Tested: The 8 Best Dry Bags For Any Adventure

With roughly 71% of the Earth’s surface covered in water and 40% of the Earth’s living population within 62 miles of an ocean, encountering water at some point during our adventures is practically a given. And that increases exponentially when you take into account the possibility of rain and/or snow. As such, it’s a pretty good idea to stock up on gear that can survive exposure to water.

Of course, if you’re an ocean-going explorer or you live in a place that suffers frequent spells of inclement weather, you might want to invest in stuff that’s entirely waterproof — like dry bags. For reference, dry bags are carriers that can often survive being completely submerged underwater without their contents getting even remotely damp. And while there are plenty of backpacks, duffels, and more that can stave off a bit of moisture, there is a much more select, elite few that can truly weather a complete dunk. We’ve tested all types for the following guide to the best dry bags.

How We Tested

Dry bags are an interesting category in their own right since many products claim to be waterproof when they’re merely water-resistant. To help you make your decision easier when purchasing a new dry bag for your next adventure, we’ve decided to test a handful of the most renowned models out there. For starters, we scoured the web to decide which bags would make our shortlist. We took into account price, reputation (of the bag and the brand), zippers, materials, and overall construction. Once we received our review samples, testing commenced.

To take our testing further, we put paper inside each of these bags and immersed them in a bathtub filled with water for 5 hours to see how waterproof they actually were. The paper helped us visualize the water, if any, that seeped in. Our results are outlined below and are just part of our testing process, which also included looking at variables such as durability, straps, comfort, size, and price, among other things.

What to Look for in a Dry Bag

Materials: As we said, nylon and polyester are inherently water-resistant materials, so look for those. Likewise, if you’re going to be heading outdoors, you’ll want a fabric that’s ripstop or abrasion-resistant.

Closures: While some waterproof bags will benefit from a good waterproof YKK Aquaguard zipper, a lot of dry bags will sport a roll-top closure, which is essentially an extension of the shell construction, getting its waterproofness by rolling it up and buckling it.

Seams: The two options you’ll see for seams are taped and welded. Rather than creating holes from stitching, some companies will literally weld their bags’ seams together with heat and pressure. While this is typically more reliable than taped seams, taped seams are more common with garments that require more mobility and flexibility (e.g., rain jackets). This requires the seams to literally be reinforced by fusing thermoplastic tape to them with heat.

Capacity: Depending on the activity, you’ll want to tailor your bag’s capacity appropriately. If you just want a hiking companion, you can look for a smaller solution. On the other hand, a bigger dry bag will be necessary for overnight stays, rigorous adventures, or travels with larger groups.

Submersion: Not every waterproof bag will boast that it’s submersible. However, if a brand claims this in the product’s description, know that it’s a good indicator of how well it can survive underwater.

Osprey UltraLight 20 Dry Sack

Best Budget Dry Bag: Perfect for quick jaunts to the beach and/or watering hole of your choice, Osprey’s quick-and-easy Ultralight Dry Sack can keep up to 20L of gear bone-dry, even after a dunk underwater — that is, unless the bag is too full. For under $30, it’ll stay secure with a handy roll-top closure, dries quickly courtesy of its puncture-resistant siliconized nylon exterior, and can pack down for easy storage when not in use. The only other brand making bags this good at this price is Sea to Summit.

The Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack is similar to the Matador down below in terms of function and weight, which is impressive considering the 20-liter size and low price point. We loved the wide opening mouth and easy roll-down. Filled with clothes, it can almost stand up on its own, depending on how you have it situated. There’s also some benefit to how the clip can be tucked away inside the opening so it doesn’t get in the way when you’re not using it.

I do wish there were another grab handle aside from a small loop at the bottom, which functions more as a lashing point than anything else. Likewise, the roll-top clip is very easy to undo. I didn’t experience it myself, but this could be an issue if this bag is stuffed inside another non-waterproof bag with other objects potentially pushing it open. As for our bathtub test, the Osprey did not fare well. At the end of the 5 hours, the inside was completely waterlogged. Granted, this bag doesn’t claim to be submersible.

Verdict: While certainly keeping the inside dry after a short time underwater, the Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack isn’t meant for long times of submersion. Yet, aside from the lack of grab handles, the bag is a steal at under $30. Lightweight and capable of a whopping 20L of capacity, this tote is a great option for budget camping trips.

Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Pocket

Best Waterproof Pouch: If you’ve only got a couple of pieces of EDC gear that you want to keep dry during your aquatic expeditions, then you might be interested in the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Pocket. About the same size, shape, and format as a pencil pouch, this little wallet-like pocket has a sturdy waterproof zipper, dual attachment points, and a handy viewing window so you can make sure everything inside is still in order.

