The 7 Best Dry Backpack Of 2024, Tested By CampFireHQ

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Dry Backpack
Best Dry Backpack

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: MARCHWAY Dry Backpack

The MARCHWAY Dry Backpack is the perfect accessory for any outdoor enthusiast. It is a versatile dry sack designed to float on water, making it ideal for paddling, sailing, canoeing, surfing, snowboarding, climbing, hunting, or having fun on the beach. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: HEETA Dry Backpack

The HEETA Dry Backpack is the perfect accessory for your next outdoor adventure! This innovative waterproof backpack is made with a transparent material, so you can easily find your items without rummaging through your bag. Read Review

3. Best Design: Piscifun Dry Backpack

The Piscifun Dry Backpack is the perfect companion for your next adventure. This user-friendly design features adjustable shoulder straps and an outer mesh pocket for non-dry storage. Read Review

4. Best Compact: Earth Pak Backpack

The Earth Pak Backpack is perfect for the on-the-go traveler. With its lightweight and compact design, it can easily fit in any carry on and can provide ultimate protection while traveling. Read Review

5. Best Adjustable: IDRYBAG Dry Backpack

The IDRYBAG Dry Backpack is the perfect companion for any outdoor enthusiast. Its waterproof design makes it ideal for various activities including hiking, camping, climbing, biking, and water sports. Read Review

When finding the best dry backpack for your outdoor adventure, you want to ensure you get the right one. Whether kayaking, rafting, or just taking a day hike, having the right dry bag is essential for protecting your gear from the elements. There are so many options, so knowing which one is right for you can be challenging.

That's why we've compiled this comprehensive guide to the best dry backpacks on the market. We'll provide all the information you need to decide which dry bag is best for your needs. We'll discuss the features to look for, the different sizes available, and the various materials used in construction. We'll also provide you with our top picks for the best dry backpacks so you can find the perfect one for your next outdoor adventure. 

After nearly -research hours, we think the best dry backpack is MARCHWAY Dry Backpack. This backpack is a reliable companion for any adventurer, standing strong against the elements. Or you can check the HEETA Dry Backpack as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 MARCHWAY Dry Backpack
Our Score:
9.8
MARCHWAY

MARCHWAY Dry Backpack is a testament to durability, thanks to its robust construction from tear-proof tarpaulin and welded seams. This backpack is a reliable companion for any adventurer, standing strong against the elements. Its solid roll-top closure guarantees a watertight seal, shielding your valuables from the unpredictable outdoors.

The easy operation and cleaning process add to the backpack's appeal, allowing you to seal your gear swiftly and easily wipe it clean. It has multiple size options that cater to various needs, from a compact 5-liter day trip to a spacious 40-liter backpack for longer excursions. The versatility of this dry sack extends to its ability to float, making it an ideal choice for water-based activities like paddling, sailing, or beach outings. The only minor drawback is that it has a faint smell the first time, but it will disappear after some use, so you don't need to worry about that.

TOP Choice #2 HEETA Dry Backpack
Our Score:
9.7
HEETA

HEETA Dry Backpack embraces a seamless technology that guarantees overall waterproof capability, providing peace of mind during water-based activities. Crafted from a resilient 0.02-inch thick material, this bag adapts to various weather conditions, making it suitable for any outdoor endeavor.

The multifunctional design, featuring adjustable shoulder straps and handles, enhances its usability. Whether it's boating, rafting, or mountaineering, HEETA's lightweight dry bag doesn't burden your arms or shoulders. The transparent material adds a practical touch, allowing you to locate your items effortlessly without rummaging through the bag.

Nevertheless, it can be ripped if you don't use it carefully. Caution is advised in situations that may subject the bag to sharp objects. Overall, with its five size options and included waterproof phone case, the HEETA Dry Backpack remains an excellent choice for those seeking reliable water protection.

TOP Choice #3 Piscifun Dry Backpack
Our Score:
9.6
Piscifun

Piscifun Dry Backpack, crafted from 500D PVC, stands out for its durability and heavy-duty performance. The fully welded seal reinforces its waterproof construction, providing a secure haven for your items during water escapades. The added IPX8 waterproof phone case, accommodating phones up to 6.5 inches, combines practicality with protection.

This product has some user-friendly design features, such as adjustable shoulder straps and an outer mesh pocket, enhancing convenience and offering dry and non-dry storage space. The adjustable double-shouldered straps ensure stability during water activities, preventing slips and ensuring a worry-free experience.

The minor issue is that the strap connectors may be broken under stress, so you need to exercise caution during intense activities to preserve the longevity of these connectors. In general, the Piscifun Dry Backpack is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, serving as a reliable and multifunctional companion.

4 Earth Pak Backpack
Our Score:
9.5
Earth Pak

The Earth Pak Backpack offers a robust shield against the elements during your ventures. Its 100% waterproof design ensures that your gear stays consistently dry while participating in kayaking, camping, and biking activities. The roll-top closure and a reinforced strip simplify usability—just fold the bag down, buckle, and you're ready for your next escapade.

Externally, a large splash-proof zipper allows quick access, while internally, a built-in zippered pocket, mesh compartment, and key ring keep your essentials organized. Traveling is made easy with its compact, lightweight design, which is suitable for airplane carry-on, and the roll-top closure provides added protection. It also has an ergonomic padded backpanel, contoured shoulder straps, and a low-profile sternum strap—offering relief from the burden of heavy loads. While the heavy-duty waist belt provides additional support, it can occasionally be a bit uncomfortable.

5 IDRYBAG Dry Backpack
Our Score:
9.3
IDRYBAG

The IDRYBAG Dry Backpack comes with 500D PVC heavy-duty construction, ensuring not a drop of water breaches its fortress. The meticulous design allows for easy usability—align and roll the straps, and your belongings are shielded from the elements. The honeycomb design carrying system enhances your comfort, turning your journey into an enjoyable experience.

Functional features abound, with D-clips on shoulder straps for easy gear attachment, an outer splash-proof pocket, and an internal zipper pocket for organized convenience. Moreover, a reflective strip ensures safety during nocturnal adventures, adding a layer of reassurance to your explorations. This backpack is suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, climbing, biking, and even water sports such as floating, kayaking, swimming, rafting, boating, canoeing, fishing, surfing, and rowing. While it excels in many areas, you should exercise caution to prevent rubbing the base on rocks, or it can be ripped.

6 Oak Creek Dry Backpack
Our Score:
9.2
Oak Creek Outdoor Supply

The Oak Creek Dry Backpack is a beacon of waterproof protection, thanks to its robust construction using heavy-gauge PVC material. This ensures that your gear remains impervious to the whims of weather, whether navigating a river, hiking through rain or riding a motorcycle. The roll-top buckle closure serves dual purposes—forming a watertight seal and providing a convenient handle for effortless transportation.

This product features padded and adjustable shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and back padding. This thoughtful construction not only makes it comfortable to carry but also eases the burden of heavier loads, catering to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts who demand both durability and ease of use.

The zippered front pocket ensures quick access to essentials, while mesh net side pockets and a bungee-corded exterior provide additional storage options. However, accessing the top closure system can be quite hard when kneeling, demanding a degree of adaptability during use.

7 YETI Panga 28 Backpack
Our Score:
9.1
YETI

This backpack, designed as an airtight and waterproof fortress, takes durability to new heights. The DryHaul Shoulder Straps, designed with ergonomics in mind, elevate the comfort level during extended treks, making it a reliable companion for the avid adventurer. The removable chest straps and waist belt add an extra layer of stability, ensuring your belongings stay secure regardless of the terrain.

In addition, the HYDROLOK ZIPPER creates an impermeable barrier against water, ensuring your gear remains bone-dry, even in the face of torrential downpours. The THICKSKIN SHELL, constructed from high-density nylon and thick TPU lamination, boasts puncture and abrasion resistance. The interior sleeve and stowaway mesh pocket also ensure your gear remains neatly tucked away, even in the most challenging conditions.

Nevertheless, the zipper may have a rough texture that might be slightly abrasive on the skin. But it's just a small issue for the unparalleled protection it provides.

