The Best Dry Bags of 2026

Holding strong, the YETI Panga ($350) stands out among waterproof duffel designs. It’s been a few years since this YETI bag was released, and we remain extremely impressed. It’s super durable, holds a ton of gear (the 75L is 11 x 12 x 15.5 inches), and is incredibly adaptable in the ways it can be strapped to a boat. The Panga also comes in 50L and 100L versions.

One of our favorite qualities of this duffel is the variety of tie-down points, which makes rigging up the gear super easy and helps keep everything tight.

Six lash points on the exterior of the bag are uniquely arranged in a line, like a daisy chain. And there are four handles — two on the top and two on the bottom — plus four points where the comfortable backpack-style dry-haul straps attach.

Keeping our stuff tightly closed off, the burly and waterproof HydroLok zipper performed super well, is comfortable to pull, and has lasted season after season. We’d never before used a dry bag with a zipper closure, but not a drop of moisture got into our bag on the entirety of our trips. We appreciate the ease of how the bag opens like a duffel, so we don’t need to dump all of the contents (like with a top-loading dry bag) out to find what we need.

The EVA-molded bottom is waterproof and rugged, and the laminated, high-density nylon shell is thick enough that even the long nails of an excited 60-pound husky didn’t puncture the walls.

We’ve checked the Panga countless times while flying, stuffed it to the gills, and submersed it regularly. Through it all, our gear has come back dry, safe, and protected. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s one that will last. For a wide range of uses, we’re confident it’s the best dry bag you’ll find, as long as you need the room.

Simple, classic, and reliable, the NRS Bill’s Bag Dry Bag 65L ($180) is also one-third the price of comparable bags. We like that the bag is durable, can hold all our apparel for overnight trips, and is also malleable enough that it can pack down and fit as a day bag on the front of a standup paddleboard.

Plus, the fold-down closure system is soft and easy to use, which we liked for hiking with the dry bag and also for using the bag on a mountain lake to paddle.

When you’re dialing in the pack, the adjustable backpack harness with padded shoulder straps is convenient but removable, which is key for reducing potential snags. The four compression straps of the Bill’s Bag Dry Bag 65L help condense and cement gear into place, and the aluminum fasteners on the straps are dependable.

One drawback: fold-down or roll-tops are easy to use, but there’s room for user error. Make sure your roll is tight, and practice before you go. Once you’ve confidently sealed the roll-top system, you’ll have one of the best options for the price.

Trying to cram as much gear into your bag as possible? It’s time you met the Sea to Summit 13L Evac Compression Dry Bag ($50). With a simple yet innovative design, condensing gear has never been so easy.

Despite the pliable feel and breathability, the design’s 70-denier nylon waterproof fabric completely keeps water out. That material is recycled, Bluesign-approved, and coated with a PFC-free DWR finish. Plus, the blend is more durable than before. The eVent waterproof-yet-air-permeable base allows air to expel when the straps are tugged to tighten the load. Double-stitched waterproof seams are sealed with tape to shield moisture.

These silhouettes are particularly useful for maximizing space with big, compressible items like down blankets or jackets. From clothing to pillows, you can just cram it all in and evenly cinch it down with the four straps. We even used the 13L option for a large sleeping bag. The sack packed down the bulky bag with little energy and no hassle. Plus, the size run spans from a 5L sack ($40) to the 35L bag ($60).

We’ve jammed goods into the 13L Evac Compression Dry Bag for more than a few years. Even after tons of use, it shows little signs of wear. If you’re intent on saving space while keeping essential gear dry, this might be the best dry bag for you.

If you’re ever in an emergency scenario, the last thing you want to need to remember is what box, bin, or bag carries the emergency supplies. To help make high-adrenaline moments more manageable, Sea to Summit designed a Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag First Aid ($25) with the universal first aid symbol, label, and bright red color.

Two quaint size options will fit your medical necessities, including a 1L ($20) or 3L choice. Of course, depending on the time of year, season, environment, group size, and risks to manage, the comprehensive volume of your kit will range. Each bag has a roll-top closure, 70-denier nylon that’s been updated with a recycled, Bluesign-approved textile, plus a PFC-free DWR finish.

Our favorite part? The clear thermoplastic urethane (TPU) window, so that you can get a glance at the contained items.

