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Rain, water, creeks to wade across, or a kayak backpacking trip – all great fun, but a spot where dry bag backpacks definitely come in handy. If you’re unfamiliar with them, these bags have a sturdy waterproof fabric to bravely defy the H2O! You can use them in your adventurous hikes, canoeing, fishing, and any other activity close to water.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of false starts out there and you might end up buying a bag that doesn’t repel even the smallest water droplets. That’s why we’re reviewing some of the best dry bag backpacks currently on the market. Stick around till the end to know the things you need to bear in mind before buying.
Quick Picks for Best Dry Bag Backpacks (or read on for detailed reviews)
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Dry Bag Backpacks Reviews and Ratings
In each of the following reviews, I’ll review every bag based on capacity, waterproofness, comfort, and overall performance. Each review will also honestly include some possible disadvantages.
Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag – Best Overall
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For my top pick, I couldn’t find anything better than this versatile bag from Marchway. First and foremost, it’s built from a sturdy 500D tarpaulin fabric.
If you’re unfamiliar, this fabric is usually a mix between nylon and polyester covered with polyurethane. These three materials combined are the ultimate recipe for waterproof fabrics. And with welded seals, you can rest assured that no water would seep from the sides.
To make it suitable for all sorts of activities, Marchway chose a ripstop pattern. This way, even if the bag tore, which is unlikely, the tear won’t propagate easily.
On top, this bag is equipped with the classic roll-top closure. After rolling the top for 3-5 times, a sturdy buckle secures the two sides together.
This bag comes with double detachable shoulder straps. They attach to the securing straps on top and D-rings on the side.
However, it’s worth noting that the 5L and 10L sizes come with a single strap only. Also, the double straps on the 40L bag are undetachable.
Although this bag could float if thrown in the water, I wouldn’t recommend doing this on purpose. Under continuous water exposure some water might find its way into the bag.
Pros
- Sturdy 500D ripstop tarpaulin fabric
- Roll-top closure
- Multiple sizes
- Comes with double detachable straps
Cons
- Smaller sizes come with one shoulder strap
- It might not be 100% waterproof if thrown in the water
- It doesn’t have any pockets
Skog Å Kust BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack – Runner Up
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As you saw, the Marchway bag has great performance. However, it misses some features that can improve the quality of your adventures. If you’re searching for a bag like that, consider this one from Skog Å Kust.
But before we get to the bag, let me express how much I love the company’s name!
“Skog Å Kust” is Swedish for “forest and coast”. This can give you an idea about the all-weather protection it provides. Not to mention that you can brag about your new Swedish vocab in front of your friends!
Now to the actual specifications. The main feature behind its waterproofness is the 500D PVC construction. Since PVC is used extensively in water pipes, it gives the best performance against heavy water exposure.
To close this bag, you have two options. Just like the Marchway, you can roll the top and then close the buckle.
If your bag is stuffed to the brim, you can slightly press it via the other method. Simply, cinch the top and the side clips together. Then, tighten the straps until you’re satisfied with their pressure.
On the front side, this bag has a handy zippered pocket. I definitely miss this feature in the Marchway. However, as you might’ve guessed, zippered pockets aren’t waterproof. It’s better to reserve it for items that won’t be damaged with water, like keys and sealed snacks.
Pros
- Can be closed with two methods
- Superiorly waterproof with the PVC construction
- Equipped with double shoulder straps
- Has a front zippered pocket
Cons
- Pockets aren’t waterproof
Yeti Panga Airtight Waterproof and Submersible Bags – Best Style
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Duffle bags are great, but many people prefer classically-styled backpacks. Besides the better design, these bags offer bigger storage thanks to their rectangular shape. If this is what you’re searching for, you should love this bag.
Carrying this bag around is super comfortable with its double padded shoulder straps. If you’re packing a lot of stuff, you can attach the additional chest and waist straps for better support. This can get especially handy if you’re canoeing in rough water.
What do I love the most? The zippers, hands down! Yeti designed its Hydrolok zipper with high-end materials that don’t allow a single droplet inside.
