The best kayaking dry bags are simple and effective to use, so you can enjoy your paddling adventures without worrying about gear getting drenchedThere is nothing worse than getting to a take-out point after a paddle, only to find your \u2018dry\u2019 gear, provisions or camping equipment has been soaked through while you\u2019ve been out on the water. It can lead to a pretty miserable evening experience, or worse if you are adventuring somewhere chilly and relying on getting thermal protection on quick-smart as soon as you stop.
\nFor this very reason, the unsung hero of many a paddling escapade is the best dry bag, which has quietly done its duty, keeping your camera, fleece, food or sleeping bag bone dry during even the most eventful and epic kayaking journeys. Often you don\u2019t realise the high value of a good dry bag until something goes wrong, and then you will either be left congratulating yourself on making a good choice, or rueing the decision to cut corners by not investing in decent bags.
\nDry bags are an ostensibly basic piece of kit: just a waterproof sack. And yet, they are not all made equal by any means. Various thicknesses of material, dimensions and designs are available, and the very best dry bags have well-thought-through features that place them in a class way above the more basic products. Things to look out for include lash points, purge valves, contents windows, the robustness of the fabrics used and, of course, how secure the seams and closure points are.
\nSome of these things are subjective, or lend themselves to a particular style of paddling, but here we take a look at the best dry bags for kayaking, no matter what kind of craft you are paddling.
\nThe best roll-top dry bags: for storing stuff inside your boat<\/p>\n
Sea to Summit Big River dry bag
\nA tried-and-tested, very reliable dry bag, available in a big range of sizes
\nSpecifications: Capacity: 5L, 8L, 13L, 20L, 35L, 65L | Design: Standard cylindrical bag |\u00a0Materials: 420D ripstop nylon |\u00a0Closure: Hypalon non-wicking roll-top closure with clip | Weight: 5L: 135g, 8L: 160g, 13L: 192g, 20L: 250g, 35L: 308g, 65L: 433g |Colours: Yellow \/ Blue \/ Grey \/ Red
\nReasons to buy: Robust build quality and reliable waterproofing; good range of sizes; excellent grab handles and lash points; PVC free
\nReasons to avoid: No visibility of contents
\nAustralian brand Sea to Summit make excellent accessories for kayaking and paddle sports, and this family of classically designed cylindrical dry bags is no exception. The Big River bags range from a 5-litre little one, ideal for phones and other electronics, to 60-litre behemoths, great for open-canoe and rafting trips. In between are the 8-litre, 13-litre, 20-litre and 35-litre options that kayakers will get the most use out of.
\nMade with 420D ripstop nylon they are really tough and reliably waterproof, yet still have enough flexibility to be squeezed into all sort of small spaces, including the corners of cockpits and storage hatches. The bottom of the bags is oval shaped and triple coated for extra durability and performance, and the roll top section is made with hypalon, a substance that can take a whole lot of use and abuse.
\nAll sizes of the Big River range of dry bags have low-profile grab handles and there\u2019s a D ring next to the closure clip, all of which can be used as lash points to securely attach the bags to all kinds of boats. The bags are also compatible with Sea to Summit\u2019s Dry Bag Sling, which is extremely useful during portages and carry-ins to put-in points. The bags are all covered by a lifetime guarantee.
\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
SealLine Baja View Dry Bag
\nA see-through dry bag that makes it easy to locate whatever you\u2019re looking for
\nSpecifications: Design: Standard cylindrical bag | Capacity: 5L, 10L, 20L | Materials: Transparent 12 oz polyurethane film |\u00a0Closure: \u2018DrySeal\u2019 Roll top and clip | Weight: 5L: 160g \/ 10L: 220g \/ 20L: 290g |\u00a0Waterproof rating: Unstated | Colours: Clear
\nReasons to buy: Makes it easy to find kit; durable build; excellent closure system; PVC free
\nReasons to avoid: No grab handles; no good for dirty laundry
\nA highly functional storage solution from a brand that is renowned for making top-quality products for the paddling market, this totally translucent dry bag enables you to spot and access exactly what you need very quickly.
\nThe Baja View dry bags are available in three sizes \u2013 5-litres, 10 litres and 20 litres \u2013 all of which securely close with Sealline\u2019s signature DrySeal system, which adds extra confidence to the standard roll-top method of sealing a dry bag, with the inclusion of some folding strips.
