If you plan to go kayaking, there are a lot of things you have to prepare and carry with you like a first aid kit, food, gadgets, clothes, and others. To keep all your stuff safe and dry, you also need the best waterproof bags for kayaking!
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Finding the perfect waterproof bag can be challenging. But don’t worry! In this article, I listed down my top 10 favorites that are available in the market today. I also included the list of things you should look for in a waterproof kayaking bag to help things move along. Scroll down and let’s get started!
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Top Waterproof Bags for Kayaking
To help you jumpstart your search for the best waterproof bags for kayaking, check out these 10 amazing products:
SealLine Black Canyon Boundary Pack
First on our list, the SealLine Black Canyon boundary pack is a lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly waterproof bag. Made with a PVC-free scrim-reinforced, RF-welded 300D urethane nylon body and a 400D HD urethane-coated nylon base, this bag is among the toughest and most abrasion-resistant choices out there.
Because of its lightweight design, this bag is great for carrying heavy loads over short distances like from your cottage to your kayak. It also allows you to save space by having somewhere to store your important gear, all without adding unnecessary weight.
It also features the company’s classic Dry Seal roll-top closure that ensures a watertight seal to keep your belongings free from water damage while you stay active.
You can get this bag in three sizes with storage capacities of either 35, 70, or 115 liters. Every size comes with a lightweight suspension system, breathable and waterproof shoulder straps, and a waist belt for secure wear. It even comes in four different colors namely yellow, green, blue, and orange.
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag
Next, we have the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag which is made with durable and eco-friendly non-PVC 420D nylon fabric and a TPU laminated fabric with a 10,000-mm hydrostatic head.
The waterproof construction that uses double stitching and reinforced, taped seams ensure that water does not penetrate. The bag is also abrasion resistant and super tough so your things stay protected from water and the elements even when the bag is faced against sharp rocks and harsh surfaces.
This mid-weight bag features space-saving Hypalon lash loops for attaching your bag to your kayak or other equipment and roll-top closure for a secure and watertight seal.
The oval-shaped base also prevents rolling so your bag stays where you put it while the white inner lining allows for better visibility inside so you can locate your things easily. The bag also has patent-pending ¾ inch field repair buckle and stainless steel pins.
This bag is available in 7 sizes ranging from a 1-liter to 35-liter volume. You can also get it in different colors including black, blue, green, orange, yellow, royal blue, or apple green.
Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack
Made with a heavy-duty, waterproof, and PVC-free TPU-laminated 600D nylon fabric, the Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry pack is constructed to save the environment and withstand cold temperatures.
The combination of a welded construction and a non-wicking TPU roll-up closure featuring interlocking profile gives this bag such a great waterproof performance.
The Hydraulic harness is made with an open construction of breathable air mesh and EVA foam for comfort and sufficient air flow. The removable shoulder straps are also easily adjustable.
Hydraulic Dry bags with 35 to 120 liters of storage capacity all come with a series of durable buckles to where the harness can be attached. When the bag is full, a waist strap for the 35L bag or the removable padded hip belts for larger sizes offer added support.
You can also get the Hydraulic dry pack in black, blue, green, and yellow.
SealLine Seal Pak Hands-free Storage Pack
The Seal Pak, another waterproof bag from SealLine, offers the kind of hands-free storage and protection for your things that you never knew you needed. It features a rugged design with a tough polyurethane-coated polyester construction.
Because the material used is PVC-free, this bag offers a reduced negative impact on the environment as well as an improved durability.
The watertight built of the Seal Pak allows it to endure quick dips or complete water submersion without causing any damage. It will also float in case it is dropped in the water so you won’t have to worry about losing anything while kayaking.
This bag also allows for multiple carry options. You can wear it as a backpack using the shoulder strap attachments or as a fanny pack using the waist belt attachment. It also features convenient fastening points where you can attach it to your boat.
This versatile product allows for easy access thanks to the external zip pocket and watertight protection with the help of the secure roll-down closure. However, it is quite small at 3 by 8 by 8 inches and with a 4-liter storage capacity.
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack
Next, we have the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack, a waterproof bag that is much more packable and lightweight than most traditional kayaking and boating dry bags.
