Kayaking is a fun and adventurous hobby. You can get out onto a lake, a river or even the open sea and enjoy the fresh air. Take in beautiful surroundings while you paddle and keep fit.
But it’s not so much fun when all of your personal items get wet. If your bag gets splashed, or the kayak capsizes and your bag ends up in the water, then it suddenly becomes stressful instead of fun. You could damage your phone or not have any dry clothes to change into.
There is an easy solution- get yourself a dry bag! Dry bags are water tight bags that you can take with you on your kayak. Your personal belongings will stay dry, and if you secure the bag to the kayak then it won’t float away even if the kayak tips.
But how do you know which dry bag you should get? There are so many to choose from that it can be a little overwhelming.
We have made it easier for you by putting together a list of the best dry bags that are suitable for kayaking. We have also provided a guide on how to choose the right kayak, and answered some common questions.
OUR TOP PICK
The Earth Pak dry bag is made from waterproof PVC material that can withstand scrapes and knocks.
It comes in 5 sizes- the 10 litre and 20 litre dry bags have a single shoulder strap, the 30 litre and 40 litre dry bags come with backpack style shoulder straps and an additional sternum strap.
The largest size is 55 litres which has an extra heavy duty waist belt.
The bag is lightweight and can be folded up very small to fit inside larger bags for travelling. This is a roll top bag, so you place your items inside and roll the top of the bag down to get rid of any air, then close it to form the waterproof seal.
The bag comes with a waterproof snap and lock phone case that allows you to take pictures while protecting your phone from the water.
There are 8 colors to choose from so you can find a bag that suits your style - blue, light blue, black, orange, forest green, red, white and yellow.
EDITORS CHOICE
The Luxtude waterproof dry bag is made from hard wearing PVC material with a vinyl coating for extra water resistance. It is designed with roll-top closure to ensure your personal items stay dry.
Luxtude have really made this bag to last and withstand regular use- the seamless technology prevents rips, the vinyl is reinforced at stress points, and there is a durable buckle.
You can choose from various sizes. The 5 litre and 10 litre bags have an adjustable shoulder stream and a removable crossbody strap. The 20 and 30 litre bags have backpack style straps to help you carry a heavier load.
This bag is easy to clean, with a smooth wipeable surface. It comes with a waterproof phone case which is touch friendly so you can use your phone on the water. The bag comes in three colors - pink, blue or gray - all with a fashionable camouflage pattern.
BEST VALUE
This compact bag is made from durable ripstop tarpaulin with a welded seam for extra sturdiness. It is rip, tear and puncture proof so will last you for many years.
The roll-top closure system creates a watertight seal to keep your gear dry. It will also protect your personal items from snow, mud and sand. The heavy duty plastic buckle is impact resistant.
The back is easy to wipe clean as the surface is smooth. It can float on water after it has been sealed.
When the bag is not in use it folds up small to fit inside luggage. The bag comes in multiple sizes from 5 Litre to 40 Litre to suit your individual needs.
The 5 litre and 10 litre bags have one adjustable and removable shoulder strap for crossbody use. The larger size bags include two straps for backpack style carrying.
You can choose from 18 different colors, including a digital camouflage option.
RUNNER UP
The OMGear waterproof dry bag is 100% waterproof guaranteed and is made from vinyl coated PVC tarpaulin. It comes with a free reinforced waterproof phone pouch.
The bag is available in various sizes from 5 litres to 40 litres and all sizes come with two back straps with adjustable buckles to ensure you are comfortable. The backstraps are made from floatable material, allowing the bag to be buoyant in the water.
The roll top design creates a watertight seal to keep your personal items dry. The bag has a smooth surface so is easy to wipe clean.
The bag has a sturdy anti-ripping hook, a durable top buckle that can be used as a handle, and strong clips which attach to the buckle. You can choose from 12 attractive colors including a floral design and a feathered design.
RUNNER UP
The Heeta waterproof dry bag uses professional seamless technology for extra durability. The roll top design forms a vacuum seal that keeps all your personal items dry.
The drybag is made from thick tear-resistant material making it suitable for all outdoor activities.
The bag comes in various sizes from 5 litres to 40 litres so you can find a size to suit your needs. It has adjustable shoulder straps for backpack style carrying as well as a grab handle.
