Using a waterproof bag is the ideal way to protect essentials afloat. Toby Hodges tested a range of current backpacks and cylinder drybags to identify which is best for purposeOnce a novelty, then a go-to item for dinghy sailors, a drybag is now a must have for all sailors and watersports enthusiasts. After all, why would you not keep your kit and valuables waterproof when afloat? But with so many options on the market it can be difficult to choose the best waterproof bag for your needs.
\nWe chose a range of bags from 25lt to 50lt as typical options for taking for a day ashore and soon found that these are largely \u2018get what you pay for\u2019 items.
\nIf just taking layers ashore\/to the beach, a cheap dry tube style bag will be fine, albeit not overly durable or practical in use. Also the typical single shoulder strap these have is not comfortable when the bag is laden.
\nIt is arguably a better investment to choose a more robust backpack or duffel style bag with external pockets, more comfort features and better waterproofing. It should last longer, better protect your kit and be more comfortable to carry.
\nOverboard and Aquapac are two specialist companies in this market, so we included one of each style bag from both companies.
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The bags are not designed to be fully submerged, however with different companies listing different waterproofing claims, we felt a submersion test was the best way to compare waterproofing \u2013 a simulation perhaps of falling overboard with a bag on your back.
\nActually, they are so buoyant when properly sealed that they would make a useful aid to hold on to if you did fall in.
\nThe results were quite surprising, particularly if you were thinking a cylinder roll top would keep the water out the best. We have also been using the bags regularly over a couple of months to evaluate their comfort and ergonomics.
\nEach bag was lashed underwater for 10 minutes before seeing if it had leaked and measuring any water ingress.
\nBear in mind that it is very hard to actually pull a bag with air in it underwater, so they were kept only at or just below surface level, which is still more than is ever likely or that they are designed to protect against \u2013 waterproof bags are typically rated to IP66, which certifies they can handle powerful water jets from any angle.
\nBest waterproof bag: Backpacks and duffels<\/p>\n
Overboard 30lt Pro Sports Backpack
\nBritish brand Overboard specialises in waterproof bags and cases with an impressively extensive range and a clear, intuitive website to help you make a suitable choice.
\nThis backpack is a well considered design for dinghy trips ashore and was thus a go-to choice for a week\u2019s vacation, where we used it everyday.
\nFeatures I particularly grew to like are the adjustable chest straps and sternum straps which help make it feel like a comfortable hiking backpack, the front mesh for stashing a layer and the side pocket for keeping a water bottle to hand. There is also a small internal pocket for an iPad.
\nEmpty weight: 1.21kg
\nWaterproofing: [300ml ingress] 6\/10
\nVerdict: Well designed, practical and feels durable. A great all-rounder.
\nRating: 8\/10
\nBuy Overboard 30lt Pro Sports Backpack at Amazon (UK)
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Red 40lt Kit Bag
\nWe selected this bag as our joint winner of our test. There\u2019s a lot to like about this bag and it\u2019s easy to understand why Red\u2019s founder tells me they have become extremely popular.
\nIt\u2019s stylish and light weight, with smooth zips designed not to snag, and the best part is that it\u2019s made out of recycled plastic bottles (TPU). And the zips and seals really work too \u2013 this was one of only two bags not to let a drop of water in during our submersion test.
\nThe duffel style design can be carried conventionally over the shoulder or has detachable shoulder straps for use as a backpack. There is one large padded pocket inside which is separate to the interior \u2013 ideal for keeping either valuables or wet items separate \u2013 plus two more external pockets, so you are spoilt for choice of where to keep essentials.
\nClips at each make it easy to attach to the boat to prevent it falling overboard and there\u2019s a sturdy handle too. I scratched my head over the removable inner liner for a while until realising its a changing mat \u2013 nice!
\nEmpty weight: 1.4kg
\nWaterproofing: Dry. 10\/10
\nVerdict: Stylish design is backed up by quality construction and waterproofing.
\nRating: 9\/10
\nBuy Red Original 40lt Kit Bag fromRed Original<\/p>\n
Zhik 30lt Drybag
\nAn aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing backpack, this is arguably the most stylish of those tested, which encourages use as an everyday bag without you feeling like a marine or camping nerd. The smooth outer nylon material is particularly tactile.
\nA top feature is the carrying comfort thanks to 3D mesh lining back supports, thick and wide padded shoulder straps and compression straps to reduce bulk. That said, there are no chest straps for heavier loads and an external zipped pocket could be handy to supplement the water bottle pouch. Inside there\u2019s a double pocket, one of which is zipped.
\nEmpty weight: 860g
\nWaterproofing: [300ml ingress] 6\/10
\nVerdict: Most comfortable to carry for its size and looks great, albeit minimal on features.
