keeping your gear dry

As an experienced outdoorsman, I know the importance of keeping my gear dry in any kind of weather. That's why a dry bag is an essential piece of equipment for any camping, canoeing, or hiking trip. When shopping for a dry bag, there are a few key features to look for to make sure you're getting the best one for your needs.

First and foremost, waterproofness is the most important feature to consider. A good dry bag should be completely waterproof and able to keep your gear dry in even the wettest conditions. Look for bags that have a reliable closure system, such as a roll-top or zip-lock, to ensure that water can't seep in. Some dry bags have welded seams or reinforced stitching to provide an extra layer of protection against moisture.

Second, durability is a critical factor to consider. You want a dry bag that is made with high-quality, durable materials that can withstand wear and tear over time. Look for bags that are made with tough, abrasion-resistant fabrics, and reinforced with sturdy buckles and straps.

Third, consider the size and capacity of the bag. You want a bag that can hold all of your gear, but is also compact and easy to carry. Dry bags come in different sizes, from small 5-liter bags to larger 30-liter bags, so choose one that fits your needs. Consider your trip and how much gear you'll need to carry.

Finally, think about the different activities you'll be using the bag for. Will you be camping, canoeing, or hiking? Look for bags that are versatile so you can use them for a variety of outdoor activities. For example, some dry bags have attachment points or straps to make them easier to carry or attach to a canoe or kayak.

dry bag reviews

Earth Pak SUMMIT Roll-top

Available in 35-liter, 55-liter and 85-liter, this hardy, durable, waterproof roll-top dry bag suits traveling, kayaking, biking, camping, fishing, and even commuting.

The 35-liter dry bag is good for trips up to 1.5 weeks and holds more than just the basics. Tuck in a sleeping bag, clothes for two, food, and more. The 55-liter dry bag is great for trips up to 2.5 weeks or capable of carrying a few sleeping bags. The 85-liter dry bag does it all.

Size Weight Dimensions
(H x W x D)
35L 2.5 lb 19 x 9 x 14 inches
(1.1 kg) (48 x 23 x 35.5 cm)

55L 3 lb 21 x 10 x 16 inches
(1.4 kg) (53 x 25.5 x 40.6 cm)

85L 3.5 lb 25 x 11 x 18 inches
(1.6 kg) (63.5 x 28 x 46 cm)

Earth Pak's roll-top dry bag is made with 500D PVC material for waterproof protection, as well as abrasion protection for cameras and other expensive gear. The exterior "splash-proof" pocket is made for quick grab n' go items that are OK to get wet. Two interior pockets securely tuck away personal items.

An ergonomic padded back panel, reinforced contoured shoulder straps, and low-profile chest strap make the dry bag convenient and comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded. A heavy duty waist-belt relieves added pressure, although it can get a little uncomfortable on long portages. Convenient D-Rings attach to both shoulder straps and a MOLLE looping system provides anchor points to latch your bag onto a boat or bike - or attach your favorite accessories.

Simply fold the bag down 3-4 times, buckle, and you're ready to go! Earth Pak's dry bags are meant to float so you'll never lose sight of your gear during kayak flips. When you roll down the top of your dry bag, there should be a little bit of air in it, giving it an "inflated" feel. That way it will always float.

If you over-stuff the dry bag and can't roll down the top 3-4 times, you may experience leakage.

Check out Amazon.com for more details

Sea to Summit Big River

Available in at least 6 sizes for every adventure, this lightweight, waterproof roll-top dry bag is suitable for kayaking, rafting, canoeing, motorcycle touring, bike packing, and outdoor travel.

Sizes 1-3 liter are designed to hold the minimum, like a phone (in a waterproof case - double bagging essential), wallet, keys, first aid essentials, gloves or beanie, and snacks. The 3-liter dry bag's dimensions are 7 x 4 x 11 inches (18 x 10 x 28 cm) and weighs 2.9 ounces (82 grams).

