When you’re out on the water, keeping your gear dry isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Whether you’re paddling calm lakes or charging through whitewater rapids, one wrong move can mean soaked clothes, ruined electronics, and a miserable trip. The right waterproof bag protects everything you need while standing up to splashes, submersion, and rough handling.
1. YETI Panga Waterproof Duffel (50/75/100L) — Truly submersible duffel
Built like a tank, this duffel laughs in the face of whitewater chaos. YETI engineered the Panga with IPX7-level protection, meaning it can handle full submersion without breaking a sweat. The zipper seals like a gear fortress, keeping everything inside bone-dry even when you flip your raft.
Available in three generous sizes—50, 75, and 100 liters—you’ll find room for multi-day adventures. Heavy-duty construction withstands serious abuse from rocks, paddles, and constant sun exposure. Grab handles and attachment points make securing it to frames or decks straightforward.
If bad weather or unpredictable rapids are on your itinerary, this bag offers peace of mind worth every penny.
2. SealLine Pro Zip Duffel (40/70/100L) — Submersible zipper duffel
Ever wished you could zip open your dry bag instead of wrestling with a roll-top? The Pro Zip Duffel makes that dream real. Rated to survive full submersion—one meter deep for thirty minutes—this bag uses RF-welded construction and a YKK AquaSeal zipper that locks out water like a submarine hatch.
PVC-free materials mean you’re choosing a more eco-conscious option without sacrificing toughness. Larger sizes include backpack carry straps, transforming your duffel into a portage-friendly pack. Three capacity options suit everything from weekend floats to week-long expeditions.
Boaters who hate fiddling with roll closures will appreciate the convenience this design delivers.
3. Patagonia Guidewater Submersible Backpack (29L) — Submersible day pack
Minimalist doesn’t mean fragile. Patagonia designed this 29-liter pack for anglers and photographers who swim rapids yet need their essentials completely dry on the other side. Fully submersible construction keeps cameras, phones, and snacks safe even during unexpected swims.
Fishing-grade toughness meets streamlined design, so you’re not lugging around extra bulk. Comfortable shoulder straps and a clean silhouette make it easy to wear all day without feeling like a pack mule. Lash points let you strap on extra gear externally when needed.
Day missions where reliability trumps extra pockets? This pack has your back—literally and figuratively.
4. Watershed Ocoee Dry Duffel (10.5L) — Compact, fully submersible duffel
Tiny but mighty, the Ocoee packs serious waterproof punch in a compact 10.5-liter package. Watershed’s ZipDry® seal technology creates an airtight, submersible barrier that rivals much larger bags. Toss in your lunch, an extra layer, or a pricey camera, and forget about worrying.
Its small footprint makes it ideal for tucking under a kayak deck or wedging into a raft seat. Quick access means you’re not fumbling around when you need a snack mid-paddle. Durable construction handles daily abuse without showing wear.
Day-trippers who value organization and waterproof reliability will love how this little duffel simplifies life on the water.
5. Watershed Chattooga Dry Duffel (31L) — Mid-size submersible workhorse
Step up from the Ocoee and you’ll find the Chattooga—same bombproof ZipDry® technology, just more room to work with. At 31 liters, this mid-size workhorse handles overnight setups, comprehensive first-aid kits, or photo gear that absolutely must survive a swim. Expedition-grade lash points let you secure it firmly to frames or decks.
Welded seams and submersible-rated closures mean confidence in rough conditions. The duffel shape allows efficient packing and easy access compared to narrow roll-tops. Rugged materials laugh off scrapes against rocks and gear.
When failure isn’t an option for critical equipment, the Chattooga delivers waterproof peace of mind trip after trip.
6. NRS Expedition DriDuffel (35L / larger sizes) — Waterproof zip duffel
Constantly opening and closing your gear bag? NRS heard you. The Expedition DriDuffel features their innovative TRU® Zip—a self-healing waterproof zipper rated for immersion. That means you get the convenience of regular duffel access without sacrificing waterproof performance.
Current models start at 35 liters and scale up for bigger loads. Kayak anglers and raft crews especially appreciate not having to roll and unroll tops fifty times a day. Durable construction withstands the wear that comes with frequent use.
Easy access transforms how you interact with your gear, making river days smoother and less frustrating when you need something quickly.
7. NRS Bill’s Bag (65–110L) — Classic river dry bag with harness
Since 1977, river guides have trusted Bill’s Bag to haul their lives downstream. This classic dry bag offers massive capacity—from 65 to 110 liters—perfect for multi-day raft or kayak expeditions. The StormStrip™ roll-top closure seals tight against water, while a removable backpack harness makes portages manageable.
Generations of paddlers have proven its reliability on everything from gentle floats to challenging expeditions. Simple, effective design means fewer things to break or malfunction. Budget-friendly pricing makes outfitting an entire crew affordable.
If you want proven performance without fancy bells and whistles, Bill’s Bag remains the gold standard for river trips that demand dependable dry storage.
8. NRS Tuff Sack (5–55L) — Budget roll-top that lasts
Don’t let the wallet-friendly price fool you—outfitters have trusted Tuff Sacks for decades. Simple PVC construction delivers toughness that outlasts fancier competitors. Available in sizes from 5 to 55 liters, you can organize every corner of your boat without breaking the bank.
Roll-top closures seal reliably trip after trip. No complicated zippers or valves mean less to maintain or replace. Bright color options help you color-code gear categories for quick identification.
When you need multiple dry bags to keep clothing, food, and equipment separated, Tuff Sacks let you outfit your entire setup affordably while maintaining quality protection for your belongings.
9. Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag (5–65L) — Durable, lash-friendly roll-top
Abrasion is the silent killer of dry bags. Sea to Summit addressed this with 420-denier nylon construction that shrugs off scrapes against kayak decks and raft frames. The oval base sits stable instead of rolling around, while external lash loops make securing gear straightforward.
Available in six sizes from 5 to 65 liters, you’ll find the right fit for any load. Roll-top closure provides reliable waterproofing without complexity. Durable materials maintain integrity season after season of hard use.
Kayakers who strap bags to decks or need abrasion resistance will appreciate how this bag stands up to conditions that destroy lesser options over time.
10. Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack (35–120L) — Heavy-duty portage pack
Portaging heavy loads through rugged terrain? The Hydraulic Dry Pack was born for this challenge. Super-rugged TPU-laminate construction handles abuse that would shred ordinary bags. Built-in harness systems make hauling 35 to 120 liters of gear manageable across difficult logistics.
Canyon runners and expedition paddlers love how this pack distributes weight comfortably. Waterproof integrity stays intact even when you’re dragging it over rocks during long carries. Multiple sizes accommodate everything from overnight trips to month-long adventures.
When your route includes serious portages or rough handling, this pack’s combination of waterproof protection and carrying comfort becomes absolutely invaluable for maintaining both gear and sanity.
11. SealLine Boundary Dry Pack (35/65/115L) — Waterproof backpack dry bag
Canoe portages demand different gear than raft trips. SealLine built the Boundary specifically for paddlers who need to carry loads overland. One hundred percent waterproof materials with welded seams and DrySeal™ roll-top closure keep contents dry, while suspension systems make boat-to-camp hauls comfortable.
Three generous sizes—35, 65, and 115 liters—handle varying trip lengths. Padded shoulder straps and hip belts distribute weight properly during carries. Waterproof construction means you’re not worried about rain during portages either.
Raft and kayak trips requiring backpack carry benefit equally from this design that bridges the gap between dry bag protection and hiking pack comfort beautifully.
12. Ortlieb PD350 Dry Bag (various sizes) — Roll-top with reinforced base
German engineering meets practical design in the PD350. Ortlieb’s proven roll-closure system seals reliably, while a stiffener bar helps the bag hold its shape. Reinforced bases withstand abrasion from being dragged and dropped. Some sizes even include compression or deflation valves for managing air and volume.
Available in multiple capacities, these bags excel at organizing loads inside bigger duffels or raft frames. Durable construction maintains waterproof integrity through countless trips. Simple, effective design means less fussing and more paddling.
When you need dependable organization that fits within larger systems, the PD350 delivers no-nonsense waterproof storage that German craftsmanship has perfected over decades.
13. OverBoard Waterproof Duffel 60L — Roll-top sport duffel
Sometimes your gear bag needs to pull double duty. The OverBoard 60-liter duffel bridges travel and paddling worlds with welded seams and Fold Seal™ roll-top technology. Rated for quick submersion, it protects gear during river adventures while remaining convenient enough for mixed travel.
Certain versions include backpack straps, adding versatility for different carrying situations. Duffel-style access makes packing and unpacking faster than narrow dry bags. Durable construction withstands both airport baggage handlers and river conditions.
Paddlers who fly to distant rivers or combine paddling with other travel will appreciate how this duffel transitions seamlessly between environments without compromising waterproof protection or convenience.
14. Pelican ExoDry Dry Bag (20/30L) — Value pick with backpack straps (30L)
Budget-conscious paddlers can still get solid protection. Pelican’s ExoDry bags feature durable 500-denier PVC construction with reflective details for visibility. The 30-liter size includes padded backpack straps for comfortable carrying. Important note: the maker specifies these aren’t intended for submersion—they’re great for splashes and brief dunks.
Available in 20 and 30-liter sizes, they work well for deck or thwart storage where full submersion is unlikely. Affordable pricing lets you buy multiple bags for organization. Reflective elements help locate gear in low light.
For calm water paddling or protected storage locations where extreme waterproofing isn’t critical, ExoDry bags deliver respectable protection without emptying your wallet completely.
15. Earth Pak Original Dry Bag (5–55L) — Popular, affordable roll-top
Popularity often signals value, and Earth Pak has earned its following. With IPX5 splash-proof rating (protects against water jets), these bags handle the splashes and spray typical of most paddling trips. Multiple sizes from 5 to 55 liters mean you can match capacity to needs. Larger sizes come with backpack-style straps.
Cost-effective pricing makes waterproofing an entire trip’s worth of clothes and food bags affordable. Simple roll-top design is intuitive even for beginners. Bright colors and multiple size options help organize different gear categories.
When you need basic waterproof protection without premium features or pricing, Earth Pak delivers solid performance that has satisfied thousands of recreational paddlers successfully.