During rough adventures, any zipper can accidentally open without you noticing. But this isn’t the case here. The terminal end of this bag’s zipper is sort of indented. This way, it wouldn’t open unless you forcefully pull it. Don’t worry, though. It’s not too strong for anyone to open.
Do I like everything about it? Well, not exactly. I only wish Yeti had chosen sturdier construction. Currently, this bag is made from a nylon fabric laminated with TPU.
Yes, TPU is excellent in repelling the water. But nylon? It doesn’t resist tears as well as some other materials, especially when used without any reinforcing material.
Pros
- Fashionable design
- Waterproof zippers with a locking terminal
- Equipped with internal mesh pockets
- Has a side handle if you prefer carrying it as a duffle
Cons
- Its fabric might not be sturdy enough
Earth Pak Heavy Duty Waterproof Backpack – Biggest Storage
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How are you supposed to have fun on your trip if you don’t have all your stuff by your side? Don’t let a small backpack ruin your experience and opt for this huge bag instead.
With 35L and 55L capacities, Earth Pak won’t let you leave anything behind. Inside, you’ll be able to keep your things tidy and organized with a zippered pocket, mesh compartment, and a key ring.
On the outside, there’s a small zippered pocket for items that you might want to quickly grab.
However, I wouldn’t recommend putting things like electronics, fabrics, and paper inside this pocket. Since it’s splash-resistant rather than waterproof, it might expose your stuff to some moisture.
Just like the Skog Å Kust, this bag features a roll-top closure that can be similarly sealed to side clips. This is especially helpful here to accommodate the bigger size.
I’m extremely satisfied with the 500D PVC fabric. Its superior resistance to water is frankly the icing on the cake! This way, you can take this bag to whatever environment you crave. Be it a river, a forest, or just a daily commute in the rain, water will stay out!
The only problem here is the front pocket lining. Because it’s a bit thin, it can easily tear. If this happens, the whole bag would be prone to water seepage.
Pros
- Wide storage
- Equipped with chest and waist straps
- Sturdy 500D PVC construction
Cons
- Thin, tearable lining under the front pocket
Piscifun Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack – Best Value
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for more value in your dry backpack, this one could be your best bet.
Piscifun managed to build this bag from the same sturdy 500D PVC featured on other products.
Do you like to go crazy with colors? If so, you should love its bright yellow, green, and red versions.
To enhance the design even more, Piscifun placed a mesh pocket with elastic ropes on the front. You surely can store some of your waterproof items there, but I think they look a lot better when left empty.
Carrying this bag around is easy, but not that comfortable. I like that its double shoulder straps are detachable. This way, you can carry it cross-body, over-shoulders, or even in your hands.
I wish they had thicker padding, though. Right now, they might pinch on your skin if you carry the bag for long periods.
Best of all, this bag comes with a 6.5-inch waterproof phone case. I think that this is such a cool perk to offer the best bang for your buck.
On the downside the quality of the front mesh could be improved. Then again, since it isn’t that useful, we can’t really consider this as a major flaw.
Pros
- Affordable
- 500D PVC construction
- Bright colors
- Comes with an included waterproof phone case
Cons
- The front mesh may not be durable
FE Active Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack – Best with Side Pockets
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When I was doing the research for this article, I was shocked by how many bags lack bottle pockets. And frankly, I don’t know why! It’s absolutely time-consuming to keep opening and closing the roll-top closure for a quick sip of water.
Luckily, FE Active made a sturdy bag that has a mesh bottle pocket on each side. For the construction, they chose a marine-grade vinyl tarpaulin. As I said in the first product, this is an excellent waterproof material. But it won’t withstand full intentional immersing.
On the inside, you’ll be able to store many items in the spacious 30L capacity. However, there’s only one 6-inch zippered pocket for your delicate belongings. I prefer bags with more internal pockets to keep things nice and tidy.
On the front, this bag has a bungee cord running through D-rings welded into the fabric. FE Active says that this area is intended to store your waterproof items like yoga mats and hiking gear.
