9 Best Dry Bags for Kayaking, SUP, and Boating

If you love watersports, having a good waterproof dry bag to protect your gear will give you so much peace of mind on the water.

No matter if you’re into kayaking, rafting, or snorkeling, there’s always a concern that your possessions will get wet and ruin your adventure. Having a way to keep your belongings dry and safe should be a priority.

Whether you’re hitting the lake, river, or ocean, a dry bag should near the top of your list for must-have gear. It’s a small investment that will keep your expensive phone, camera, keys, wallet… even snacks and extra clothes, safe and dry.

Below, we’ll help you find the best dry bag for your favorite water activity. From lightweight to heavy-duty and floating to submergible, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into our reviews of eight of the top waterproof dry bags for your outdoor adventures.

Our 9 Favorite Waterproof Dry Bags

ProductSizesColorsClosure Type
dry-bag-reviewsWise Owl5 to 20 Liters2Roll-Top
dry-bag-reviewsSea to Summit1 to 35 Liters5Roll-Top
best-dry-bagNRS Tuff Sack5 to 55 Liters4Roll-Top
waterproof-dry-bagSealLine Baja5 to 55 Liters4Roll-Top
floating-dry-bagEarth Pack10 to 55 Liters8Roll-Top
best-dry-sackSkog Å Kust DrySåk10 to 20 Liters11Roll-Top
waterproof-bag-for-kayakingKastKing10 to 30 Liters13Roll-Top
rafting-dry-bagMarchway5 to 40 Liters16Roll-Top
waterproof-pouchHeeta1 size10Zipper/velcro

Dry Bag Reviews

#1 – Wise Owl Outfitters Dry Bag

wise-owl-best-dry-bagWise Owl Outfitters is taking over Instagram thanks to their convenient, easy-to-hang hammocks. But these outdoor fanatics make much more than go-to outdoor swings: the Wise Owl Outfitters dry bag is definitely one to reach for camping and any water sport activities.

This dry bag by Wise Owl Outfitters comes in 5-liter, 10-liter, and 20-liter options and a variety of colors including black, clear black, blue, and clear blue. 

It is made of 500D, woven PVC fabric that helps keep your items in and water out. A heavy duty clip helps keep it closed while a D-ring can attach it to your backpack. This bag also comes with a waterproof phone case so you don’t have to worry about getting your tech wet. 

If you need more than one dry pack, Wise Owl Outfitters also has a three pack option featuring one of each (5-liter, 10-liter, and 20-liter) bag in gray or red colors. If you are looking for a lightweight option, they also have that available in those three sizes. Whether hitting the camping trail or paddling downstream, we think you’ll love Wise Owl Outfitters’ variety of dry bag options for any outdoor adventure. 

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#2 – Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack

dry-bag-reviewsVisit any watersports, camping, or hiking online forum and you’ll quickly realize that Sea to Summit is well known by outdoor enthusiasts for creating some of the best lightweight, durable, and reliable products for backpacking, watersports, and other outdoor adventures.

Their popular “lightweight” dry sack lives up to expectations with all the features you need to keep your valuables dry during your kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding excursions.

This waterproof dry bag comes in a multitude of sizes, from 1-liter (ideal for your phone, wallet, and keys) up to 35-liters (holds enough gear for a larger group).

It’s made of durable 70D nylon and comes with a polyurethane waterproof coating. The Hypalon roll-top closure and taped seam construction ensure that no water gets to the contents inside.

We think you’ll really appreciate the thoughtful design of this dry bag. It comes with a side squeeze buckle closure to keep things nice and tight, plus an oval-shaped, non-rolling base for easier packing.

Sea to Summit dry bag review

They’ve also included a sturdy D-ring for easy attachment to your pack or vessel. The interior of the bag is white, which greatly improves visibility when you’re searching for something inside the bag.

Sea to Summit’s Lightweight Dry Sack comes in five colors, from bright to subtle. Owners use this bag with confidence to keep delicate electronics dry on the water. However, the manufacturer cautions against submerging the bag, so you may want to double up just to be safe.

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#3 – NRS Tuff Sack

best-dry-bagThe NRS Tuff Sack dry bag is a heavy-duty dry bag that’s made to hold up to some serious abuse on the water. It comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 5-liters to 55-liters, and it’s a great option for everything from kayaking and boating to rafting.

It’s also available in four colors, including bright green, blue, red, and clear.

This dry bag is constructed of rugged PVC material and should hold up to years of wear and tear. The welded seams ensure a rugged, waterproof bag that keeps gear and clothing dry, even on the most adventurous white-water rafting trip.

We were especially impressed with the exclusive Storm Strip closure and heavy-duty buckle system that creates a watertight seal and forms a convenient carry handle. And, the D-ring on the buckle makes for a handy attachment point to clothing or other gear.

Although this bag is equipped with a handle and D-ring for easy carry and attachment, it does not have an over-the-shoulder strap, which may be a drawback for some users.

But, if you want a rugged, watertight dry bag that will hold up to years of hard-core paddling adventures, you won’t regret purchasing the NRS Tuff Sack.

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#4 – SealLine Baja Dry Bag

waterproof-dry-bagAvailable in four colors and sizes from 5 to 55 liters, the SealLine Baja is an excellent choice for paddle sports, hiking, and camping. This bag is built tough with puncture-proof 19-oz. reinforced vinyl sides and a heavy-duty 30-oz. reinforced vinyl bottom. The seams are also double stitched for added protection.

The sturdy design of the Baja dry bag makes it a great all-purpose and reliable option for the protection of all types of gear, from your phone and camera to your clothes and snacks. This bag comes with a roll down top, cinch strap, and sturdy clasps to keep things compact and create a watertight seal. 

A D-ring attachment is included for easy tethering to your waist or pack, allowing you to do your thing without worrying that it will float away. We really appreciate the sleek and lightweight design that still manages to be sturdy and practical.

This bag doesn’t come with a shoulder strap either, but the closure does create a convenient carry handle that’s easy to grab and go. Users of the SealLine Baja even trust it for snorkeling, reporting that their gear is still dry after being tethered behind them for hours.

And, this manufacturer backs up their product with a lifetime warranty, so you really can’t go wrong!

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#5 – Earth Pack Waterproof Dry Bag

floating-dry-bagIf you want an excellent dry bag with a removable, adjustable, shoulder strap, the Earth Pak waterproof bag might be a great match. Even better, the larger versions of this bag have backpack-style shoulder straps and a sternum strap for stability and comfort.

This bag is an Amazon bestseller, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it come in 8 fashionable colors, but it also comes in five sizes to suit any need. The low price point makes it even sweeter.

It’s built to last for years of rugged use, yet it has a lightweight and compact design that makes it fantastic for travel. The bag folds up nice and tight and will barely take up any space in your luggage.

The Earth Pak is a floating dry bag, so you’ll be able to find it easily if it falls overboard. However, the manufacturer does not recommend submerging the bag for more than a few minutes.

As an added bonus, you also get a waterproof phone case with dual-sided clear windows, so you can double up for added peace of mind.

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#6 – Skog Å Kust DrySåk

Based in Pennsylvania, USA, Skog Å Kust (Swedish for “Forest, Creek, Coast”) has created a fantastic waterproof floating dry sack with some really great features you won’t find on competing products.

First, the design includes a splash-proof, exterior zippered pocket for easy access to keys and other small essentials without having to rummage around inside the bag.

This bag also includes reflective trim around the zipper pocket for improved visibility at night, or if your bag ever falls overboard. One of our favorite things about this bag is the removable and adjustable shoulder strap that can also be conveniently attached to your kayak (whether sit-on-top or sit-inside) or boat for peace of mind. 

The bag itself is made from heavy-duty 500-D PVC with welded seams and a roll-top to keep your gear dry during a variety of paddle sports and other activities on the water.

It comes in 11 different colors, from army green to bright yellow. However, there are only two sizes to choose from- 10 liters and 20 liters.

The Skog Å Kust DrySåk is an excellent dry bag for a variety of water sports and it’s sold at a very affordable price point. Please note that the exterior pocket is not waterproof, and the main compartment of the bag may not keep your valuables dry if it’s submerged for long periods.

However, brief, shallow submersions should be safe… such as if your bag gets dropped overboard or your kayak capsizes.

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#7 – KastKing Dry Bag

waterproof-bag-for-kayakingKastKing dry bags feature an innovative, transparent window panel that allows you to see inside your bag without unpacking. These 100% waterproof storage bags are created for rugged use, whether you’re boating, kayaking, rafting, or tubing the river.

KastKing offers their dry bags in a variety of subtle and high visibility colors to suit every taste. The bag itself is constructed from a double layer of tough, durable 500D PVC for extra security.

The seams are also fusion welded, so you know that valuables in this compression dry sack will stay safe. The unique, watertight, double overlapping roll-top adds an extra layer of security you won’t find in many other dry bags.

Although KastKing dry bags can’t take the place of a proper PFD, the manufacturer claims that they can be used as a supplemental floatation device in an emergency.

The built-in buckle closure is extremely sturdy and forms a convenient grab and go handle. Even better, this bag comes with a convenient shoulder strap and a floating, waterproof phone pouch with a lanyard.

We found this bag to be extremely versatile, not just for watersports, but also for hiking, camping, or travel. Sizes are limited to three options: 10, 20, and 30 liters. KastKing dry bags are extremely affordable and reliable for a variety of activities, both in and out of the water.

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#8 – Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag

rafting-dry-bagIf you’re in the market for a budget-friendly dry bag that does the job without a bunch of bells and whistles, Marchway dry bags are a good option.

They have more colors (16!) to choose from than any other product on our list, both subtle and bright. This bag also comes in five different sizes, from 5 to 40 liters.

You’ll appreciate the lightweight, compact construction of this bag, especially if you need to carry it for long periods. It’s made from ripstop tarpaulin and includes sturdy welded seams made to last for years with tearing or puncturing.

The roll-top closure system gives the bag a watertight seal for any wet situation, as long as the bag isn’t fully submerged. Convenient, adjustable shoulder straps for shoulder carry, cross body, or backpack style carry, plus an easy grab handle, make this bag very versatile.

Operating the bag couldn’t be easier. Simply roll the top down a few times, buckle it closed and you’re good to go. Marchway waterproof bags can be wiped clean, too, so there’s no need to machine wash.

This floating dry bag is a great choice for SUP because the shoulder straps keep your hands free for paddling. That said, it’s a great option when you’re on the river in your inflatable kayak or simply floating the river in a tube. Don’t be fooled by the affordable price, these bags are built to last and completely waterproof as advertised!

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#9 – Heeta Waterproof Pouch (2-Pack)

waterproof-pouchFor those times when you just need a safe, waterproof place to stash your phone and ID, consider the Heeta waterproof phone pouch. Its convenient waist strap makes it a great option for snorkeling, surfing, diving, swimming, or any other watersport.

There are 10 stylish color combinations to choose from and there are two pouches in every pack.

Heeta’s pouch is constructed with three zipper locks plus a Velcro fold-over closure to ensure that it’s watertight. In fact, this is the only dry bag on our list that’s lab-certified to keep your valuables dry when submerged in water up to 32-feet deep for one hour. And, it will keep your valuables safe from dust, dirt, and mud too.

Keep in mind that this pouch will only hold the bare essentials, such as a phone, wallet, passport, cash, and a small set of keys. The waist strap is fully adjustable up to 47-inches, making it comfortable for kids and adults, as well as shoulder or crossbody wear.

Not only is it the ideal waterproof fanny pack for any watersport, but it’s also the perfect choice for your next beach vacation, too!

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Dry Bag Buying Guide

Here are the top things to consider when choosing the best dry bag for your next water sports adventure.

Size

The first thing you’ll want to think about is how much space you’ll need to keep your gear protected. Here are the most popular dry bag sizes and an idea of what they’ll hold.

SizeUse For
5-literJust the essentials, such as keys, wallet, and phone.
10-literThe essentials plus a small towel, camera, and water bottle.
20-literEverything you would need for a day trip, including a change of clothes.
30-literIdeal for a weekend getaway.
40-literHolds as much as a hiker’s backpack; holds clothing for two on a long weekend.
50-literHolds enough gear for a weeklong getaway; will fit a full-sized sleeping bag, water, and food.

Keep in mind that most dry bags need to be folded down to create a watertight seal. That will take away some of the space inside your bag. However, it’s also a great way to compress your gear and keep everything compact. Most people find it best to go with a size up from what they think they’ll need.

Material

Always choose a bag that’s made of durable PVC to ensure that it will hold up to some abuse on the water. If you’ll be encountering coral or other potentially sharp objects, such as when you’re snorkeling, make sure the bag is puncture-proof as well.

Type of Closure

The best dry bags have a fold-down and buckle closure to keep items dry and watertight. This type of closure is ideal for most watersports, but it may not keep your items dry if the bag is submerged for longer than a few seconds.

If you need a bag to keep your valuables dry underwater, look for one with a triple zip and Velcro closure, such as the Heeta pouch we reviewed above.

Can You Wash a Dry Bag?

Yes. Due to the nature of the material, dry bags should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. They should not be machine washed unless the manufacturer specifies that it’s safe.

Can You Fully Submerge a Dry Bag?

Most dry bags are not rated to be waterproof when fully submerged for an extended period. However, if your bag simply falls overboard, or if you’re canoeing and you tip over, your items should stay dry for a minute or two.

Double bagging sensitive electronics is a great way to add some extra protection. Or, you can opt for a submersible waterproof phone pouch, such as the Heeta mentioned above.

The Bottom Line

Don’t make the mistake of relying on zip-top plastic bags to keep sensitive electronics safe. At the end of the day, spending a few bucks on a dry bag that will last for years makes a lot more sense than ruining your gear or having to walk around in wet clothes.

A good quality waterproof dry bag for kayaking and other watersports are well worth the investment for keeping your valuables safe on the water.

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