Keeping your belongings dry during your kayaking trip will usually require a drybag. We’ll discuss the best drybags for kayaking in this post. These types of bags are flexible and may offer storage space for possessions which would be prone to water damage. As watertight containers, they’re made for usage within water sports, which include kayaking, canoeing, and an entire spectrum of additional activities. Thereby, they’re the ideal storage for objects like electronic devices, and extra sets of clothes to change into following an activity, sleeping duvets or bags, as well as towels.
Best Drybags For Kayaking – Keep Your Gear Dry With These Bags
Specification and Design of Bags
Although the cost of a bag is going to vary from one brand to another, depending on factors like the material utilized in the design, as well as the size, they’re very inexpensive objects to buy. Some folks believe they may avoid the necessity for a bag by being cautious to remain inside the kayak’s confines.
But, one has to consider all the possibilities which might cause water damage to personal belongings, which includes unexpected splashes, bouts of rain, or waves. The bags will offer protection against drops of water, as well as snow, dust, and additional harsh weather elements.
Although various materials might be preferred by various manufacturers, bags typically are built from plastic-coated or plastic materials, plastic film material, or waterproofed fabric. Its design is such that a seal will be formed as the dry bag is sealed and prevent the presentation of any dampness to the objects that are carried inside.
Bags will range in size; therefore, they may accommodate for an array of purposes and people, from a user who needs a safe place to store a phone while camping, through to a user who needs to take everything and anything inside the kayak with her or him.
Capacity and size are measured within liters, and ranges from 10-liters through to 40-liters on the the majority of common bags, although greater capacity storage is also available; one of the items listed, for instance, is available in a 65-liter capacity. One vital thing to keep in mind is that the more a dry bag is able to carry, the heavier it’ll be to hold.
KastKing’s Waterproof Dry Bag

This bag is prepared for anything that the weather elements toss at it, and is impervious to sand, snow, water, and dust—and it is virtually nature proof. With a double overlap, watertight roll top, it has outstanding waterproof properties, while integrating a see-through, clear window which permits good visibility of all of the dry objects that are contained inside and makes it simple to locate items within the bag without needing to pull out everything.
KastKing’s dry bag is designed of 100 percent waterproof 500D PVC material, along with a welded seam that typically is stronger than a sewn seam which makes it one of the best drybags for kayaking out there. There also is one other PVC layer inside the interior lining, providing extra protection against dirt and moisture. Based upon the idea that has went into the design, it isn’t any surprise that this bag boasts itself as featuring waterproof features that are “best-in-class”.
Pros:
- Transparent window offers an interior view and makes finding items easy
- As sealed with excessive air, the dry bag floats
- Has a shoulder strap that is removable for easy transport
Cons:
- Is available in just four shades, which is less than additional, likewise models
- Waterproof seal will require rolling its top over three times, decreasing storage space
- Left inside direct sun, the inside may become hot because of its PVC window
In Conclusion
KastKing’s dry bag touts a waterproof performance that is “best-in-class,” although getting accustomed to the process of sealing might be tricky; any errors, and it won’t keep every droplet out. Still, it’s sturdy and its construction is of good quality.
Furthermore, the transparent window is an excellent feature, making it easy to find that small object at the bottom of a mountain of clothing. Take care not to leave its window in view of the sun as the weather is very hot, as it may start to raise temperatures inside the dry bag; this is not good for electronics.
Ultra-Dry Waterproof, Premium Bag w/ Phone Bag

Ultra-Dry’s Waterproof bag is a rough contender as it’ll come to keeping objects safe and dry. Resistant to punctures and scratches which may render a water-proof seal useless, the bag is made from Pure Grade Y7.5 millimeters 500D Polymer. It’s additionally available in 4 colors: black, yellow, blue, and hot pink.
Although most dry bags in the marketplace are available with some shoulder straps, this one is available with some tote straps which permit it to be worn upon the back similar to a backpack, opposed with merely slung over your shoulders. Not just will it free up the ability to carry additional bags or equipment, but it’ll also even out the load that is being carried, instead of placing it all on a single shoulder and can attach to a life vest or PFD easily.
Pros:
- May be used like a backpack to be easily transported
- Bold colors like yellow and pink make it hard to lose
- Comes with a mini bag specifically designed to protect your phone
- Its shoulder straps are ultra-long and are thereby appropriate for folks of every size
Cons:
- Just is available in two capacities: 10-liters and 20-liters
- Phone can’t easily be utilized when stored inside the mini dry bag
- As an extra, the phone bag does not match the dry bag’s quality
- There is only a single color of phone case that comes with the Ultra-Dry dry bag
In Conclusion
While kayaking, it isn’t always easy to travel the distance between the vehicle and the beginning point of the activity. Whether hiking miles upriver or down sand dunes, the truth that the bag may be worn like a rucksack will mean that it will not be hard to carry along with the kit.
Although the phone case that is included is not quite to the same spec as the bag itself, it’s a free bonus and it’ll do the job sufficient enough to keep a smartphone secure and dry. We make this recommendation on the main bag and why we think it’s one of the best drybags for kayaking without consideration for the phone case. The disadvantage of the Ultra-Dry Waterproof dry bag is that it just is available in two capacities, even though as far as downsides are concerned, it isn’t the worst issue to have.
Earth Pak’s Waterproof Compression Sack