Overall, the design of the Lightweight Dry Bag First Aid is simple and straightforward. With three full rolls down, the waterproof bag should keep your supplies free from moisture.

Welcome to the megamouth of dry bags, the SealLine Pro Dry Pack ($315-340). While it isn’t lightweight, it was never designed to be. This premium bag is a champion at swallowing gear. It keeps things safe and secure, and regardless of how much you pack to the brim, the performance isn’t compromised. At a warrior status for durability, one tester dropped this pack on cacti, spiny bushes, and even sharp, dry coral on beaches: There isn’t even a scratch on the material. 

When we paddled down the Baja Peninsula via SUP, we opted for this dry bag for the roomy blueprint.  With 70L and 120L options, there isn’t another dry pack on the market that matches this capacity of storage: 18.5” x 12.5” x 32″ is the scope for the larger of the two. The design has a DrySeal roll-top closure that we found works splendidly to keep gear dry even if the bag is submerged. The buckled straps on the side and front help keep everything locked into place.

One convenient, comfortable feature of this dry pack is the padded shoulder and hip straps. They are not only adjustable but sit smoothly against your back — it’s supportive enough that you can hike inland with a heavy load.

Icing on the cake? The reinforced, durable bathtub-style bottom on the Pro Dry Pack. That burly base adds another layer of protection, and you don’t need to worry about any land slam leading to a compromised dry seal.

Read Review: SealLine Pro Dry Pack Review: The Armored Megamouth of Dry Bags

Boasting quality and durability, the Watershed Chattooga 22L ($189-271) sets a high bar among dry bag standards. At 10 x 19.25 x 9.5 inches, this duffel is an ideal day bag for anytime access to important gear. Especially if you need an alligator clamp to bar the moisture, like when you’re rolling a kayak — this zipper is among the strongest that exists. We also liked using this knapsack to carry goods for ourselves and crew on standup paddleboard jaunts.

Four hard lash points create durable tie-downs, and two compression straps squeeze the load together. We like that the convenient carry handle is lightly padded for comfort.

As mentioned, the ZipDry closure on this bag is bombproof. We could hardly get it open once it was closed, which is reassuring but can also be slightly annoying. It’s basically a heavy-duty ziplock bag closure that ensures no water, animal, or dust particle is getting inside that bag.

The ZipDry closure tab of the Chattooga 22L is made from a new, super-strong material, Armathane, which makes for an even longer lifespan. In 2020, the brand added a clear reinforcement panel on the top of the sides for additional durability.

More recently, Watershed upgraded the already stalwart fabric to an even sturdier construction: 840-denier Kryptothane Plus, which is polyurethane-coated and claims to provide quintuple the abrasion resistance of the PVC used in other dry bags.

It’s clear BOTE built this cross-body bag with serious amphibious use in mind. Swinging versatility, the BOTE Highwater Slingpack ($199) is a fully waterproof, submersible dry bag that you can sling across your body. We appreciated the option of strapping this day pack to our SUP, or simply wearing it back and forth from dirt to water without needing to rig a system. With a moderate volume, this turned into a great bag option for multi-sport and full-day essentials.

With its 100% nylon and seam-welded construction, double-sided TPU coating, and a fully waterproof TIZIP zipper, this 20-liter sling sheds rain, splashes, and full dunks alike. The streamlined silhouette and single shoulder strap offer excellent freedom of movement, whether we are paddling, hiking, or scrambling around wet, rugged terrain. Despite its minimalist profile, the Highwater provides more than enough room for necessities: lunch, a water bottle, extra layers, camera, phone, and a bottle of sunscreen — no problem.

We most appreciated the variety of pockets to help us stay organized. A huge zippered pocket — 10 in x 9 in — is located on the pack’s face, so we didn’t need to open the main compartment to grab our phone or sunnies. Inside the primary chamber, three smaller zippered pockets helped us keep smaller items — like our keys, chapstick, and wallet — in a spot that’s quick to grab.

For extra security, the exterior attachment points made it easy to lash on extra gear. A daisy chain is on the face, and a second one is on the shoulder strap. Two plastic D-rings are located on the face and shoulder strap. On one side, two integrated lashing straps are placed for carrying a paddle. On the other side is a thick lash loop, and a lengthy, wide strap that’s 9 inches long and easy to grab: one of our favorite features of the sling.

At just under 2 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight for such a rugged, structured pack. The molded back panel adds some comfort and stability without bulk, helping it sit comfortably. The underside of the shoulder strap reveals a texturized, grippy nylon, and the lean strap is lightly padded for comfort (we wouldn’t call it plush). For stability, a lean waist strap attaches to the shoulder strap and buckles in the front.

Whether you’re chasing fish in the flats or navigating rainy trails on an out-and-back paddle trip, the Highwater Slingpack earns its spot on your back. No fuss, no leaks — just a smart design that protects your gear and makes it easier to take with you when you hop off the boat.

A staple for watergoers, the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag 13L ($50) and fleet remain a great option for adventurers whether they’re paddling or trekking through a downpour. The bags come in a huge variety of sizes, and are made with durable material, and our staff’s bags have lasted for years. We love a whole lot about these models: their durability, features like lash points, and price, to name a few.

The Big River Dry Bag includes a big size run: 5L, 8L, 13L, 20L, 35L, and 65L ($40-80). They are made with TPU-laminated 420-denier nylon, Hypalon attachment points and lash points along the sides, fully taped reinforced seams, and an oval-shaped base to resist rolling around.

This assortment of bags weighs from 4.8 to 15.3 ounces. They are waterproof, a good balance between lightweight and durable, and just plain great for protecting your gear.

If you are organizing a group whitewater or river trip or even a friends and family float trip, the Big River Dry Bag 13L (and any of the other sizes) are probably the best sacks for easy organization and packing. With choices of four different colors across various sizes, it’s easy to color-coordinate bags with contents. These are also a solid choice for motorcycle tours and bikepacking trips.

Bonus: You can opt for a padded, comfortable Dry Bag Sling ($10) to create an across-the-body carry with your dry bag.

Read Review: Mustang Survival ‘Highwater 60L Waterproof Gear Hauler’ Review: The Durable, Well-Designed Future of Dry Bags

The Mustang Survival Highwater 60L Waterproof Gear Hauler ($165) is the multitool of dry bags. There isn’t another bag in our gear closet that has more lash points and grab handles. Along with carrier hooks, it’s constructed out of a heavy-duty 420-denier double-coated PVC-free nylon that shields any moisture.

When one of our lead testers needed to quickly unload gear on his paddle expedition along the Sea of Cortez, he never worried about items staying dry in this pack, regardless of how rough the weather or waves became.

At the 60L capacity, the design can fit plenty and it has a unique hybrid layout. There’s a blue apron-style closure at the crown above the dry seal, allowing items that don’t need to be carried in the waterproof compartment to be accessible, too. Our testers used that convenient zone for a jacket, towel, and snacks.

This Survival Highwater 60L Waterproof Gear Hauler shines for versatility and function. And with a price that won’t break the bank while giving you ample loading space, this has quickly become one of our top choices.

If you’ve never used a dry bag with a valve, it’s time you tried it. Until we tried this design, we’d never been able to get this much air out of our dry bag with so much ease. The PurgeAir valve is ingenious. We used the 20L SealLine Discovery View Dry Bag ($46) on a multiday trip over rapids, wakes, and long stretches of glassy water. The valve makes the sack easy to pack and unpack frequently, given it doesn’t get loaded with air.

That’s on top of the Discovery Dry Bag’s other awesome feature: visibility (not just a plastic window) via the translucent fabric. Given the bag is uniquely see-through, it’s easy to spot gear without unnecessarily unraveling the roll-top.

One caveat: the fully welded seams are durable and reinforce waterproofness, but the exterior PVC-free material is not very durable. We carabiner-clipped a half-loaded 10L Discovery View Dry Bag to another dry-bag backpack for a steep 0.2-mile approach hike to the water’s edge. After setting down the gear for a quick water break in the heat, a bush poked tiny holes in the Discovery.

We also love the soft feeling of the material and the clear window, but we recommend you keep it inside another, more rugged dry bag. Between the convenient translucence and quick-purge valve, this is the bag to choose for stashing your phone, hat, puffy, or any other accessories you may want throughout the day.

The Discovery View Dry Bag is a great choice to add to the dry bag quiver. In the full lineup, there are 5L, 10L, and 30L options, as well ranging from $35 to $58.