Dry Bags

Reviewed by Sheila Bergin Goss

Dry bags (also called dry sacks if lightweight parts of packing system) are valued pieces of gear in our outdoor equipment arsenal. We use them primarily for canoe camping, but also for winter cabin camping and car camping. It is said “you can never have too many dry bags” when canoe camping, and since we follow that mantra, we always pack lots of them. My primary expectation is that such a bag will keep my gear dry in any conditions. This bag from SealLine certainly meets that challenge, and the compression feature is an added bonus. This bag is lightweight, sturdy, waterproof, and can ease space issues by compressing soft contents to a smaller size. This review is for the 10 liter size, and based on its performance over the past two seasons, I can highly recommend this dry bag for campers, backpackers, and paddlers.

The BlockerLite Compression Dry Sack comes in three size choices—5L, 10L and 20L—each of which is suited for different uses. This review is for the 10L sack, available in a nice bright green, which I used for clothing and for small sleeping bags. When canoe camping, my smaller bags (such as 10L size) are packed within a waterproof portage bag, and for winter cabin camping and car camping, the bags are used within a larger pack, or hauled in a pulk.                                         Website photo: available in 5, 10, 20 Liter sizes The 10L bag is 16 inches (40cm) deep with the top rolled (22cm) and 8 inches (20cm) x 4 inches (10 cm) wide at the rectangular base.

Read more: SealLine BlockerLite Compression Dry Sack review (1)

Featured review by Vladimir Gorbunov

A necessary accessory for any down sleeping bag, combining water resistance with good compression. A bit heavyweight, but it’s definitely lighter than a pound of water inside your sleeping bag. Quite durable and very convenient to use.

Fully compressed XS bag with 3-season sleeping bag inside (compared to 450ml Toaks mug) Before purchasing a pair of such bags in 2013 I traveled a lot with synthetic sleeping bag packed into a regular fabric compression sack. In bicycle trips sometimes we have to ride under a week-long rains, so a good protection against water exposure (especially in case of sensitive equipment, such as sleeping bag) is a must for us. We know that the water will always find a way under any rain cover. Traditionally we packed our gear to plastic bags from nearby shop (or carried a roll of durable trash bags in long trips), and in really bad weather we doubled the bags for ultimate protection.

Read more: Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack reviews (11)

Reviewed by Sean Van Cleve

Quick to spot, this easily identifiable dry bag is an ideal way to store one’s First Aid Kit. This waterproof bag is available in 1L and 3L sizes- ideal for the minimalist, groups, or a first responder with a larger First Aid Kit. Being waterproof (not submergible), this bag is ideal for virtually anyone on the go- not just for hikers and water sports.

SUP'ing at Saltpeter Creek near the Chesapeake Bay   In the ever-growing field of outdoor recreation, few innovative products catch the eye of the ‘Outdoor Industry’. Born in Australia in 1983, Sea to Summit continues to modernize the outdoor world with the First Aid Lightweight Dry Bag. Although simple, the idea of a high visibility First Aid Kit seems to be a ‘no brainer’…   3L version next to a standard 32oz. Nalgene bottle for reference High visibility is important for locating important items, like a First Aid Kit  This dry bag (First Aid Kit not included) has an easy to use roll-top style closure, with a D-Ring.

Read more: Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag First Aid review (1)

Featured review by Sheila Bergin Goss

This review is for the Ultra-Sil 1 L. size bag ( in orange) that I use while canoeing, to protect my electronic keys and/or flip phone. It would also be very suitable for protecting items while hiking, snowshoeing, or in any foul weather conditions. I certainly can recommend this bag, as I have used it successfully (gear has not been damaged by water) for over a year.

I purchased this bag to protect my electronic car key and fob, while canoeing, and sometimes while snowshoeing in wet weather. Since this car key is bulky, it does not fit well in many waterproof container options, at least not which permit me to then put it in my pocket. This little bag (9 in. x 4 in) can hold my keys, and/or my flip phone, and then can be put inside a zippered pocket, or in my waterproof canoe bag. Since Sea to Summit reports that "This product is not intended for boating or marine use", and also recommends double bagging sensitive electronics, I gave the bag an immersion test.

Read more: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks reviews (2)

Reviewed by Adrian Redgwell

Want to have the best organized pack, ability to unpack fast, pack fast in any weather condition, then these pods are for you. Organization is so good that I only have four items in my bag. Crazy eh?

