Best Dry Bags in 2023

Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Bag

One of the best dry bags on the market is, without a doubt, the Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Bag. This high-quality dry bag is the perfect middle ground for anyone wanting an affordable lightweight dry bag that is also fit for adventures.

Built from TPU-laminated 600D nylon, this summit dry bag is tough as nails. The material is fully UV resistant, abrasion resistant, and together with the replaceable aluminum corrosion-resistant buckles, will last a long time. Plus, it comes with a lifetime guarantee if anything should fail.

This dry bag comes in a “sack” style and features a roll top closure which you then fasten with the buckles. When closed properly, which is very easy, it creates a watertight seal and it is a 100% waterproof bag.

If the dry bag were to fall in the water, it can even handle a short submersion without letting water in, meaning your valuables are safe so long as you get it back on board quite quickly. Something not every roll top dry bag provides.

There are lashing tabs on the side of it though so you can secure it to your vessel to ensure it never falls in the water, unless you capsize your paddle board, for example.

You can buy this roll-top dry bag in lots of different colors and sizes to suit your needs from 20 – 66 liters. My only grip with it is that there are no padded straps to carry it with and finding things at the bottom can be a chore.

YETI Panga

The YETI Panga range of dry bags offers the best durability and the best water protection you can find on the planet. This is the dry bag I own – being a fly fishing guide and a surfer.

The Yeti Panga is built from close to bulletproof TPU laminated nylon that is puncture resistant, abrasions resistant, and 100% waterproof. Each dry bag comes with a waterproof zipper (hydrolok zipper) that ends in a U-dock to create an airtight seal, which is a lot more than simply waterproof.

When properly closed, the Yeti Panga dry bags are fully submersible and will even float on the surface. I have swum across creeks, rivers, and seas with my Yeti Panga waterproof backpack with my laptop in it, and not a drop of water went inside. It even acted as a PFD (personal flotation device), keeping me afloat as I swam.

The Yeti Panga dry bags are available as a duffel bag or as waterproof backpack dry bag. The duffle versions are large with 50/75/100 liters and feature removable shoulder straps and lashing points, meaning they stay secure on a vessel and you can carry them like a backpack.

The backpack comes with an adjustable shoulder strap system with two padded straps, a sternum strap, and a removable hip belt too. Inside you will also find a laptop sleeve and a zippered mesh pocket for valuables.

The thing I love most about these dry bags is the accessibility which is much easier thanks to the zipper. You can access things with ease just like you would in a backpack, unlike the dry sacks where anything at the bottom is a nightmare to find.

The one negative to the Yeti Panga dry bags is that they are expensive but you do get them for life with Yeti’s iron clad lifetime guarantee, so the investment is worth it.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack

Not everyone spends all their time on the water and for those of you who want a good but affordable dry bag for occasional use, the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack is right up your street.

You can get this dry sack in every size from 1-20 liters, so can keep small gear dry like your phone and camera, or get a larger one for days out on the water.

It is from PU-coated 70D nylon to keep the dry bags waterproof but also super light and packable at the same time. You can slip one of these into your luggage and it won’t take up any space or weight.

These dry bags use a roll top closure system with buckles that are replaceable and when closed properly create a 100% waterproof seal to keep your gear dry. There is also a D-ring for securing it too!

Being so lightweight, it is not as durable as some others, but it will last with care. Like all roll tops, organizing your gear and finding things at the bottom isn’t so easy. Overall though, it is an awesome dry bag for the price.

Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag is an excellent mid-range option for anyone who wants something a little tougher than a lightweight dry bag but doesn’t want to pay the price for an uber-durable one.

Built from TPU-coated 420D nylon, it is tough and fully waterproof when the roll top closure systems are used correctly. It comes in a wide variety of sizes from 3-65 liter so you can get it for valuables only or a large one so you don’t get wet clothes on an expedition.

There are external attachment points too, a lashing system, and is tough enough for a serious adventure. The only negative, a feature of all roll-top closures, is that it is hard to keep clothing and other gear organized, plus accessing stuff at the bottom isn’t easy.

NRS Bill's Bag Dry Bag

NRS Bill’s Bag Dry Bag is the most affordable of the waterproof backpacks featured. It comes in one large size of 65 liters, is a roll top, and has removable shoulder straps with a sternum strap too.

This means you can use it like a roll top and then add the straps for when you need to hike with your gear. The size is great for a long adventure and you can keep everything from dry clothes to electronics and even a sleeping bag inside.

Built from tough PVC, it is 100% waterproof when closed and durable enough to handle rugged environments too. If you are looking for a backpack-style dry bag on a budget, this is the one to go for.

Osprey Ultralight Drysack

The Osprey Ultralight Drysack is designed for small valuables like your phone, camera, and wallet, since it only comes in a 6 liter size.

It is super light, very packable for any trip, and it does the job when it comes to water protection too. Built from 40D Ripstop Nylon with welded seams, it is tough enough for light use like paddle boarding now and then and with the roll top closed will protect everything inside from getting wet.

It is not submersible and not as tough as heavier more durable bags but is the perfect balance of function and affordability for occasional use.

SealLine Discovery View Dry Bag

The SealLine Discovery View Dry Bag is a little different from the other dry bags. While it is still like all other dry sacks with a roll top closure, it is built with transparent material so you can find things easily which saves a lot of hassle and time when searching for one specific thing.

This dry bag also has a waterproof valve on the side which means it works as a compression sack too. You can squeeze all the air out to pack it down small for easy storage on adventures.

Made from waterproof TPU nylon, when closed properly it is 100% waterproof but this is not as durable as other bags and the fabric can wear through. It is not submersible either, there are no straps for carrying it, and it only comes as a larger bag of 30 liters too.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag features taped seams, welded seams, and is made from thick PVC material (500D) to ensure durability and that it is 100% waterproof. It uses a roll top to seal the water out and when done properly will stop you from having wet gear to deal with.

It comes with a single shoulder strap so you can carry it around from A to B with ease, but it can get uncomfy when full and hiking for a while. This depends on the size though, the 10 liters will be fine but the 55 liters, not so much.

The dry bag comes with a 5-year guarantee, meaning that it will last, even the wettest adventures plus it is super affordable for the quality.

Outdoor Research CarryOut Dry Bag

The Outdoor Research CarryOut Dry Bag is a great choice for anyone looking for a dry bag to use now and then, or to use as backpack lines to keep things like sleeping bags or clothes dry when hiking.

It is very light and highly portable plus being made from a waterproof fabric with a roll top, will keep your belongings dry.

This doesn’t suit heavy adventures though as the material is thin and wears out quite easily but it is perfect for light use or within a backpack where it is protected from punctures and abrasion.

Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack

The Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack is designed to be a dry pack that works well as a waterproof sleeping bag cover too. You can put your sleeping bag inside so it is always dry and then use the compressions system to make it smaller in your backpack while hiking.

Made with 70D nylon around the side and a 40D nylon base, it is pretty tough and great for hiking with. You can also use it as a normal dry bag as the fabric is waterproof and the roll top creates a watertight barrier.

Overall, it is excellent quality for the price and great for what it is designed for. It is not however submersible, and it is hard to access/organize things inside.