What to Look For in a best dry backpack?

A range of elements, including those listed below, influence the best dry backpack. The study process varies depending on the material. We'll be able to assist you and provide solutions since we're here to help you.

Please keep in mind the following points before selecting best dry backpack:

Extra Features

Dry bags are not limited to the traditional sack. They can also have additional features that make them more useful for you.
Look out for dry bags that have pockets, compartments or extra padding to protect your valuables or tech, as well as straps and points of attachment. These are all great to have but they're not essential.

Material

Dry bags can be made from nylon, vinyl or polyester. Dry bags made of nylon are durable and can be used for many purposes. However, you will also find dry bags made with polyester.
The waterproofing coating on nylon dry bags is made of siliconized CORDURA. It also indicates the strength and durability of the bag. Dry bags made of nylon typically have a fiber indicator. This is usually a number followed with a "D".
Higher numbers mean more fibers were used. Nylon bags of higher density are stronger and last longer so it's worth looking for them.
Vinyl dry bags are not as durable and can be used for small items.
PVC is the most strong and durable material used in dry bags. It is heavier than nylon, so PVC may not be the best choice if you are looking to bring a lightweight bag for trekking.

Waterproofing

A dry bag's main advantage is its waterproofness and ability to keep your items dry and safe. There are many levels of waterproofing available, so be aware.
A dry bag is capable of withstanding water, but not enough to keep it submerged. To find out how much water your dry bag is capable of withstanding, make sure you read the label. You should test your bag thoroughly before you take it out on any adventure.
It is best to open the bag and fill it with water. Is it leaking? Is it leaking? If so, how much time did it take to leak? You now know what the limit of your dry bag is!

Straps

If you intend to keep it with another bag, you will want a dry bag with straps.
You'll have the ability to move around hands-free with a dry bag without having to carry it.
While some dry bags only have a shoulder strap for carrying, others can be transformed into backpacks with straps. If you have heavy items in your dry bag, you may find padded straps to make it more comfortable.
When comparing models, this is something that you need to be aware of.

Size

There are many sizes of dry bags, so make sure you check the dimensions before purchasing.
The sizes range from extremely small to very large. Medium bags can hold between 10-20 litres of dry bag, and small bags range in size from 1--10 liters.
You can get dry bags up to 55 Liters if you have a large item. However, this may not be enough if you are looking to take it with you on adventures.
A typical dry bag for day adventures is around 20 liters. This size can be used as a guideline when selecting the right dry bag for you.

Closure

Different closures are available for dry bags.
A roll-top is the most common. It closes the bag, secures it with buckles, and prevents water from entering. This bag has a handle at the top and is ideal for keeping water out.
Dry bags can also be made with a zip top. Although zipper tops are fine for some purposes, they don't provide the same reliability as air-tight rolls tops.
Good dry bags have taped seams that keep moisture from seeping through the exterior. You should check this before you buy as it is the best dry bag.

FAQs

How do I clean a dry backpack?

To clean a dry backpack, first empty out all of its contents and shake off any excess dirt or debris. Use a solution of warm water and mild detergent to wipe down the exterior and interior of the bag. Rinse the bag with clean water and allow it to air dry completely before using it again.

How do I maintain a dry backpack?

To maintain a dry backpack, store it in a cool, dry place when not in use. After each use, rinse the bag with clean water and allow it to air dry completely before putting it away. If the backpack gets wet, make sure to dry it completely before storing it again. Additionally, regularly inspect the seams and zippers for wear and tear to ensure the bag maintains its waterproofing.

How do I know if my dry backpack is waterproof?

To determine if your dry backpack is waterproof, inspect the seams and zippers for any signs of wear and tear. Additionally, test the bag by filling it with a few cups of water and then squeezing it from the top and bottom. If no water escapes, then the backpack is waterproof.

When updated data are available, our system and editor will update a list of best dry backpack. Please periodically review our website for the newest data.

We can help you with more than just finding best dry backpack.  Please do not hesitate to contact us when you need assistance.


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio