Paddle & Kayak Dry Bags

The Ultimate Guide to Paddle & Kayak Dry Bags

Dry bags are an essential accessory for paddlers and kayakers. These waterproof bags are designed to keep your gear safe, protected, and dry during your adventures on the water. With so many options available, choosing the right dry bag can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect dry bag for your needs.

Quick Snapshot: Best Dry Bags for Paddlers and Kayakers

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of the best dry bags for paddlers and kayakers in 2023:

  1. Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag
  2. Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
  3. Skog Å Kust Waterproof Dry Bag
  4. SealLine Discovery View Dry Bag
  5. NRS Bill’s Bag Dry Bags
  6. Seattle Sports Glacier Dry Bag
  7. Mustang Survival Bluewater Roll Top Dry Bag
  8. Seattle Sports Explorer Dry Bag
  9. Sea to Summit eVac Dry Sack
  10. Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack
  11. Seattle Sports LocoDry DownUnder ZipDuff
  12. NRS High Roll Duffel Dry Bag

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these dry bags and explore their features, materials, and capabilities.

Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag is a high-quality and affordable option for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. It comes in a range of sizes from 3L to 65L, allowing you to choose the perfect size for your gear. The roll-top closure ensures a watertight seal, and the 420D heavy-duty nylon fabric provides durability and protection against the elements.

One of the standout features of the Big River Dry Bag is its replaceable buckle, which is reinforced with steel pins for added strength. Additionally, the bag has 2 D rings that make it convenient for attaching a carabiner or other accessories. While the manufacturer claims that the bag is only splash and rain-resistant, many users have found that it performs well in wet conditions as long as it is properly closed and has no holes.

Pros:

  • Lightweight, durable, and water-resistant
  • Replaceable buckle reinforced with stainless steel pins
  • Oval base resists rolling

Cons:

  • Taped seams instead of welded seams
  • Not suitable for submersion

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is a lightweight, compact, and affordable option for casual kayaking trips. Made from 500D PVC material, this dry bag is highly waterproof and abrasion-resistant. It comes in sizes ranging from 10L to 55L, allowing you to choose the right capacity for your needs.

One of the standout features of the Earth Pak Dry Bag is its ability to float while rolled up with air inside. This can be particularly useful if you accidentally drop it in the water. The larger sizes (30L, 40L, and 55L) also come with double shoulder straps and a sternum strap for added stability and comfort during longer trips. However, some users have reported that the nylon strap of the included waterproof phone case is not very durable and may need to be replaced.

Pros:

  • Very durable material
  • Floats on water
  • Comes with an IPX8 waterproof phone case
  • Optional backpack straps

Cons:

  • Not great for carrying heavy gear
  • Plastic hardware is not very durable

Skog Å Kust Waterproof Dry Bag

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and durable waterproof dry bag, the Skog Å Kust Waterproof Dry Bag is a great option. Made from heavy-duty 500D waterproof PVC material, this dry bag will protect your gear from getting wet. It features a roll-top closure system and an outer slip pocket for easy access to your small essentials.

The clips and hardware of the Skog Å Kust Dry Bag are sturdy and durable, and the reflective trim around the pocket zipper improves visibility in low-light conditions. The adjustable and removable shoulder strap adds convenience and versatility. While this dry bag is not 100% waterproof, it offers reliable water resistance and durability for its price range.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Removable shoulder strap

Cons:

  • Not suitable for submersion
  • Can be heavy

SealLine Discovery View Dry Bag

The SealLine Discovery View Dry Bag is a unique dry bag made with a transparent PVC-free material. This allows you to easily see and locate your gear without having to open the bag. The 10L size is perfect for day trips and provides IPX-6 waterproof protection, making it splash and rain-resistant.

The dry bag features fully welded seams and a roll-top closure system to ensure a watertight seal. The waterproof PurgeAir valve helps compress your gear to save space. While the material of this dry bag is not as thick as others on the list, it allows for downsizing and is still durable and water-resistant. It may not be suitable for prolonged sun exposure, as it can overheat.

Pros:

  • Easy to find your things
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Waterproof air valve

Cons:

  • Can overheat in prolonged sun exposure

NRS Bill’s Bag Dry Bags

The NRS Bill’s Bag Dry Bags have been trusted by outfitters, guides, and weekend warriors since 1977. These midsize dry bags are perfect for weekend and overnight trips, and they can even fit in overhead compartments of most airlines. The heavy-duty PVC/polyester construction ensures durability and can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor adventures.

The Bill’s Bag Dry Bags are expandable, allowing for over 3900 cubic inches of storage capacity. They can be cinched down with four compression straps to compact and stabilize your gear. The adjustable backpack harness with padded shoulder straps makes carrying your gear comfortable and easy, even in challenging rapids or on long hikes to secluded campsites.

Pros:

  • Aluminum fasteners on compression straps increase durability
  • StormStrip closure system provides a confident seal
  • Adjustable backpack harness for easy carrying

Cons:

  • Limited color options
  • Higher price range

Seattle Sports Glacier Dry Bag

The Seattle Sports Glacier Dry Bag is known for its tough wrap bottom protection, making it one of the most durable clear dry bags on the market. It is constructed with rugged 20oz. clear vinyl, allowing you to easily locate your gear. The sizes range from XS (5L) to XL (55L), providing options for various gear capacities.

These dry bags feature RF welded seams for added strength and an abrasion-resistant base for durability. The 3-roll top closure ensures a secure and watertight seal. The round base design prevents the bag from rolling around on deck. The Glacier Dry Bag is color-coded by size, making it easy to distinguish between different bags or collect the whole set.

