10 Best Kayaking Dry Bags (2023 Reviews and Guide)

Whether you’re an experienced paddler or just starting, having the right gear is essential. A dry bag is one of the most important items in any kayaker’s toolbox. There are certain items like your cell phone, wallet, and keys that you can’t afford to get wet.

Keeping your gear dry while you are on the water is not always easy. You need to be ready in case the weather turns or you are caught in rough water. Even if your kayak has a storage hatch with a rubber seal, it’s not guaranteed to keep your stuff dry (as I found out the hard way).

Here’s a sneak peek at the top picks.

For other waterproof accessories, check out waterproof backpacks and waterproof phone cases.

Best dry bag for kayaking

Like many others, I have tried putting all my valuables in a Ziploc bag, but that doesn’t cut it.  It’s important to have a good dry bag that you can rely on.

With that said, let’s get to it.

#1 HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag

Features:

• Wide variety of colors available
• Roll top dry bag
• Ultra-thin PVC
• 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L sizes available

Review

This highly-rated waterproof dry bag is easy to get in and out of.  The bag has adjustable shoulder straps to carry it as a backpack. It also has a convenient carry handle.  This bag is multifunctional and suitable for a variety of watersports.

This is one of the best waterproof backpacks for kayaking because it is transparent to see your gear.  This makes it easy to get the items you want out of your bag without digging too hard.  You can also keep your cell phone screen to read messages you get while on the water.

This dry bag is made from .6mm thin PVC, so it’s not bulky, but it will seal tight to keep your gear dry.  The HEETA dry bag roll top closure is easy to use. Roll down the top to force the air out, buckle it up, and be ready to go.

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#2 Earth Pak -Waterproof Dry Bag

Features

• Variety of colors available
• Roll top closure system
• 500D PVC
• 10L, 20L, 30L, 40L, 55L sizes available

Review

The Earth Pak original is a great dry bag for kayaking. It comes in sizes from 10L-55L.  The 10L and 20L sizes come with a single adjustable shoulder strap. 

You can wear the bag over your shoulder or across your chest. You can carry the bag in the back or front of you.

Carrying the bag on your back is great for SUPs or sit-on-top kayaks. You can flip it around if you need access to anything. You can also easily take the bag with you if you get out of your boat to explore.

The larger 30L to 55L can carry a lot more gear. They have padded shoulder straps and a chest strap.  This makes it easier to carry bigger loads and distribute the weight evenly.

The Earth Pak dry bag is easy to use by rolling down the top, buckling it, and away you go.  The D-rings are great for tying the bag down to your boat.

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#3 Unigear Dry Bag

Features:

• 500D PVC
• Lot of colors to choose from
• 2L, 5L, 10L, 20L, 30, 40L sizes available

Review

The Unigear kayak dry bag is available in 2L to 40L sizes, so there are sizes for various needs. The 2L – 20L bags come with a single adjustable shoulder strap. 

You can carry the bag over your shoulder or chest for easy access. This is an excellent way to carry the bag for SUP or sit on top kayaks.

The 30L bag has padded backpack straps.  The 40L bag has padded backpack straps and an adjustable chest strap. 

All the bags are great for taking with you if you decide to beach your kayak and explore.  The bag does float, so if it does end up in the water, do not worry.

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#4 OMGear Waterproof Dry Bag

Features:

• 500D PVC
• Roll top closure system
• Variety of colors available
• 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, 40L sizes available

Review

With sizes available from 5L-40L, there are many options to choose from. There are a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, some entertaining ones too! The smaller bags come with a handy shoulder strap to carry the bag.

The 40L bag has adjustable, padded backpack straps for easy carrying.  If you decide to get out of your kayak and explore, taking the bag with you is easy.

All bags are easy to carry, whether over the shoulder or as a backpack.

These bags float (so it’s a floating waterproof dry bag), and it has a hook to attach the bag to your kayak.  If your bag goes overboard, do not worry. It will float.  Attaching the bag to your kayak will help to keep it from floating away.

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#5 Piscifun Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack

Features:

• 500D PVC
• Roll top dry bag
• Assorted colors
• 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, 40L sizes available

Review

This dry bag backpack has many features to keep your gear dry while on the water. First, a front pocket is very convenient for items you don’t necessarily care about if they get wet.  I know this is a dry bag, and I first mentioned your stuff getting wet.

Hang in there with me, though. This pouch is great for things like a laminated lake map. There is a drawstring system outside the pocket for holding other items. The dry bag backpack has heavy-duty buckles that will stand up well on the water.

The 40L bag is great for larger items like jackets, a pillow, or a blanket if you are camping.  The bags have strong welded seams and a made from thick rubber to keep your gear dry. The roll-top closure is easy to use. Load your gear, roll the top down three times and buckle it up.

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#6 Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Dry Sack

Features:

• Various sizes available
• Roll top closure system
• Siliconized nylon fabric
• Compression dry sack

Review

The Sea to Summit dry sack is ultra-lightweight, but don’t let that fool you. These packs are great for keeping your gear dry.  The watertight bag has seams that are tape sealed and double-stitched.  Check out this video for more information on the technology that keeps your gear dry.

The lightweight compression dry sack is available in various sizes, from 1L to 35L.  The smaller bags are great for things like your phone, other camera equipment, wallets, keys, etc.  The larger bags will handle things like extra clothes.

If you are kayaking in the spring or fall, maybe it’s chilly in the morning and warmer during the day. You can peel off layers and keep them in your dry sack.

The main thing you want to watch out for with this bag is not to pack items that will puncture it.  Also, try to store it where it will not be punctured.

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#7 IDRYBAG Waterproof Floating Dry Bag

Features:

• 20L
• 500D PVC
• Roll top closure system
• Assorted colors to choose from

Review

IDRYBAG is a waterproof backpack for kayaking. This 20L dry backpack is large enough to carry gear for a one or two-day trip for one person, depending on how light you pack. 

The bag is submersible, but the outer pocket is not waterproof, so that is one thing to note.  With heavy-duty welded seams, this bag is watertight.

The backpack comes with a water bottle holder, which is very handy for long days on the water. The bag is easy to use.  After you load your gear, roll the top down three or four times, buckle it up, and you are set.

The dry bag comes with padded shoulder straps, which are nice for several reasons.  You can carry the bag on your back while transporting the kayak from your vehicle to the water. If you decide to get out and explore, you can take your backpack with you and all your valuables.

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#8 Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

Features:

• Various sizes from 5L to 65L
• TPU laminated nylon
• Variety of colors and sizes available

Review

The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag is a personal favorite. These dry bags have waterproof seams. The welded seams make this bag durable and excellent for a day of kayaking.

Many size options are available, so you can find one that fits your needs. The low-profile kayak dry bag has a buckle that can be repaired in the field (or on the water).

Sea to Summit Big River Dry bags is easy to pack and durable. The 8-liter size is great for carrying a moderate amount of gear. I can put on a sweatshirt and a small towel and still have room for plenty of other stuff. You can even fit a light-duty sleeping bag in this kayak dry bag.

The buckles are very solid, and you can attach several bags together. The lightweight dry bag has attachment points on the side so you can tie them securely to your kayak.

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#9 Oak Creek Canyon Falls Dry Bag Backpack

Features:

• 30L
• Heavy guage PVC
• Great for paddling or hiking

Review

This large backpack dry bag is great for kayaking, and you can pack a good amount of gear inside.  This pack is excellent for an overnight kayak trip and will keep your clothing and other supplies dry. The welded seams give you robust and waterproof construction.

The backpack straps are padded and comfortable to carry.  The bag also has a convenient carry handle.

These backpack-style dry bags are excellent because your hands can carry other things. The backpack helps when you carry your kayak to the water since your hands are free.

The pack is available in 30L, which are great sizes for day trips or an overnighter.  There are bungee cord tie-downs on the outside of the backpack for extra storage (items that don’t need to stay dry).

The Oak Creek Canyon Falls Dry Bag Backpack is an awesome dry bag for kayaking.

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#10 Skog Å Kust DrySåk Waterproof Floating Dry Bag

Features:

• Various sizes available
• Assorted colors available

Review

The Skog Å Kust DrySåk Waterproof Floating Dry Bag (yes, it’s a mouthful) is available in larger sizes and is great for packing gear for a long day or overnight trip.

