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10 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding in 2024

paddle board dry bags

When you’re paddle boarding, there’s always the risk of your stuff taking a swim. This means that your change of clothes could get drenched and your valuables ruined! Worse still, important items could get lost at the bottom of the lake.  

One of the most important pieces of advice any expert paddler will give you is that you should always prepare for immersion. That’s why a paddle board dry bag is a must have paddle board accessory!

Knowing this is one thing, getting a good dry bag that’s right for you is another. Sifting through hundreds of waterproof dry bags can be boring and even frustrating. 

But don’t worry–I did it so you don’t have to, and have listed my top suggestions for the best dry bags for paddle boarding

My favorite waterproof dry bag for SUP and my overall top pick for 2024 is the Gili roll-top backpack. Read on to find out what’s so great about it and to see other reliable dry bags for your SUP adventures. 

The Best SUP Dry Bags Comparison Table

Best Dry Bag

Gili Backpack

Gili Backpack

Compact and High-Quality Dry Bag with Pockets

A compact shape and pockets that make it easy for you to organize your items, the Gili Roll-Top Backpack is the best dry bag option out there.

Sizes28L /35L /55L

Best Compact

Gili Dry Bag

Gili Dry Bag

Nice, Small Bag with Watertight Exterior Pocket

The Gili dry bag has a 15-liter capacity; it’s small but still fits a lot of stuff – perfect for paddlers because it won’t take up a lot of deck space.

Sizes15L

Best Lightweight

Geckobrands Backpack

Geckobrands Backpack

Lightweight Dry Backpack, Easy to Carry

This Geckobrands waterproof backpack only weighs 0.6 pounds. It’s light and comfortable enough to carry on your shoulders even for hours.

Sizes30L

 

Marchway Floating Dry Bag

Marchway Floating Dry Bag

A Super Durable, Affordable Dry Bag

The Marchway dry bag is low-priced but made using high-quality and waterproof material. It’s tough and tear-proof, ideal even for extreme paddle boarding activities.

Sizes5L /10L /20L /30L /40L

 

Earth Pak Dry Bag

Earth Pak Dry Bag

Rugged Dry Sack with Five-Year Warranty

The Earth Pak dry bag is made using premium quality PVC material, resulting in a sturdy waterproof bag that can easily handle any condition. It comes with an impressive five-year warranty too.

Sizes10L

 

YETI Panga Bag

YETI Panga Bag

Fully Submersible Premium Backpack

The YETI Panga dry bag has a thick-skin shell and Hydrolok zipper that won’t let even a drop of water in. It will keep your essentials dry even when submerged.

Sizes7″ x 20″ x 12.5″

 

Sea to Summit Dry Sack

Sea to Summit Dry Sack

Well Made Waterproof Compression Sack

This is a compression dry sack, great for carrying clothes and sleeping bags when going on a SUP camping trip. The bag can compress up to a third of its size and it’s waterproof.

Sizes6L /10L /14L /20L /30L

 

OMGear Dry Backpack

OMGear Dry Backpack

Quality Bag with Free Waterproof Phone Case

The OMGear bag is made using 500D PVC tarpaulin. The material is thick and sturdy so you can use it anywhere. This dry bag comes with a waterproof case for your phone.

Sizes5L / 10L / 20L / 30L /40L

 

Wise Owl Outfitters Dry Bag

Wise Owl Outfitters Dry Bag

Lightweight But Rugged and Submersible

The material used to make the Wise Own Outfitter dry bag is not only strong but also waterproof. It’s submersible so you know your items will stay protected and dry the whole time.

Sizes5L / 10L / 20L

 

Heeta Dry Bag

Heeta Dry Bag

Transparent Waterproof Dry Bag with Free Phone Case

The Heeta paddle boarding waterproof board is transparent, a feature that allows you to easily access your gear. It also comes with a free waterproof case for your phone. 

Sizes5L /10L /20L /30L /40L

What Is the Best Waterproof Dry Bag for Paddle Boarding? 

1. Gili Waterproof Roll-Top Backpack – Best Dry Bag for SUP

paddle board dry bags Pin

The Gili waterproof dry bag has a nice compact shape that I really love. Not only does it look good, but it also makes it easy for you to organize and access your items. 

