ashenKayaking is definitely included in most adventure travelers bucket list. It works out for both kids and adults alike. Improves your aerobic fitness, flexibility and strength and it only takes so little to master. Just like backpacking, you need to carry a few items when you go kayaking. Your phone, camera gear, change of clothes etc. And irrespective of the nature of kayaking, whether it be calm waters or rough challenging drifts you must have a waterproof kayak bag also referred to as a dry bag to secure your stuff from the water. Hence, in this post we will review the best waterproof kayak bags used by adventure travelers all over the world.
And this post isn’t entirely dedicated for kayaking lovers. Any outdoor traveler has to consider the purchase of a good waterproof kayak bag. Actually it is more of a must given the number of electronic devices we use nowadays. Therefore you realize how crucial it is to have a dry bag to secure all your stuff from been drenched.
Why do you need Waterproof Kayak Bags plus Purchase Guide
For most of us, this may sound like stating the obvious. However there might be a couple of things you might not know about kayak bags.
Keep your valuables dry and accessible
Obviously the sole purpose of waterproof kayak bags is to keep your essentials dry while kayaking, rafting or boating. However most amateurs make the mistake of disregarding dry bags when their kayaks have a dry compartment. But it doesn’t even slightly guarantee that your belongings will be kept dry during strong currents or even calm waters. One rock of the kayak and all your electronics, wallets are soaked.
Also make sure to choose a bag that has outer waterproof pockets to have stuff like your camera gear accessible. Also a bag having reliable waterproofing closures which means a bag that rolls down and buckles. Better yet a bag with straps for easy carrying, loading.
Floatation checked
Definitely make sure to get a bag that floats well on water. It would be better to close the bag with a little more air inside, this in turns enhances the floating effect. This way you can secure the bag before it sinks completely.
A few features to note
Color is entirely based on your preference, but make sure to choose a bag with a reflection strip. The sweet spot for size is mostly 10L or 15L when you are going kayaking. The roll down and buckle is the best closure for durability, however there are zippers and buckles as well. Make sure that your bag has shoulder straps as well.
All right! With these features in mind lets take a look at the best waterproof kayak bags for 2021…
Earth Pak -Dry Waterproof Kayak Bags
- Multiple sizes to suit your body size
- Variety of colors
- IPX8 Certified 6.5 Inch waterproof phone case
- 500D PVC material
one of the best seller waterproof kayak bags in Amazon given their reputation and the wide range of capacities they offer. It was all started by two guys who are passionate about the outdoors. Like Osprey these manufactures too deliver the optimum quality products for outdoor gear. The 10L & 20L dry bags come with a 24-42 Inch single shoulder strap. 30L, 40L, and 55L waterproof backpacks are integrated with backpack style shoulder straps that also come with a sternum strap for added stability. Also the all new 55L also comes equipped with a heavy duty waist-belt, which helps in distributing the weight optimally throughout the body and support pressure from the load.
You can use the strap over the shoulder or across the chest according to your preference. 10 Liter Dry Bag is the most popular because it allows you to carry the absolute essentials like the cell, wallet, sunglasses etc. And it is light and compact which makes it the best choice for kayaking or rafting as opposed to the bigger sizes. Your stuff will be dry even in pouring showers and its all for less than $25!
Explorer Waterproof Kayak Bags
The Explorer dry bag is also an industry leading product manufactured with the highest quality. Domestically manufactured with high quality 19oz. vinyl and radio-frequency welded seams. And they have five sizes available for you to choose.
- XS- 5L Dimensions: 10in H x 6in DIA • Capacity: 300ci/5L
- SM- 10L Dimensions: 15in H x 7.5in DIA • Capacity: 600ci/10L
- MD- 20L Dimensions: 18in H x 9.5in DIA • Capacity: 1275ci/20L
- LG- 40L Dimensions: 25in H x 11.5in DIA • Capacity: 2500ci/40L
- XL- 55L Dimensions: 28in H x 12.5in DIA • Capacity: 3500ci/55L
As usual we recommend the 5L or the 10L for kayaking. These bags have a abrasion resistant base, 3-roll top close, D-ring for tie-down and lashing and a round base for easy loading. Also comes in a few colors like red, blue, green and black.
Wisemen Trading Kayak Deck Bag
A great waterproof kayak deck bag. The Wismen trading kayak bag comes in 2 pieces bag and board and you put it together. The bag easily attaches to the top of any paddle board with an existing bungee or mounting system. There is a shoulder sling for you to either carry it on your shoulder or have it across your chest. Colors are a variety from gray to green. Its simplistic and minimal and a good choice for securing your wallet, phone, batteries and keys while kayaking or while backpacking when its pouring with rain.
IDRYBAG Dry Waterproof Kayak Bags
- 500D outdoor waterproof fabric
- 20L,30L,40L sizes
- Outer Pocket & Inner Pocket
- 500D PVC heavy duty material quality,IP68 certified waterproof.
- Ergonomic mechanic design
The ergonomic design is what makes this waterproof bag stand out among others. Sure most bags come with all sorts of designs to enhance user comfort especially through optimum weight distribution. But the IDRYBAG has the “humanized design” brought out by the ergonomic fabrics also called as the honeycomb design carrying system. The material ensures waterproof, abrasion proof and its double reinforced at all the major pressure points so that it’s durable. Also the bag comes with an outer splash-proof pouch and an inner zipper pouch, which allows you to organize your essentials in terms of priority.
You can some stuff like a knife, flashlight for easy access in the outer pouch. While the inner pouch can store the valuables like passport, wallets etc. Of course you want be carrying any of these when kayaking. However you might need a safe waterproof place to store your electronics like camera gear. To top it all off they have integrated the reflective strip on this dry backpack, which is highly visible at night or in poor light conditions. And your safety isn’t compromised that way. The IDRYBAG is definitely a worthy choice if you want to keep your belongings secure from the water while kayaking.
Additionally this bag isn’t built just for kayaking. You can use it for numerous outdoor activities like hiking, camping, climbing, backpacking, floating, swimming, rafting, boating, canoeing, fishing, surfing and rowing. Features four colors as well. The one thing to keep in mind is that the shoulders pads aren’t very thick although the bag is built for a rough environment, so you might accidentally rip them carelessly.
PackLite Rolltop Dry Bag Set
- Capacity: 10 L/5 L/3 L
- Weight: 1.4 oz./0.9 oz./0.8 oz.
- Material: 75D PU Rip-stop.
- Measurements: 10L: 9”x16”/5L: 6.5″x10″/3L: 7″x8.5″.
Available in three different sizes and three colors the PackLite Rolltop dry bag set is designed for ultra lightweight on-the-go dry storage and is well equipped to serve as a waterproof kayak bag.
MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag
- 5L/10L/20L/30L/40L
- Made from ripstop tarpaulin with welded seam
- Ultralightweight and Durable
If you are looking for a great floating waterproof bag for kayaking, you can count in the MARCHWAY dry bag. Made out of the highest quality thick 500D tarpaulin which is an ultra tough waterproof fabric, resisting tear, abrasion, strong enough to use in most harshest conditions. A simple roll down top seal system allows for secure air tight protection against water. Advanced thermo welding craft ensures maximum waterproof effect. Also integrated is the detachable and adjustable shoulder strap to suit every shape and size. The bag will float on water once sealed which makes tracking your gear easy. Plus it has so many colors for you to choose from.
As you can see there are a variety of sizes. And speaking of them its good to know the application of each size and distinguish the one needed for kayaking. 5L dry bag is compact, sized for protecting small items such as wallet, keys, towel, glasses, compass etc. Mostly suitable for kids. 10L dry bag is a moderate size, practical for packing small items for a short adventure. Suitable for protecting sweater, toiletries, flashlight, phone, notebook, water bottle etc. Hence we suggest going with either the 5L or 10L. Beyond these sizes are the bags appropriate to use as a waterproof backpack for one day trips or longer. Therefore the 20L/30L/ and 40L are suitable for larger items like parachute hammock, survival kits and more bulky clothes.
Skog Å Kust DrySåk Waterproof Floating Dry Bag
- Made from heavy duty 500-D PVC, roll-down top provide IPX-6.
- Outer slip pocket
- Reflective trim around pocket zipper
- 5L/10L/20L sizes
A waterproof dry bag defined to the last syllable. The Skog A Kust dry bag has great water resistance making it an excellent choice for kayaking, rafting. The outer pocket allows you to get quick access to your essentials that you store there. There is a shoulder strap that is removable and adjustable. You can either attach the bag to your shoulder or the kayak depending on your convenience. And the reflective trim keeps you visible at night and if the bag falls overboard, it is easy for you to spot and retrieve. There are over 16 colors for you to choose from. The Skog A Kust dry bag is a flawless choice for anyone looking for durability and good quality packed in one.
OUTXE IP67 Kayak Dry Bag
- 100% Waterproof: IPX7 waterproof,
- Totally Sealed, Roll-top Closure
- Heavy-duty 420D TPU
- Front Mesh Pocket
OUTXE IP67 Kayak Dry Bag features optimum water protection and guarantees that it is suitable for suitable for full submersion. The bag is welded and fully waterproof seams . Features detachable & adjustable shoulder straps. Again, you can either choose to tie it to the kayak or your shoulder or slide across your chest. The front mesh pocket as usual enhances the convenient value. You can store your essentials for quick accessibility.
The TPU used here is special. It is non-toxic and has a longer life span than PVC. And more importantly its flexible in cold weather and resists rusting(corrosion). Thereby making it suitable for all sorts of water-related sports. The flipside is that some complain about the strap not been durable enough, so make sure to use with care.
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag
- TPU laminated fabric with 10,000 mm hydrostatic head
- 420D Nylon fabric
- Double stitched, reinforced and tape sealed seams.
- 8 x 5 x 17 in, Weight: 3.5 oz / 99g
- Multiple sizes
Final in the list of best waterproof kayak bags. Although slightly inclined to the expensive side, the Sea to Summit waterproof dry bag packs in a lot of value. The strong nylon ensures abrasion resistance and waterproofness. Oval shaped base resists rolling, also features D-ring attachment points & strong attachment lash loops. The double stich design makes sure that no water creeps inside the bag. There are several sizes available for you to choose as a waterproof kayak bag or a backpack for days travel.
We suggest the 2L or the 4L. The 2L is capable of holding some snacks, first aid essentials, gloves or beanie. The 4L can hold a layer and more food. The largest size which is 35L can handle paddle gear, overnight camp equipment or even bike gear. Sea to Summit are well known for their ingenious, functionally eye catching and more importantly reliable products. These dry bags are extremely comfortable to handle which means it won’t burden you in your journeys. However some users complain that the bag is smaller compared to other dry bags of the same size. Nevertheless it is a great travel buddy to hold your essentials.
That’s about it for best waterproof kayak bags. There are plenty more with essentially the same features. However our recommendations are mostly based on user experience. Hope this guide was educative and helpful.