\nMade with PVC-free waterproof material, the fully welded seams and DrySeal closure system ensure that moisture stays on the outside \u2013 although, if you pack things that are damp, condensation can build up on the inside of the bag. There are D rings at the top, for lashing the bags to boats, but there are no grab handles on the Baja Views.<\/p>\n
Overboard Waterproof Dry Flat Bag
\nA low-profile dry bag that folds down very small when not in use
\nSpecifications:\u00a0Design: Flat-profile dry bag | Capacity: 5L, 15L, 30L | Materials: Nylon ripstop-TPU coated super-light material | Closure: Fold and seal system | Weight: 5L: 160g, 15L: 220g, 30L: 260g | Waterproof rating: IP66 |Colours: Blue, Yellow, Black
\nReasons to buy: Handy for fitting into storage hatches; durable build; good level of waterproofing; comes with a shoulder strap; PVC free
\nReasons to avoid: No grab handles; no windows
\nIdeally proportioned for stashing in a kayak, either behind the seat or in a storage hatch, this flat-shaped dry bag from a trusted brand is made from good-quality nylon ripstop fabric with welded seams, and it offers a decent level of waterproofing \u2013 enough for it to keep H2O out during a quick full submersion, but not for extended periods. The Fold and Seal system of closure is both reliable and easy to operate, and it traps air in the bag, which ensure it will float if happens to end up in the water. The shoulder strap that comes with these bags make them easy to haul during portages or when you\u2019re making your way to the put-in place.<\/p>\n
Lomo Tapered Kayak Bow\/Stern Bulkhead Drybag
\nA kayak-shaped dry bag that fits snugly into the bulkheads of boats, maximising the storage space available
\nSpecifications: Design: Tapered roll-top |\u00a0Capacity: 13L |\u00a0Closure: Roll top and clip | Weight: 600g |\u00a0Waterproof rating: Not specified |\u00a0Colours: Yellow
\nReasons to buy: Cleverly designed to make the most of available space; twist-lock purge valve results in maximum compression
\nReasons to avoid: Narrow end is hard to fill properly; no window panel; no easy carry option for portaging
\nIf you\u2019re looking to make the most of every inch of empty space in your kayak for gear storage, then this kayak-shaped dry bag could be perfect. The tapered shape of the bag means it can be pushed right into the bow or stern of the boat. You do need to be careful not to overfill such bags with dense, heavy items, otherwise the buoyancy and performance of your boat will be negatively affected.
\nIt\u2019s also a bit hard to find anything to shove into the smaller end, but if in doubt, stash your spare socks down there. Made from nylon ripstop fabric, with RF-welded seams, these bags are robust. It shuts with three rolls and a clip, and there is a twist-lock purge valve at the bottom to ensure you get access air out.
\nThe best deck-top dry bags: for storing stuff on your boat or board<\/p>\n
Seal Line Discovery Deck Dry Bag
\nA high-performing family of super reliable dry bags available in all the right sizes, each with a purge valve to aid with compression
\nSpecifications: Design: Deck bag | Capacity: 10L, 20L, 30L, 50L | Materials: 300D 18 oz polyurethane-coated polyester |\u00a0Closure: Dry Seal dual-strip roll-down |\u00a0Weight: 10L: 370g, 20L: 500g, 30L: 600g | Waterproof rating: Not given |\u00a0Colours: Black, Orange, Blue, Lime
\nReasons to buy: Robust and reliable build quality; purge valve allows excellent compression; versatile and smart design; has grab handles and lash points; comes with a carry strap; PVC-free
\nReasons to avoid: No window
\nAmerican brand Sealline make a wide range of excellent products designed for use in wet and wild environments, and their family of Discovery Deck Dry Bags rank highly among the very best dry bags available. They\u2019re tough enough to survive the most epic of adventures, and they\u2019re extremely versatile, so even though they\u2019re described as deck bags, you can use them on and off the water for all kinds of escapades when keeping water away from your kit is a priority. But they do fit especially well in, on and around kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards, whether you\u2019re lashing them to the deck using the D rings and grab loops, or stashing them in the storage hatches of a touring kayak.
\nOne of the best features of these bags is the PurgeAir valve vents that enable you to push out all excess air and make the bag very compact (be aware, though, that during on-water adventures it\u2019s best to leave some air in dry bags, so they float). They have a very durable 300D construction, with fully welded seams and the excellent Dry Seal dual-strip roll-down closure method.
\nThe interiors are lightly coloured, to help with visibility when you\u2019re looking for something specific inside, and the bottoms are oval shaped to stop them rolling around too much. The Discovery Deck Dry Bags come with a carry strap, which is ideal for hauling the bags during portages and when walking to and from put-in and take-out locations.<\/p>\n
Itiwit Adjustable Volume Waterproof Deck bag
\nA bespoke waterproof deck bag for kayakers, which is easy to access via a robust zip
\nSpecifications:\u00a0Design: Deck bag |\u00a0Capacity: 30\u201340L (adjustable) |\u00a0Materials: Polyvinyl Chloride |\u00a0Closure: Waterproof TIZIP | Waterproof rating: IPX7 |\u00a0Colours: High-vis orange
\nReasons to buy: Clever design; easy to access; high vis
\nReasons to avoid: Care needs to be taken to close the zip properly to ensure the bag remains waterproof; maintenance required to keep zip in good working order; less versatile than other designs
\nSpecifically designed for kayakers, SUPers and sailors, this Decathlon homebrand dry bag fits inside the cockpit of a kayak, or \u2013 better still \u2013 it can be strapped to the deck (or board, if you\u2019re paddling a SUP). Instead of a roll-top, it has a heavy duty waterproof zip (TIZIP). With this properly closed, the bag has a waterproof rating of IPX7, which means it can be fully submerged in up to a metre of water for 30 minutes without letting in any H2O.
\nYou really do need to ensure the zip is correctly closed, however, otherwise everything is going to end up soaked. With an adjustable volume, it provides up to 40 litres of storage. It\u2019s best to ensure a fair amount of air is trapped inside the bag, as this improves both its waterproofing performance and its buoyancy. The bag can be securely attached to boats and boards, but it is coloured high-vis blood orange, to make it easy to locate if it does end up loose in the water.<\/p>\n
Sea to Summit Solution Access Deck Bag
\nAn easy-to-access deck-based storage solution for kayakers, with a dry bag inner
\nSpecifications: Design: Deck bag |\u00a0Size: 37 x 18cm |\u00a0Materials: 420D Waterproof Fabric |\u00a0Closure: Zipped outer, roll-top and clip inner |\u00a0Weight: 520g |\u00a0Waterproof rating: Not stated |\u00a0Colours: Blue
\nReasons to buy: Easy to access; semi-rigid design provides good protection for contents; bungee cords allow for additional storage
\nReasons to avoid: Outer bag not waterproof; kayak-specific, so not as versatile as other dry bags
\nA specialist piece of kit designed specifically for sea kayaking and touring, this deck bag is ideal for storing items you need quick and easy access to, such as sunglasses, snacks, sun cream, cameras, a map and compass and so on. It\u2019s made from very sturdy waterproof material, and is semi-rigid in structure, so provides excellent protection from bumps. The concave, curved design fits snugly over the profile of a touring kayak\u2019s deck, so there\u2019s very little movement to throw you off balance, and it can be securely attached in a couple of different ways.
\nThe main access zip is watertight, not necessarily 100% waterproof, but the Solution Access Deck Bag comes with a 70D Sea to Summit detachable dry bag with hypalon roll-top closure system to ensure your gear stays dry. There are bungy hoops on the top, so you can stash your cag or other layers and other objects there too.
\nThe best second-layer dry bags: for storing stuff within a main dry bag<\/p>\n
Aquapac \u2018PackDivider\u2019 Ultra-Lightweight Drysack
\nSuper lightweight semi-dry bags, designed for use within a larger dry bag
\nSpecifications:\u00a0Design: Second-layer, dividing dry bag |\u00a0Capacity: 2L, 4L, 8L, 13L |\u00a0Materials: 75D nylon, PU-coated inside, silicone-coated outside (PVC-Free) |\u00a0Closure: Roll top and clip |Weight: 2L: 51g, 4L: 56g, 8L: 64g, 13L: 79g |\u00a0Waterproof rating: IPX4 |\u00a0Colours: Translucent white nylon with colourful (green\/blue\/orange bottoms)
\nReasons to buy:Excellent for organising kit; great for preventing leakages; grab handle; PVC-free
\nReasons to avoid: No purge valve; Splashproof, not fully submersible (by design)
\nGetting all you kit and caboodle into a giant reliable dry bag is all well and good, but finding the things you need mid-paddle in such a set-up can be very frustrating, and can even lead to your gear getting wet as you root around looking for something while the main bag is open in heavy rain or choppy conditions.