There are pockets that also help with organizing. You won’t have a hard time accessing your stuff, especially smaller items. They can be a pain to find when you just have one compartment. 

This roll-top dry bag comes in three sizes: 28, 35, and 55 liters. The 28-liter waterproof bag has two storage compartments inside for your phone and laptop. The 55-liter bag has Molle webbing, a feature that allows you to attach accessories. 

I was impressed by the quality of this Gili bag. The vinyl material is tough and I can confirm that this is a reliable waterproof dry bag. It’s also completely waterproof, thanks to the material and reinforced roll-top closure. 

The Gili roll-top backpack has reflectors that enhance visibility. It’s always good to be highly visible when paddle boarding, especially at night. 

I also love the ergonomic shoulder straps and the sternum strap which offers extra support. You may need to carry the dry bag along with the rest of your gear when you have to portage. So it helps that it’s comfortable to carry. 

You should check out this dry backpack if you’re looking for a high-quality dry bag for all kinds of SUP expeditions. 

What I Like
  • Three sizes to choose from: The three available sizes – 55L, 35L and 28L – are perfect for paddlers – as there’s something for every type of trip! Choose the 55L for long or overnight excursions where you’ll need to pack a lot of gear, or opt for the 28L if you’re out for the day.
  • Rugged and waterproof: The waterproof vinyl material used to make the Gili roll-top backpack is tough and ideal for all kinds of SUP adventures, including whitewater SUP. It feels strong enough to take any abuse without getting damaged. 
  • Additional pockets: This dry backpack has pockets for you to store items that you want quick access to. The 28-liter bag has a compartment inside for a laptop and phone–you can use them for your valuables while paddle boarding, which makes life a lot easier.
  • Ergonomic straps: I  love how comfortable the straps feel, even when the bag is heavy. I found it more than comfortable enough to carry all of my gear, plus my board, and didn’t feel like the straps were digging in to my shoulders. It has definitely been designed with comfort and usability in mind. 
What I Don’t Like
  • Not the cheapest option: The Gili roll-top backpack isn’t cheap but it is a reliable dry bag that you’ll be using for years.

Check Price of the Gili Backpack

2. Gili Waterproof Dry Bag 15L – Best Compact

gili 15 sup dry bag 2022 Pin

The Gili 15L Waterproof Dry Bag might not be the most compact dry bag on this list, but it is definitely the best option for those wanting a smaller bag that won’t take up too much space. It is a small but practical waterproof bag ideal for most SUP trips.  

Like the Gili RolltopBackpack, the 15-liter dry bag is made using vinyl. It feels tough and I have no doubt that it will last. 

The vinyl material is waterproof (not merely water-resistant). This, and the roll-top closure, ensures that your gear stays completely dry during your paddling trips. 

One of my favorite features of the Gili dry bag is the watertight exterior pocket. It’s a perfect place to store something that you need quick and easy access to, like your phone. 

The removable shoulder strap is another amazing feature that I have to mention. You can carry this dry bag on your shoulder while paddle boarding–if you don’t have much space on the deck. It also comes in handy when you have to carry all your gear together with your paddle board. 

The Gili 15-liter waterproof bag is available in seven colors so you can even get one that matches your SUP and the rest of your paddling accessories. 

This bag would be great for the paddle boarder who wants a small but functional waterproof dry bag for different SUP trips. 

What I Like
  • Watertight exterior pocket: This pocket is perfect for items that you need to access often and quickly when paddle boarding. It’s also waterproof so you can store valuables without fear of them getting wet!
  • Removable shoulder strap: The strap makes it easy to carry your bag, especially when you have to carry it together with other stuff. I love that it’s removable too so you can choose not to have it. 
  • Many color options: The available colors perfectly match the colors of Gili boards and many other inflatable paddle boards. If you like to color-match your accessories you’ll love this bag.
What I Don’t Like
  • No other sizes: While this isn’t a huge issue, because the size of this dry bag is one of the things that makes it great – it would probably be good to have at least another size option. However, I do love the 15-liter capacity as It’s perfect for most paddling adventures. 

Check Price of the Gili Dry Bag

3. Geckobrands Lightweight 30L Waterproof Backpack – Best Lightweight Dry Bag

geckobrands backpack

This waterproof backpack is super lightweight, weighing only 0.6 pounds. It’s easy to carry and travel with. 

Despite being lightweight, the Geckobrands dry bag is made of tough, waterproof material. It will keep your gear bone dry during activities like paddle boarding or in case of a light shower. 

There are two pockets: one inside and another one outside to help you organize your small items like phones and keys. The outer pocket is water-resistant though, not waterproof. 

The Geckobrands waterproof backpack is available in 23 colors – which is quite a lot of choice! It’s noce to have so many option, and this will obviously allow you to choose the color that best suits your style. I love that there is so much choice in this particular case.

I also love that this bag has two D-rings that are perfect for attaching things like keys. 

If you want a lightweight dry bag that’s easy to carry around, consider checking out the Geckobrands dry backpack. 

What I Like
  • Great size: This bag has a 30-liter capacity which is great–not too big and not too small. It’s big enough for longer trips but still small and light enough for shorter trips. 
  • Lightweight: The backpack only weighs 0.6 pounds so you can even carry it on your back while paddle boarding to save space on the deck. 
  • Interior and exterior pocket: The interior pocket is ideal for small valuables while the outer pocket allows you to quickly access items like keys. 
  • Lots of color options: The Geckobrands waterproof backpack is available in 23 colors–some muted and others bright–so you can pick the one you like. 
What I Don’t Like
  • Can’t handle submersion: This bag will only keep your gear dry when water splashes on it while you’re paddling or in case of a light shower.
  • No size options: The 30-liter capacity is great but it would have been nice to have other sizes. 

Check Price of the Geckobrands Backpack

4. Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag – Best Budget SUP Dry Bag

marchway dry bag

The Marchway paddle board dry bag is my top budget option for 2022. 

Despite being cheaper than the other dry bags here, this waterproof bag impressed me with its quality. It’s made using ripstop tarpaulin and it has welded seams. It can take a lot of abuse and you don’t have to worry about tears or punctures. 

The material is also waterproof and, together with the roll-top closure, ensures that you have an airtight and watertight place to store your precious possessions. The bag floats too so you have nothing to worry about even though it falls into the water.

I love that the Marchway waterproof bag comes in five sizes: 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 liters. You can choose the size that best suits your needs. 

This bag comes in 18 different colors–including army green, digital camo, and gray for those who love more laid-back colors. 

The 5- and 10-liter bags have a single detachable shoulder strap while the 20- and 30-liter bags have double removable shoulder straps. The 40-liter bag has two non-removable shoulder straps. These straps make it easy to carry the bags and the double straps on the larger bags allow you to carry them as backpacks. 

I’d recommend the Marchway waterproof bag for anyone who wants an affordable but durable dry bag. 

What I Like
  • Cheap but well-made: This bag doesn’t cost much but it’s made using strong tarpaulin material. It’s tear- and puncture-proof, ideal for all kinds of adventures. You can use it for extreme activities and it will hold up well. 
  • Size options: You have small, medium, and large sizes to choose from–depending on the nature of your paddle boarding trips; which provides enough choice for most people and situations.  
  • Shoulder straps: I love that the Marchway bag comes with straps – you can carry the bigger bags as backpacks! This is a surprisingly useful hack that makes carrying your gear a lot more comfortable, particularly if you’re going to be carrying the bag for a long time. 
  • Comes in many colors: There are 18 colors, including more muted options which are ideal for people who want to use their dry bags for paddling and other outdoor activities like hunting. 
What I Don’t Like
  • Not fully submersible: This is quite a big issue – as a dry bag should, in my opinion, keep your things dry! However, the Marchway isn’t fully-submersible, meaning that if it goes under the water for more than a few seconds, water may start getting it. This makes it more of a water-resistant bag than a dry bag, in my opinion.

Check Price of the Marchway Dry Bag

5. Earth Pak -Waterproof Dry Bag

earthpak dry bag

Earth Pak dry bags are quite popular and it’s easy to see why. 

This particular waterproof bag is made using 500D PVC–a material that is both rugged and waterproof. It is reliable for all kinds of outdoor sports, including paddling. The board feels durable and it comes with a five-year warranty, which is impressive. 

I love that you get size options with the Earth Pak dry bag: 10, 20, 30, 40, and 55 liters, so it’s pretty easy to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle. You could of course also buy a larger dry bag and supplement a smaller one if you need extra protection for your valuables. Put your stuff – like phones and cameras – in the small bag, close it well, then put it in a larger dry bag. 

Each bag comes with a waterproof phone case. The case has a waterproof rating of IPX8 and it can keep its contents dry even when submerged. 

The 10-liter and 20-liter bags have one shoulder strap while the bigger dry sacks have two padded shoulder straps and a waist belt. This is a fantastic dry bag for paddling as well as hiking trips.

What I Like
  • Free waterproof phone case: The case will protect your phone even when fully submerged and it’s touch-sensitive too! 
  • Multiple size options: You can choose the smaller bags if your paddling trips are usually short or the larger bags if you’re going on a multi-day trip. The 55-liter bag can fit all your SUP camping gear, including your sleeping bag. 
  • Tough and durable: The Earth Pak dry waterproof bag looks and feels like a high-quality bag. It won’t tear easily, even in extreme conditions. Plus, it comes with a five-year warranty. 
  • Padded shoulder straps: The bigger dry bags (30, 40, and 55 liters) have padded backpack straps which make it easy to carry heavy gear. 
What I Don’t Like
  • No pockets inside: I wish the Earth Pak dry bag (especially the larger size) had even one pocket inside for smaller essentials! Having to fish for keys or other small items in a big bag full of gear is not fun.

Check Price of the Earth Pak Dry Bag

6. YETI Panga Airtight, Waterproof and Submersible Bag

yeti panga bag

The YETI Panga is a premium product and everything that an outdoor enthusiast would want. 

It is made of high-density nylon and thick TPU lamination, resulting in an abrasion-resistant dry bag that is virtually indestructible. The Hydrolok zipper is just as tough and it’s airtight so you can rest knowing that it will keep your valuables dry no matter what. 

The shoulder straps are ergonomic and super comfortable. You won’t feel them digging into your shoulders, even with heavy gear inside. I love that the waterproof backpack also has a waist belt for added support. 

There is a mesh pocket and another small compartment where you can store small items that can be hard to find when stored together with everything else. 

The YETI Panga is fully submersible. It’s the perfect bag for people who spend a lot of time in or around the water. 

What I Like
  • Rugged construction: This is a premium quality dry bag that will hold up even in rough conditions. 
  • Fully submersible: This is a big plus fo a dry bag in my opinion – you’ll have nothing to worry about if your dry bag falls off the SUP and ends up in the water. All your valuables will stay protected and dry. 
  • Comfortable straps: The straps on this submersible backpack are so comfortable that you can carry it on your back all day. 
What I Don’t Like
  • Expensive: For the premium quality you’ll have to pay a premium price.

Check Price of the YETI Panga Bag

7. Sea to Summit Event Compression Dry Sack

sea to summit dry sack

The Sea to Summit is a dry compression sack, great for storing your clothes or sleeping bag while on long paddling trips. You’ll be surprised how much stuff you can carry in this bag and compress it into a small package, saving a lot of deck space. 

The body and the lid are made using strong 70D nylon fabric which is both durable and waterproof so your items will be well protected. The base features a 40D nylon fabric. It’s waterproof but not airtight and this allows air to be pushed out when you’re compressing the bag. 

The Sea to Summit is available in five sizes: 6, 10, 14, 20, and 30 liters. These bags can be compressed to about a third of their volume, which is awesome because you’ll be able to carry a lot of stuff in a smaller package.

I love that this dry sack comes with four compression straps for easy and uniform compression. 

If you have a SUP camping trip coming up and you’re wondering how you can carry your sleeping bags and other gear without taking up too much space, consider this compression dry sack. 

What I Like
  • Five sizes available: It’s always good to have size options so you can pick what will work best for you.
  • Breathable material: the eVent material is breathable enough for air to pass through, allowing for the compression of the bag – but also helping with ventilation. 
  • Compresses to a third of its volume: I love that you can fit a sleeping bag and extra clothes in this bag and then compress it to a much smaller package, perfect for SUP where space is limited. 
  • Well-made and durable: The Sea to Summit compression bag features tough nylon and it’s ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities, including paddling and backpacking. 
What I Don’t Like
  • Not submersible: It offers enough protection for paddling adventures but don’t submerge it fully in the water.

