The 8 Best Dry Bags of 2025

Our Picks of Dry Bags

Best Overall Dry Bag

YETI Panga Backpack 28

At this point, Yeti is a household name well known for making rugged and durable products; the Panga Backpack 28 lives up to that reputation. Built from thick, laminated, high-density nylon with RF-welded seams and a burly HydroLok zipper, it's virtually impenetrable. Our lead tester, Sara James, has a passion for river-based photography, and has this to say, “When navigating rapids or enduring rain storms, I trust the Panga to keep water out, protecting even my most delicate camera gear.” Wide, comfortable shoulder straps spread the load when carrying this portable pack, and an internal laptop sleeve and mesh pouch help keep your items where they need to be. The Panga is at home, no matter your adventure style- lashed to your canoe through rapids, strapped on your back in a snowstorm, or in the urban jungle. If ultimate durability and peace of mind are your top priorities, the Panga is hard to beat.

Closure Type	HydroLok zipper
Weight	62.4 oz
Attachment Points	12
Material	Laminated high-density nylon
Style	Backpack

Our testing proved the Panga Backpack 28 impenetrable to water, even after an overnight soaking. However, its ultra-durable build and water-tight design come at a price: 62.4 ounces and a hefty cost. For a lighter alternative, the SealLine Pro Zip Duffel offers a similar waterproof, zippered design and includes removable backpack straps. However, it utilizes a thinner material, making it less rugged and not as protective for fragile gear in rough conditions. For those carrying electronics or other sensitive gear through wet, rugged environments, the Panga is still the more worthy investment. Yeti also makes the Panga Duffel with a removable carry strap if you want to haul more gear. Bottom line, if you are looking for a seriously waterproof, cover-all-your-bases backpack for your next adventure, this one is hard to beat.

Best Bang for Your Buck

SealLine Discovery View

If you're on a budget and just want to keep your essentials dry and easily accessible, the SealLine Discovery View is our first recommendation. It has a double-banded fold-down closure and a purge valve that allows you to “burp the bag,” or squeeze all the air out. The translucent non-PVC material makes identifying what's inside your bag a breeze, and it is also more durable than other options at a similar price. There are lighter options on the market, such as the Sea to Summit Lightweight or REI Co-op Lightweight; however, these lack the purge valve for easy packing, and their thinner materials are not as durable. With fully welded seams and a durable buckle clip, the Discovery is designed for seriously wet day adventures without busting your wallet.

Closure Type	Dual strip roll-top
Weight	6.8 oz
Attachment Points	1 plastic D-ring
Material	PVC free 12 oz polyurethane film body; 300D 18oz polyurethane-coated polyester bottom
Style	Dual-strip fold down w/ purge valve

Under intense pressure (i.e., a direct hose), a few water droplets can seep into this bag via the purge valve. It is also important to take a few extra seconds to ensure you have three wrinkle-free closing folds if you want to ensure the bag is watertight when dragged through a lake. With this little bit of attention to detail, this small-capacity sack is seriously waterproof. “ I had the Discovery clipped to my SUP as we made our way through five miles of class 3-4 rapids, and my spare layers and notebook stayed dry inside”. If the purge valve gives you cause for concern, consider the watertight Watershed Aleutian Deck Bag.

Best Lightweight Value

REI Co-op Lightweight

The REI Co-op Lightweight is a no-nonsense lightweight dry bag, available at a very palatable price point. Made of a thin 70D ripstop nylon, this roll-down closure sack weighs less than most of its competitors, making it a popular choice for weight-conscious hikers or kayakers. Made from thin but durable nylon with a PU coating and a durable water-resistant (DWR) finish, it keeps splashes and light rain at bay while packing down small when not in use. The Co-Op Lightweight is missing a designated D ring to clip to. If you are looking for something similar with a clip-in point, consider the slightly more expensive Sea to Summit Lightweight.

Closure Type	Roll-top
Weight	1.6 oz
Attachment Points	None
Material	100 % recycled 70D ripstop nylon, polyurethane coating
Style	Roll-top

REI has utilized a very thin fabric for this dry bag, which is unlikely to stand up to years of heavy use, especially if you use your gear like we do. It also will not withstand prolonged submersion ( i.e, more than a few hours) even at its best. Where this bag excels is when used as part of a system, for example, to carry your dry clothes inside your backpack or to keep essentials safely stashed and extra protected within a larger dry bag such as the NRS Bill's Bag. Those looking for more robust protection and features may consider a heavy-duty option like the rugged Watershed Colorado Duffel or YETI Panga Duffel 50.