Ease of Use: After time, you will figure out what works in each pod.  For my large pod, I have my pillow, liner, bag, pad, sleeping clothes and spare clothes. The smaller pod holds all my other loose gear, but I also have my spare socks and fleece in this pod. Features: Waterproof material with tapered zipper. No chance of water seepage. Construction & Durability: 100% waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) and a water resistant zipper, they help weatherproof your pack system.

Read more: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods review (1)

Featured review by Jugalug

Awesome waterproof compression drysack. Ultralight and shaped to pack better than ever.

Fighting to fit everything in my pack from day one, I came across these somehow. The rectangular shape helps fill the pack way easier then a bunch of cylinder shaped sacks could from my experience. I had a 25 degree Halo sleeping bag which took up the entire sleeping bag compartment in my Baltoro pack. After compressing down in this sack, it was less than half the size of the original stuff sack, and was basically the size of a six pack of cokes now. Awesome because I was now able to fit my air mattress and a fleece in the same area and still had space.

Read more: Granite Gear eVent Sil Compression DrySack reviews (2)

Reviewed by Sheila Bergin Goss

This dry sack has become an integral part of our canoe camping equipment. Though we use it primarily for canoe camping, it has also proven worthy for winter cabin camping and car camping. This 30L size is large, but its compression feature allows us to pack an XXL sleeping bag into a compact size, reducing space demands in the canoe and/or kayak. This sack is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and is a bright orange, high visibility color. I can highly recommend this dry bag for campers, backpackers, or paddlers.

Product Description: SealLine describes this dry sack as packing system sack; the design is promoted as a means to efficiently pack multiple dry sacks within a larger packing system. When I use the bag for canoe camping, it is packed within a large waterproof portage bag. That is also how it is packed when we pull it on a pulk for winter cabin camping. The compression feature definitely results in a saving of space, allowing for an increase in the number of other items that we can pack in the larger bag.

Read more: SealLine Blocker Compression Dry Sack review (1)

Reviewed by Danny Wang

This review is for the 15L version of the OR Graphic Dry Sack. Seam taped. Waterproof. 15L capacity provides ample storage when used to pack food/trash/etc for either a multi-day trip or a backpacking trip for a group. Durable material and construction.

This review is for the 15L version of the OR Graphic Dry Sack.  I bought this for $6.99 when steepandcheap.com had a rare "free shipping" promotion. I bought it with the intent for using it to either pack food/trash/toiletries for either longer solo trips or hikes with multiple friends.  I use it on its own, or when necessary, as a liner for a Garcia Backpacker's Cache. Ease of Use: Use of the pack is quite self explanatory.  Fill sack.  Get the excess air out.  Roll it up.  Snap it closed.

Read more: Outdoor Research Graphic Dry Sack review (1)

Reviewed by Jboothmtnbkr

We each use the 3L size to put the items we don't want to get wet while we're backpacking (phone, wallet, access papers, matches, etc.). They are lightweight and durable, more so than the ziplock baggies we used in the past.

I bought two of these 3L OR Ultralight dry bags a couple of years ago on ebay. My children were wanting something to carry their phone and other items they didn't want to get damaged if it rained. The baggies they used before almost always had holes in them by the time we returned from a backpacking trip so when some guy had them for sale on ebay, I bid on them. They've performed as I always expect for OR products.  I have several other normal and ultralight OR non-dry stuff sacks and I have always enjoyed the reliability of their products.

Read more: Outdoor Research Ultralight Dry Sacks review (1)

Reviewed by Charles Polidano

Protects your camera in wet conditions. Highly waterproof thanks to the roll-top, but not as practical as a normal camera pouch.

I wouldn't be me if I didn't constantly stop to take pictures while walking in the outdoors, so I like to have my camera close at hand. I keep it in an excellent little Deuter pouch attached to the shoulder strap of my rucksack. I can unzip the pouch, take out my camera, and put it back in with quick and easy movements using just one hand. The Deuter pouch has only one disadvantage—it is not waterproof. So if it starts to rain, besides putting on my rain gear I have to take out the camera and put it in my rain jacket pocket, then detach the pouch and stow it in my rucksack.

Read more: Aquapac Small Stormproof Camera Pouch review (1)