Check Price of the Sea to Summit Dry Sack

8. OMGear Waterproof Dry Bag

omgear dry backpack

The OMGear dry bag has so many color options. There are several muted colors as well as some bright florals–definitely something for everyone. 

The material used to make this bag is thick and it feels tough. It’s the kind of bag that you wouldn’t mind taking anywhere because you know it will hold up well. More importantly, it is waterproof so you can use it as a SUP deck bag and all your valuables will stay dry even when water splashes on the bag. 

The 5- and 10-liter OMGear dry bags come with a single shoulder strap, while the bigger bags have double shoulder straps. The straps on the 30- and 40-liter bags are padded for your comfort. You can carry heavy gear without the straps hurting your shoulders. 

I love that this waterproof dry bag also comes with a waterproof phone case. It’s made using high-quality materials and it will keep your phone dry. It’s a nice little gift and a great deal, especially given the price of this waterproof bag. 

The bag comes in a wide range of sizes, from five liters to 40 liters so you can pick the one that suits you best.  

What I Like
  • Color options: I love the fact that you get muted color options as well as brighter colors and patterns, there’s enough choice to make most people happy 
  • Double padded straps on the bigger bags: These really come in handy when you have to carry heavy stuff in your waterproof dry bag. The straps won’t be digging into your shoulders. 
  • Free waterproof phone case: You’ll get a high-quality waterproof phone case to put your phone in so you never have to worry about it getting wet. 
What I Don’t Like
  • Can’t be submerged: While this dry bag is waterproof, it may not keep your gear dry for long if submerged. But it floats.

Check Price od the OMGear Dry Bag

9. Wise Owl Outfitters Waterproof Dry Bag

wise owl outfitters dry bag

The Wise Owl Outfitters dry bag is impressively lightweight but still rugged. 

It is made using 190D diamond ripstop polyester which is extremely durable but still light and easy to carry. I love that the bag is submersible, so you don’t have to panic if it accidentally ends up in the water during your adventures. It’s perfect for all your kayaking and paddling trips.

This paddle boarding dry bag comes as a three-pack with a 5-liter, 10-liter, and 20-liter bag. However, you can still choose to get just one of them. 

The feature that impressed me the most is the closure system. The clips are super sturdy and, if you close the bag properly, you never have to worry about water getting in. I also love that there’s a D-ring at the clip that you can use to attach paddle board accessories like whistles. 

The only thing I found disappointing is the fact that this dry bag doesn’t come with a shoulder strap. If you plan on securing it using your SUP’s bungee cords then this isn’t a big deal. 

What I Like
  • Submersible: many dry bags will keep water out but they aren’t submersible. With the Wise Owl Outfitters waterproof bag, you can rest assured that everything inside will remain bone-dry.
  • Three-pack or three size options: You can choose to get a three-pack with three dry bags of different sizes or just get one size, depending on how you expect to use your bag. 
  • Rugged construction: The 190D diamond ripstop polyester is unbelievably tough and it won’t get torn or punctured easily.
What I Don’t Like
  • No shoulder strap: I wish there was at least one shoulder strap to provide an easier carrying option.

Check Price of the Wise Owl Outfitters Dry Bag

10. Heeta Waterproof Dry Bag

heeta dry bag

Unlike the other waterproof dry bags here, the Heeta waterproof bag is transparent

This is such a useful feature that can save you a lot of time. Having to fish for your keys when you’re tired and ready to go home can be frustrating. The transparent material eliminates that problem so you can always find what you’re looking for quickly. 

I love that there are multiple ways to carrying this dry bag

There’s a side handle so you can carry it as a duffel bag, and the smaller models–5 and 10 liters–have a single shoulder strap, while the bigger bags have double shoulder straps. This means you can comfortably carry your Heeta bag even over long distances. 

This waterproof dry bag comes with a waterproof case for your phone. The case is touch-friendly so you don’t have to take it out of the bag to use it.

What I Like
  • Transparent design: You can see everything in your dry bag which means you can easily find what you need in a heartbeat. 
  • Free waterproof phone case: The phone case will keep your phone dry and it’s touch-friendly so you never have to take your phone out while paddle boarding. 
  • Multiple carrying options: I love that this bag comes with adjustable shoulder straps as well as a side handle, making it easy to carry.
  • Color options: This may be a transparent bag but you still get color options. You have 11 colors to choose from. 
What I Don’t Like
  • Not submersible: It’s great for paddle boarding, kayaking, and even surfing–but not sports that involve being underwater.

Check Price of the Heeta Dry Bag

Factors to Consider When Buying a Dry Bag for SUP

Buying a dry bag might seem simple, there are actually quite a few things you need to consider before making a purchase. Here are the key things to have in mind when choosing a dry bag for your paddle boarding adventures. 

Material: How Durable Is It? 

Stand up paddle boarding is an outdoor activity so your dry bag will be exposed to the elements and some rough situations, especially if you’re adventurous and like to go whitewater paddling or racing. Your bag can even expect some wear and tear on long paddling excursions, depending on the conditions. Therefor, it’s important to have a durable bag that can handle anything without getting punctured.  

As you can see from the bags above, most bags are PVC or nylon dry bags. The materials are waterproof and sturdy–ideal for paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. 

Good stitching is key as well when it comes to a dry bag’s durability. You want a bag with great stitching so it doesn’t come apart after a few uses. 

You can guess how durable a waterproof dry bag is by checking the warranty period. Many of the bags above have a 100% guarantee and good warranty periods so you know they’re not cheaply made. 

You should also check the feedback from other users so you know what to expect. 

Design and Extra Convenience Features

Dry bags can be plain, with no additional convenience features like pockets, compartments, and D-rings. These may seem like small features but they can come in handy while you’re paddle boarding. 

If you need a quick-access outer pocket or a separate compartment inside the bag, look for a dry bag with one. 

Don’t forget shoulder straps too if you need them. 

Why Use a Dry Bag?

It’s no secret that if you go paddle boarding, you’re going to get wet! 

However, you can limit the amount you or your belongings get wet by preventing water from splashing onto your SUP deck (and everything else on that deck). So if you have clothes, sleeping bags, electronic devices, and other items, they could get wet. And that’s why you need a dry bag. 

Dry bags will keep their contents dry, giving you peace of mind. 

You can also use a dry bag to store wet and dirty items so they don’t mix with the other clean stuff. 

How to Properly Clean a Waterproof Dry Bag

The best thing about dry bags is that they’re easy to clean. You can just wipe it down if it isn’t too dirty, and no need to put them through the washer. 

If there are stubborn stains, use a soft cloth and mild soap to clean it. Turn it inside out and clean the inside as well, then rinse the bag with clean water. 

How Do You Attach a Dry Bag to a Paddle Board?

This will depend on the dry bag you have and the attachment points on your paddle board. 

If your dry bag has straps and snap hooks, you can easily attach your bag to the D-rings on your paddle board. 

For dry bags without straps and hooks, simply secure it using the bungee storage on the deck–most paddle boards come with a bungee storage area or two. 

Does a Dry Bag Float? 

Yes, dry bags can float. When packing, don’t fill the dry bag completely – allow some space for air inside. If you ensure that you leave a lot of air in the bag, this creates an air pocket and helps with buoyancy. 

Be sure to close the bag properly, with the air inside. If it falls into the water it will float alongside your paddle board. 

Are All Dry Bags the Same?

Not really, all dry bags are not the same. Waterproof dry bags are made using different materials, they come in different sizes, and have different designs. 

This is why you can’t just pick the first one you see. You have to make sure you get a dry bag that suits your needs. 

Conclusion

And there you have it–a detailed list of the best dry bags for paddle boarding in 2024. 

My top pick is the Gili roll-top backpack. It’s a premium quality dry backpack with some nice features. I love the pockets which make it easy for you to organize gear and the reflectors which ensure that you’re visible to other water users. It’s also comfortable to carry, thanks to the ergonomic straps. 

If you want a bag you can easily carry on your shoulders, the Geckobrands dry bag is a nice option. It only weighs 0.6 pounds and you can comfortably carry it along with your other paddling essentials. 

Don’t hesitate to pick the waterproof dry bag that best suits you so you can have fun knowing your valuables are safe. 

Happy paddling! 

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