Best Waterproof Dry Bags for Kayaking in 2024

Uh oh, flipped your kayak and now your gear is soaked? Bummer! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We rounded up the best Waterproof Dry Bags to keep your stuff safe and dry while paddling.

These bags are waterproof and come in different sizes to fit all your kayaking equipment. Just toss in your clothes, phone, keys, and snacks, seal the bag shut, and you’re good to go. No more soggy sandwiches or dead phone batteries!

We tested tons of Waterproof Dry Bags and picked the top ones based on durability, seals, straps, and how easy they are to use. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, you’ll find the perfect dry bag here. Time to hit the water without worrying about wet gear dragging you tie down a kayak.

Waterproof Dry Bags	Size	Material
Earth Pak-Waterproof Dry Bag	10 to 40L	PVC
Sea to Summit eVent Compression Sack	6 to 30L	Nylon
OtterBox Yampa Heavy Duty Dry Bag	35 to 105L	Nylon
Chaos Ready Waterproof Backpack	22L	PVC

 Best Overall: Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

Material	Style	Closure Type	Available Sizes
420D nylon	Capsule	Roll-top	3, 5, 8, 13, 20, 35, 65L

Best Value: Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Material	Style	Closure Type	Available Sizes
500D PVC	Capsule	Roll-top	10, 20, 30, 40, 55L

If you are looking for a cheap and good dry bag for kayaking, you might like the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag. It is made of strong material that can resist holes and keep water out. It also

has a special way of closing that makes it float on the water, so you can find it easily if it falls off your kayak. It has a strap that you can use to carry it around. It also comes with a case for your phone that is waterproof, so you can keep your phone safe too.

But this dry bag is not very durable compared to more expensive ones, like the Sea to Summit Big River. It has some weak parts, like the stitching and the buckle, that might break after a while. So, it is better for short and easy trips on calm water.

Best Deck Bag: Watershed Aleutian Deck Bag

Material	Style	Closure Type	Available Sizes
Polyurethane-coated nylon	Deck bag	ZipDry	11.5L

If you want a strong bag to keep your stuff on top of your kayak, you might like the Watershed Aleutian Waterproof Deck Bag. It is made of tough material that can resist tears and water.

It also has a special zipper that makes it very tight and dry inside. It has some clips that you can use to attach it to your kayak, so you can reach your stuff easily.

This bag also has some extra features, like a plastic part that keeps it open when you look for your stuff. It also has a clear part that you can use to see your map, and a place to hold your water bottle, so you can drink water when you need it.

But this bag is very expensive and can only hold a little bit of stuff because it is small. So, it is better for people who care about having a good bag on top of their kayak.

Best Lightweight Dry Bag: Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack

Material	Style	Closure Type	Available Sizes
40D ripstop nylon	Capsule	Roll-top	3, 6, 12, 20, 35L

The Osprey UltraLight Dry Sack is a great option for kayakers who want a lightweight and packable bag. It’s made from thin ripstop nylon so it doesn’t weigh much. And it rolls up small when you’re not using it.

The roll-top closure helps keep water out. There’s also a loop on the bottom to hang the bag to dry. But this bag isn’t 100% waterproof. It’s meant to go inside a bigger dry bag for extra protection. The rectangular shape makes it easy to pack into a larger bag.

So it’s a good choice for storing stuff like electronics or spare clothes on kayaking trips. Put it inside a fully waterproof dry bag and your gear will stay nice and dry! The UltraLight works as part of a complete waterproofing system even though it’s not waterproof itself.

Best Compression Bag: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Dry Sack

Material	Style	Closure Type	Available Sizes
30D Cordura nylon	Capsule	Roll-top	5, 8, 13, 20, 35L

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack is great for kayakers who want to maximize space.

It’s made of lightweight 30D nylon that’s durable but not too heavy. The buckle can be replaced if it gets damaged.

The best feature is the compression system. It has a roll-top closure to keep water out. But it also has a lid and straps to compress your gear. This lets you squeeze bulky items like clothes into a smaller package.

The bag lets air escape easily when you’re packing it. This makes it easier to compress things down. But this bag isn’t meant to be fully submerged. It works best inside another dry bag for extra waterproofing. And it doesn’t have straps to attach to your kayak.

So the Ultra-Sil works well as part of your storage system. Use it to compress clothes and gear to maximize space in your hatches. Just put it inside a fully waterproof bag and hit the water!