It is made with dense, tough, and highly pliable 70 Denier waterproof fabric with fully taped seams for durability and watertight protection. This material features a high thread count as well as puncture and abrasion resistance. The polyurethane coating and 10,000mm hydrostatic head ensure waterproofing both when paddling or under rainy weather.
Aside from costing just a fraction of the price of other dry bags, this model comes in the smallest sizes of 1L, 2L, and 4L. These are the right sizes for packing your essentials and other smaller items.
Like the other Sea to Summit bags, the Lightweight Dry sack has a non-wicking Hypalon roll-top closure, a D-ring attachment point, and the patent-pending Field Repair Buckle with stainless steel pins.
The interior features a bright white laminate so that it is easier for you to sort through your gear. It is also available in bright colors including black, blue, pacific blue, red, green, and yellow for increased visibility.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Made to provide reliable waterproof protection and heavy-duty performance to lasts for years even with regular rugged use, this next product is another top-rated one. In fact, this particular model has recently received national recognition after being mentioned by acclaimed entrepreneur and New York Times Bestselling author Tim Ferris in his blog.
The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag comes in five sizes with capacities ranging from 10 to 55 liters, making it popular with both light packers and those who prefer to bring more than just the basics to their kayaking trips.
It is constructed with 500D PVC fabric material and features a roll-top closure to keep your gear safe and protected. These dry bags also come with adjustable single shoulder strap for the 10L and 20L sizes or two backpack-style shoulder straps for the 30L, 40L, and 55L sizes. The latter also comes with sternum straps for added security and stability.
You can get this bag in 7 different colors including black, yellow, blue, red, orange, light blue, and white. The package also includes the company’s IPX8 certified 6.5-inch waterproof phone case.
KastKing Floating Waterproof Dry Bag
You are probably familiar with the brand KastKing, a leading manufacturer of fishing gear and supplies. Well, they also produce dry bags such as this one. Featuring a double layer of waterproof 500D PVC material, the KastKing Floating Waterproof dry bag offers twice the security and protection offered by other brands.
Aside from being made with tough materials, this bag also has fusion welded seams and a one-of-a-kind double overlap roll-top for the best watertight performance. It also comes with a removable and easily adjustable shoulder strap for carrying which makes it such a great compression dry bag.
The 10L dry bag is a compact choice for keeping valuables and small items for short trips. The 20L dry bag is great for day trips and can carry things like a change of clothes, towels, tools, a notebook, food containers, and such. The largest dry bag which has 30L of storage, is suitable for trips that last for more than a day or for those who like bringing extra stuff with them.
Whether you are fishing, hiking, boating, rafting, camping, or kayaking, you will love the versatility of this dry bag. It even floats in water after getting rolled and buckled, allowing you to use it as a floating device in case of emergency.
Thanks to the high-quality ultra tough fabric construction, this bag is tear, abrasion, and puncture resistant so it can withstand even the most rugged use.
The package includes an IPX8 Certified waterproof floating phone case that fits phones measuring up to 6.5 inches diagonally.
Available in black, blue, orange and yellow, this bag is one of the best and most stylish companions for kayaking.
ODYSSEY Waterproof Dry Bag
The Odyssey Waterproof Dry Bag is another amazing choice for a kayaking bag and you’ll know why in the next sentences. First of all, this Marine Grade waterproof bag has been used and tested by professional sailing teams and diving companies.
It is made with thick 500D PVC tarpaulin material that is industrial thermo welded to ensure a high waterproof performance and a lifetime of durability.
It has a strong shoulder strap that can be adjusted easily for your comfort. It also comes with a free-floating smartphone dry bag where you can also put your keys and wallet for an added layer of protection.
This compression sack is the right size for carrying everything you need without sacrificing function. You can get it in black or in orange, depending on your taste.
Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag
Made with the highest quality of pure grade 500D waterproof polymer fabric that is Y7.5mm thick, the Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof bag is meant to last for years.
Keep all your essentials and gear protected and safe thanks to the lightweight yet tough construction that is resistant to punctures, rips, and tears. With the perfect size of 36 cm by 70cm, this bag holds just the right amount of stuff so as not to hold you back on your adventures.
