Drybag

Keep your kit dry when the weather turns. Whether you are paddling, camping out or commuting through rain, a dry bag keeps water, mud and dust away from the things that must not get wet. Most experienced walkers and paddlers use one inside an ordinary pack rather than trusting the pack itself, which is cheaper and more reliable.

How a dry bag actually seals

A roll-top is the mechanism: fold the opening over on itself at least three times and clip it, and there is no gap left for water to find. Fewer rolls means a weaker seal, which is the most common reason a dry bag disappoints. Some models here use a zip instead for quicker access; that is faster to open and less reliable when it matters, so choose according to what you are protecting.

Seams matter just as much. Welded seams fuse the panels with no needle holes. Sewn seams join them with a line of holes, and water finds those holes under pressure however good the fabric is. Each product page states which construction applies.

What the ratings here actually say

Five of these bags carry an IP rating from their maker and the rest do not. Where one is given we quote it, because the number is meaningful: IPX4 covers splashing from any direction, IPX6 covers powerful jets and heavy rain, and IPX7 covers brief immersion in shallow water. Only one bag in this collection is rated to IPX7, and its description says so.

For everything else, treat the bag as protection against rain, spray and a splash rather than something to take underwater. Where no rating is published we do not borrow one from another brand or invent a figure: we describe the closure and the seams instead, which is what actually determines how much water stays out.

Fabric and size

Fabric is measured in denier. Lighter fabrics around 30D to 70D suit backpacking where weight counts; heavier 210D to 500D handles abrasion from rock, boat hulls and rough handling. PVC coating is tough and inexpensive; TPU-laminated nylon stays more flexible in the cold.

Size is easier than it looks. 1 to 5 litres takes a phone, wallet and keys. 10 to 20 litres holds spare clothing, a first aid kit and electronics. 30 to 40 litres takes a full change of clothes or a sleeping bag. Above that you are into expedition and overnight kit. Buy slightly larger than you think, since a roll-top needs slack at the top to seal properly.

Related collections

See waterproof bags for holdalls and coated packs, waterproof backpacks for roll-top rucksacks, and sleeping bags for the kit most worth keeping dry.

Free UK delivery and 30-day returns

All orders ship free to UK addresses, fully tracked. Orders are processed within 3 to 5 business days and delivered within 10 to 20 business days, and that timeline is stated here rather than promised short and missed. Returns or exchange within 30 days of delivery, unused and in original condition, approved before being sent back, with the refund issued within 7 days of return acceptance.