OutdoorGearReviews is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Top 10 best backpacking dry bags. What is the best for you?

Matthew Tosi
  Mar 29, 2023 7:23 PM

If you're looking for best backpacking dry bags, we'll help you with the top 10 best sellers in 2023. Reading the buying guide and reviews to get more idea...


Top choice: best backpacking dry bags

Showing  1 - 10  in  10 results
TOP Choice
1
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    UNPLUG EASY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
TOP Choice
2
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Sea to Summit
TOP Choice
3
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Sea to Summit
TOP Choice
4
  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Wise Owl Outfitters
TOP Choice
5
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Outdoor Products
TOP Choice
6
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Sea to Summit
Most Saving
7
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Frelaxy
Most Saving
8
  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Bear Outdoor
Most Saving
9
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Ucolofun
Most Saving
10
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Pimoys

Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Our top picks

1. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack, Ultralight Dry Bag

Source: Amazon

Item Dimensions LxWxH ‎21 x 8.6 x 8.6 inches
Item Weight ‎0.09 Pounds
Brand Name ‎Sea to Summit


Product's highlight

The Ultra-Sil Dry Sack received the highly coveted backpacker Editors' Choice award in 2006 and remains a top-choice dry sack for backpacking. Constructed from lightweight, waterproof 30D Ultra-Sil CORDURA fabric, it is ideal for organizing gear within your backpack. With its nearly transparent appearance, it is easy to see the contents, and the multiple color options allow for efficient organization. The dry sack features a non-wicking hypalon roll-top closure, a round base for easy packing, and fully seam-sealed for water resistance. This makes it an excellent option for lightweight backpacking, cycle touring, and travel.

What we like

- Lightweight

- Easy to carry 

Pros

- The roll-top design allows for easy compression, which helps you to pack more gear into a smaller space.

-The bag comes with a waterproof phone case, which provides additional protection for your phone and other valuable items.

Cons

- Limited Capacity

View on Amazon

2.Wise Owl Outfitters Waterproof Dry Bag - Fully Submersible 1pk or 3pk Ultra Lightweight Airtight Waterproof Bags - 5L, 10L and 20L Sizes - Diamond Ripstop Roll Top Drybags

Source: Amazon
 

Product Dimensions 16 x 4 x 0.5 inches
Item Weight 7.4 ounces
Manufacturer Wise Owl Outfitters
ASIN B07WNY4V7G

 

Product's highlight

Frelaxy Dry Sack is a set of lightweight and compact dry bags, designed to protect your gear from water, dust, and sand. Available in 3-pack and 5-pack options, these bags are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, kayaking, camping, swimming, and boating.

What we like

- Durable

- Water proof

Pros

- Waterproof: The bags are designed to keep your gear dry, even in wet conditions.

-The 3-pack/5-pack options provide a variety of sizes to choose from, so you can find the right one for your gear.

Cons

- Small Storage Space

View on Amazon

3. MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag 5L/10L/20L/30L/40L, Roll Top Sack Keeps Gear Dry

Source: Amazon

Brand

MARCHWAY

Color

Army Green

Material

Plastic, Tarpaulin

Style

Backpack Style

Closure Type

Buckle

Product's highlight

The MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag is a durable and reliable dry bag, designed to keep your gear dry and protected in wet conditions. With roll-top closure and a range of sizes from 5L to 40L, this bag is ideal for outdoor activities like kayaking, boating, camping, and swimming.

What we like

- Versatility

- Floating Design

Pros

- The MARCHWAY Floating Dry Bag is designed to keep your gear dry, even in wet conditions.

- The bag is designed to float, making it easy to locate if you drop it in the water.

Cons

- The bag does not come with a shoulder strap, so you may have to purchase one separately if you prefer a hands-free carrying option.

View on Amazon

4. Unplug Ultimate Adventure Bag -1680D Heavy Duty Waterproof Duffel Bag

Source: Amazon

Brand

UNPLUG EASY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Color

Adventure Orange

Material

Polyester

Style

Backpack

Closure Type

Clip

Product's highlight

The Unplug Ultimate Adventure Bag is a heavy-duty waterproof duffel bag designed for outdoor adventures. Made with 1680D ripstop ballistic oxford, this bag is built to handle heavy rain, snow, sand, mud, and dust, making it perfect for activities like boating, motorcycling, hunting, camping, kayaking, and jet skiing. The bag features a roll-down weatherproof zip system and 8 compression straps to create an airtight dry bag that keeps your gear dry in any conditions. Measuring 23 inches in length, 14.5 inches in width, and 12.5 inches in height, this bag has a 110L capacity and weighs 3lbs, making it a convenient size for check-in with major airlines. The Unplug Ultimate Adventure Bag is designed in Australia with meticulous attention to detail and quality, using high-frequency welding, heavy-duty buckles, ZKK zips, and reinforced load points.

What we like

- Storage Space

- Unisex Design

Pros

- The 8 compression straps help to create an airtight seal, further protecting your gear from the elements.

- The pack is suitable for both men and women and is available in multiple colors.

Cons

- Price

View on Amazon

5. Oak Creek Canyon Falls 30L Dry Bag Backpack. Premium Waterproof Backpack with Padded Shoulder Straps. PVC Construction. Keep Your Gear Dry

Source: Amazon

Brand Oak Creek Outdoor Supply

Color Gray

Material Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Style Backpack

Closure Type Buckle

Product's highlight

The Oak Creek Canyon Falls 30L Dry Bag Backpack is a premium waterproof backpack made of heavy gauge PVC to protect your gear and valuables from water exposure. The large 30L volume allows for plenty of gear to be kept dry, with a roll top buckle closure and reinforced strap for added protection. The backpack features padded, adjustable shoulder straps and padding on the back itself for comfortable carrying of heavy loads, and also includes a zippered front pocket and mesh net side pockets for convenient storage. Ideal for all outdoor activities like boating, rafting, fishing, camping, and hiking, this multi-functional dry bag backpack is a must-have for your next adventure.

What we like

- Unisex Design

- Comfortable

Pros

- The pack is suitable for both men and women and is available in multiple colors.

- The pack is designed to be worn comfortably on the back, with adjustable straps and a breathable back panel.

Cons

-  Limited Features: The pack may not have as many features as other hydration packs, such as additional pockets, compression straps, or a rain cover.

View on Amazon


How to choose the best backpacking dry bags

Why use dry bags?

Dry bags are used to protect items from water damage. They are waterproof and airtight, ensuring that the contents inside stay dry, even if the bag is immersed in water. This makes them ideal for outdoor activities like camping, boating, or kayaking, where items may come into contact with water. They also protect items from other environmental factors like sand, dust, or mud.

How to choose the best dry bags? 

Material

Look for dry bags made of waterproof and durable materials like PVC or TPU that can withstand rugged use.

Size 

When choosing the size of a dry bag, consider the items you want to protect and the length of your trip. Here are some guidelines:

For day trips or short excursions, a small to the medium-sized dry bag of 5 to 20 liters can hold essential items like your phone, wallet, and food.

For extended trips or backpacking, a larger bag of 20 liters or more can hold multiple items like clothing, camping gear, and food supplies.

For water activities like kayaking or rafting, consider a medium-sized bag that can be attached to the boat and is easily accessible.

If you want to pack large items like sleeping bags or tents, choose a dry bag that is big enough to accommodate them.

Remember to choose a dry bag that is not too big, as empty space can create pockets that can fill with water. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bag that is slightly larger than what you think you'll need, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to carry.

Waterproof rating 

The waterproof rating of a dry bag is expressed in millimeters (mm) and indicates the level of protection against water. The higher the number, the more waterproof the bag is.

For example:

A dry bag with a rating of 500mm is considered highly waterproof and can protect against heavy rain, splashes, and submersion in shallow water.

A rating of 1000mm is considered extremely waterproof and can protect against submersion in deeper water.

It's important to note that the waterproof rating is a laboratory measurement and may not reflect the real-world performance of the dry bag. Other factors such as the quality of the seams and the closure system can also affect the bag's ability to keep its contents dry. Additionally, a bag may become damaged over time or with heavy use, reducing its level of protection.

When choosing a dry bag, it's best to consider the type of activity you'll be using it for and the level of protection you need. A high waterproof rating is ideal for water-based activities where the bag may be immersed in water.

Attachment points 

Attachment points on a dry bag, such as loops or D-rings, are used to secure the bag to your gear or backpack. This makes it easier to transport the bag, especially if you're on the move.

Here are some tips for choosing dry bags with useful attachment points:

Look for bags with multiple attachment points: Bags with multiple loops or D-rings provide more options for securing the bag to your gear or backpack.

Consider the size of the attachment points: Make sure the loops or D-rings are big enough to accommodate carabiners or straps, but not so big that they add unnecessary weight to the bag.

Check the placement of the attachment points: Bags with attachment points near the top or sides of the bag make it easier to secure your gear or backpack.

Choose bags with adjustable straps: Some dry bags come with adjustable straps that can be used to secure the bag to your gear or backpack. This provides a more customized fit and can prevent the bag from slipping or sliding around.

Having useful attachment points can make a big difference in the convenience and versatility of your dry bag, so be sure to consider them when choosing a dry bag.

Weight

If you'll be carrying the bag for long periods, choose a lightweight option that won't add extra weight to your gear.


FAQs

​​​​​​

  1. What is the best material for a dry bag?
  • The best material for a dry bag is usually a heavy-duty, waterproof and tear-resistant material such as PVC or a similar thermoplastic polymer.
  1. What is the best size for a dry bag?
  • The best size for a dry bag depends on the intended use. For day trips and small adventures, a 20-30L dry bag is sufficient. For longer trips, a 40-60L bag may be more suitable.
  1. What is the best brand of dry bags?
  • Some of the best brands of dry bags include Sea to Summit, Osprey, Outex, and Overboard. It's important to consider the brand's reputation, material quality, and warranty before making a purchase.

Video recommendation


4.5
2 ratings