you with more than just finding best backpacking dry bags.  Please do not hesitate to contact us when you need assistance.


0 ratings

About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio