When SealLine launched the Pro Dry Pack, I was highly intrigued to take it on my SUP expedition down the Baja Peninsula. The pack is an evolution of a previous dry bag that I’d rigorously tested: the SealLine 115L Boundary Pack, which I took down nearly half of the Baja Peninsula, 150 miles through Yellowstone National Park, and a handful of overnighters elsewhere. I called the Boundary Pack the megamouth of dry bags.
Launched in 2019, the Pro Dry Pack has additional volume, more durable material, and enhanced comfort with padded shoulder and hip straps, making it an easier carry. So, I opted to take this new design on my latest paddle expedition: SUPing the remaining 535 miles of the Baja Peninsula, which I completed in a 60-day stint at the tail end of 2023.
In short: The SealLine Pro Dry Pack ($340) is spacious, built for rigorous terrain, abrasion-resistant, offers back support, and is comfortable to carry even when fully loaded — I knew this would be the pack for the job of an extended overnight trip. My testing only proved that this bag could indeed handle loads and rigorous use on the water.
- Material: 600-denier polyurethane with coated polyester bottom, 400-denier polyurethane sides coated with nylon
- Closure: Roll-top with two additional over-the-top security buckles
- Gear capacity (L): 70, 120
- Dimensions (120L): 18.5” x 12.5” x 32”
- Weight (120L): 5 lbs., 8 oz.
- Features: Bathtub bottom reinforcement
- Best use: Standup paddling, canoeing, kayaking
Pros
- Huge volume
- Submersible
- Reinforced protection at the base
- Plush shoulder and hip straps
- Easy, reliable roll-top closure
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
SealLine Pro Dry Pack Review
The Pro Dry Pack is, in one word, robust. In total, I have spent 123 days across two trips paddling along the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, which is the section of sea that separates the mainland of Mexico from the Baja Peninsula.
I had paddled the initial 465 miles and 36 days down the Baja Peninsula with the Boundary Pack. Then I grabbed the Pro Dry Pack for this second leg of the journey.
Along the way, I traversed sandy beaches and rocky shores, and I experienced scorching heat. It didn’t matter what was thrown at this bag — it withstood whatever elements were thrown at it. And more notable, it’s still in great condition for the next big trip.
Volume and Roll-Top Closure
I stressed about the large volume of gear I would need to carry on this trip and manage while living on the sand. Opting for the larger pack — between 70L and 120L — the big volume swallowed all my gear just fine.
The Pro Dry Pack is also easy to open with a classic roll-top closure. Two straps with buckles fold over the roll-top closure, too, for extra security.
This pack will not open whatsoever if closed appropriately. I made sure to roll the top at least three times, which an inscription inside reminds you to do. Everything stayed dry on my entire adventure.
Inside, I carried a tent, sleeping bag, food, clothes, first aid, and even a stuffed animal for comfort. The 120L pack still had extra space! I also carried a smaller Sea to Summit Big River 13L dry bag during the trip.
Comfortable Shoulder and Hip Straps
The backpack’s shoulder and hip straps are where SealLine took this pack to the next level. Not to mention, the build-out with a sternum strap, breathable back panel, lumber padding for the lower back, and also a full-length framesheet for support.
Built with soft, padded material, the shoulder straps and hip belt sit nicely on my hips and shoulders — I nearly forgot the pack was loaded with a ton of gear. For more than 60 days, I lugged this pack to and from the water and onto the beach (shorter distances), twice daily.
Despite the fact that the bag was fully loaded with camping gear and food, I never dreaded the walk, because the pack is that comfortable against the back. A few times, I even needed to carry the heavy bag for more than a half-mile to find a flat spot on the sand. The shoulder straps and waist belt are detachable, too.
Reinforced Exterior Material
I’ve found that most dry bags turn out to be fairly delicate; even waterproof fabric needs to be protected from sharp or rough objects.
Well, the Pro Dry Pack doesn’t care at all what you rub it against or drop it onto. The material along the base is 600-denier polyurethane-coated polyester, and the sides are 400-denier polyurethane-coated nylon.
I accidentally set the pack down on a rusty barbed wire fence when it was at its heaviest weight, with a resupply of food. The reinforced bathtub bottom acted like the sharp points weren’t even there, which is a key difference between this pack and the Boundary Pack, as well as many other dry packs.
The bottom acts like a helmet and a rain jacket. Despite also slamming this pack down on coral, cactus, spiny bushes, and lava rock, there isn’t even a scratch on the material. This level of fabric strength meant I didn’t need to worry about where the pack sat while I loaded up on rocks or coral or near thorny bushes.
Pro Dry Pack: Downfalls
I have two complaints with the pack, and the first came at checkout. It’s not a cheap purchase. I thankfully scoured the internet and found one on sale, but the sticker price of $315 for the 70L and $340 for the 120L is without question an investment. But, as I’ve learned, the cost is worth every penny.
The second is the weight. This is not a lightweight system. At 4 pounds, 12 ounces for the 70L and 5 pounds, 8 ounces for the 120L, this dry pack isn’t something I would want to take on a hike or portage very far. A removable sternum strap allows you to cut weight if needed, but if your gear is heavy, you might want to keep the strap on for support.
Alternatively, its sibling Boundary Pack weighs 4 pounds, 2 ounces, a full pound lighter than the Pro Dry Pack, but that lighter weight comes with more vulnerability. A mouse easily chewed a hole into the Boundary material when I tested it, whereas the Pro Dry Pack doesn’t even have marks.
To be fair, the pack is not designed for high-mileage traverses. The purpose of the Pro Dry is to swallow gear and keep things safe and dry for when the time comes to roll up to that beach or gravel bar after a long day on the water.
SealLine Pro Dry Pack: Conclusion
I paddled more than 500 miles for 2 months with the SealLine Pro Dry Pack 120L. Despite being dropped, dragged, accidentally abraded, and tumbled, the pack reflects minimal wear and tear.
It’s expensive and heavy, but it’s also reliable and will last. I would recommend this dry pack to anyone who is planning a serious trip. This is a durable dry bag that can handle a whole lot of use.
Trust me, the only time you may worry about this pack is when the checkout clerk swipes your credit card. From then onward, there’s no need to worry about this pack and whatever contents you entrust to it inside.