However, I don’t think this would be safe. This area doesn’t have anything beneath it for support. Your items can easily slip off while cycling, running, etc.
Instead, the bungee cord can be tightened to compress your bag and save some space. Don’t overdo it, though. Otherwise, the fabric might start to tear.
Pros
- Equipped with two bottle pockets
- It can be compressed by its bungee cord
Cons
- It has only one internal pocket
- The bungee cord may not support all items
Boncas Waterproof Dry Roll Top Bag – An Honorable Mention
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To widen your options, I thought I should recommend one last bag that balances between performance and value add.
Boncas designed this bag with a sturdy tarpaulin fabric. To improve its performance against water, it added a thick PVC coat. This way, even if the bag was completely immersed, no water should leak through.
Like most of the previous products, Boncas supplied this bag with a front mesh to place your waterproof items.
On the back, there’s a small zippered pocket concealed under the fabric. I absolutely love its placement. Unlike front pockets, you can quickly reach your items without having to take off the bag.
To provide the best value, Bonacs ships a waterproof phone case alongside every bag.
If you’re planning to use the bag for long periods of time, this might not be your best option. Why? Well, it comes with only one detachable strap. You’ll have to hold the bag cross-body or over one shoulder. Either way, it can be quite tiring, especially with the 30L capacity.
Pros
- Superiorly-waterproof
- It has a front mesh and a back pocket
- Large capacity
Cons
- Comes with only one shoulder strap
Dry Bag Backpacks Buying Guide
If you still can’t choose a bag, this section might help you. I’ll discuss the top factors you need to consider before making a purchase. You’ll know how you can analyze your needs and buy the best bag accordingly.
First Things First, Make Sure It’s Actually Waterproof
Believe it or not, dry bags aren’t necessarily 100% waterproof. In fact, a lot of brands intentionally fabricate their products to be water-resistant rather than waterproof. As you might imagine, this cuts down on the bag’s cost to produce.
While some brands are honest enough to admit it, others put out some spin to oversell their products. Instead of taking their word for it, there’s an actual parameter that can accurately describe the bag’s limits.
Check the IP Value
Ingress protection, or IP in short, is the ultimate test used to measure a product’s ability to resist water and solids.
Typically, an IP result is written in two digits. The first digit describes resistance to solids, while the second relates to waterproofness. In bags, brands don’t typically test for solids, so the first digit is usually replaced by an X.
As the digits increase, the resistance improves. For better reference, each value has a definite meaning. For example, an IPX4 bag can only resist light water splash, while an IPX6 bag can withstand heavier pressures.
For the absolute best waterproofing results, don’t buy a dry bag unless it has an IPX8 rating. This means that it can be safely submerged deeper than 1 meter.
Test for Yourself
Unfortunately, even if the dry bag is rated IPX8, it’ll inevitably leak if it was torn. Unless you want to risk damaging your precious belongings, there’s a simple test to reassure.
Turn your bag inside out and fill it with water. Then, hold it upright on a flat surface. It’s better not to lift it in the air to avoid overloading the fabric.
If it didn’t leak, you can safely store anything inside without worrying.
Does a Dry Bag Float?
Considering whether your bag will float or sink if it goes overboard is another factor to consider. Some dry bags are designed to float while others will depend on how they are packed and what is in them.
Pick a Suitable Strength
After making sure that the bag is sufficiently waterproof, you have to inspect the overall fabric strength. The best dry bag should be able to be filled to its brim without breaking any of its welded seams. If it was torn even on a microscopic level, water would instantly leak inside.
Just like the waterproofness, there’s a technical parameter that can identify the exact fabric strength.
Denier, which is simply written as an uppercase D, is a unit that measures the yarn mass per every 9,000 meters of length.
In other words, a 10D fabric that measures 9,000 meters should weigh 10 grams. A 500D fabric weighs 500 grams, and so on.
Obviously, heavier yarns would give a stronger fabric. For dry backpacks, you shouldn’t go under 500D fabrics. Otherwise, your bag may not be strong enough for your activities.
