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
What Is the Best Waterproof Dry Bag for Paddle Boarding?
1. Gili Waterproof Roll-Top Backpack – Best Dry Bag for SUP
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.
Check Price of the Gili Backpack
2. Gili Waterproof Dry Bag 15L – Best Compact
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.
Check Price of the Gili Dry Bag
3. Geckobrands Lightweight 30L Waterproof Backpack – Best Lightweight Dry Bag
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.
Check Price of the Geckobrands Backpack
4. Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag – Best Budget SUP 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.
Check Price of the Marchway Dry Bag
5. Earth Pak -Waterproof 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.
Check Price of the Earth Pak Dry Bag
6. YETI Panga Airtight, Waterproof and Submersible 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.
Check Price of the YETI Panga Bag
7. Sea to Summit Event Compression 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.
Check Price of the Sea to Summit Dry Sack
8. OMGear Waterproof Dry Bag
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.
Check Price od the OMGear Dry Bag
9. Wise Owl Outfitters Waterproof 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.
Check Price of the Wise Owl Outfitters Dry Bag
10. Heeta Waterproof 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.
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!