7 Best Dry Bag Backpacks to Buy in 2025

The Pelican ExoDry 30L doesn’t just promise dry protection—it delivers with rugged confidence. Built from 500D PVC, this dry bag laughs in the face of whitewater, rocky kayak hauls, and downpours, making it a top-tier shield for sensitive gear. Its roll-top compression system creates a bombproof seal, while the translucent main compartment lets you spot contents at a glance—no more unrolling mid-rainstorm to find your dry shirt. For adventurers who prioritize reliability over fluff, this is the gold standard in dry bag durability.

In real-world testing across rivers, trails, and coastal hikes, the ExoDry shines with consistent waterproof performance—even when tossed into rapids or left out in heavy rain. The 71 x 40 cm body swallows a full weekend’s worth of gear, and the padded, breathable shoulder straps make hauling it over long distances surprisingly comfortable. That said, it lacks internal organization, so smaller items get lost without packing cubes. While it floats when sealed, it’s not designed for deep submersion, so avoid tossing it overboard intentionally.

Compared to budget models like the Earth Pak 30L, the Pelican stands out with superior material density and build quality, justifying its “Best Overall” title. It’s not the most feature-rich, but it’s the most dependable—ideal for serious kayakers, raft guides, or anyone who can’t afford soggy gear. If the Earth Pak is the reliable commuter, the ExoDry is the expedition-grade workhorse, offering unmatched resilience at a competitive value.

Don’t let the budget-friendly tag fool you—the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag punches way above its weight. With a Wirecutter endorsement and a five-year warranty, it’s clear this bag is built to last, not just save cash. The roll-top design seals tight, keeping contents bone-dry in rain, surf, or accidental drops in the river. And with sizes up to 55L, plus IPX8 waterproof phone case included, it’s a complete starter kit for paddlers, campers, or beachgoers on a budget.

Out in the field, the 30L version handles kayak trips and weekend camping with ease. The backpack straps with sternum support make it comfortable for short hikes, though the padding isn’t as plush as premium models. The 24–42 inch adjustable strap works fine, but taller users may want more length. It floats when sealed, and the compact foldability makes it a no-brainer for tossing into luggage or a larger pack. However, the lack of internal pockets means you’ll need dry sacks for organization.

When stacked against the Pelican ExoDry, it trades some durability (slightly thinner PVC) for exceptional value. It’s not built for extreme expeditions, but for weekend warriors and casual adventurers, it’s more than enough. If you need a no-fail dry bag without the premium price, this is the smart, wallet-savvy choice that still delivers peace of mind.

The Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack redefines comfort in the dry bag world—this isn’t just a sack with straps, it’s a true ergonomic backpack built for the long haul. With a padded backpanel, contoured shoulder straps, and heavy-duty waist belt, it redistributes weight like a hiking pack, making it a dream for multi-mile treks to remote put-ins or all-day fishing excursions. The roll-top closure is simple and effective, and the splash-proof exterior zipper gives quick access to snacks, maps, or a rain jacket.

Performance-wise, it keeps gear completely dry in rain, waves, and even brief submersion. The dual interior pockets and key ring add welcome organization, a rarity in dry bags. During testing on river trips, it stayed stable even when fully loaded, thanks to the sternum and waist straps. However, the MOLLE webbing, while handy for attaching gear, adds bulk and snag points in tight spaces. It’s also not the lightest—a trade-off for the added comfort and structure.

Compared to the HEETA 40L, it offers better ventilation and load support, making it ideal for hikers who refuse to sacrifice comfort for dryness. It’s heavier than minimalist options, but that’s the price of its backpack-first design. For anyone who’s ever suffered sore shoulders from a basic dry sack, this is the ultimate upgrade—a true hybrid of backpack ergonomics and 100% waterproof protection.

When you need maximum space without sacrificing dryness, the HEETA 40L steps up as the king of capacity. With a cavernous 40-liter main compartment, this bag swallows sleeping bags, extra layers, laptops, and even bulky camera gear—perfect for multi-day kayak trips or gear-heavy travel. The 500D PVC construction is tough and seam-sealed, delivering serious waterproof assurance through downpours and splashes. And the front zip pocket means you don’t have to unroll the whole bag just to grab your phone.

In real-world use, the ergonomic padded back and adjustable waist strap keep it stable during active movement—whether hiking to a river launch or biking through a storm. The D-rings are a nice touch for clipping to boats or bikes, adding serious utility. However, the zipper on the front pocket isn’t fully waterproof, so don’t rely on it in heavy rain. And while it floats when sealed, the sheer size can make it unwieldy in tight spaces.

Against the Earth Pak 55L, it offers similar volume but better comfort and fit, though it lacks the waist belt on smaller models. It’s not the most compact when folded, but if you need a single bag that does it all, this is it. For photographers, campers, or thru-paddlers, the HEETA 40L is the go-to for high-capacity, high-performance dry storage—a spacious fortress for your most important gear.

The Piscifun Dry Bag stands out with a brilliant innovation: dry/wet separation. While most dry bags treat everything as “dry,” this one includes a dedicated front zippered compartment for damp clothes, towels, or swimsuits—keeping them away from your clean gear. This small but game-changing feature solves a real pain point for kayakers, swimmers, and beachgoers who don’t want soggy socks mingling with dry jackets. Made from 500D nylon, it’s both lightweight and durable, striking a smart balance between toughness and packability.

In testing, the roll-top seal held strong in rain and splashes, and the breathable shoulder strap reduced sweat during long carries. The included waterproof phone case and portable backpack add serious value—especially the IPX8-certified case with touchscreen access. However, the main compartment lacks internal pockets, so small items rattle around. And while it floats when sealed, the 20L size limits bulkier loads, making it better for day trips than extended journeys.

Compared to the STOVER 30L, it offers better wet/dry functionality but less overall space and fewer carry options. It’s not the largest or toughest, but for swimmers, paddlers, or travelers who hate mixing wet and dry, it’s uniquely smart. If you’ve ever opened a damp bag of soggy clothes and sighed, the Piscifun 20L is your organizational savior—a thoughtfully designed solution for a problem most brands ignore.

When your gear ends up overboard, floating capability isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifesaver. The MARCHWAY 20L excels here, thanks to its air-trapping roll-top design that ensures it stays afloat even in fast-moving water. Made from ripstop tarpaulin with welded seams, it’s tough enough for rocky rivers and puncture-prone environments. The D-ring and attachment strap make it easy to clip to kayaks or rafts, so you’re never chasing your lunch downstream.

In real use, the 20L size is ideal for day trips—fits a phone, snacks, dry clothes, and a small first-aid kit. The double backpack straps are adjustable and stable, though not heavily padded. It’s incredibly packable, folding down to the size of a soda can. But the exterior fabric is water-resistant, not fully waterproof, so rely on the seal, not the shell. And while it floats, it can sink if overpacked or improperly rolled.

Against the STOVER 25L, it offers better floatation and lower price, but less comfort and fewer features. It’s not the most comfortable for long hikes, but for kayaking, rafting, or swimming, it’s a reliable, affordable floater. If staying visible and retrievable in water is your top concern, the MARCHWAY 20L is the best bet—a buoyant guardian for your essentials.

The STOVER 30L delivers exceptional value by bundling serious features into an affordable package. It’s not just a dry bag—it’s a complete adventure system, complete with an IP58-certified waterproof phone case, reflective safety strip, and multi-carry versatility. The high-frequency welded seams ensure 100% waterproofing, and the roll-top closure is intuitive and secure. Whether you’re river tubing, commuting in monsoon rains, or hiking coastal trails, it keeps your gear perfectly dry.

In testing, the padded shoulder straps and ergonomic fit made it comfortable over long distances, and the wet/dry mesh front pocket was perfect for quick-access items like sunscreen or energy bars. The reflective strip boosted visibility during early morning kayak launches. However, the cargo straps on the front pocket can flap in wind, and the interior is unlined, making it harder to clean after muddy trips. Still, for under $25, it’s a feature-packed powerhouse.

Stacked against the Earth Pak Budget model, it offers more comfort, better safety features, and a higher-grade phone case—making it the smarter long-term buy. It’s not the largest or toughest, but for adventurers who want max features for minimal cost, the STOVER 30L is the ultimate value champion—a smart, safe, and surprisingly sophisticated dry bag that outperforms its price tag.