Consider the Material
You might be wondering, if we already investigated the Ingress Protection and the Denier parameters, why would we care about the actual material?
Well, you’re right in a way. The material performance is judged by those numbers rather than its mere type. However, these numbers don’t describe durability.
PVC: Your Ultimate Choice
If you want a durable bag that would last for years, you should go for PVC. If you’re unfamiliar, rigid PVC is the main constituent of water pipes. This should tell you how much strength it gives.
However, strength always comes at a price. By this, I mean a higher cost, but I’m also referring to its heavier weight. If you compared a PVC bag with a nylon one that has the same capacity, PVC would be heavier by about 2 pounds.
Not huge, yes. But trust me, you’d definitely feel the difference after carrying the bag for consecutive hours.
Nylon and Polyester: Study Alternatives
Nylon and polyester, aka tarpaulin, are the second-best materials after PVC. They’re naturally water-resistant, but not waterproof. That’s why some brands might reinforce them with PU or TPU coatings.
Strength-wise, they’re not that sturdy. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend them for capacities bigger than 15L.
Pick Comfortable Straps
If you take a look at my suggested bags, you’d find that there are two options concerning the shoulder straps.
First, they can be detachable. In this case, the bag should have D-rings on the side on which the straps would hook. Other models have permanently sewn straps that look like a classic backpack.
Choosing a design is a mere personal choice. Some people don’t want to bother with additional hooks, while others appreciate the added freedom.
Whatever design you choose, it’s important to make sure the straps are heavily padded. Otherwise, heavy bags would literally imprint on your shoulders.
Think about Your Preferred Closure
Dry bag backpacks usually feature a roll-top closure. With this design, you should roll the top of the bag, then bend it into two sides to secure them together with a buckle.
Since this buckle looks like a handle, some people might use it to lift the bag. However, I advise against this. These buckles aren’t really made to bear this large weight.
Do yourself a favor and stay away from zippered bags. Unless they’re specially-designed, zippers would inevitably leak water. Moreover, they’re more likely to get stuck when compared with roll-tops.
Consider Your Color Choice
If you’re buying a dry bag for regular everyday use, you can pick whatever color that matches your preferences. However, if you’re planning to travel, some colors might be preferred over others.
First and foremost, stay away from dark colors like black and blue. These will absorb the sunlight and heat your stuff inside.
In addition to reflecting sun rays, brighter colors will be much easier to spot if you lost your bag in the water, for instance. Also, in cases of emergencies, people can easily notice your bag from a distance to instantly help you.
Look for Extra Storage
A great dry bag should be more than a hollow sack in which you cram your stuff. Pick a bag that has a lot of internal pockets to keep your stuff organized. This way, you’ll be able to reach what you want faster and easier.
Bonus: How to Wash Your Dry Bag Backpack
Alright, you successfully picked a great bag, and you went along and got the most out of it on an adventurous trip. The last thing you want now is to ruin the bag by improperly washing it.
In most cases, rinsing your bag with warm water for a few minutes should do the trick. The waterproof material doesn’t pick up dirt and stains like regular fabric anyways.
If you were unlucky enough to encounter a stubborn stain, try to scrub the bag with dish soap. Then, hose it down with warm water to thoroughly clean the remaining soap.
Don’t Use a Washing Machine or a Dryer
Washing machines might damage the delicate fabric of your bag. As you might’ve guessed, the smallest hole would damage your stuff by leaking water.
Similarly, the dryer’s heat could permanently change the shape of the bag’s fibers. For the safest results, let your bag air dry in an open, shaded area.
The Verdict
In my opinion, the best dry bag backpack is the Marchway Floating Bag. Its wide range of sizes can serve all purposes.
Do you have a lot to pack? The Earth Pak Heavy Duty Backpack should be more than enough. The 55L version is super sturdy thanks to the PVC fabric.
If you’re mostly concerned with value, the Piscifun Dry Bag Backpack should suit you well.
As a final note, dry bags can last a lot more if you properly handle them. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best results.
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