If you’re trying to travel light and want to keep some essentials dry, this Nite Ize RunOff is a must-have as far as pouches go. Budget-friendly and low-profile, it claims to be submersible at 1m for up to 30min, but we kept this pouch underwater for 5 hours without a single drop getting inside. If you’re brave enough to keep, say, your phone in one of the bags on our list, the Nite Ize would be the one to go with. Also, the integrated belt loop options –– two on the sides or one in the back –– let you fit this easily under your clothes. And it’s low-profile enough that it won’t get in the way.

Our one major gripe is with the zipper. The pouch doesn’t come with anything to physically pull the zipper open and closed, so you’d have to attach your own contraption, otherwise you might be frustrated with how difficult it is. On the other hand, this may prevent the pouch from opening on its own if you’re going for a swim. Moreover, the low profile of the pouch can make it more difficult to reach inside and pull out gear, especially if you keep it relatively full.

Verdict: As one of the most submersible options on this list, the Nite Ize RunOff is a safe bet for storing small gear when hiking or even swimming. Likewise, the open window front provides some more peace of mind when you’re trying to check on the status of moisture throughout your adventures. The smaller size may not be optimal for some, and the zipper can be a hassle, but this pouch serves a very specific purpose and fulfills that really well.

SealLine Baja View Dry Bag

Best See-Through Dry Bag: For those who hate digging through dark bags looking for a single item –– especially when you need to do so quickly such as when kayaking or in emergencies –– check out SealLine’s Baja View Dry Bag, a 10-liter waterproof bag that’s great for any adventure, as long as you don’t care if people see what you have. Weighing just 7.8oz empty, this glorified Ziploc bag benefits from a heavy-duty clear polyurethane shell with the brand’s proprietary DrySeal roll-top closure and welded seam construction for extra waterproofness.

Despite not being fully “submersible,” the SealLine Baja View allowed the least amount of water inside when compared to other non-submersible bags. The paper inside got less than 10% wet, and it wasn’t ever drenched in any one part. As far as the bag itself, the see-through element is no gimmick. It’s also important to note the sturdiness of the base. Even though it’s not see-through, it allows the bag to stand propped up when filled with clothes.

The downside of the SealLine Baja View is the minimization of capacity. While the see-through element is no gimmick, it does prevent you from putting more gear and clothes into the bag because of its construction. Due to the thickness of the clear polyurethane shell, the bag’s interior space shrinks down to nearly half of its full capacity. Compared to the Matador below, which is only an 8-liter bag, the 10-liter SealLine had noticeably less room for gear inside. This dry bag would actually benefit from some sort of compression system akin to the Sea to Summit Evac below. Likewise, the roll-top instructions are needlessly convoluted and could be also redesigned to help maximize space.

Verdict: If anything, the SealLine Baja View should be considered for its utility. Being able to see through a bag, at the very least, pushes the needle in terms of bag function and construction, especially if you’re using these things outdoors. Most people won’t want passersby to see their gear when, say, commuting to work, but out in the wilderness, this quick visibility can be an asset. However, if you’re planning on getting this bag, we would recommend opting for the 20L option instead.

Matador Flatpak Dry Bag

Best Overall Dry Bag: If you’re interested in a quick-and-easy dry bag solution, but you’re limited on space, you can’t go wrong with Matador’s Flatpak Dry Bag. This simple tote expands to hold up to 8L worth of gear (though there’s a 2L version available as well), has a completely waterproof exterior with welded construction and an IPX7 rating, and sports a flat bottom so it can stand up on its own when packed. Aside from the Hypalon handle on the side, which allows you to carry this like a quasi-duffel, it’s also complete with its own carabiner loop on top for simple, modular attachment to your backpack.

The first thing you’ll notice when you’re taking a look at the Matador Flatpak is how extremely lightweight it is. Aside from the clip on top, which is easy to take on and off, there’s a useful grab handle made of Hypalon on the long side, featuring a small loop on top of it for attaching to your backpack or bag. To help you peer inside easier, there’s a clear strip along the side of the bag. In terms of construction, the tough ripstop nylon on the bag feels noticeably thicker than the shell on many of the cheaper bags, so you’re paying for sturdier goods, whether or not they’re taking the plunge in a lake. In terms of submersibility, the Flatpak kept out moisture when plunged underwater for shorter periods, with only minimal water marks on the paper after 5 whole hours.

After stuffing it full of clothes, I tested the bag to see if it could really stand up on its own. Unfortunately, despite claims otherwise, the bag kept falling over, and it wasn’t even close. It’s also important to note that although 8L isn’t a lot of room, the positioning of the roll-top strip, as well as its thinness, optimizes this capacity. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smaller bag, this 8L version of the Flatpak is priced better than the 2L version, which is relatively more expensive.

Verdict: We love everything about this Matador bag, including its sleek and versatile appearance, the price, the attachment and grab handle options, and its super tough construction. If you’re going to get just one dry bag and don’t mind a smaller option, just get this.