\nThis family of sub dry bags is here to help. Intended to be employed within a larger dry bag, they\u2019re mega useful on a number of brilliant levels: they provide a second layer of insurance, providing extra protection for your really important stuff, from expensive cameras to down sleeping bags; with a semi see-through main body and different-coloured bottoms, they enable you to split and organise your kit exactly how you like it; and, with PU-coated insides, they also prevent internal spillages \u2013 so if your sun cream, mosquito repellent, toothpaste tube, hand sanitizer or whatever leaks, the liquid will be contained within the smaller bag and won\u2019t get all over everything. Genius. Each bag features a grab handle at the top.<\/p>\n
Lifeventure Printed Dry Bags
\nColourful dry bags for general use in kayaks and canoes
\nSpecifications:\u00a0Design: Classic cylindrical bags with funky designs |\u00a0Capacity: 5L, 10L, 25L |\u00a0Materials: 50D polyester fabric |\u00a0Closure: Roll top and click buckle |\u00a0Weight: 5L: 45g, 10L: 53g, 25L: 91g |\u00a0Waterproof rating: Not specified |\u00a0Colours: Patterned
\nReasons to buy: Optimum size for general use; beautiful eye-catching designs; taped seams; lightweight and very flexible
\nReasons to avoid: Not as, thick, sturdy or submersible as some others; no D-ring or other lash point; no grab handle; no purge valve
\nThese sensational looking dry bags are available in a variety of bright patterns according to the size you select, from surfboards (25L) to tropical (5L) and oahu flowers (10L). The 5-litre, 10-litre and 25-litre sizes are ideal for general use on a kayaking or canoeing trip, and the bags are very flexible and easy to fold and seal. However, with a 50D construction, this is a thinner-skinned dry bag than any of the others included here (even Aquapac\u2019s PackDivider Ultra-Lightweight Drysacks are a denser weave, and the Sea to Summit bags are 420D), so while they certainly supply a degree of protection against water ingress, we definitely don\u2019t recommend submerging them, and think they\u2019re better employed within sturdier dry bags if you\u2019re taking on an adventure that is likely to result in a significant soaking. They also don\u2019t have lash points or grab handles.
\nThe best dry bags for phones<\/p>\n
Decathlon Itiwit waterproof phone pouch
\nA waterproof solution for keeping your phone safe and easily accessible during paddling adventures
\nSpecifications: Design: Transparent waterproof phone pouch |\u00a0Dimensions: 18 x 9cm |\u00a0Materials: 100% Thermoplastic Polyurethane |\u00a0Closure: Sliding bar, fold and clip system |\u00a0Weight: 30g |\u00a0Waterproof rating: IPX8 |\u00a0Colours: Clear
\nReasons to buy: Excellent waterproof protection for your phone; see-through and touchscreen compatible design allows you to operate the phone for navigation, voice calls and photography; compact; wearable beneath PFDs and cags; carry cord included
\nReasons to avoid: No arm harness; must be very carefully closed to ensure waterproof protection works
\nSmartphones offer a wide range of functions that are useful for paddlers, from supplying mapping and navigation assistance through to operating as a means of emergency communications if things go belly up while you\u2019re out on the water, but all of that is a bit academic if your phone is buried at the bottom of a massive dry bag.
\nThis very affordable and wearable phone pouch from Decathlon is the perfect solution, offering an excellent level of waterproof protection (the IPX8 rating means the pouch has been properly tested and proven to keep water out even if submerged to 2 metres for 30 minutes). It can be worn beneath life jackets and you can still operate your phone for making and receiving calls, following a map and checking weather and surf forecasts, and even taking photographs \u2013 all without removing the phone from the pouch. It is essential, however, that you fold the top of the film and push the sliding bar across until your hear a click, in order for the pouch to be waterproof. It comes with a carry cord, but no harness for attaching to your arm (although, wearing a phone on your arm isn\u2019t ideal for kayaking anyway).
\nThe best big dry bags: for multiday expeditions<\/p>\n
Watershed Yukon Duffel dry bag
\nA big-mouth waterproof hold-all, capable of swallowing and protecting all your kit during big paddling adventures
\nSpecifications: Design: Duffel bag |\u00a0Capacity: 54L |\u00a0Materials: 420D Cordura ripstop nylon |\u00a0Closure: ZipDry mechanism |\u00a0Weight: 1,400g |\u00a0Waterproof rating: IP68 |\u00a0Colours: Orange \/ Blue
\nReasons to buy: Massive amount of storage space; wide opening makes it easy to locate kit; extremely waterproof; great handles
\nReasons to avoid: No lash points; too big for many kayaking adventures; heavy
\nWhen you\u2019re embarking on a real paddling odyssey, sometimes you have to take a lot of kit. With a massive amount of storage space, the Yukon Duffel dry bag is made for kayakers, canoeists and rafters taking on big multiday trips. Its wide-mouth design enables you to pack it nice and easily, and also find what you\u2019re looking for at the other end without too much hassle. It\u2019s made with super tough 420-denier Cordura ripstop nylon, boasts a heavy matte polyurethane finish (which makes it easy to clean) and the seams are RF-welded to supply guaranteed leak protection. The Yukon closes via an innvative ZipDry system, which means it can be fully submerged to 6 metres for an hour without letting in water.