You can pack a ton of stuff like extra clothes, a pillow, a towel, etc., the items you don’t want to get wet.  Just remember, dry clothes are better than wet clothes.

The bag has a removable shoulder strap that can also be used to strap the bag onto your kayak. The reflective trim around the zipper helps others to see in an emergency. There is an outer pocket for items you need to keep handy, like your phone (for all those awesome shots).

There are a variety of colors available, and true to their name (waterproof floating dry bag), the bags float and even remain soft in cold conditions. This is a great all-around dry bag that you can use year-round.

If you are in the market for a floating waterproof bag for kayaking, this is it!

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How to Choose a Waterproof Bag for Kayaking

What Size Kayak Dry Bag Do You Need?

Figuring out what size kayak dry bag you need is essential. Dry bags come in all sizes, from 2L to 55L, and everything in between. Smaller sizes like 2L, are suitable for your phone, wallet, keys, etc. 

For context, the bright yellow bag in the picture is my 8L Sea to Summit Big River dry bag. Next to the bag is a pair of men’s size 11 shoes. I can fit a pair of shoes and other stuff in the bag.

For larger items like clothing, shoes, a towel, etc., you will need a larger bag like a 20L or 30L.

If the weather is cold in the morning and evening but warm during the day, you might have layers of clothes like a jacket, pants, or a towel to put in your dry bag. In cases like this, a larger bag is excellent.

This 10L bag is a bit larger (duh), compared to the same size 11 men’s shoes.

You must determine what you will put in your bag for safekeeping.  You can put whatever you want to keep from sinking to the bottom of the lake in your dry bag.

What Material Is the Kayak Dry Bag Made Of?

Many dry bags are made of nylon or vinyl.  Vinyl tends to be less flexible but also more durable. If you are looking for a dry bag that can take a beating, then vinyl might be the right one.

Nylon bags are coated with a film to make them waterproof. These bags will be more forgiving and more susceptible to punctures and tears.  If you want a bag you can toss around in the bottom of your kayak, you might need something a little more substantial.

Kayak Dry Bag vs. Dry Sack

A dry bag is usually more heavy-duty and can handle more abrasive areas, like the floor of your kayak.  A dry bag can be used more on its own.  A lightweight dry sack is meant to go inside another pack.

Is It a Waterproof Dry Bag?

Okay, this is an exciting topic.  Many dry bags claim to be 100% waterproof.  Just know that a dry bag that is not sealed property will not be waterproof if you keep it submerged underwater for a long time.  They will, however, withstand a drop in the lake or river.

If you are looking for a waterproof bag for kayaking, make sure you buy a dry bag, not a stuff sack. Also, you have to make sure the bag is sealed properly.

Do You Need a Floating Waterproof Bag for Kayaking?

A floating dry bag is awesome for obvious reasons. A brightly colored floating waterproof bag is even better. My dry bag is bright freaking yellow!

I can see that sucker from a mile away, which is great. I can tell you from experience having a brightly colored floating waterproof bag for kayaking is an excellent choice. You can locate the bag easily if it ends up in the water.

Style

Smaller bags typically come with a carry handle or a single strap. The larger bags will have backpack straps. Backpack straps are great because your hands are free for other things.

Color

Color may not seem a big deal until you can’t find your bag in the water.  A bright color like yellow or pink will be easier to spot when looking for it.  This is important if you are on rough water and lose your bag.

Using Your Dry Bag

Make sure you put dry items in your bag to begin with.  Anything you put in there that is wet will remain wet. When you pack, roll your items as tightly as possible to conserve space.  If you are using a larger bag, put the things you need quick access on top.  Some bags will even have an outside pouch for your cell phone.

Wrapping Up

Many of the bags use the same materials in construction.  You want a bag that is easy to use with well-sealed seams. Choosing the right size for your gear is also crucial.  If you stuff your bag too full, you won’t be able to get a good seal.

Having one of the best kayaking dry bags is essential.  You don’t have to worry about your gear getting soaked.  There are a lot of different dry bags available, and choosing the right one can be onerous.  It comes down to personal taste and functionality.

Let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help.