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There are countless situations when a dry bag may come in handy. Sometimes we are using one of ours every other day.
But which ones are the best dry bags? And how to choose the best dry bag for yourself? Answers to these questions you’ll find in this guide to the best dry bags. Everyone will tell you that a dry bag is a must when you are heading to the outdoors to camp, going on a rafting trip or to do anything else involving a risk of getting wet.
That’s true. But I’ll recommend you to get one also if you are “just traveling”. To use it as a daypack.
That’s how I use mine most of the time.
Yes, a dry bag can be your lightweight waterproof daypack where you can safely store your wallet and electronics when exploring the city.
Table of Contents
Best Dry Bag 2019
Now let’s take a look at the list of the best dry bags!
As you can see from the table all of the top dry bags are available in different sizes. Most are available in different colors. For more photos, latest price and user reviews check them out on Amazon – just click on the name or image of the dry bag.
| NAME | IMAGE | SIZE | PRICE ON AMAZON |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earth Pak |   | 10-40 liter | Check the price! |
| Skog Å Kust DrySåk*** |   | 10-20 liter | Check the price! |
| Adventure Lion Premium |   | 5-40 liter | Check the price! |
| Barlii DrySak |   | 6-20 liter | Check the price! |
| ZBRO Dry Bag |   | 20-30 liter | Check the price! |
| The Friendly Swede Dry Bag |   | 2-20 liter | Check the price! |
| Osprey UltraLight*** |   | 3-30 liter | Check the price! |
| KastKing Dry Bag |   | 10-30 liter | Check the price! |
| Leader Accessories Dry Bag |   | 5-55 liter | Check the price! |
| *** - our favorites | |||
Our Choice – Skog Å Kust DrySåk – 10/20 liter
- All weather protection.
- Removable shoulder strap.
- Outer zip pocket for small items.
- Thanks to reflective strip visible also at night.
Cons:
- Shoulder strap is not padded.
- There is only one strap.
Before you can choose the best dry bag for yourself, let me introduce you to this useful piece of travel gear.
Finding the Best Dry Bag for Yourself
Dry Bag Basics
Dry bag is a waterproof flexible container for keeping your belongings, such as electronics and clothes, dry.
All dry bags are roll top. When closed these bags are watertight, and some – airtight.
The most durable and extremely waterproof dry bags are made of synthetic plastic polymer. And some – are made of thick coated nylon. Stress points are usually made of reinforced material for better protection.
To close a dry bag just make sure the air is removed, roll the top over at least 3 times, to create a watertight seal, and secure with a buckle.
Most dry bags have single detachable strap. Several brands include also a second strap for their large sized dry bags so that the bag can be worn also as a waterproof backpack. Sometimes straps are padded for better comfort.
The smallest dry bags may not have straps at all. Those kind of dry bags are usually used for storing phones, wallets and IDs and put inside a backpack.
Even though dry bags are waterproof, mostly they shouldn’t be fully submerged into the water.
Some of the best dry bags can be used as a flotation device.
To be sure about it, read the description of the dry bag carefully!
Dry Bags Come in Several Sizes and Colors
Mostly the sizes are 3, 5, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, 40, 55 liters.
If the brand of your choice is not offering a dry bag in the needed size then choose some other brand.
There are just so many options.
1. The smallest ones are 3 and 5 liter bags
Those can be used for storing small personal items like phones, small tablets, small cameras, GoPros, keys, money, wallets, IDs and such.
2. Medium dry bags are with a capacity of 10-20 liters
Larger electronic items, a sleeping bag and clothes can be stored in medium-sized dry bags. These can be used as a day pack as well. Mostly medium sized dry bags only have one strap. We have medium-sized dry bags, that we use as daypacks when sightseeing.
3. 30-55 liter dry bags are considered large
Those are suitable for storing various gear – at least one sleeping bag, clothes, electronics, and it can fit even a 2 person tent.
4. But that’s not all
There are also 70, 100, 120 liter dry bags.
Best Dry Bags
Dry Bag Reviews
1. Earth Pak Dry Bag Review
Earth Pak dry bags are one of the best waterproof bags out there. And the most important thing – they are affordable.
Earth Pak dry bags come in 5 different colors (black, blue, green, orange and yellow) and four sizes: 10, 20, 30 and 40 liter. 10 and 20 liter dry bags come with a shoulder strap, whereas 30 and 40 liter bags have two padded shoulder straps.
All Earth Pak dry bags come with a waterproof mobile phone case which is suitable for mobile phones up to 6.5 inches in size. A phone case is transparent on both of its sides, so it is possible to take photos while phone is still inside the case.
D rings made of durable material can be used for attaching the dry bag to your backpack, kayak or other dry bag.
To close Earth Pak dry bag just roll the top and close the buckle! Fast and easy!
2. Skog Å Kust DrySåk Review
This dry bag is made of thick, durable, resistant and very waterproof material – 500 denier PVC.
Såk Gear Premium dry bag have a roll-down top and one detachable and adjustable shoulder strap. Durable D rings can be used to attach the dry bag to a backpack, raft, kayak or otherwise.
One nice thing about this dry bag – Såk Gear Premium has an outer pocket with a splash proof zip. There you can place small-sized important items like IDs, earphones, cables, etc. Thus you will be able to retrieve them fast, without looking through all your stuff. There’s a reflective line around the zip. It’s a nice feature to have, especially when you plan on carrying a dry bag while running or cycling in the darkness.
Unfortunately, Såk Gear Premium Dry Bag comes only in two sizes: 10 and 20 liter.
But it is small enough to be a good and comfortable waterproof daypack.
Såk Gear Premium dry bag comes in several different colors.
3. Adventure Lion Premium Series Dry Bag Review
It comes in 7 different colors and 4 sizes. The smallest one is 5 liter, the largest – 40. So, Adventure Lion Premium dry bags are suitable for different adventures.
In the smallest of all, there will be enough space for two phones, two wallets and a couple of small-sized towels.
It is said that Adventure Lion Premium dry bag can float when attached to a raft or a kayak.
The dry bags are easy to carry around – the smallest ones (5 and 10l) have adjustable straps. The 20l waterproof bag has a handle as well. The bigger one (40l) has two straps and a handle, which makes it a good lightweight waterproof daypack.
The only drawback, in my opinion, is that a 40l Adventure Lion Premium dry bag’s straps are not padded. 40l pack is big in size when full and quite heavy. Straps without a padding will make it less comfortable to carry.
4. Barlii DrySak Dry Bag Review
Its oval balloon-like structure makes it very comfortable to carry, as hard edges aren’t digging in your skin.
Dry bag’s material is soft and flexible in all weather conditions, and at the same time very resistant and durable. Barlii DrySak dry bag is made from ecological, BPA and PVC-free Polyester based TPU material. It’s safe from toxins and other elements harmful to humans and nature. Barlii dry bags are recyclable and odourless as well.
Unlike with other dry bags, to ensure waterproof and airtight seal, you need to leave standing air in the bag when rolling the top down and securing it the with the buckle. Built-in stiffener at the top of the dry bag ensures leak-proof seal.
Barlii DrySak dry bag comes in three sizes: 6, 10 and 20 l.
Its opaque material helps you locate all your items without rummaging through the bag.
5. ZBRO Dry Bag Review
It has two padded straps and two additional pockets:
- Mesh pocket where you can put your wet clothes, water bottle or other small gear. Mesh pocket can be easily compressed with a frontal bungee cord.
- Removable inside pocket for keys and other small-sized items.
ZBRO dry bags are made of strong PVC material. Making them perfect for every outdoor activity and all weather conditions.
A durable grab handle is attached to the top of ZBRO dry bag. Reflective stripe is sewn to the front of the dry bag, and ensures that you will be seen from a distance.
ZBRO dry bags comes in two sizes – 20 and 30l.
If the both shoulder straps are attached it will make it a good lightweight and at the same time quite large-sized daypack.
6. The Friendly Swede Dry Bags Review
The dry bags are made of very tough industrial grade 500D PVC Tarp. The double-stitched seams and bottom are made of extra strong material to ensure maximum water resistance. And because of all that is mentioned above The Friendly Swede dry bags are among the best dry bags available.
The Friendly Swede dry bags are closed like the other dry bags on the list – by rolling the top and secured with a buckle.
Remember, although The Friendly Swede dry bags are extremely water resistant, they are not guaranteed to be 100% waterproof. So, the dry bags should not be fully submerged – as most dry bags. Unfortunately, The Friendly Swede dry bags should not be used as a flotation device, too.
The Friendly Swede dry bags are sold by one and also in packs of two.
When comparing prices you will see that the two-pack costs as much as the single dry bag of other make. This makes The Friendly Swede dry bags a great choice for budget travelers and backpackers.
7. Osprey UltraLight Dry Sack Review
Osprey UltraLight Dry Sack is different from other dry bags reviewed above.
It is made of 40D rip-proof Nylon. These dry bags are ultralight, as the name suggests, but still durable and waterproof.
The Osprey UltraLight Dry sacks are lightweight and thin, and don’t take up almost any space when empty.
I have the 20 liter bag, and when it’s folded, it’s about the size of a hot dog bun.
Osprey UltraLightdry bags are closed like the other dry bags on the list – by rolling the top and secured with a buckle. Squeeze out the air before closing, though. It’s very easy to squeeze all the air out, as the material of the dry sack is thin. It’s not so easy with other, thicker, dry bags.
The sack features well-made plastic buckle, as well as one D-ring.
What’s nice about this dry bag –it’s rectangular shape. As I’ve already mentioned, the material of the sack is lightweight and thin, so it takes less space than a regular dry bag. As well as it can be pushed around when necessary, as the material is not a hard PVC. These sacks take up less space and thus you’ll be able to put it in your carry on backpack easily.
Even though the material of the bag is strong, it is not as hard as the PVC.
So, be careful when putting fragile items in this dry bag!
Also I wouldn’t carry large and heavy items with pointed or sharp edges, like heavy big hardcovers.
The corners might damage the sack eventually.
Osprey UltraLight Dry Sack is available in 5 sizes (3, 6, 12, 20, 30l) and 4 colors (lime green, red, light blue and grey).
The smallest one – 3 liter – is the size of a small ladies handbag. Phone, wallet, keys, IDs, small power bank, earphones and a couple of other things will fit in it. As the material of the bag is lightweight and thin, large-sized sacks can be used even with little stuff. I put a hoodie and pants (size S), as well as a few documents in my 20 liter sack. It wasn’t full. I rolled the excess and secured with a buckle. Easy!
8. KastKing Dry Bag Review
It’s made of thick, durable 100% waterproof 500D PVC material and is roll-top. The dry bag has a double closure system. There is additional PVC lining on the top of the bag, and reinforced vinyl at stress points.
Transparent window allows to see all your gear. Helping you to locate all your items without rummaging through the waterproof bag.
Not only KastKing dry bag is waterproof but it is also airtight. It can float but you will need to leave the air in the bag when rolling the top down and securing it the with the buckle. Then it can be used as a additional emergency flotation device.
There is one D ring included. It is made of durable material, and can be used for attaching the dry bag to your backpack, kayak or other dry bag. Shoulder strap is included, too.
KastKing dry bags are available in several colors, and three sizes – 10, 20 and 30l.
9. Leader Accessories Dry Bag Review
Its roll top closure is very easy to close and the durable material of the top keeps moisture away. High frequency welded seams make the waterproof bag even more durable.
The dry bag is not suitable for full submersion, but your items in the bag will be OK after a quick submersion. The dry bag floats if it is dropped in the water.
There’s a wide choice of sizes. Leader Accessories dry bags come in 7 sizes: 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 55l, and seven colors.
A single shoulder strap is included.
Leader Accessories dry bags are inexpensive, yet among the best dry bags for the buck you can find online.
Do you use a dry bag during your travels? What daypack do you use?
Book Your Trip Like a PRO
1. Book Your Flight. Find cheap flights using Kiwi.com, Momondo.com. Or subscribe to Dollar Flight Club, if you don’t want to be searching for the flights yourself. Kiwi currently is my first choice.
2. Book Your Accommodation. Booking.com, Agoda.com and Airbnb. I use Booking and Agoda at least a dozen times a year, and Airbnb – when looking for a long-term stay. My best tip is to ALWAYS compare the price. Sometimes the same hotel is cheaper on Booking.com, other times – on Agoda. Always compare the price!
3. Buy Your Travel Insurance. Ekta and SafetyWings are two companies I can recommend. Ekta offers some extra benefits, that will be important for those doing some higher risk activities (make sure to choose the right plan!), while SafetyWings is better for digital nomads. SafetyWings is also very affordable.
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