Earth Pak’s Dry Bag is available in 4 sizes: 10-liter, 20-liter, 30-liter and 40-liter. The first two bags are available with single shoulder straps, whereby the last two offer the user backpack straps. An excellent plus involves the inclusion of a sternum strap upon the two bigger models that assists in spreading the load across a torso and securing your equipment more solidly during lengthy hikes.
Included within the specs are hardened D-rings, permitting it to be attached to the kayak’s side. It’s a helpful feature that will assist in securing the dry bag during forays over rough rapids or waters.
The design Earth Pak’s Waterproof Bag, as far as the materials utilized and its shape is concerned, means that it also can be utilized as a travel pillow as it’s packed with softer materials like blankets or clothing. No more necessity of carrying a pillow while camping.
Pros:
- May be attached to a kayak, boat, or raft
- Select from four sizes and six colors
- Is available with extra straps upon the bigger models for carrying comfort
- May be utilized like a pillow while packed with softer materials
Cons:
- Phone case included does not fit some of the larger, newer models
- Requires an extremely solid roll & seal to sustain waterproofness
- Material prone to tearing upon rocks, yet not if carefully used
- Backpack straps upon the bigger models might be longer
In Conclusion
Earth Pak’s Waterproof Bag is available with a complimentary smartphone dry case and is something many manufacturers seem to be doing with their bags. Eventually, the phone case has trouble carrying some of the latest tablets or smartphones with displays that go above 6.0-inches, yet for the majority of folks this will not have become an issue yet. Even though it is advised not to permit submersion of a smartphone case under water, heavy water splashes are no longer a concern.
Not just will the dry bag make it extremely simple to carry all of the necessary equipment for a camping or kayaking trip, it additionally manages to decrease the load by doubling up as a pillow. Pair this with the sternum and shoulder straps, and it may be hard for a user to recall that they are carrying a heavy-duty load.
Unigear’s Floating Dry Bag

This is one of the only bags on the list to provide such extensive shoulder pads upon the carry straps; Unigear’s Floating Bag is secure and comfortable while worn on the back (bigger units) and just as comfy if worn hung over a shoulder (more compact models).
Whereby some PVC bags may be more prone to abrasions and punctures; Unigear’s Floating Dry Bag is built from a tough nylon, providing it better protection against any sharp branches and rocks.
Pros:
- The provided shoulder strap is longer than most and may be removed or adjusted
- All of the available shades are a bold hue, which makes them simple to see from far away
- Phone case is very touch friendly, permitting engagement through the case
- Padding upon the removable shoulder straps decreases possibility of pain
- Roll-down design provides burst resistance while air-filled which is a trait of the best drybags for kayaking
Cons:
- Shoulder straps only come on the bigger capacity units
- Extended submersion may penetrate its seal, although it’s typical with any dry bag
In Conclusion
Unigear’s Floating Bag offers excellent protection for possessions, without the necessity for locking mechanisms. Via a procedure of rolling the bag’s rim over multiple times and then snapping it in place, its waterproof seal gets formed. Although extended submersion might affect the dry bag’s capability of repelling water, it’s usually the case with all bags and it isn’t a real downside as such. This bag is really tough however and can take a lot of abuse making it one of the best drybags for kayaking we could find.
The Sea to Summit’s Big River Bag

Sea to Summit’s Big River Bag is constructed a bit differently than other ones, being built from TPU laminated fabric and Non-PVC nylon. Of all of the items we have selected for this particular list, this one has the biggest array of colors.
Although this one is not available with any type of carry or shoulder straps, it has low-profile Hypalon lash loops constructed into the bag’s sides. They may be utilized for secure bag stacking while kayak fishing, while the oval-shaped look assists in reducing the risk of it rolling around while traveling rough waters.
Pros:
- Made with function in mind; its oval shape will prevent movement while stored
- Is available in a big array of sizes, from the smaller 3-liter to the massive 65-liter
- May connect to kayaks, boats, and bikes
- The material is resistant to punctures and scuffing
- Non-PVC for the environmentally-conscious
- Waterproof rating of 10,000 mm
- Variety of seven colors available
Cons:
- Might have to purchase the next size bigger than required size
- The bigger capacity units may be very expensive as compared with additional brands
- Unlike likewise bags in the marketplace, this bag is available without any carry straps
- May be hard to accomplish more than two rolls upon the seal with the nylon material
In Conclusion
Where this bag excels is in the design, utilizing high strength nylon that reinforces the dry bags against scratches and nicks which could compromise its waterproof design. But, what it gains in looks is what it’ll lose in function; it doesn’t have carrying straps, which may make it a bit more irritating to carry around.
It still is the only dry bag on the list to have such a big array of sizes, which reaches up to 65-liters capacity, more than sufficient to keep the entire family going upon a kayaking journey. It additionally has Hypalon lash loops that are embedded alongside the bag’s side, enabling it to be secured to water vessels; it goes some way to make up for the lack of any carrying straps, and theoretically could be utilized to secure the bag to your backpack.