Dry bags are the best choice for a traveler seeking an adventure in the water. They make for fantastic scuba gear bags and will keep all of your best diving accessories safe.
They are lightweight, waterproof and many have a roll-top so you have more flexibility with the size. It has everything that you want for outdoor activities in unpredictable weather conditions.
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Top 10 Best Dry Bags
Planning on traveling with dive gear soon? Check out our dive packing guide for top tips on how to best pack your scuba diving essentials and belongings. Before start, you can learn how a dry bag works here.
But first, you need to find a dry bag that works for you. Here are our top 10.
1. Cressi Waterproof Dry Bag Camo
Every scuba diver is familiar with Cressi. It is one of the most trusted brands for water sports because of its Italian design and high-quality materials.
This Cressi dry bag is made with a cool camo material that is soft to the touch yet still strong and waterproof. It has a side-release buckle and two straps; one to carry in your hand and one for over your shoulder.
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The roll-top is perfect for traveling. You can compress it further if you are only carrying a few things or make space for gear whenever necessary.
Best Features:
- 100% waterproof
- Roll top with quick-release buckle
- Available in 10L & 20L
2. Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Dry Sack
The signature ultra-SIL Cordura nylon material is unlike the material that you see on other dry bags. It is lighter, both in weight and thickness, which also makes it more flexible.
This is a great choice for longer trips at sea, for example during a scuba diving liveaboard trip. The design comes in many different sizes so you can place several waterproof dry bags in a bigger dry bag.
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As the name suggests, this dry bag works whether you are in the water or on top of a mountain. They won the Backpacker Editor’s Choice Award for a reason.
Best Features:
- Thinner flexible material
- Big size range
- Siliconized exterior
3. SEAC U-Boot 100 Diving Dry Bag
Wet scuba diving gear makes finding the right bag hard – until now! SEAC has created the perfect water sport bag that is suitable for both wet and dry items.
The design looks similar to a regular sports bag but has the added advantage of a drainage cap. This means you can simply drop in all your gear, open the cap and let the water drain out. It could not be easier.
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This is a very large dry bag so you will be able to fit in most of the scuba diving gear that you need on your trip. With a little careful packing, you might even be able to use it as your only check-in baggage for the trip.
Best Features:
- Draining cap
- Tarpaulin with reinforced sleeves
- Extra-large 100L capacity
4. IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack
Don’t feel comfortable carrying the weight on a single strap? Then switch your dive gear bag to this backpack-inspired design by IDRYBAG.
With this purchase, you basically get two bags for the price of one since you can fold the straps away so that it becomes the simple roll-top dry bag that is more common. This versatility lets you use your IDRYBAG in any season, at sea or in the mountains.
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Dry bag backpacks are great alternatives to the sack-like options. They are a little more versatile and will take away some of the pressure on your shoulders and prevent back pain.
Best Features:
- Converts into a backpack
- Large size
- Includes smaller companion bag
5. Earth Pak Dry Bag with Waterproof Phone Case
Whether it is on a kayak or boating, you can spot an Earth Pak dry bag during almost any water sport. This popular brand is known for not being afraid of color, versatile design, and affordability.
This specific model has one extra perk; it comes with an IPX8 waterproof phone case. Earth Pak was already one of the top contenders and with the addition of this pouch, they are staying strong against their competition.
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As usual, this Earthpak dry bag is available both in a small and large size. Get different volumes and different colors so you can use the smaller ones as pouches for better organization.
Best Features:
- Includes waterproof phone case
- Many sizes available
- Easy to spot colors
6. Piscifun Floating Dry Bag + Phone Case
For certain items that you need quick access to, opening and closing your dry bag is not ideal. If this is one of your pet peeves then you will love the strong outer mesh pocket on this Piscifun dry bag.
In addition to the exterior mesh pouch, your mobile will stay safe in the IPX8 pouch. The pouch is waterproof but thin enough that you can still type through it.
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Another reason why this is a top pick is that it floats. As a kayaker (or on other boats) you no longer have to worry about your essentials sinking to the bottom of the sea.
Best Features:
- Floating dry bag
- Exterior mesh pocket
- Includes IPX8 waterproof phone case
7. Kastking Military Grade Dry Bags
Offering some of the best water protection, Kastking is an unbeatably strong adventure bag. Made with a double layer of 500D PVC material, this is a fabric that you will struggle to tear.
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Another plus point, the see-through panel lets you see what is inside your bag at any time. No matter the season, no matter the activity, with this big you are ready for an adventure.
Best Features:
- Military-grade
- Clear panel
- Also snowproof, sand proof, and dustproof
8. Marchway Waterproof Roll Top Bags
These Marchway dry bags are perfect for a traveler that loves the sea. Compact and waterproof, it is a great pick for when you are spending the day on a dive boat.
If it ever does go overboard, you can easily spot it floating in the sea thanks to its bright colors. Regardless of the weight of its contents, it will float as long as the top is rolled and closed.
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This dry bag is not only perfect out on the ocean but also does its job in the desert and snowcapped mountains. You can even wear it on your back riding a bike through the mud and you still won’t find anything penetrating through the bag.