Best Duffel Bag: Watershed Chattooga Dry Bag

Material	Style	Closure Type	Available Sizes
Polyurethane-coated nylon	Duffel	ZipDry	22L

The Watershed Chattanooga duffel bag is a great option for kayak day trips.

It’s made from durable UV-resistant nylon that stays flexible. The sealed seams and waterproof coating keep water out.

The duffel design opens wide for packing gear easily. It has a zipper and roll-top closure to seal it up watertight. The bag also has sturdy handles and compression straps to cinch it down. You can attach it firmly to your kayak with the D-rings.

But there are no external bungees or straps for items like water bottles. And the zip/roll-top takes some practice to close up right.

Even with those small drawbacks, the Chattooga is an awesome waterproof bag for short kayak trips. The duffel design makes it super convenient to pack and carry.

Best Dry Bag Backpack: SealLine Bigfork Dry Pack

Material	Style	Closure Type	Available Sizes
300D polyurethane-coated polyester	Backpack	Dual strip roll-top	30L

The SealLine Bigfork dry pack is great for kayakers who want a waterproof and durable bag.

It’s made from thick polyester that won’t puncture or leak. The seams are welded and the roll-top closure keeps water out. It can handle brief dunks in the water.

The Bigfork works like a backpack for easy carrying. It has padded shoulder straps and a waist belt for comfort. You can strap stuff like water bottles on the outside. The light interior makes your gear easy to see. And the flat bottom lets the bag stand up for packing.

But the Bigfork is pretty heavy even when empty. So it’s best for kayaking trips where waterproofing matters most, not weight. And electronics need extra protection if submerged.

For kayakers who prioritize ruggedness and waterproofing, the Bigfork delivers! Just be aware it weighs more than some other options.

Best Float Bag/Dry Bag Hybrid: Watershed Futa Stowfloat

Material	Style	Closure Type	Available Sizes
Polyurethane-coated nylon	Float bag	ZipDry	19L

The Watershed Futa Stowfloat is a 2-in-1 dry bag and float bag for kayakers.

It’s made from durable nylon that withstands UV rays and abrasions. The bag has a roll-top and zipper closure to keep water out while allowing access to your gear.

The tapered shape easily fits into small kayak hatches. And it packs neatly into tight spaces.

The float bag feature is what makes the Futa unique. It has a long tube you use to inflate or deflate the bag. This gives you extra buoyancy in case you flip your kayak.

But the tapered design can make packing bulky items tricky. And the Futa costs more than regular Waterproof Dry Bags . Even with those limitations, the Futa is a top choice if you want a dry bag that also serves as a safety float bag. No other bag combines both functions quite like the Futa.

Dry Bag for Kayaking Comparison Table

Dry Bag	Style	Closure Type	Available Sizes	Attachment Points	Material
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag	Capsule	Roll-top	3, 5, 8, 13, 20, 35, 65L	6 fabric loops, 1 plastic D-ring	420D nylon
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag	Capsule	Roll-top	10, 20, 30, 40, 55L	1 fabric loop, 2 plastic D-rings, 1 removable shoulder strap	500D PVC
Watershed Aleutian Deck Bag	Deck bag	ZipDry	11.5L	4 plastic carabiners, 2 plastic D-rings, bungee cord	Polyurethane-coated nylon
Osprey UltraLight Dry Sack	Capsule	Roll-top	3, 6, 12, 20, 35L	1 fabric loop	40D ripstop nylon
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack	Capsule	Roll-top	5, 8, 13, 20, 35L	4 fabric loops	30D Cordura nylon
Watershed Chattooga Dry Bag	Duffel	ZipDry	22L	2 handles, 6 plastic D-rings	Polyurethane-coated nylon
SealLine Bigfork Dry Pack	Backpack	Dual strip roll-top	30L	4 fabric loops, removable waist and shoulder straps, bungee cord	Polyurethane-coated nylon
Watershed Futa Stowfloat	Float bag	ZipDry	19L	1 fabric loop	Polyurethane-corated nylon

Dry Bag for Kayaking Buying Advice

Waterproof Dry Bags might appear straightforward, but there’s intricate engineering behind crafting the ideal waterproof storage solution. Considering this, here’s a breakdown of essential features and technologies to consider when searching for your next kayaking dry bag.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

Waterproof Dry Bags are bags that keep your stuff dry. But not all dry bags are the same. Some are water-resistant and some are waterproof.

