How to Choose the Perfect Dry Bag for Your Next Water Excursion?

For everyone going for a water excursion or any activity involving water, a dry bag is crucial. It is a flexible, durable, watertight bag that will protect and keep your items dry. They are mostly used for outdoor activities and keep water, dirt, and sand from getting into the things inside. Besides, dry bags are excellent for organising your essentials, and having one makes you ready for whatever nature calls for.

Because there are so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose the right product. You will need to make important considerations. That way, you will enjoy your experience entirely. Worrying about your stuff getting damaged will be the least of your concerns. You only need to plan where to go and when. With our guide, we will help you choose the perfect dry bag based on your needs.

The Material

The first thing to consider when choosing a dry bag should be the material used. The material is the part that determines how safe your contents will be. Dry bags will be made of nylon or vinyl. The two are waterproof and durable. Vinyl will mainly be used for dry bags that carry smaller personal items, while nylon is used for larger bags. However, you can also find large dry bags made with vinyl.

Most of the time, nylon is used because it is strong and long-lasting. The nylon is covered with a waterproof coating called siliconized cordura or a PVC film. It protects the bag from abrasion. Nylon dry bags have a number followed by the letter “D,” which denotes how dense the fibers are. The higher the number, the higher the density of the nylon fibers, and vice versa. A more rigid bag means denser nylon fibers. In either case, your dry bag must be strong enough to withstand aggressively moist and wet environments.

Nylon dry bags are lighter and more flexible than those made from vinyl. However, they are also more susceptible to tears, mildew, and punctures. On the other hand, vinyl bags are more resistant. Yet, a dry bag that can tear in the middle of your excursion may not be very ideal. Thus, it is better to opt for thicker, heavier-duty dry bags rather than lightweight dry bags.

Type of closure

To choose the perfect dry bag, you need to consider its closure system. It prevents

water from getting inside the bag. Dry bags reinforced with fully taped seams mean that the bags are designed to be water-resistant. With the seams, they have more protection against water and will keep your items completely dry even with a full submersion. In addition, a double-stitched seam improves a dry bag’s strength.

All dry bags should be sealable to prevent water from getting through. The seals used are:

Hypalon roll-top: It is predominantly used as it seals out water more effectively. The rolled top and the snapped buckle make the dry bag airtight and watertight. In a way, the top and buckle also create a handle that allows you to carry several bags or secure them using a carabiner.

Some companies use webbing on roll-top closures. Yet, this type of closure can draw moisture into the dry bag’s opening. That’s why it’s better for superior dry bags to have a roll-top closure made of Hypalon.

Zipper seal: There are dry bags with a press and a zipper seal, like a freezer bag. They seal out water, but they need proper lubrication for the seal to work correctly. Also, not all zippers are waterproof.

Velcro: Today, there are dry bags made with a Velcro top edge for water protection. This closure is easy to use and secures the bag relatively well.

Drawstring: This type of closure is easy to use and is excellent for stowing away personal stuff. Yet, it does not completely protect your content from the water.

The Size and Functionality

Dry bags come in different sizes. Small ones are ideal for small personal items like toiletries, medication, small electronics, and first aid kits. There are also bigger ones. The most common market sizes are S, M, L, and XL. Dry bags range in size from 5 to 40 liters, depending on your needs.

Think about how and what you will be using your dry bag for. Smaller bags can be used to separate clean and dirty laundry and can go into bigger ones. 10-liter dry bags can be used to store a change of clothes. Medium-sized ones can keep clothes for a few days or for two people.

A large, waterproof bag can store supplies for a week-long trip. Extra-large dry bags can hold a lot of gear and are ideal for a trip that’s longer than a week.

You must avoid overstuffing your dry bag, depending on its capacity. Overstuffing can interfere with the waterproof properties. A dry bag should be spacious enough for all your gear and personal items. Filling it up to ¾ is good enough.

You may find dry bags that have transparent windows. Such a provision is a great option to help you when searching for things quickly. However, this is just a plus and does not mean a higher-quality bag.

The Straps

The carrying straps will help you carry the bag around. They should be able to handle any load within the bag and offer comfort. For a small or medium bag, one strap works. Yet, large or extra-large bags may need more than one strap. The straps can be of a backpack or duffel style.

Duffel-style dry bags are ideal for personal gear, but they tend to be more expensive. This is because they need a unique zipper to retain their water-resistant qualities. To be comfortable, you can opt for a dry bag with padded straps.

Cost

You must choose your dry bag bearing the cost in mind. Sellers will price dry bags differently based on the quality of the material used, durability, size, and more. More durable dry bags might cost more. Consider your budget and needs when purchasing a dry bag.

Attachment Points

Most dry bags have a D-ring, which can also be bought from an outdoor retailer. D-rings are D-shaped rings typically attached to the dry bag after rolling or buckling. They allow you to string several dry bags with a rope or string to attach to a boat or kayak. With a D-ring, your dry bag’s buckle is kept away from the stress and possibility of breakage when stringing bags together. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the rings are of good quality. Most dry bags are also attachable with an end handle or straps.

Other Usable options for Dry Bags

Dry bags serve several purposes. Hence, it is crucial to know how else you can use your dry bag. It can be used as a water bucket or cooler. Since most of them float on water, you can use your dry bag as a floatation device. Dry bags also serve to protect electronics like cameras, GPS devices, and cell phones from water. They are also usable as pillows when you need something to lay your head on.

Dry bags vs. Dry sacks

Dry bags and dry sacks are different based on how they can tolerate harsh conditions. They also differ in terms of the materials used. Manufacturers make dry bags with stiff materials that are very durable and waterproof. On the other hand, dry sacks are made using lightweight materials.

Dry sacks are helpful in various situations. However, they are not made using impermeable material, and their type of closure is also different. Dry bags are strong enough to be thrown on the bottom of a boat and keep the contents dry. Dry sacks will usually be ultra-light options meant to go inside a different pack.

Both dry bags and dry sacks will keep your contents dry, but dry bags are more efficient. For example, dry sacks are not ideal for marine or boating use, unlike dry bags. You can also use a dry bag for paddleboarding.

You can drag a dry bag on a sandy beach, and you can also trust a dry bag to keep its contents dry even when submerged in water or rain. Dry bags are best for waterspouts and outdoor use. Dry sacks are ideal for outdoor activities or camping, but not for watersports. Dry bags, not dry sacks, can be used for boating.

Final Thoughts

A dry bag is a perfect companion for a water adventure or excursion. A waterproof bag for water sports is ideal for SUP enthusiasts and sea kayakers. It would be best to consider the things mentioned above before choosing your dry bag. There are very many different options, but the concerns above cut across them all. The best waterproof bag should keep your content dry and safe and offer comfort. Dry bags are ideal for everyone, and they make expeditions and adventures more pleasant.