Pros:

  • Clear vinyl allows for easy gear identification
  • Rugged construction with RF welded seams
  • Abrasion-resistant base
  • Color-coded by size

Cons:

  • Limited color options
  • No additional straps or attachments

Mustang Survival Bluewater Roll Top Dry Bag

The Mustang Survival Bluewater Roll Top Dry Bag is designed with fully welded construction for unmatched durability. The waterproof label window allows you to see what’s inside without compromising the bag’s integrity. Its unique cube design ensures that the bag packs tightly and won’t roll around on deck.

Made from 210 denier ripstop nylon with a TPU coating, the Bluewater Roll Top Dry Bag is both lightweight and tough. It comes in a 20L size, providing ample storage space for your gear. With a length of 27.4 inches, a width of 15.3 inches, and a depth of 5.9 inches, it offers a good balance between capacity and portability.

Pros:

  • Fully welded construction for durability
  • Waterproof label window
  • Unique cube design prevents rolling

Cons:

  • Limited size options
  • Single color option

Seattle Sports Explorer Dry Bag

The Seattle Sports Explorer Dry Bag is a classic dry bag that can withstand serious abuse. It is domestically manufactured with high-quality 19oz. vinyl and radio-frequency welded seams. Available in sizes ranging from XS (5L) to XL (55L), you can choose the right capacity for your needs.

The Explorer Dry Bag features an easy-load round base and an adjustable roll-top closure for a secure seal. It also includes a D-ring for tie-down and lashing, allowing you to secure it to your kayak or other gear. The bag’s durable construction and reliable waterproofing make it a popular choice among paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Pros:

  • Sturdy construction with high-quality vinyl and welded seams
  • Easy-load round base
  • D-ring for tie-down and lashing

Cons:

  • Limited color options
  • No additional straps or attachments

Sea to Summit eVac Dry Sack

The Sea to Summit eVac Dry Sack is a unique dry bag that uses a waterproof, air-permeable eVENT fabric on the base. This allows for valve-free air expelling, making it easy to compress and save space. The sack’s oval shape resists rolling when laid on its side, making it more stable and easier to pack.

These dry sacks are available in various sizes from 3L to 65L, allowing you to choose the right capacity for your gear. They are suitable for compressible items such as sleeping bags and clothing that need to be squeezed down as small as possible while staying dry. The eVac Dry Sack offers a balance between waterproof protection and efficient packing.

Pros:

  • Waterproof, air-permeable base for easy compression
  • Oval shape resists rolling
  • Suitable for compressible items

Cons:

  • Limited color options
  • Not suitable for submersion

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack

The Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack is a less expensive and less bulky alternative to traditional dry bags. Made from 70 Denier nylon, these dry sacks are tough and lightweight. They come in various sizes from 1L to 35L, offering versatility for different gear capacities.

These dry sacks are ideal for situations where the bag will not be submerged but still need to keep the contents dry in wet conditions. They are perfect for boating, outdoor use, backpacking, and adventure traveling. The flexible fabric makes them easy to stuff into tight areas, and their lightweight design is suitable for those looking to minimize weight and bulk.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Suitable for tight spaces
  • Versatile for various outdoor activities

Cons:

  • Limited color options
  • Not suitable for submersion

Seattle Sports LocoDry DownUnder ZipDuff

The Seattle Sports LocoDry DownUnder ZipDuff is a seriously hardcore, waterproof duffel/backpack hybrid. It features a gas-tight, waterproof zipper and heavy-duty 600D PU-coated nylon material for maximum durability and protection. The bag comes with two sets of Ergo silicone shoulder straps in black and neon green, allowing you to customize your carry style.

The LocoDry DownUnder ZipDuff is available in 60L and 90L sizes, providing ample storage space for your gear. It offers the confidence you need to take on the gnarliest of water adventures. The duffel-style grip and optional backpack carry make it convenient and comfortable for portaging or traveling. This dry bag is perfect for those seeking the highest level of waterproof protection.

Pros:

  • Gas-tight, waterproof zipper
  • Includes two sets of Ergo silicone shoulder straps
  • Durable 600D PU-coated nylon material

Cons:

  • Limited size options
  • Higher price range

NRS High Roll Duffel Dry Bag

The NRS High Roll Duffel Dry Bag offers rugged dependability in a convenient duffel-style design. Made from heavy-duty 21 oz PVC material, this dry bag can handle the wear and tear of any rugged outdoor adventure. It comes in sizes ranging from 35L to 105L, providing ample storage capacity for all your gear.

The fold-down StormStrip closure system ensures a confident seal and allows for easy top-loading access. Simply fold the bag from the top at least three times and hook the aluminum fasteners through the webbing loops on the sides for a secure closure. The webbing chains provide ample attachment points to secure other items to the bag, making it a versatile and reliable option for paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Pros:

  • Rugged construction with heavy-duty PVC material
  • Convenient duffel-style design
  • StormStrip closure system for a confident seal

Cons:

  • Limited color options
  • Higher price range

Conclusion

Choosing the right dry bag for your paddling and kayaking adventures is crucial to keep your gear safe and dry. From the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag to the NRS High Roll Duffel Dry Bag, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as size, material, closure type, and additional features when making your decision.

Remember to always properly close and secure your dry bag to ensure maximum waterproofing. While most dry bags offer water resistance and protection against splashes and rain, it’s important to note that not all dry bags are suitable for submersion. Be sure to choose a dry bag that matches the level of protection you require for your specific activities.

Investing in a high-quality dry bag will give you peace of mind and allow you to fully enjoy your time on the water without worrying about the safety of your gear. So, gear up with the best dry bag for your next paddling or kayaking adventure and embark on unforgettable journeys with confidence.