This bag is transparent which makes it easier for you to find your items quickly without having to rummage around. It comes with a free waterproof phone case. You can choose from 9 colors or transparent material to suit your personal style.
RUNNER UP
The Piscifun waterproof drybag is made out of strong yet flexible PVC which is 100% waterproof. The adjustable padded strap makes the bag very comfortable to carry.
The outer mesh pocket gives you easy access to items that you don’t need to keep dry and the elastic rope is great for holding clothing or accessories. The fully welded seams provide extra durability and the roll-top closure provides an optimal water tight seal.
The bag comes with a high definition waterproof phone case with a seal lock and tough material to be used during water sports. The bag comes in 5 sizes between 5 and 40 litres, and you have a choice of 9 colors.
RUNNER UP
The Nuirapa waterproof dry bag can hold up 20 litres of gear. The bag itself is lightweight and portable, weighing less than half a pound when it’s empty.
The roll-top design will keep your personal items dry and safe. There are two shoulder straps which are adjustable for comfortable carrying.
The bag floats in the water which prevents you from losing your items but also provides additional safety if you end up in the water. The bag comes with a waterproof phone case so you can use your phone when you are on the water.
It also comes with a waterproof bum bag for additional storage. The bag has a simple and sleek design and comes in a black color.
RUNNER UP
The Weibin waterproof dry bag comes in either a 20 litre size or a 30 litre size. It has two adjustable shoulder straps for comfortable backpack style carrying. The bag is made from ripstop, waterproof thick PVC.
The sturdy welded seam is durable and the bag is tear and puncture proof. The roll top design will form a watertight seal to keep your personal belongings safe and dry.
The smooth surface of the bag makes it easy to wipe clean after use. The bag has one outer zipper pocket and two inner pockets, so you can separate items like your keys or wallet.
RUNNER UP
The IDRYBAG is made out of waterproof PVC with high-frequency welded seams for extra durability. The fabric is also scratch proof.
It has a strong hook so you can hang your bag up. You could attach it to another rucksack, to your waist, to a bicycle, or hang it on a door.
This dry bag will float in the water so you won’t lose your items if the kayak tips over. The transparent material makes it easy for you to find specific items in the bag without having to rummage around.
The bag comes in a choice of 5 sizes from 2 litres to 20 litres, and there are 8 different colors to pick from. You will be able to find a bag that suits your individual needs and style.
RUNNER UP
The Skog drybag is made out of heavy duty 500-D PVC to keep out water. The roll down closure forms a watertight seal to keep your items dry, and the welded seams provide extra protection and durability. The bag floats on the water so you won’t lose your belongings.
The outer pocket safely stores your small essentials. Reflective trim around the pocket zipper helps the bag to be visible in the water at night.
The shoulder strap can be adjusted for a comfortable fit. There is a clip to allow you to attach the bag to your kayak.
There are three sizes to choose from, 5 litres, 10 litres or 20 litres. All sizes are available in 25 different colors and patterns including an attractive blue and white wave pattern.
Best Dry Bags For Kayaking Buying Guide
Now that you know what drybags are available, how do you choose which one is right for you?
The first thing to consider is what size bag you need. Think about how much gear you need to bring with you, and how much space you have in your kayak. There is not much point getting a large bag if you don’t have room for it on the kayak!
The next thing you need to ask yourself is what kind of straps you want. Do you want a single shoulder strap or two straps for backpack style carrying?
Some bags float in the water which is a very useful feature. It might be handy to choose a bag with a strong clip so you can hang the bag from other luggage or a bicycle.
Best Dry Bags For Kayaking - FAQ's
What Other Equipment Will I Need For Kayaking?
You will obviously need a kayak and a paddle. It is advisable to wear a lifejacket and a helmet to stay safe on the water. Additional safety equipment could include a high frequency safety and some high visibility clothing.
It is useful to take some bungee cords with you so you can attach your personal items to the kayak, like your dry bag. If you are taking a smart phone with you on the kayak, then you should get a waterproof phone case.
Why Is It Useful To Have A Transparent Drybag?
You might need to open your bag when you are out on the water on your kayak. The longer you spend rummaging in the bag for specific items, the more likely it is that your items could get wet, or that you could make the kayak unsteady.
If the bag is transparent then you will find your items quicker. It also allows you to read messages on your phone as they pop up on the screen without having to open the bag.
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