Best for Multi-Day Adventures

NRS Expedition DriDuffel

If you're headed out on big waters for a long adventure, the NRS Expedition DriDuffel has got you covered. The watertight and easy-to-use zipper makes this one of the most accessible bags we tested without sacrificing waterproofing. Available in sizes ranging from 12L to 105 L and sporting wide openings on all the bags, we think you could make one that fits your winter sleeping bag, tripod, yoga mat, and ukulele without any issue. With four multi-point attachment strips, a detachable shoulder strap, two large looped side handles, and a flat base stackable design, your friends will envy the ease with which you pack your gear and secure it for the next river day.

Closure Type	TRU Zip
Weight	61.5 oz
Attachment Points	2 side handles, 1 removable shoulder strap , 10 fabric attachment points
Material	840 D TPU coated nylon
Style	Duffel

The DriDuffel's lack of compartments makes it hard to keep organized. “I like supplementing this bag with some smaller stuff sacks to stay organized,” our tester notes. A few carrying options are available thanks to multiple attachment points and versatile straps. When not in use, the side handles feel overly large and like they need some sort of management. A perk of this bag is the thick 840-denier heavy-duty TPU-coated nylon that will keep your things dry through most aquatic misadventures. If you are looking for something even more rugged, the Yeti Panga Duffel 50 is made of an even thicker material and is just as waterproof.

Best for Whitewater Adventures

Watershed Colorado Duffel

You can expect your gear to stay dry no matter how rowdy the water gets with the Watershed Colorado Duffel. This bag is built with rugged performance in mind and is one of the few bags we tested that remained fully dry after a prolonged submersion, thanks to its innovative ZipDry seal closure. The classic duffel design makes it perfect for overnight river trips. When you are ready to set up camp, unpacking is a breeze thanks to the wide mouth, and the comfortable neoprene grip makes hauling your gear to shore an easy task. Six well-placed heavy-duty Duraflex D-rings provide numerous options for attaching the Colorado to your craft, and its updated and refined durable material easily holds up to the wear and tear of regular use, no matter your water sport. We know many river lovers with Watershed bags that are still watertight after ten years of regular use.

Closure Type	ZipDry
Weight	54.0 oz
Attachment Points	6 plastic D-rings, 2 handles, 1 removable shoulder strap
Material	840D embossed polyurethane coated nylon
Style	Duffel

Purging a bag before closing helps to reduce its bulk, and Watershed offers an optional additional purge valve that can help with this. At 75 liters, the Colorado Duffel is big for day trips and takes up quite a bit of space in a kayak or on a paddleboard. If that is your primary need, Watershed makes a range of similar, smaller duffels, including the very popular 10.5-liter Ocoee that we recommend. Compared to the average dry bag, Watershed bags are expensive. However, for the serious river adventurer, the Colorado Duffel is worth the investment, especially if you plan multi-day trips or carry expensive hydrophobic equipment like a camera or electronics. This model is the perfect bag for the diehard rivergoer and is one of our very top products in this review.

Best for Kayak Touring

Watershed Aleutian Deck Bag

The Watershed Aleutian Deck Bag is designed specifically for the water-bound adventurer who likes to have everything readily accessible. With a handful of well-designed attachment points, the Aleutian can be secured to the deck of some kayaks, SUPs, or the thwart of a canoe. There are additional attachment points for your bilge pump or spare paddle, an adjustable mesh bag for your water bottle, and a bungee cord for further items you want to keep close at hand. The ZipDry closure is fully watertight and can be opened and closed easily to access your belongings.

Closure Type	ZipDry
Weight	23.0 oz
Attachment Points	6 plus mesh and bungee cord
Material	Polyurethane-coated nylon
Style	Deck bag

If you're a minimalist, the many features attached to the Aleutian might make you feel flustered. We have witnessed many users opting to cut most of the external extras off this bag. If you plan on storing your bag in a kayak hatch, consider some of the other more streamlined options in this list, like the Sea to Summit Lightweight View or the SealLine Discovery View. But with RF-welded seams, Watershed's impenetrable ZipDry closure, and a tough coated nylon exterior, the Aleutian is dependable. It's a great choice for adventure enthusiasts, instructors, and guides.

