In case, you have no idea what a dry bag is, allow me explain it in simple English. A dry bag is basically a cylinder-shaped bag, made from waterproof materials. The main objective of a dry bag is to stop the water from getting in. Dry bags are mainly used in popular water sports like canyoning, kayaking and rafting. Dry bags help you keep all your important accessories and dry clothes from getting wet. Usually made from waterproofed fabric or plastic-coated fabric, dry bags allow users to seal the entrance completely so that all your valuable possessions remain safe and secure.
Best 8 Dry Bags for Kayaking
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Here we have reviewed top 8 dry bags for kayaking. Go through each review carefully before making the final buying decision –
1. Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag
Designed to keep your items dry, Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag can protect your valuable gears from water, dust, snow, and mud. With this amazing dry bag, you would not have to worry about keeping your items safe. Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag is both waterproof and puncture-proof. Be it backpacking, camping, hiking, snowboarding or any other similar extreme sports, Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag can prove extremely handy. No matter how bad the condition is, your stuff will stay dry thanks to this dry bag.
If you are an outdoor junkie like me, Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag should become a part of your outdoor gear kit! Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag is made from ripstop tarpaulin that makes it super light and compact. To increase its durability, Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag has got welded seam. To stop water from entering the bag, roll-top closure system has been incorporated in the design. Its surface is extremely smooth and cleaning this dry bag is as easy as pie.
You can carry it on your shoulders thanks to the inclusion of removable shoulder strap. Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag floats on the water and thus making it easier for people to track it.
2. Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is lightweight, compact and extremely durable. This dry bag is ideal for those who want to keep their valuable items safe but not at the cost of carrying extra weight. You can keep all your personal items like towel, camera, sunglasses, wallet, mobile phones, etc in this dry bag and it will remain safe. Ideal for rugged users, Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bags are designed to last long, really long.
Its 20L variant has got single shoulder strap included in the design whereas the 55L variant has got backpack style shoulder strap. Some versions of the same 55L dry bag are equipped with a sternum strap that adds to its impressive stability. The newest 55L variant has got a waist-belt that makes it super easy for people to carry it around without putting too much pressure on their shoulders.
The most amazing feature of Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is the Waterproof phone case. This IPX8 Certified 6.5 Inch waterproof phone case has got dual-sided windows and snap and lock access.
3. Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag
Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag is both waterproof and puncture-proof. This Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag is comfortable to carry around and offers the ultimate level of protection for your valuable gears. It will keep your gears protected no matter how bad the conditions are.
Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag is designed to resist abrasions, water, and tears. Made from Pure Grade Y7.5mm thick 500D Polymer, Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag can last a lifetime. No matter how extreme the temperature is, the fabrics of this Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag stays soft and supple. To ensure that the seams are watertight in extreme conditions, the company has incorporated Thermo welding technology in the design of this dry bag.
The top of this dry bag needs to be rolled down at least 3 to 5 times to ensure that it is completely sealed off. Also, don’t forget to connect the buckle. Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag is 100% waterproof and that means, your gears will stay protected no matter what.
4. Acrodo Dry Bag Transparent & Waterproof
Acrodo Dry Bag is transparent but that does not mean that it can’t offer that much protection from water. Rather it is just the opposite. It offers an amazing level of protection from water, snow, mud, and dust. Be it hiking, fishing, kayaking or boating, Acrodo Dry Bag will keep your gears protected. Acrodo Dry Bag will float in water no matter what. You just need to fill it with some amount of air and it will stay afloat.
Designed for outdoor use, Acrodo Dry Bag is constructed from premium quality materials. Since Acrodo Dry Bag is transparent and that means, you don’t have to shuffle through each item to find a phone or charger. Thanks to its transparency, you can easily locate your items even without opening the dry bag. You can use either the handle or the shoulder strap to carry this Acrodo Dry Bag.
5. Såk Gear The Original DrySak Waterproof Dry Bag
Såk Gear the Original DrySak Waterproof Dry Bag is made from heavy-duty 500-denier PVC and this is what has added to its impressive strength. Rolled-down top and welded seams are some of its hallmark features. For storing small items, Splash-proof outer zip pocket is included in the design. To increase the visibility of Såk Gear the Original DrySak Waterproof Dry Bag, reflective trim is included in the design.
An adjustable shoulder strap is added to Såk Gear the Original DrySak Waterproof Dry Bag to make it easy and convenient for people to carry it around. Såk Gear the Original DrySak Waterproof Dry Bag is available in two different sizes – 10L and 20L. This dry bag features a simple and sleek design.
6. KastKing Dry Bags
Designed for extreme water sports, KastKing All-purpose Waterproof Dry Bag is versatile in nature and can last a lifetime. Made from heavy-gauge non-rip 500D PVC material, KastKing All-purpose Waterproof Dry Bag can be used in extreme temperature and climatic conditions. It has got double overlap roll top, welded seams and has a heavy-duty construction. Stress points are reinforced with vinyl.
KastKing All-purpose Waterproof Dry Bag is ideal for camping, hiking, whitewater kayaking, hunting, and fishing. You can store items like electronics, tools, cameras, phone, dry clothes etc inside it.
KastKing All-purpose Waterproof Dry Bag has a transparent window that allows you to locate items without unpacking the entire thing. To improve its performance in the water, water-tight DOUBLE overlap roll top is included in the design. It floats on the water no matter what.
7. SealLine Boundary Pack
Seal line boundary pack is a waterproof backpack that makes an excellent addition to the sea kayaker’s gear shed. This comes in three sizes: a 35-liter day pack, a larger 70-liter pack, and a 115-litter pack carry everything including the kitchen sink, megapack. It is available in four colors to include yellow, green, blue and black.
It is super tough, being constructed of a combination of 30 ounces and 19-ounce scrim-reinforced vinyl. This is suitable for those looking for a PVC- free version. The dry seal roll-top of this bag provides a watertight seal designed to withstand quick submersions and help the pack float if dropped in the water.
The backpack part of this boundary pack comes in the form of a lightweight and removable suspension system which includes ventilated shoulder straps and an adjustable waist belt.
The harness system of this bag is designed to be most comfortable for medium weight loads. The empty 70-liter pack weighs 1.16 kg which is very suitable for carrying. These bags make a great gift for any outdoor enthusiast or camper.
8. Adventure Lion Premium Waterproof Dry Bags
Adventure Lion Premium Waterproof Dry Bags are great for boating, paddle sports, camping, and scent proof storage for hunting.
Adventure Lion Premium Waterproof Dry Bag is durable and lightweight and perfectly suitable for all water activities. These bags provide complete protection for your small important items such as phones, credit cards, wallet, document and so on. So, hereafter you can carry your electronic gadgets everywhere you go.
This comes with an adjustable shoulder strap to adjust the length of you need. So there is no need to carry it by hands as you can just simply throw it over your shoulder and take it along on your big adventure. You can use it all your adventurous trips such as kayaking, swimming, fishing, skating and so on.
This ranks high on user-friendliness as the sealing mechanism doesn’t require any complex functions. This bag is highly portable and occupies very little space in storage hatches and has been designed using high-quality material that provides long-lasting durability.
For easy handling, it is provided with two straps and handle. So, with the help of handle you can easily lift the bag along with loads and the shoulder straps are providing easy carrying. Straps are provided with or without pads for various loads. For heavy loads, these bags are provided with pads and lightweight these are provided without pads. So, you can select depending upon your needs.
What To Look For In A Kayaking Dry Bag?
Okay, so you have been looking for a quality dry bag for your next kayaking adventure. But finding the right waterproof dry bag is easier said than done since there are hundreds of varieties of dry bags available. Here are some facts and factors that you need to take into consideration before you decide to purchase a dry bag –
1. Size
The size of the dry bag can vary depending on your exact requirements. It needs to have a carrying capacity of at least 20 to 30 liters. However, you can also spot a dry bag with 5 to 60 liters carrying capacity too. All it boils down to your requirements. If you are planning to paddle in small rivers or lakes, a 10L dry bag would be more than enough. However, if you are planning for a multiday trip, you might have to purchase a 50L dry bag as you would need large storage areas to keep all your valuable items safe.
2. Color
When disaster strikes, you will hardly get enough time to look around you and find the dry bag. You need to know exactly where the dry bag. Those few precious seconds can make all the difference in time of crisis. This is the reason why it makes sense that you need to have a high visibility dry bag. Brightly colored dry bags are easy to spot and thus they eliminate the possibility of losing it in the middle of mayhem.
3. Durability
Dry bags help you keep your valuable electronic items intact. This is the reason why you should never settle for a low-quality dry bag. The dry bag needs to be made from high-quality materials otherwise it will succumb to wear and tear. Dry bags are usually subjected to rough use and that means, it must be made from premium quality materials.
4. Closure
Some dry bags have got zippers whereas some other dry bags have got roll-top closure. Whatever it does not matter much. You just have to make sure that the dry bag can offer protection from water.
5. Shoulder Or Handle
Shoulder straps are quite common with smaller dry bags. More often than not, these shoulder straps are adjustable in nature and that means, the size of the strap can be corrected depending on the preferences of the users. Some people even want to carry them just like a regular backpack and to make their lives a little bit easier, some dry bags have now got shoulder straps. However, some dry bags also have got handles.
6. D-Rings
Ignored by most people, D-rings can make a real difference in your next boating trip. However, most models that we have reviewed don’t have D-rings included in the design. In case, you have already purchased a dry bag that does not have any D-ring, you don’t have to ring the alarm bell. You can purchase a D-ring from an outdoor store in your locality. D-ring makes it super easy for paddlers to connect your dry bag with other dry bags.
7. Pockets
Most people want to have quick access to accessories like keys and mobile phones and this is the reason why most people appreciate the idea of including an interior pocket in a dry bag. You can keep things like water bottles, umbrellas, etc inside the exterior pockets. Exterior pockets don’t eat any space.
8. Materials
Dry bags are either made from vinyl or from nylon. Dry bags made from Vinyl is ideal for carrying heavy metal items like knives, pans, pots or any other cooking utensils. Vinyl is very tough in nature and that means, they can easily withstand the weight of these heavy metal items. Dry bags made from nylon are on the other hand waterproof in nature. However, nylon made dry bags are not as strong and as durable as Vinyl dry bag. Nylon dry bags are good for carrying soft items like cloths and any other similar fabrics.
Dry Bag FAQ
Do Dry Bags Float?
Yes, most dry bags do float on water. However, the dry bag needs to be sealed correctly. A properly sealed dry bag will trap the air inside and thus increasing the bouncy of the bag. In case, your boat gets capsized, the dry bag will stay afloat and thus making it easier for you to retrieve important accessories like dry cloths, mobile, power bank etc. However, make sure that you have secured the dry bag to the kayak otherwise it might drift away should your kayak capsize.
Why Should I Buy A Dry Bag?
Weather is by and large unpredictable. So that means, if you are planning to participate in some water sports like – kayaking, rafting etc, you have to invest in a good quality dry bag. Dry bags help you keep your valuable digital assets safe. Dry bags provide much-needed protection from water. Unless you don’t mind seeing your expensive gadgets getting damaged by water, you will no other option but to purchase a good quality dry bag. And even if you have invested a good amount of money on waterproof gadgets, it still makes sense that you should get a dry bag as it acts as a barrier between your dry clothing and the cold water.
What Do You Use A Dry Bag For?
As we have already explained dry bags are mainly used in those water sports where the chances of getting wet are pretty high. Dry bags help us keep our valuable digital items safe by preventing the water from coming in contact with them.
How Many Types of Dry Bags Available in The Market?
Dry bags are available in different shapes, sizes, and colors –
Heavyweight Dry Bags
Most heavyweight dry bags have a capacity of 45 liters. These heavyweight dry bags are designed to carry metal items like for example – cooking utensils.
PVC Dry Bags
PVC dry bags are extremely strong by nature and they can be used to carry heavy gears and extra loads. The fabric is very tough and thick. PVC dry bags are designed to withstand pressure from extra weight.
Lightweight Dry Bags
Lightweight dry bags are mainly used for carrying food, clothes and electronic items. The biggest benefits of using a lightweight dry bag is that it has a provision to keep wet items and dry items in separate places.
Waterproof Pouch
Waterproof pouches are basically a see-through version of a dry bag, however, waterproof pouches are smaller in size and therefore, they are mainly used for keeping smaller items like papers, mobiles, and other electronic gadgets.
Holdalls and Rucksacks
Holdalls And Rucksacks are as strong as PVC dry bags and they have a capacity of 35 liters.
What Size Is A Dry Bag?
Dry bags are available in different sizes. The minimum capacity of a dry bag is 1 liter whereas the maximum capacity of a dry bag could be 55 liters. However, the standard size of a dry bag is somewhere around 20 liters.
Small Sized Dry Bags
Small dry bags have a maximum carry capacity of 10 liters. These small dry bags are mainly used for keeping electronic items and other small items. Small dry bags usually don’t have straps attached to them. More often than not, small dry bags get placed inside a larger bag.
Medium Sized Dry Bag
Medium-sized dry bags have a maximum carrying capacity of 20 liters. Large and heavy electronic items and clothes can be stored in such medium-sized dry bags. Most medium-sized dry bags have a single strap attached to them to make it easier for people to lift and carry them.
Large Sized Dry Bags
The maximum carrying capacity of dry bags is 40 liters. These large-sized dry bags are widely used in watersports as they have got enough storage space to keep all your valuable items safe and secure.
Extra Large Dry Bags
These extra-large dry bags have a carrying capacity of 50 liters and more. They are mainly used by hikers or by campers to store a large volume of items.
What Do You Use A Dry Bag For?
As we have already explained dry bags are mainly used in those water sports where the chances of getting wet are pretty high. Dry bags help us keep our valuable digital items safe by preventing the water from coming in contact with them.
Can You Submerge A Dry Bag?
Most dry bags stay afloat on water. Unless you have purchased a dirt-cheap dry bag, the chances are that the dry bag will float on the water no matter what. Cheap dry bags are less water-resistant because they are made from low-quality materials whereas premium dry bags are more water-resistant and therefore, they will not get submerged in water that easily.
How To Seal A Dry Bag?
Sealing a dry bag is not that complicated. You just need to follow some simple steps and you are good to go. First, you will have to squeeze out all the excess air from the dry bag and then fold the seal multiple times (like 3 to 5 times). This will ensure that the dry bag is totally watertight.
How To Remove Mildew From A Dry Bag?
Mildews are linked to so many infections and diseases. Mildews can cause depression, nervous related disorders and even extreme cases of allergies. It can even lead to respiratory problems if not tackled properly. This is the reason why you need to remove mildew from the dry bag.
Now, removing mildew from your dry bag is not that complicated. You can use warm water on mildew to remove them but resist the temptation of using boiling water to kill mildew instantly because that can damage the seams of the dry bag. Alternatively, you can use non-detergent soap to get rid of mildew. Some people are even using salt and lemon juice to kill the mildew. One important thing that you need to remind yourself time and again and that is – not to place the dry bag in the dryer because that can damage the dry bag significantly. Allow it to get dried out naturally.