Sea to Summit Evac Compression Dry Bag HD

Best Compression Bag: Sea to Summit has some of the best wallet-friendly outdoor gear on the planet, but for its best dry bag, we went with this mid-level Evac Compression Dry Bag. Great for keeping your gear dry when kayaking, biking, backpacking, or any other outdoor adventure, the roll-top bag has an incredibly tough construction, waterproof or otherwise, with a 420D puncture-resistant nylon shell and a 500D Cordura base. Best of all, it’s great for space-saving, capable of compressing down by pushing air out of its eVent base without letting much water in.

One of the more unique bags on this list, the Evac Compression solves a problem that I had with some of the other bags, which is squeezing all the air out effectively. While some may want to keep the air inside so that their bag floats better in case of a capsize on the water, removing air certainly helps with packing as much gear into a small space, especially when hiking or backpacking. Possible to stand up on its own when stuffed, the shell of the bag feels really sturdy without feeling plastic-y, even though this does contribute to the overall weight.

While the Evac dry bag is definitely waterproof, it’s not submersible. Water definitely got in during our bathtub test, but objectively not as much as it could have considering the eVent base, which is capable of letting air out. From a functional standpoint, the compression element is really clever, albeit tricky to use the first time around. Getting the “cap” around the top of the bag in order to clip it to the bottom took longer than expected. Although, it’s a necessary evil since the lid is a roll-top. Plus, it provides an extra layer of moisture defense. It’s also important to note that the roll-top clip is a bit harder to unlatch than other bags.

Verdict: Not as lightweight as other 8-liter options here, the Sea to Summit Evac Compression Dry Bag is nevertheless sturdy. It won’t be as completely submersible as some other 8L options but it serves a specific purpose that other bags can achieve: saving space.

NRS Bill’s Bag 65L Dry Bag

Best Large Backpack: NRS has several fantastic dry bag options, but none of them are as legendary as the 65-liter Bill’s Bag. A mainstay for the company since 1977, Bill’s Bag was born out of a need to supply boaters with dry storage bags after military surplus bags were becoming more scarce. The result is this lightweight, large, and cost-efficient adventure pack that’s great at maximizing space while keeping your gear safe and dry within its 21oz TobaTex PVC housing.

Admittedly, it’s difficult to believe in the waterproof security of the Bill’s Bag when you’re cinching it up. The 21oz PVC material is so thick that it’s a challenge to roll down in the first place and there’s no clip at the top of the roll-top closure like in smaller bags. Instead, the lid is fastened with a series of four G-hooks that you can tighten. As expected, there was a good deal of water infiltration, but we can also see how effective this would be in, say, the rain, where all the water will be coming down from above. Bill’s Bag never claims to be submersible but it’s a solid option to have should you and your bag experience sudden, unexpected torrents of moisture.

At first glance, Bill’s Bag is a behemoth. Not your average waterproof backpack, the 65-liter bag holds a lot of gear, which is great for long journeys and several-day camping trips. While there are tons of lashing points, which ups the versatility factor, the nature of this bag may not be appealing for those trying to find items quickly. Compared to the Filson Dry Bag below, which features a more horizontal design (although is not a backpack), the verticality of the Bill’s Bag hinders its usage a bit. Also, the backpack straps could be a bit more comfortable, especially when you have this thing filled with clothes and gear.

Verdict: If you like the YETI Panga but want to save some money, as well as increase your interior space, the NRS Bill’s Bag is a tough one to beat. At 3.8lb, it’s on the heavier side but it will still serve as a solid companion when hiking, boating, or backpacking. It may not be the most comfortable option available, but it still does its job really well.

Filson Medium Dry Duffle Bag

Best Duffel Bag: Whether you’re going on a weekend-long camping trip or flying to a locale much wetter than the one you’re used to, Filson’s Medium Dry Duffel Bag is a great way to ensure everything you’ve packed stays dry. The highlight is the TPU-coated 840D nylon shell, with water-tight construction and a dual-lock top closure fastener. Not to mention, the high-density plastic hardware will help ensure the safety of your gear –– up to 65L so you don’t have to cut any corners when packing.

Large and in charge, this Filson Dry Bag holds a lot of gear, and its vertical orientation lets you peer inside easily. Likewise, the orange color reflects some of the light for better visibility. In terms of its ability to be keep out water, there was some slight infiltration during the bathtub test but not much, considering it never claims to be submersible. While difficult to open and close –– which it does often by itself –– the thick Velcro along the mouth serves as an extra buffer to keep water out in addition to the roll-top closure.

As a duffel bag, it would be nice if the Filson dry bag had some pockets on the outside. However, the multiple grab and carry options (there’s a removable padded shoulder strap) earns this some extra points, as does its ability to be tied down with its side lashing points –– an asset if you’re on a boat or kayak. As we mentioned, the Velcro mouth is a bit difficult to open and shuts on its own, but this will be a necessity for securing your gear and keeping it dry. However, a zipper closure may be a better option here.

Verdict: A popular dry bag for a reason, the Filson Medium Dry Duffel Bag is capable of being your only bag on a given adventure. It’s not completely submersible, but it comes close and will keep your stuff dry on most occasions. The price isn’t ideal, but you’re getting top-tier Filson construction with welded seams and 840D ripstop nylon.

YETI Panga Backpack 28

Best Overall Backpack: As previously noted, YETI — the brand responsible for making some of our favorite rugged adventure coolers — has its own lineup of dry bags. Unsurprisingly, they’re absolutely stellar, including the Panga Backpack, a completely airtight bag that is also insanely durable, thanks to its Thickskin shell and ultra-tough waterproof zipper. And while its spacious main compartment is excellent, it also features an internal mesh pocket for more organization, as well as external webbing for modular attachments.

It’s easy to see why the Panga is so popular from an aesthetic viewpoint. Simply put, the backpack looks stellar, possessing YETI’s distinct design language but in bag form. Displaying a traditional, if not caricatured, backpack design, the 28-liter bag opens to a large main compartment, equipped with the aforementioned pocket and zippered mesh pouch. There’s also a wall that accommodates Velcro attachments, making the interior quasi-modular. Likewise, the exterior sports a series of 10 webbing loops, while the sides of the bag each have a sturdy grab handle. The bottom of the backpack has loops for tying this backpack down if you need to. After its time in the bathtub, the Panga experienced absolutely no water infiltration, as to be expected.

Easily the biggest drawback of the YETI dry bag is its zipper situation. Extremely difficult to open, the T-zipper must also be forced a bit to close all the way. If you’re not vigilant enough, you run the risk of leaving a small opening at the bottom for water to come inside easily. However, the zipper will be a necessary evil to ensure the bag’s complete water exclusion on the inside. Another thing this bag could use is a water bottle pouch on the outside, or at least some sort of additional zippered pouch for extra gear. But these are just minor complaints on a bag that’s already so capable and versatile.

Verdict: If we were to throw our valuables into any of the bags on this list, the YETI Panga would be our first choice (perhaps followed by the minuscule Nite Ize pouch above). Although the zipper may give you some trouble, the tech will certainly keep out all moisture for an extended period. The streamlined design, both inside and out, balances form and function well, even if this won’t give you a lot of organization options like, say, a commuter backpack would. However, the Panga is simply the best waterproof dry bag you can find.

Dry Bags Comparison Chart

What Is a Dry Bag?

Admittedly, the definition of a dry bag is a bit ambiguous. For our purposes here, we’re roping in anything that’s a waterproof bag purpose-built to carry gear, typically on outdoor excursions. As such, this is why we broke out our guide by bag type and usage. Not every dry bag has to be submersible, which is why we made a note of which ones can make this claim.

Waterproof Vs. Water-Resistant

Knowing the difference between waterproof and water-resistant can save you a lot of hassle and headaches in the long run. If you see “water-resistant” on the label, this means the product can resist moisture on some level, be it through water-repellant treatment or inherently water-resistant fabrics like polyester or nylon, which are thick enough to resist moisture.

In terms of “waterproof” items, they will feature both materials and construction which make them fully impenetrable to moisture. This includes waterproof zippers, gaskets or seals, and taped seams. Some brands will say their product is waterproof even if it’s not, so look for reputable brand names or IP ratings (the higher the last number, the more waterproof it is).

Honorable Mentions

Easy to identify at a glance, First Aid Dry Bag from Sea to Summit didn’t make the initial cut simply for its lack of actual supplies that come with it (i.e., it’s not a first aid kit). Likewise, the Evac above is a much more solid option if you’re headed out on a bikepacking or kayaking trip since it can compress down to a small size.

Another great budget-friendly bag we wanted to mention was the Osprey UltraLight Dry Sack. This 20-liter bag will cost you just $25 but we felt the roll-top of the Ortlieb above fit our dry bag needs and was a better all-around bag for the price.

Much too similar to the Matador Flatpak featured above in both purpose and price, the Ortlieb DRY-BAG PS 490 35L should still be under consideration. It’s super rugged and a great heavy-duty option for the outdoors.

If you want another heavy-duty backpack option with an IP68 rating, check out the SubTech Pro Drybag, which can also double as a duffel bag. A good extreme excursion bag from a brand that’s not super well known, this 55-liter pack didn’t make the cut simply for the steep price and lack of innovation, especially compared to the much cheaper, and just as good, NRS bag above.

The Best Waterproof Backpacks

If you’re going to be venturing into unpredictable situations, you may need one of these waterproof backpacks from our recent guide to the best around.