Best Convenient Carry-On for Your Essentials

Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Hip Pack

The Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Hip Pack is a convenient adventure-ready dry bag, designed to keep your essentials dry and close at hand. Constructed from rigid TPU, with RF welded seams, it is more robust than your average dry sack and is designed to be submersible at a depth of 1 metre for 30 minutes (IP67). It sports a removable strap that you can use to secure the bag around your waist or across your shoulder, making it well-suited for river or urban adventures. There are lighter-weight bags on the market, but few compete with the security and ease of use of this go-anywhere bag.

Closure Type	TRU Zip
Weight	n/a
Attachment Points	2 external attachment straps for waist / shoulder strap and 1 x internal attachment point
Material	TPU rated to IP67, with clear window at front at RF welded seams. TRU toothless zip. Strap is made from nylon webbing
Style	Hip Pack

At 1 L capacity, this bag is not designed to carry much, but it is perfectly proportioned to carry your essentials, including phone (up to 3.6" x 6.8" x 0.6"), keys, and a snack or a small tube of sunscreen. We particularly appreciate the internal and external clip-in points enabling you to secure your valuables, ready for any adventure. Our lead tester reported, “It pairs perfectly with the Nite-Ize Hitch Phone Anchor, enabling me to comfortably take pictures and phone calls on the water, with no fears of losing my phone.” For those who want to squeeze a bit more into their pack, Nite-Ize makes a 3L RunOff Waterproof Waist Pack, or you may consider the 12L NRS Expedition DriDuffel with a similar easy zip access.

Honorable Mention Budget Bag

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Set of 3

The Heeta 20L is one of the most affordable dry bags in our lineup, and for what you're paying, you actually get a decent amount of water protection. This roll-top style has more features than other bags at this price as well, like four d-ring attachment points and multiple carry options; you can choose between the integrated handle or a removable shoulder carry strap. Lastly, we need our dry bags to be able to take a beating, whether from rapids, low-hanging branches on the river, or being tossed around in the back of the car on the way to the lake. The heavy PVC material on the Heeta is a bit stiff and gets even stiffer in cool conditions, but it is the most robust dry bag we tested at this price point.

Closure Type	Roll-top
Weight	1.0 oz (3L), 1.1 oz (5L), 1.4oz (8L)
Attachment Points	0
Material	Ultrasil 30D nylon
Style	Roll-top, 3-pack

It's not as waterproof or flexible as options like the REI Co-op Lightweight or the Sea to Summit Lightweight, which are both made out of superlight ripstop material with a polyurethane coating for waterproofing. However, it's worth noting that these other bags are meant to be used as part of a system, and the Heeta can be used as a standalone dry bag. We also noticed the coating of ripstop bags wears off with heavy use, and the heavier PVC material of the Heeta will maintain a more consistent level of waterproofing (however questionable that level is). The Heeta can take an accidental dunk, but we don't trust it for prolonged submersion. Overall, for the weekend paddler who doesn't plan to take an unexpected swim, the Heeta can offer some peace of mind.

How We Tested

We spend months testing each product side-by-side, examining every detail of their waterproofness by spraying them with a hose, submerging them in bodies of water, and dragging them behind boats. We pack them full, jumble them around, and then rummage around for specific items. We take them for afternoon outings, long-distance travels, and extended overnight trips. We check the usability of their features and use them extensively to see how well they hold up. From backpacking to paddling to traveling, we put these bags through their paces to see which ones are right for what job. Over the past eight years, our testing process has evolved with the improvements and features that come with each new generation of dry bag, for more detailed information on what our process looks like today, see our full How We Test article.

Our testing of dry bags is divided across four different metrics:

• Waterproofness (50% of overall score weighting)

• Ease of Use (25% weighting)

• Quality of Construction (15% weighting)

• Features (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

This review is led by lifelong water sports enthusiast Sara James. Sara grew up in the water, from rafting on the big water rapids of the Nile and Zambezi to whitewater kayaking trips around Europe, the Himalayas, New Zealand, and the Western United States. She has spent a decade of summers working on the rivers in California, coaching, guiding, taking photos of commercial rafting trips, and putting all kinds of gear to the test. Whether skiing in the mountains, paddleboarding on rivers, or kayaking on lakes, she usually has a dry bag with spare layers, a notebook, and a camera.

Maggie Nichols assists in testing and product selection. She has also spent her summers and free time in and on the water since she was a small child. From canoeing across choppy Midwestern lakes to raging down Western whitewater, exploring quiet swamps, and journeying between islands, she is critical of the gear she brings with her and the need to keep it protected.

Analysis and Test Results

Of course, the main purpose of a dry bag is to keep your belongings dry, but there's more to consider when making a decision. We identified the most important metrics and designed tests to push each contender to the breaking point. All metrics are weighted according to their importance to the performance of a dry sack.

What's the Best Value?

As with any purchase, cost matters. Everyone needs something slightly different, and some products offer better performance for lower prices, making them high-value items.

The SealLine Discovery View is a seriously high-value item. It performs well across the board and costs a lot less than similarly high-performing models. The Sea to Summit Big River is another high-value dry bag. Its slightly more generic design is quite versatile, with high-quality protection and easy-to-use features. The Heeta 20L stands out for being very affordable, and while its performance isn't quite up to the standards of the others, it is still relatively useful. If you're searching for affordable organization and internal protection, the REI Co-Op Lightweight offers quality water resistance and impressive packability inside your travel kit for a comparatively low price.

On the flip side, sometimes you need the best of the best, and you are willing to pay for it. However, it's wise to check out the quality and specs of the bag and make sure the design fits your specific usage needs to make sure the investment is worth it. If you're trying to protect large, expensive electronics — like a laptop or a DSLR camera — the large capacity Yeti Panga Backpack 28 offers some of the best water protection around. It has an integrated laptop sleeve and is compatible with cube-based camera storage accessories; it is ready to make the ultimate adventure photography travel pack. The Watershed Colorado runs a close second in terms of water protection, with its smaller cousin, the Ocoee, being popular amongst kayaking photographers worldwide. They don't have the tech accessories of the Yeti, but they are great bags nonetheless. The padded liners you can purchase for these bags make them particularly convenient for protecting your most precious goods. When it comes to protecting thousands of dollars of sensitive equipment through harsh, wet conditions, the investment in these dry bags pays for itself.

Waterproofness

The primary purpose of all of these products is right in their name — to keep your stuff dry. Waterproofing is by far the most heavily weighted metric in this review, and the winners in this category took home the greater share of our awards. You might assume anything carrying the name “dry bag” is intended to keep your stuff 100% dry 100% of the time, but performance in this category is surprisingly varied. While some products are designed to keep water completely out, others are meant to be splashproof and aren't rated for prolonged submersion. All the contenders we tested protect contents against the mild splashes experienced riding in a small watercraft, but to really dive deep into each model's waterproofness, we pushed them farther. We used them for our favorite water sports (e.g., white water stand-up paddle boarding) and subjected them to a 24-hour submersion test. Some products lived up to their name, while others didn't fare as well.

The NRS Expedition DriDuffel, the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Hip Pack, the SealLine Pro Zip Duffel, the Yeti Panga bags, and the Watershed dry bag designs kept our stuff bone dry throughout all testing. This is no mean feat after being put through extensive submersions and heavy use over multiple river trips.

We didn't handle these bags lightly. We went the extra mile when testing and really tried to get the contents wet, with no success. There is good reason we see these designs on the equipment list of seasoned river professionals.

The Panga Duffel and Panga Backpack have HydroLok zippers that seal the bags shut; even after years of use, these zippers are still as waterproof as when we first bought them. The updated NRS Expedition DriDuffel and Nite-Ize RunOff Waterproof Hip Pack use Tru Zip closure technology. Dustproof, toothless, and fully waterproof, this zip construction is new to NRS but has been used in a variety of other manufacturers' dry products since 2019.

The Watershed Colorado Duffel and Aleutian Deck Bag feature zip-top closures, similar to the plastic baggies in your kitchen drawer, but a thousand times more sturdy. The Colorado Duffel has an extra bit of security, as you can fold down the top and clip the sides to prevent the bag from being pulled open in extreme situations. If asked which dry sacks we'd comfortably entrust to float thousands of dollars of electronics down a river, these are the ones we'd recommend.

The SealLine Discovery View utilizes a double-banded closure system that performs significantly better than similar single-banded roll-down designs on many other bags. The purge valve let in some moisture when placed under direct high pressure (i.e., sprayed with a hose), and our paper towels showed that some water had infiltrated the bag.

Ultralight bags are generally not designed to be completely waterproof, but the REI Co-Op Lightweight does a remarkable job of keeping stuff dry nonetheless. While our contents got a bit moist after submerging and dragging this bag around a lake, that's not what ultralight bags like this one are made for. Instead, this bag provides a great added layer of protection if used inside another bag. It is one of our favorites for keeping necessary backpacking items dry, like down jackets and first aid kits.

Although the Outdoor Products 3-Pack All Purpose did not fare that well in this metric when the bags were tested individually (which is how we scored them), the opportunity to double or triple them up boosts their performance considerably. Having a backup system for any dry bag is a great idea, particularly when using less durable bags and when carrying important items like electronics or sleeping gear. Unfortunately, over the years, the Outdoor Products dry bags have shown significant deterioration regarding their waterproofness. Our original bags from 2018 now soak up water when submerged. However, when new, these bags were able to survive brief immersions.

Ease of Use

Whether you're in the middle of the river or bustling about camp, packing and unpacking your gear, you shouldn't have a hard time accessing your stuff. We set out to evaluate how easy it is to pack each dry bag, how quickly the stuff inside can be found while the product is in use, how each model carries from one location to another, and how well it can be secured to your watercraft.

The Nite-Ize RunOff Waterproof Hip Pack topped this category, performing exceptionally well across all subtests. It's easy to open, thanks to a smooth zipper with a simple pull tab, and just as easy to find your gear, thanks to the transparent window, through which you can even operate your phone. Internal and external attachment points let you secure keys or clip the pack to your inflatable. We especially like the versatile waist strap, which can be worn around the hips, slung over the shoulder, or removed entirely.

The SealLine Pro Zip Duffel, Yeti Panga Duffel, Yeti Panga Backpack, and NRS Expedition DriDuffel came in a close second as they are all easy to open and quick to seal when needed.

The Expedition DriDuffel and SealLine Pro Zip Duffel have wider openings than the Panga Duffel and have more malleable materials, making them easier to pack. The small mesh stash pockets on the Panga Duffel make it easier to locate important items like keys. Each of these also has many attachment points to secure the bag to your craft or additional items to your bag.

The Watershed Colorado and Watershed Aleutian scored about average for their ease of use. Opening the ZipDry closure comes with a learning curve. However, it doesn't take a genius or a muscle woman. Pro tip: read the instructions. It also requires occasional maintenance with 303 lubricant; without it, sealing the bag can become frustratingly difficult, especially if you regularly use the bag in sandy conditions.

With well-placed D-rings and handles, the Watershed bags excel in their ability to be lashed down and taken to the water, very useful if you are planning to go white-water rafting. You can be confident these bags will not burst open if your raft flips or is dragged through some waves.

The large mouth opening of the Colorado makes it easier to pack and find what you're looking for without having to rip everything out. On the other hand, the feature-rich design of the Aleutian enables you to have a specific spot on the outside of your bag for all your additional equipment needs.

Locating items in some dry bags is easier than in others. The Watershed Aleutian and Nite-Ize RunOff Waterproof Hip Pack have a viewing window to assist with this, while the REI Co-Op Lightweight, HEETA, and SealLine Discovery View utilize translucent materials for the whole bag, making locating items really straightforward. Often, just being able to see what was inside prevented us from having to unnecessarily open the bag to check we had packed our car keys, etc. Not only does this make life more straightforward, but it also helps to prevent unnecessary exposure to the contents of your bag.

The Sea to Summit Big River and Osprey Ultralight do very well in this testing metric as well, with simple, straightforward designs. Neither has any additional straps for carrying, but both are a good shape and are easy to pack and close. The Big River has multiple attachment points, making it easy to secure. There is an optional carrying strap that can be purchased, which we wish just came as standard. The white interior lining on the Big River brightens the inside of the bag so you can more easily see the contents and quickly locate the item you need. That said, any bag that's taller than it is wide is going to be a bit challenging to root around in and pull out something hiding in the bottom, so organization is key.

The Yeti Panga Duffel, Yeti Panga Backpack, SealLine Pro Zip Duffel, and NRS Bill's Bag all boast convenient backpack straps. When heavily loaded, the backpack version of the Yeti Panga is the most comfortable to carry, thanks to its wider shoulder straps and load-bearing waist belt (albeit a very basic non-padded one). This made this bag very suitable for lugging weighty camera equipment. Unlike the Panga Duffel, these straps are not removable, making it harder to stash. They are also not as well designed for long carry. The Pro Zip Duffel straps are padded and removable, making them some of our favorites.

The carrying system on the NRS Bill's Bag is adequate, includes a waist belt, and is removable. It's not designed for multiple-mile treks, but it is suitable for carrying gear to camp from the raft.