The 5-liter dry bag holds a clothing layer and a meal or so worth of food. It's dimensions are 7 x 6 x 13 inches (18 x 14 x 32 cm) and weighs 4.8 ounces (135 grams).

The Big River 8-liter dry bag is big enough for a puffy jacket, a 2-season sleeping bag or food for 2-3 days. Dimensions are 7.5 x 6.5 x 15 inches (19 x 16.5 x 37 cm) and it weighs 5.6 ounces (160 grams).

A 13-liter dry bag is big enough for extra clothing and bear/critter food storage or all your clothes for a trip. It measures 9 x 8 x 17 inches (22 x 20 x 44 cm) and weighs 6.7 ounces (192 grams).

Size 20-liter dry bag is big enough for a large tent/footprint or paddle gear or any sleeping bag. It's dimensions are 10 x 9.6 x 19 inches (26 x 24 x 48 cm) and weighs 8.8 ounces (250 grams).

Sea to Summit's Big River 35-liter dry bag is big enough for carrying outdoor gear, paddle gear, overnight camp equipment or bike gear. It measures 12.5 x 11 x 23 inches (32 x 28 x 59 cm) and weighs 10.9 ounces (308 grams).

The 65-liter dry bag is big enough for carrying outdoor gear. It's dimensions are 15 x 14 x 28 inches (38 x 35 x 72 cm) and weighs 15.3 ounces (433 grams).

Lightweight and abrasion resistant, the Sea to Summit Big River dry bag withstands rough conditions without easily tearing or wearing out. Manufactured from waterproof TPU-coated 420D nylon, with a 10,000mm waterhead (the higher the waterhead rating, the more waterproof the fabric), reinforced waterproof seams are double-stitched and tape sealed.

It has a secure hypalon (a synthetic rubber that resists chemicals, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet light) roll-top closure, and hypalon lash loops for attaching to water craft or other equipment. I can't tell you how handy the side loops are! A detachable strap is sold separately.

A white interior lining gives you greater visibility and the oval base resists rolling. The buckles can be replaced quickly with a Philips screwdriver. The exterior material is very tough. It'll show signs of wear and scratches, but rarely springs leaks.

Fill, roll down the top 3 times and buckle up. Occasionally, some find the roll-top closure a challenge when trying to achieve a tight and secure seal. The bag is not designed for submersion.

See all the sizes on Amazon.com

Outdoor Research CarryOut

Lightweight, rugged construction and handy shape describe this dry bag best. Use for any adventure where you'll be traveling in weather and where you won't be submersed in water. It's most commonly used to keep clothes or extra layers dry.

The 5-liter measures 15 x 5 x 4 inches (37 x 12 x 11 cm) and weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams). It holds about 5 pairs of socks, 3 underwear and 3 shirts.

A 10-liter dry bag measures 18 x 5 x 5 inches (46 x 13 x 12.5 cm) and weighs 2.45 ounces (69 grams). Perfect for extra socks and insulation layers.

The 15-liter dry bag measures 22 x 6 x 6 inches (57 x 16 x 16 cm) and weighs 3.3 ounces (94 grams). It's about the size of a sleeping bag stuff sack and great for organizing smaller pieces of gear.

Outdoor Research's CarryOut dry bag is shaped like a paper bag. The shape provides excellent stability when set on the ground. Or lie it on its side while you're packing.

Made of 100% nylon, durable 70D ripstop with TPU waterproofing lamination, externally welded seams keeps contents dry and a roll-top closure buckles up. This dry bag is not intended for submersion, nor is it intended to protect electronics from water damage.

Pack, roll down the top 3 times and buckle up. You're ready for your adventure.

At first glance, the buckles seem like they could inadvertently release while bouncing around, but this hasn't actually happen. And the choice of colors is limited.

See Amazon.com for a 5-liter dry bag, 10-liter dry bag, or 15-liter dry bag