Water-resistant Waterproof Dry Bags are good for rain, but not for water. If they go underwater, they will leak. Waterproof dry bags are better for water, but not for too long. If they stay underwater for a long time, they will also leak.

This is because water can push through the bag’s holes when there is too much pressure. No dry bag can stop this from happening. So, you need to choose the right dry bag for your trip. If you are going to a lake for a short time, a water-resistant dry bag might be enough. If you are going to the ocean for a long time, a waterproof dry bag might be better.

But don’t put your important things in one dry bag. Sometimes Waterproof Dry Bags break and let water in. You should use two or three dry bags for your important things. That way, you can keep them safer.

Dry Bag Type

Dry bags are bags that keep your things dry. But there are different types of Waterproof Dry Bags. Some of the most common types are 

Accessory bags – Accessory bags or stuff sack-style Waterproof Dry Bags are small and simple bags. They have a roll-top to close them and a big space to put things in. They are not very good for water, so you should use them in dry places or inside another dry bag.

Tapered bag – Tapered Waterproof Dry Bags are special bags for sea kayakers. They are shaped to fit in the kayak’s spaces, so they are good for long trips with a lot of things. But they are more costly than other bags, so they are not very useful for other things.

Sling-style bag – Sling-style dry bags are like accessory bags, but they have a strap to carry them on your shoulder. They are usually made of strong materials, but they may not work well in water.

Backpack-style – Backpack-style dry bags are dry bags with backpack straps. They are liked by kayakers because they are easy to carry and hold a lot of things. But they may not fit in the kayak’s spaces, so they are better for open kayaks.

Duffel-style – Duffel-style dry bags are new bags that look like duffel bags. They have a zipper that keeps water out. They are good because they are easy to fill, but they may not be good for water.

Deck bag – Lastly, we have kayak deck bags, which are special bags for kayaks. They can be fixed to the kayak’s top to give you more space for your important things. Many can also show you a map for long trips on the water.

You can see that there are many kinds of dry bags. So, you need to know what you want to use your dry bag for before you buy one.

Closure System

Dry bags are great for keeping your stuff dry, but the way they close is super important. Here’s the lowdown on the three main types of closures:

• Roll-top: These guys are tough as nails and the best at keeping water out, but they can be a pain to close right. Think folding a fitted sheet – not the easiest!
• Ziplock: Like the seal on a giant Ziploc bag, these are easier to close, but they might not keep your gear bone-dry in every situation.
• Zipper: Fancy new zippers like the ones on drysuits are popping up on dry bags. They’re super convenient but can be pricey.

No one-size-fits-all answer here, but if you’re diving deep or staying wet for a while, roll-top is your best bet. Just remember, closing it right is key!

Materials

When it comes to keeping your stuff dry during a kayak adventure, the bag’s material matters. Here’s the scoop on the two main players:

PVC: Think tough, like a superhero of dry bags. It’s perfect for taking deep dives or navigating rough waters. It’s heavy and bulky, like wearing a winter coat in summer, but it’s super resistant to punctures and won’t burst under pressure. Just imagine stuffing it into your kayak like a big, bouncy beach ball.

Ripstop Nylon: Imagine a lightweight ninja of a dry bag. It’s thin and sleek, easy to tuck into tight spaces like your kayak’s hatch. But be careful, not all are created equal. Some are like tissue paper in the rain, good for extra layers of protection inside another bag. Others are tough as nails, just as waterproof as PVC, like a ninja wearing armor!

Extra Features

Here’s the lowdown on some bonus features:

See-through windows: Peek-a-boo! These handy panels let you spot your stuff in a flash, no more rummaging like a pirate searching for buried treasure. But watch out, they’re like delicate spy glasses – treat them with care!

Meshy pockets: Tired of tiny treasures scattering like confetti? Mesh pockets are your mini organizers, keeping sunglasses, snacks, and other trinkets safe and sound. Bonus points if they have a dedicated drink holster, keeping your hydration game on point.

Loop the loop: Deckhand wannabe? Bags with external loops and D-rings are your best mates. Tie them down with fancy knots or bungee cords, turning your kayak into a secure fortress for your gear.

White light, big difference: Ever searched for your keys in the dark? Dry bags with white interiors are like mini sunlamps, making finding your stuff a breeze, even under starry skies.