Best Features:
- Floating dry bag
- Safe from mud, snow, and sand
- Extra tight closure
9. FE Active Eco-Friendly Waterproof Backpack
This FE Active waterproof backpack should be on the wish list of every outdoor enthusiast. It is perfect for any activity at seas such as scuba diving or kayaking but also does its duty for camping.
It features 2 padded shoulder straps and padded back support designed for better airflow. Inside you will find a pouch to keep your more valuable items separate and outside there is a mesh pouch for quick access to a flask.
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The bag itself is very lightweight – at just 2 pounds the bag itself won’t weigh you down. To win points with your buddies; throw in some ice packs and use it as a cooler bag.
Best Features:
- Suitable for any outdoor activity
- Great weight
- Foldable & compact with lots of storage
10. Vitchelo 30L Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack
No more carrying multiple bags on the dive boat. Keep everything you need for a day of scuba diving in this 30L bag by Vitchelo.
It includes a waterproof phone pouch that is compatible with a touch screen so you always have your phone handy. It also features two mesh pouches on the sides and a string web at the front for any extra you want to bring with you.
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These are the types of bags that you carry with you anywhere. It is comfortable, versatile, and safe for electronics.
Best Features:
- Padded double straps
- Includes waterproof pouch
- Mesh pouches
For a quick recap, here are our Top 3 Products:
- 100% Waterproof
- Quick-Release Buckle
- Trusted Brand
- 2 Different Colors
- Flexible Material
- Siliconized Exterior
- Nearly Transparent
- 660+ Amazon Reviews
- Padded Double Straps
- Mesh Pouches
- Versatile Design
- 30L Capacity
Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Bags
There are many different designs for dry bags so choose the one that is best for your needs. Get a small dry bag for the valuable essentials like your mobile, wallet, and underwater camera and a bigger dry bag backpack for bulkier scuba gear.
What do you consider the must-have features in a dry bag? Which out of our top 10 dry bags is your favorite? Let us know in the comments. To help you a little further in your search for the best dry bag, we’ve answered some of the most popular FAQs below.
What is a dry bag used for?
A dry bag is a waterproof bag used for packing the essentials of outdoor activities. These bags are designed to be lightweight, compact, and waterproof so that the contents are always kept safe. It is perfect for scuba diving, kayaking, and camping.
What is the best dry bag?
The best waterproof dry bag is made of strong materials, is comfortable to carry, and folds away easily. Some of the most versatile and top quality dry bags are made by these brands:
- Cressi
- Earth Pak
- FE Active
- Sea to Summit
When shopping for a dry sack or bag, think about what you will be using it for. Make sure that it won’t be a nuisance to carry and that all the items that you will need can fit inside.
It is better to buy a bag that is a little too big than one that is a little too small. This is especially true for the roll top versions since those are easily folded down to save some space.
Are dry bags waterproof?
As the name suggests, dry bags are waterproof. They are often made with reinforced seals and non-porous materials that prevent water from coming in.
However, even the best dry bags let in water if you don’t close them properly. Don’t overstuff the dry bag and follow the instructions on how to seal the bag completely.
One important distinction that needs to be made is between dry bags and a dry sack. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are technically not the same.
A dry sack is only water-resistant, not waterproof. They are often made of thinner materials that are more lightweight and easier to fold.
A dry sack is often placed inside dry bags to act as a separate compartment. This keeps your travel bag organized and acts as an extra barrier when you are keeping both wet and dry gear in your bag.
How do I make a dry bag?
You can make your own DIY dry bag if you can find the right materials and know-how to sow. We do not recommend making your own dry bags if you not a good sewer because you risk it not being 100% waterproof.
Getting the seams right requires precision. Whether the bag is truly waterproof depends on how well you seal the seams.
You will need the following materials:
- Waterproof fabric like Cordura
- Webbing (for straps)
- Polyester thread
- Seam sealer
- Side release buckle
- Stiff plastic
- Scissors
- Lighter
10 Steps to Make Your Own Dry Bag
Step 1:
Find a sewing pattern for a dry bag and cut the appropriately sized pieces accordingly. Alternatively, you can use your own preferred dimensions but make sure there are extra inches on all sides for the seams and top closure.
Step 2:
Sew together the main piece which will become the body of the bag. Hint: sew everything inside out so you can see the seams.
Step 3:
Sew the base circle and the main body pieces together. Remember that it is inside out.
Step 4:
Seal the seams by melting them gently with the lighter or using the seam sealer. Make sure there aren’t any holes where the water could come through.
Step 5:
Take the piece of stiff plastic and place it at the top of the bag to measure for fit. Then cut a strip that is 1 inch in height. The strip only needs to be long enough for half of the circumference.
Step 6:
Place the strip of plastic inside the bag, 1 inch below the edge. Fold in the top of the bag so that it completely covers the plastic strip. Mark the line and then sew it closed.
Step 7:
Sew together the side-release buckle and webbing to make the straps.
Step 8:
On the side opposite the plastic strip, make 2 cuts into the fold and pull the straps through.
With this DIY dry bag, you can create a waterproof seal by pressing together the top and folding the side with the plastic strip over the side with the buckle and straps. Fold over a few more times and close the buckle for the best seal.