\nRating: 8\/10
\nBuy Zhk 30lt Drybag from Zhik<\/p>\n
Aquapac 25lt Waterproof Backpack
\nA very light and handy rucksack, with useful external pockets, including large water bottle holders and a removable back support. The shoulder straps are breathable and there are waist and chest straps for hiking comfort. Reflective material is used and the seams are taped.
\nInside is a fluorescent yellow pocket which makes it easy to separate, find and retrieve specific contents without needing to pull out everything from the main chamber. There\u2019s also a dedicated key pocket and reflective material is incorporated.
\nEmpty weight: 740g
\nWaterproofing: [750ml ingress] 2\/10
\nVerdict: Light, compact and inexpensive, good for the commute or a run\/cycle ashore, but not the most durable or protective bag.
\nRating: 6\/10
\nBuy Aquapac \u201cWet & Dry\u201d Lightweight Waterproof Backpack from Amazon (UK)
\nBuy Aquapac \u201cWet & Dry\u201d Lightweight Waterproof Backpack from Amazon (US)<\/p>\n
Yeti Panga 50lt
\nWe voted this Yeti Panga as out pick of the litter in terms of robustness. This is the veritable Hummer of durable kit bags.
\nThe Panga is among a range of Yeti kit we\u2019ve used and abused regularly this season, all of which has come out favourably and as \u2018get what you pay for\u2019 items. Your eyes may water when you see the price, but you can be assured not a drop will find its way into this bag.
\nThe robustness and quality of construction shines through. A laminated high density nylon is used for the bag\u2019s construction, which is really hard wearing, but it is the near bullet-proof moulded EVA padded bottom and the size of the patented teeth on the zip which make you instantly realise this is a no-nonsense product.
\nThere are six lashing points, and the handles at each end and buckles feel sturdy enough to haul a boat out with.
\nWhen you pull the zip fully closed it\u2019s easy to tell the bag is hermetically sealed, as it becomes a giant cushion \u2013 and indeed can make a useful seat, even with just air inside. There are two zipped mesh pockets within.
\nIf there are any negatives it\u2019s that it is heavier and harder to stow flat than others (arguably the seat element offsets that though), and that you can snag your fingers on the zip\u2019s enormous teeth.
\nEmpty weight: 2.4kg
\nWaterproofing: Dry. 10\/10
\nVerdict: Reassuringly robust, a bag which should last a lifetime.
\nRating: 9\/10
\nBuy the Yeti Panga 50 Duffel from Yeti
\nBest waterproof bag: Cylinder drybags<\/p>\n
Gill Cylinder 50lt
\nA useful feature which divides this Gill model from most other or smaller rolltop cylinder bags are the removable shoulder straps, which allow you to carry it like a backpack.
\nThis is the largest volume bag on test, capable of swallowing a stack of provisions, or wet weather gear or wetsuits for a family, so being able to spread the load equally over both shoulders has proven beneficial.
\nMade from puncture-resistant PVC tarpaulin, it has welded seams and a flat base. A useful feature is the semi transparent strip which allows you to see some of the contents, and a flat base for standing upright.
\nThis fared the best of the rolltop bags in the submersion test.
\nEmpty weight: 800g
\nWaterproofing: [100ml ingress] 8\/10
\nRating: 7\/10
\nBuy the Gill Cylinder 50lt drybag from Amazon (UK)<\/p>\n
Overboard 40lt
\nAlthough a classic rolltop-style bag, this has a couple of useful extra features in the removable shoulder strap and a robust grab handle.
\nAgain, it\u2019s PVC tarpaulin material with welded seams and uses three or four rolls to seal the top, which has a hard flap to promote a better seal. However, this didn\u2019t prevent water from penetrating on submersion.
\nOverboard do a 60lt version with padded shoulder straps, plus waist and chest straps, which is an alternative to the Gill bag and would suit those who want to carry larger\/heavier loads.
\nEmpty weight: 730g
\nWaterproofing: [500ml ingress] 5\/10
\nRating: 6\/10
\nBuy Overboard 40lt Waterproof Dry Tube Bag from Overboard<\/p>\n
Aquapac 25lt drybag
\nThe smallest and cheapest on test, this is a no-frills simple and affordable rolltop bag for taking on a dinghy run or paddleboarding. It is made from vinyl and has a removable shoulder strap.
\nIt had the same amount of saturation as the Overboard rolltop during the submersion test.
\nBest feature? The high visibility colour.
\nEmpty weight: 499g
\nWaterproof rating: 5\/10
\nRating: 6\/10
\nBuy Aquapac 27lt drybag from Amazon (UK)<\/p>\n
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The post Best waterproof bag: 8 drybags tested appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Using a waterproof bag is the ideal way to protect essentials afloat. Toby Hodges tested a range of current backpacks and cylinder drybags to identify which is best for purposeOnce a novelty, then a go-to item for dinghy sailors, a … <\/p>\n