It comes with a removable shoulder strap that can be adjusted to be up to 48 inches or 122 cm long. This extra length allows it to be carried comfortably and fit any user body type and height.
You can attach the bag to your craft or kayak through a convenient metal caliper. You can also use this to keep your keys, flashlight, or Swiss knife readily accessible.
Available in pink, black, blue, and yellow, this bag also comes with a waterproof phone case and a 1-year replacement or money-back guarantee.
Leader Accessories Waterproof Dry Bag
Last but not the least, here is an affordable yet reliable choice: the Leader Accessories Waterproof Dry Bag! This 100% waterproof bag is made with heavy-duty vinyl polyester and features a trilaminated construction and high-frequency welded seams.
Aside from being tough and durable, this bag can also be easily stored and wiped clean. Keep your valuables and gear safe from water, sand, dirt, and dust while kayaking, hunting, camping, hiking, or rafting. It is also made to withstand quick periods of water submersion.
The adjustable shoulder strap allows for a proper fit and comfort. This bag comes in 7 sizes ranging from 5L to 55L and 7 colors namely black, blue, green, orange, red, white, or yellow.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Bags for Kayaking
With so many different choices in the market today, choosing the best waterproof bag can be overwhelming and difficult. However, it should not be too hard if you know what to look for and the factors to consider.
Let us go through some of the things that I think are important to note and check before purchasing a waterproof bag for kayaking:
Size
Waterproof bags vary widely in terms of size, which also greatly affects the price and performance. In my opinion, the best size is around 20 to 30 liters (which is the standard size) but this, of course, can be smaller or bigger depending on your needs. The right size will allow you to bring all your necessary gear and stuff without slowing you down. You should still be able to carry the bag comfortably and fit it in your kayak safely.
Small dry bags with 10L or less capacity are great for storing loose items, valuables, and electronics although they usually do not have their own straps which means you probably have to place them inside a bigger bag.
Medium bags from 10L to 20L are great day packs and can carry larger items like clothes, shoes, food items, and others. They also usually have single straps.
Large bags with 30L to 40L or more storage capacity are great for long camping trips or for activities that require you to bring larger sports gear.
Durability
A bag’s durability largely depends on the material and construction used. When kayaking, your bag will be exposed to rough handling and may get dragged, dropped, shaken, and all. So, make sure the material is tough enough to withstand all of that.
When it comes to waterproof bag materials, you basically just choose between vinyl, nylon, and some hybrids. Vinyl is tough and great for carrying metal gear and equipment, although it can be heavy. Waterproof nylon is not as durable as vinyl but is more flexible and lightweight. It is great for storing soft items like clothes and such. Hybrids combine the benefits of the other two materials but tend to tear easily and not be as reliable.
The best and most high-quality materials usually come with a hefty price tag. However, I would prioritize durability over affordability. If you are on a budget, you can still get great bags as long as you take your time to research and read reviews and articles like this.
For construction, look for bags with sealed seams and thick bottoms. Reinforcements, paddings, double layers, and other features to ensure an airtight seal are always a plus.
Closure system
Most waterproof bags have roll-top closures but some have zippers and other mechanisms. Just make sure to test if water really cannot penetrate the closure. Otherwise, your stuff could suffer some damage and you might have to spend more for ruined gear.
Straps and Handles
Kayaking is action-filled so you have to make sure your things are secure and easy to carry with you. Look for bags with side straps or dual straps. Make sure the straps are adjustable, padded, and breathable to ensure your comfort.
Some dry bags do not have straps but come with handles for carrying and for attaching them to the kayak or your other things.
Color
You may have noticed that dry bags often come in bright, striking colors and the reason behind this is pretty simple: to increase visibility. Color is not just about how good the bag will look but will also determine how quickly and easily you can spot your bag when everything is moving or under dark situations. This reduces the chances of misplacing or losing your bag.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Those are the best waterproof bags for kayaking this year! I hope this article can help you find the one most suited for your preferences and needs. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment down below!
If you’re like me who always brings a camera with you, you might also want to check out this article about the best waterproof bag for camera!