The HEETA dry bag is made of slightly thicker material than most of the bags tested; this meant we had to pay more attention to get a good, clean roll when closing the bag. Testers appreciated the multiple attachment points and removable sling. It also has a mobile phone carrying case, but we didn't find it to be as useful.

Quality of Construction

You can't expect your stuff to stay dry if your bag rips and tears. To excel at their job, these products need to be tough enough to withstand the thrashings of your chosen adventure. We evaluated the (in)destructibility of the main compartment's material and the components of each model, such as clips and straps.

The Yeti Panga bags are made of super-thick laminated high-density nylon. This material is built to handle rocks, tree branches, and river debris and can even stand up to the demands of international travel. The backpack straps on the Duffel are fixed with metal carabiner-type fasteners secured to two-ply webbing, providing confidence that the whole package will stay in one piece no matter what conditions your journey throws at you. The Panga Backpack is newer to our lineup but just as impressive, with sewn-in straps that can withstand heavy use and loads. The same zipper is used on both these bags, and it has fared well over time. We've been using the duffel for years now without a single issue or complaint about its durability.

The Colorado Duffel and Aleutian Deck Bag also offer outstanding durability. Their polyurethane-coated nylon is resistant to tears and scratches and has the advantage of a flexible and lightweight profile. The webbing is thick single-ply nylon, and the D-rings are made of a beefy Duraflex polymer that puts other plastic rings to shame. Watershed has a well-established reputation for long-lasting bags; our testers have owned Watershed bags that are still watertight after eight years of frequent use. If you use this bag extensively or in sandy environments, the seals on the Watershed bags can become more challenging to close. Treatment with the provided 303 Rubber Seal Protectant will help to keep the seal easy to open and close and reduce UV damage to the exterior.

The Nite-Ize Runoff Waterproof HipPack may be compact in size, but it's built with impressive durability and precision that inspires confidence when carrying your most important essentials—like your phone, keys, or wallet. Every detail, from the rugged waterproof zipper to the reinforced seams, is designed to protect your belongings from the elements. Its small footprint keeps it light and unobtrusive, whether you're on the water, hiking a trail, or just navigating unpredictable weather. This pack proves that trustworthy protection doesn't have to come in a bulky package.

The updated Expedition DriDuffel is made with 840 denier heavy-duty TPU-coated nylon and RF-welded seams. NRS claims that the materials are UV—and wear-resistant and ready to handle multi-season use.

During our testing, the Marchway and HEETA bags didn't maintain their waterproofness after prolonged use. In particular, the mobile phone cases didn't last long as their plastic closures broke within a few weeks of use.

Features

Specific features make each model unique, and the manufacturers of these products have adorned them with various creative and sometimes subtle additions. We evaluated the functionality of each bag's features and kept track of the included lash points, straps, closure systems, and any other unique additions and attributes like see-through windows or purge valves. This metric is important to consider when determining the perfect model for your specific needs.

Nite-Ize RunOff Waterproof Hip Packtook the lead on this metric, packing a whole host of simple but convenient features into a small bag. The removable carry strap, which can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder, was appreciated by all, helping to transition from trail to town. Users also appreciated the internal clip-in points to secure your keys or phone, as well as the divider to keep your essentials in place. With an added viewing window, this trusty bag really does cover everything.

The Watershed Aleutian delivers some impressive bells and whistles. Sporting a reliable and submersible ZipDry closure, this bag has five attachment points to secure it down and additional attachment points for your bilge pump or spare paddle. On the outside, there is a mesh bag that can be adjusted to secure a water bottle. The see-through window is designed to carry a map or other documents, like permits, that you may want readily accessible and watertight.

Our other Watershed bag, the Colorado Duffel, also features the same ZipDry closure, the best watertight closure we've seen. Either of these bags can be easily attached to a craft using one of the 4+ D-rings securely fastened to the exterior. For an extra cost, the Watershed duffel bags are available with a purge valve, which is particularly helpful if you get a larger size.

Both Yeti Panga bags — duffel and backpack — also shine in this category. The closure system is also the most straightforward to use of any of the products we tested. Countless hours of testing prove that they're up for the job. The Panga Backpack 28 has wide shoulder straps for comfortable carrying, a removable waist belt to help spread the load, an internal laptop sleeve, and a mesh compartment for those extra items you don't want rolling at the bottom of your bag.