\nThe best environmentally friendly dry bags<\/p>\n
Passenger Tide Recycled Dry Bags
\nGood-quality dry bags made entirely from recycled materials
\nSpecifications:\u00a0Design: Cylindrical dry bag |\u00a0Capacity: 2.5L, 10L, 30L |\u00a0Materials: 100% recycled 600D nylon with a TPU laminated coating |\u00a0Closure: Roll top and clip |\u00a0Waterproof rating: Material has a hydrostatic head of 10,000, but not designed to be fully submerged |\u00a0Colours: Yellow \/ Black \/ Patterned
\nReasons to buy: Fully recycled; good capacity; thick and robust; comes with carry handle
\nReasons to avoid: Can\u2019t be submerged; no purge valve
\nAlthough many manufacturers have, thankfully, moved away from employing environmentally harmful PVC-based materials to make dry bags, the use of other synthetic, non-biodegradable plastics still isn\u2019t brilliant, so it\u2019s great to see brands such as SILVA and Finisterre producing dry bags from recycled materials.
\nThis family of dry bags from Passenger is another great example. Made from really robust 100% recycled 600D nylon they\u2019re available in three sizes and with some funky designs. While the material is extremely waterproof, the closure method isn\u2019t designed to be submerged, but these will keep your kit nice and dry in the majority of scenarios. While they lack technical features such as lash points and purge valves, they do come with a carry strap, which is useful during portages and when getting to and from put-in points.
\nBuy it now from Passenger<\/p>\n
How to choose the best dry bag for kayaking
\nWhen choosing the best dry bag for kayaking or canoeing, you need to consider various factors, many of which will depend on your preferred form of paddling. Certain features, however, should always be taken into account, such the quality of the waterproofing protection supplied by the product.
\nSize
\nIf you\u2019re a committed kayak tourer or multiday expedition canoeist or rafter, you will need a large-capacity dry bag, and probably some smaller, thinner bags to help organise all your kit inside the main sack. Day paddlers, however, might be more than content with a medium-sized easy-access deck bag, and perhaps a waterproof phone pouch. For general usage, 15 to 25-litre dry bags are ideal, as they easily fit into the storage hatches of kayaks.
\nMaterials
\nFollowing the outdoor industry\u2019s move away from environmentally harmful PVC-based products, most modern dry bags are made with PU-coated Taffeta nylon or ripstop polyester. Both of these synthetic materials are robust and hardwearing, but polyester is probably the superior (and more expensive) fabric for a dry bag. However, arguably it\u2019s more important to look at the D number than the material. The D stands for denier, and the number next to it is a unit of density, which describes the thickness of the fibres in the fabric used to make the dry bag. The bigger the number the tougher the bag will be, but the flexibility of the fabric will reduce as the D number gets higher.
\nFeatures
\nThere are more features on the best dry bags than you might expect at first glance. Beyond the all important closure system, it\u2019s good to look for things such as purge valves that can be used to expel excess air, grab handles, D rings and other lash points that will allow you to attach the bag securely to your boat, and clear windows that provide visibility of the contents.
\nClosure methods
\nMost dry bags are closed by rolling the top of the sack over at least three times, and then clipping the ends together. If the dry bag doesn\u2019t have a purge valve, you might need to \u2018burp\u2019 air out of the bag after the first roll, by pushing your hands towards one another \u2013 however, when kayaking, it\u2019s worth keeping some air in dry bags because it helps them float.
\nOther methods of closure include various designs of zips or sliders \u2013 great care needs to be taken with these to ensure they are fully and properly closed, otherise the bag will not be waterproof at all.
\nWaterproof ratings
\nMany of the best dry bags will state how waterproof they are by quoting a rating code that begins with IP, which stands for ingress protection. The first number after those two letters relates to keeping dust particles out \u2013 the second one is the most important for dry bags. If that number is 4 or more, then the product is rain proof, but ideally you\u2019re looking for a bag with a rating of 7 or over, which means it can be fully submerged for a period of time without letting in water.
\nThe post The best dry bags for kayaking: for keeping kit dry during all kinds of paddling adventures appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The best kayaking dry bags are simple and effective to use, so you can enjoy your paddling adventures without worrying about gear getting drenchedThere is nothing worse than getting to a take-out point after a paddle, only to find your … <\/p>\n