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The Best Dry Bags to Keep Your Essentials Safe

Whether you're heading out to kayak or tube down a river.
ClaussenDropletXL4 Matador
Courtesy Matador

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Whether you're paddling, boating, or simply lounging at the beach, fun in the water is always better with the security of a dry bag. Not only does the sturdy, waterproof material keep your essentials safe from pool splashes or surprise rain showers, these bags can be completely submerged in water without a drop hitting your belongings, so you can cross a soaked phone off your list of travel worries (for added security, consider one of these waterproof phone cases). And they’re not all plain, utilitarian sacks, either. Today, you can find hip bags, backpacks, and even coolers that just so happen to function as dry bags, too, thanks to durable materials and tight, sealed-off closures keeping your valuables dry. Read on for eight of the best dry bags built for any adventure on the water.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

SealLine Baja Dry Bags

The most common design for dry bags is a vertical sack with a roll-top closure; if you’re boating, it’s great to have a couple of these on hand. SealLine is a trusted brand in the paddle world and their dry bags come in several different colors and sizes, from neutral olive green to easy-to-spot yellow. The tiny five liter is great for stashing your phone, whereas the larger sized 40 liter is perfect for protecting a purse or tote bag.

Buy now: From $20, backcountry.com

Yeti Sidekick Dry Waterproof Gear Case

Yeti is famous for keeping drinks ice cold, but the brand also has incredible waterproof tech, from picnic blankets to this gear case. The pouch was designed to attach to other Yeti bags and coolers, but it also works as a cute clutch for your phone, keys, and wallet. While it comes in six colors, the coral version would be perfect for a pool day or sunset cruise.

Buy now: $50, rei.com

The Icemule Classic Mini

If a bag could sum up summer, it would be the Icemule Classic Mini. It’s a cooler. It’s a dry bag. And it floats. Take this sling pack kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply floating down a lazy river in an inner tube for as long as you want—it can keep ice intact for more than 24 hours. The mini holds nine liters, perfect for a couple of drinks and a packed lunch.

Buy now: $50, amazon.com

Dakine Cyclone Hip Pack

This handy, ultra-cushioned hip pack from Dakine is great for any water sport. And don’t let the compact size fool you. It’s surprisingly roomy and can fit a point-and-shoot camera or even a smaller DSLR. (A larger, full-frame camera would fit, too, but you would need to remove the lens and store it side-by-side.) There are also several zippered compartments and pouches within the pack to store SPF essentials such as sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses.

Buy now: $190, amazon.com or $200, dakine.com

Matador Droplet XL Packable Dry Bag

Traditional dry bags are already foldable and can usually squeeze into the smallest spaces in a suitcase, but the Matador Droplet is by far the most packing-friendly option we’ve found as it folds into a teeny, tiny silicon water droplet (about the size of a pear), complete with a carabiner clip that can attach to coolers, backpacks, or a carry-on. Once unfolded, the bag can hold 20 liters, which is a good, medium-sized dry bag. One Droplet would be perfect for a couple to share and store phones, plus outdoor essentials and a couple of snacks.

Buy now: $40, matadorup.com

Dakine Cyclone Hydroseal Backpack

If you’re an avid kayaker and love to stay at paddle-up resorts and campgrounds, you need more than just a dry sack. Dakine's Cyclone Hydroseal waterproof backpack is perfect for storing enough clothes, food, and essentials for an overnight or weekend trip. Plus, the lightweight design and contoured straps make it hike-friendly out of the water.

Buy now: $300, backcountry.com or dakine.com

Filson Medium Dry Duffle Bag

If you’re traveling by boat, you need (and have room for) a big bag that holds more than just keys and sunscreen. The Filson Dry Duffle is the same size as a traditional weekender bag, but it’s made entirely out of 100% waterproof nylon material. It’s perfect for longer trips at sea such as a chartered sailing or a scuba diving excursion where you need to pack clothes, cameras, iPads, and more.

Buy now: $200, filson.com

Matador Camera Base Layer

Unless you’re using an action camera, like a GoPro, water sports and photography usually don’t mix. But Matador created a camera covering that allows photographers to keep DSLRs safe from the elements. The Camera Base Layer features two products in one: The first layer keeps cameras insulated in cold conditions and protects from dings or scratches when traveling; the second features a waterproof shell that fits around the entire bag and secures just like a dry bag with a roll-top closure. This is the perfect gift for any photographer, even if they’re not big on boating or kayaking—they’ll be glad to have it on rainy days or while shooting in cold climates.

Buy now: $60, bhphotovideo.com