How to choose a suitable dry bag for my next adventure?
There are too many dry bags on the market. They are with different materials, different sizes and several of colors. You may probably ask yourself how to choose when you look for a high quality dry bag. After all, all you want is to keep your gear dry and safe during your adventure. However, there are so many different types of dry bags on the market, and with too many choices! It is essential that you know how to choose the best dry bag. So we would like to share some of good tips.
What Is A Dry Bag?
Dry Bags are made of the waterproof material, which are flexible and durable. They can keep all your gears dry when doing outdoor activities or watersport activities.
What Material To Choose?
The first thing you should consider when choosing a dry bag is the material since this is what will protect your gear. Dry bags are made either from nylon or vinyl. These materials were selected because of their high level of waterproofness and durability.
Vinyl: Vinyl is a material that is mostly used in dry bags construction. These are of high quality but are less flexible and heavier than bags made of nylon. Also, Vinyl bags are durable and resistant to all type of abuse. So if you look for a robust dry bag that can hold heavy equipment, then the vinyl will be a perfect choice.
Nylon: Many dry bags are made from nylon material and coated with PVC film or with a silicone coating agent, making them waterproof. These are slightly lighter and more flexible than vinyl bags. Unlike vinyl bags, these are more subject to mildew, tears, and punctures.
What Size to Choose?
Dry bags come in different sizes, and the most common size on the market are S, M. L, XL.
Let’s see what each of these can hold.
Small: Obviously small bags are ideal to store small things like your wallet, camera, iPod to name a few. Usually, small bags range from 1L to 10L, some possess a single non-padded strap while others don’t feature any. The small bags are great to separate dirty and clean laundry and also to store in bigger bags.
Medium: The medium bags usually range from 10L to 20L and are suitable for storing bigger gear such as clothes towels, etc.. These are great for a day or a weekend out!
Large: Large dry bags are for longer trips as these can hold a wider amount of gear. These range from 30L to 40L, some of them feature two straps and can be carried as a backpack. These are hugely appreciated by motorcycles because they are not too big or too small and are easy to attach.
Extra Large: These dry bags sizes are from 40L, and most of them feature two straps for more comfort. Of course, these volumes can hold a lot of gear and are perfect for trips that last minimum a week.
Attachment Points
Usually, dry bags feature a D-ring to attach the bag to a vehicle such as a kayak, a boat or a motorcycle. But most of them can be attached with the help of the straps and end handle.
What Closure System?
Dry bags feature several different closure systems for preventing water from getting inside. All of them are excellent, but each closure type has its own pluses and minuses.
Zipper: Some dry bags feature a metal zipper, which allows getting to your content quickly. But the problem with the zipper closure is that stuff get often stuck in it and don’t always work smoothly, which can become annoying after a while. Also, not all zippers are waterproof, and this could be a problem if the bag gets wet.
Drawstring: Drawstring closure is different than the roll top and is extremely easy to use. These are great to stow away personal stuff but will not protect your content entirely from the water.
Roll Down: Roll down bags are fantastic to keep the water out by rolling the top a few time and then secure it with the help of two buckles, which create a great seal.
Velcro: Today many manufacturers make dry bags with velcro on the top edge for a better water protection. The velcro closure is very easy to use and comfortable. It secures the bag remarkably well!
How To Properly Seal A Roll Top Dry Bag?
1. Fill out the bag 3/4 with gear
2. Close the two edges together.
3. Roll the top three to four times
4. Join the two buckles and secure them.
What Is The Difference Between A Dry Bag & A Dry Sack?
Dry bags are made from stiff materials that have a high level of waterproofness and are durable. These are mainly used for watersport as well as for outdoor activities.
Dry Sacks are made from ultra-lightweight materials and are usually meant to be stored in larger bags. These are mostly used for camping or outdoor activities.
What To Consider When Looking For A Dry Bag?
As mentioned above, there are many types of dry bags and choosing the one that suits you best might not be easy if you don’t know what characteristics to look for. There are six important details you should consider when you pick the bag.
1) Of course, the best dry bags are the ones that have a high level of waterproofness. With these, you can be sure all your content will remain dry. So you should always check if the bag is waterproof.
2) It won’t be fun if your bag tears in the middle of your excursion. So it is essential to choose a bag that is made of a thick material such as vinyl, which is exceptionally durable. Although nylon material is thinner and lighter, it can suit fantastically for outdoor activities as well.
3) Color is a feature not to overlook when choosing a dry bag because it can make your life easier when it comes to spotting your bag in the dark or from afar. So remember, the brighter, the better!
4) Today many dry bags feature a transparent window that allows you to see your content through. It’s a great option, and it will help you search for things quickly, but it doesn’t make the bag of higher quality. It is just a plus!
5) If the bag features a zipper, make sure it is waterproof so water won’t get through it. The same for the ring, check if it is made of good plastic quality.
6) Straps are crucial when choosing a dry bag. It’s always useful to have a bag that you can carry from place to another. If it’s a small or medium bag, then one strap will be more than enough. But if the bag is large, it should feature two straps so you can wear it as a backpack.
What Else Can You Do With A Dry Bag?
There are many things you can do with your dry bag other than outdoor activities. It might surprise you, but Yes you can get the most out of your bag during your trip! Here are several things you can do with it.
1. You can use it as a cooler or as a Water Bucket
2. Since dry bags float on the water, you can use it as a flotation device.
3. It’s always useful to have something where you can lay your head on, and that’s when the dry bag comes into play, you can use it as a pillow!
Who Is The Dry Bag For?
Without a doubt, for everyone! Dry bags can be used for any purposes. Whether it is to go on a sailing trip, rafting excursion, hiking adventure, one thing is for sure; they will make your expedition more pleasant than ever. With dry bags, you can go wherever you wish in any weather condition without worrying your stuff will get wet.
How To Maintain Your Dry Bag?
Cleaning your dry bag will increase its lifespan. So how do you care for your dry bag? It’s easy! You just need to clean it with a non-detergent soap and rinse it with fresh water. Also, it is essential to air out the bag after each use. If you clean the interior as well, make sure to reverse it so it can dry thoroughly.
In Conclusion
A good dry bag will protect all your gear from water and will make your adventure more pleasant since you don’t have to worry about your stuff getting wet! With the help of this guide, you should manage to choose the best dry bag for your next outdoor excursion! So go ahead and have fun!