If you are looking for a more streamlined design, the Panga Duffel has added versatility thanks to its removable backpack straps. It also features two internal zippered mesh pockets for stashing small items. Both Panga bags stand out for their numerous lash points, which are made with double-stitched webbing for easy, secure attachment to any craft.

The SealLine Pro Zip Duffel is very similar to the Panga Duffel in dimension and functionality, and both are 100% waterproof. The SealLine material is a bit more malleable, and the wider opening makes it easier to pack. Both have small mesh storage areas and are generally harder to keep organized than other bags, such as the Panga Backpack, which has a small but handy compartment sleeve. The Pro Zip Duffel and Panga Duffel both sport removable backpack straps, with the padded Pro Zip straps being the most comfortable for heavier loads.

The 12L Expedition DriDuffel sports convenient large loop carrying handles, a removable shoulder strap, and ten attachment / tie-down points. The larger versions also sport end handles. The cubed design supposedly helps to make packing and stacking easier.

The Sea to Summit Big River has a more common design but features four welded TPU lash patches and two plastic D-rings at the top. With such beefy lash points, you can be confident the Big River will stay attached — as long as your rigging skills are equally matched. The bag's lip is also reinforced to form a more complete seal when rolled and secured. One of our favorite features of this bag is the white interior, a detail that makes it much easier to see what you're looking for.

The NRS Bill's Bag has backpack straps that are comfortable enough for short hauls and very quick to take on or off. Testers found the sternum strap oddly low but appreciated having the waist straps. The SealLine Discovery View is noteworthy for its compression abilities, using a one-way valve to allow the user to force air out of the bag. When you are tight on space and want to keep your gear dry, this is a handy bag to have on hand. When packing gear into the back of a whitewater kayak or the hatch of a touring kayak, we were grateful to have this feature on hand. This bag's translucent material aids in locating your items quickly.

The Outdoor Products 3-Pack set is also neat because, for one of the lowest prices of any model we tested, you get not one but three dry bags. They're a little lacking in some other departments, but are convenient for keeping small items contained within larger bags. The 2, 4, and 10-liter pouches allow you to choose the size you need that day for a minimal price. The more pricey Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Set of 3 also delivers three convenient bags of varying sizes, each equipped with replaceable buckles and an extra smooth finish, making them super easy to squeeze into those tight places in your backpack or kayak.

Finally, the Earth Pak Original has a single adjustable (unpadded) strap that makes it easy to carry to and from the beach hands-free. It also comes with a clear cell phone case, though it's too short for most of today's oversized smartphones. We tried both with the very tall LG V60 ThinQ and the bulky iPhone 12 Pro Max, and both were too tall to seal this little bag shut.

Other Notable Dry Bags

We've tested some 35 unique dry bags over the years. We loved some of them at the time, but as designs evolve and products get redesigned, not all of the updates make it into the next round of testing. Here are a few that might catch your eye, and why we decided not to include them in this review's update.

• Sea to Summit Lightweight View — We tested this rolltop bag, and liked it. It is made from 70D ripstop nylon with a DWR finish and a PU-coated interior. It is lightweight and packs down pretty small when not in use, and has a TPU window to let you view the contents of the bag without having to open it. However, we didn't find the window to be particularly helpful, as we usually already knew what we had in the bag. In this update, we also tested the windowless version, which works just as well and saves you a few bucks.

• Sea to Summit Hydraulic Pro Dry Pack — We tested the Sea to Summit Hydraulic a few years back and loved it. So when Sea to Summit released the Hydraulic Pro Dry Pack, we wanted to check it out; however, we found it to be a very different bag from the Hydraulic pack we originally tested. The OG was incredibly waterproof and durable, and had adjustable padded backpack straps and a thick waist strap that made it one of our favorite packs to carry both on land and on water. In the Pro Dry Pack, Sea to Summit completely redesigned the backpack straps, removed the waistbelt, and changed to zippered access rather than a roll top. While we don't doubt the quality of the bag, the carry features were part of what set it apart for us. Without them, we found other similar models that felt more worthwhile for testing. Older versions of the Hydraulic pack are still floating around and can sometimes be found at a discount.

Conclusion

From paddleboarding to whitewater expeditions, dry bags are essential to any water person's gear arsenal. Whether you are trying to protect expensive electronic equipment, need backpacking-specific gear, or just want to avoid waterlogged clothes for the drive home from the lake, we hope this review has helped you in your pursuit of the best dry bag for the job.