Top 5 Waterproof Bags to Carry While Camping

Stress, Camping, and Being Prepared

Spending more time in nature is one of the best things you can do to destress. According to Lisa Nisbet, a  psychologist at Trent University in Ontario, Canada, “There is mounting evidence, from dozens and dozens of researchers, that nature has benefits for both physical and psychological human wellbeing.” With that in mind, it’s easy to think everything will come together and perfectly work out once you get to your campsite. 

But imagine planning your camping trip weeks in advance, thinking you have everything you need only to find something missing when you arrive at your campsite. Nothing is worse than forgetting that vital something on a camping trip. The main points of spending time in nature are to lessen stress, anxiety, and the day-to-day worries of life. Forgetting something can certainly cause your mood to unravel and the stress to rise. 

Being prepared with effective planning can help manage or prevent stress. Do you have the sleeping bag, water bottles, portable ice chest, tent, fishing equipment, and water sports gear? What about a waterproof dry bag? If you have never heard of a dry bag, read on to find out what it is and reasons you should consider getting one. 

Why Get a Dry Bag for Camping? 

On every camping list, it’s a good idea to have a waterproof dry bag. You need a bag that you can easily carry on your back and that holds your supplies for outdoor trips no matter the adventure. Whether you are hiking, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or paddling, a dry bag is a great tool for all of these activities. 

Ever get caught in the rain while out camping? With a durable dry pack, you won’t have to worry about your sleeping bag or clothes getting soaked. It’s an outdoor tool that truly lives up to its name – a waterproof dry bag means your things will remain dry and protected from the elements.  

A dry bag is also referred to as a dry sack, roll-out bag, floating dry pack, and waterproof dry bag. The benefits of having one range from keeping your food dry for your all-day river float to protecting your phone while fishing on the lake. If you’re the type of camper that loves to hike to your remote camping spot, trekking through streams or rivers may not bother you. A waterproof dry sack will keep your electronics secure as you walk through wet conditions. It is perfect for folks who like to bring their camera, smartphone, or Bluetooth speakers with them.  

Top 5 Waterproof Bags for Camping

To get started finding the best waterproof backpack for your outdoor adventure, here are the top five waterproof bags to carry while camping. 

1. MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag

Want a camping backpack that’s just the right size for your gear? Sometimes, a two-day camping trip doesn’t require more than a small or medium-sized hiking backpack. Fortunately, the popular MARCHWAY Floating Backpack comes in a range of sizes including 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, and 40L. The 5L and 10L waterproof dry bags come with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap for a cross-body carrying option. The 20L, 30L, and 40L come with two additional straps so you can comfortably carry the packs on your back.  

The MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof dry sack also comes in a variety of colors ranging from the traditional army green or black to digital camo or lemon yellow. Searching for a gift for someone who loves the outdoors? Get them this waterproof backpack and make sure it’s the ideal size for their mountain gear and sleeping bag. The sale price depends on the size you choose and ranges from $10.19 to $22.09. 

Not only is the MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof dry bag considered the best dry bag, but it’s also made of an easy-to-clean material. It features an ultra-durable ripstop tarpaulin material sewn with a durable welded seam. The versatile fabric is typically used for tarps. The dry bag material is designed to be tear, rip, and puncture-proof so you can get years of reliable use out of it. It’s recommended for folks who prefer long-term use of their camping gear. 

The MARCHWAY bag is guaranteed to keep your items dry with a solid roll-top closure system to deliver a secure, watertight seal. To lock your items in, simply grab the top woven tape and roll it down as tightly as possible. Depedning upon how much gear is in the bag, it might take three to five times to roll before buckling the seal. Once you have everything properly sealed, the dry pack can float on water. It’s safe to use on the lake, river, or pond while you kayak, paddle, or canoe. Bring it to the beach and use it while you surf, sail, or ride your jet ski without worrying about your gear getting soaked!  

2. Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag 

The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is a roll-top compression dry sack fit for keeping your gear dry. Need a day bag for your kayak trip? Simply fill the Earth Pak dry bag backpack with your water bottle, lunch, flashlight, hunting knife, raincoat, and more before heading out on the water. The dry roll-top bag comes in fun colors including yellow, red, orange, and light blue. For more classic colors take a look at the black, blue, forest green, and white options. 

The best waterproof backpack can also double as a hiking backpack. A dry stuff sack should be durable enough to handle the weight. It should also have sturdy shoulder straps for even the most rugged adventurers. That’s where the Earth Pak comes in. The various sizes include 10L and 20L, which come with a 24-42 inch single, adjustable shoulder strap. The 30L, 40L, and 55L waterproof backpacks are equipped with backpack straps. The larger sizes also include a chest strap or sternum strap to aid in stability and prevent back pain. The largest-sized sack, the 55L, comes with a heavy-duty waist strap to help relieve pressure on the back and shoulders. Great for those long treks to the favored camping spot. 

Want a travel bag that comes with a waterproof phone case? The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is what you’re seeking. The phone case is IPX8 waterproof certified with a simple snap and lock access closure. It can fit smartphones with screen sizes as large as 6.5 inches. Easily go floating, fishing on the river, or boating on the lake without worrying about dropping your phone in the water. The case has dual-sided clear windows for easy access to your camera. Capture all the pictures and videos you want without having to remove your phone.

The Earth Pak Waterproof pack is a dry duffel bag ideal for traveling in and out of the water. It’s made of the highest quality 500D PVC, a lightweight material that is totally water resistant. The compact bag can easily be folded and stored in your camping bag until you’re ready to use it for your rafting, kayaking, canoeing, or paddling plans. It’s designed to provide waterproof protection that lasts for years. The purchase price depends on the size you choose and varies from $19.99 to $41.99. The dry pack comes with a five-year warranty so be sure to add this reliable dry backpack to your camping list today! 

3. HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag

For a sleek, glossy travel backpack that you can use for hiking, boating, camping, kayaking, or any other outdoor activity, the HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag is worth your attention. Keep an eye on your camping items thanks to durable, transparent PVC material. No more struggling to rummage through your backpack for your phone or water bottle. 

The HEETA Waterproof dry bag comes in black, blue, green, bluish violet, lemon green, navy blue, orange, pitch green, rose red, white, and yellow. Every one is made of the same durable, thick, and seamless material to provide excellent water resistance. It also features a waterproof phone case with a seal and snaps and dual-clear sides. Get double the waterproof protection while still having access to your screen. Taking pictures while boating on the river or hiking in the rain never seemed easier. 

The see-through HEETA Waterproof dry backpack is designed with a side handle and top handle. It comes with adjustable shoulder straps. There are multiple ways you can carry the pack. Haul it like a suitcase, wear it as a backpack, or use the shoulder strap for crossbody or side carrying. Whatever your carrying preference might be, this bag has you covered. Strap it to your back for those long strolls to the river from your campsite. 

The waterproof technology combines double-sided ultra-thin PVC material with a vacuum seal. To close it, release the air by pushing it down, then roll down the top about three to five times before buckling it. The tough material is about 0.02 inches thick and is made to adapt to changes in weather and environment. It comes in five sizes including 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, and 40L. The price depends on the size you want and ranges from $10.99 to $25.99. 

4. Unigear Dry Bag 

The Unigear Dry Bag is another excellent waterproof bag to bring on your outdoor adventure. Not sure what to expect with the weather? Enjoy the outdoors no matter if it’s rain or shine. The 100% waterproof material is made of 500D PVC and is designed to be anti-leaking and anti-tearing. It features fully welded seams for long-lasting water resistance. The abrasion-resistant fabric makes it extra-durable for rough water sports or intense outdoor activities. 

Unigear Lightweight Waterproof dry bag comes in colors ranging from black and dark army green to sky blue and pale yellow. For hunters, the army green option will help you blend in with the environment. The price starts at $9.99 and varies based on the size you order; for instance, the 20L Unigear dry bags are available for $22.99. 

The floating dry bag is designed with a well-known roll-top closure. The snapping buckle also doubles as a durable handle. The Unigear waterproof dry sack features an adjustable single strap for the 2L, 5L, 10L, and 20L sizes. Want a larger waterproof travel backpack? The 30L and 40L dry pack sizes are designed with extra-long double straps for easy hauling. Remember, the right straps can make all the difference in how you walk and the impact the load will have on your back, shoulders, and hips. It doesn’t matter how heavy the load is because you can trust the D-rings which have reinforced stitching to prevent ripping. Use the dry bag as frequently as possible without buckles or rings snapping. The buckle and D-rings are constructed of POM material to deliver stronger handling.

Enjoy the outdoors as often as you can without worrying about your camping or hiking essentials getting wet. Unigear dry bags are constantly being improved to deliver the best user experience. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Unigear’s customer service representatives. Remember, before picking the right size, take a mental note of all your essential camping, hiking, or river float items. Be sure to get a small, medium, large, or extra-large to meet all your outdoor needs. 

5. OMGear Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack 

If you love graphics and waterproof backpacks that stand out, then consider the OMGear Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack. The floating dry bag comes in bright colors and unique graphics. Take a look at the vibrant green, blue, pink, orange, and yellow options. They also have classic colors like black, gray, and forest green. If you want a dry pack that stands out, there’s the floral pattern, zebra stripes, and patriotic red/white/blue stripes. OMGgear also features pink or blue under-the-sea print perfect for kids. 

The OMGear Waterproof dry pack comes in different sizes including 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, and 40L. The medium-size 20L dry bag comes with adjustable backpack straps. For a padded shoulder strap, consider the large 30L and large plus 40L as both come with flexible, padded backpack straps. The double straps are made of EVA material. That’s the same material used to fabricate life vests, which means you can trust that the dry bag will float. Pricing for this floating dry bag starts as low as $14.99. 

The OMGear Waterproof dry bag stands out from the standard nylon dry bags thanks to its rugged 500D PVC tarpaulin and vinyl-coated fabric. It’s designed to be fully waterproof. The roll-out bag comes with a transparent phone pouch and lanyard attachment. The pouch is made of ABS and PVC material, offering reinforced phone protection to give you peace of mind for those unexpected weather conditions or environmental situations. The dry pack is designed with a sturdy anti-ripping hook, perfect for attaching your flashlight, rope, or Nalgene water bottle.   

The OMGear Waterproof dry bag backpack is manufactured using advanced Thermo welding technology to deliver flawless waterproofing. With the durable high density fabric, it’s anti-tear and abrasion-resistant. Do you have an intense camping trip planned? Need a super-tough, lightweight pack to handle the thrilling experience of surfing or rafting? The OMGear Waterproof dry backpack fits the bill for a heavy-duty, multifunctional floating backpack. Use it on your next boating trip or for your hike up the mountain en route to your favorite hot spring spot. 

Photo source: Amazon

Experience the Great Outdoors With the Best Travel Backpack

More and more research supports the idea that being in nature has lasting benefits for your mental health. Even if your nature experience is brief, making the most of your outdoor time will have a positive impact on your well-being. If you’re thinking of introducing more hiking, camping, rafting, boating, floating, or fishing to the family schedule, making sure everyone has a dry bag is a must. 

Other highly rated dry sacks to consider are bear bags, which come in classic and vibrant colors. If you’re looking for more designs, there are unique nature print floating backpacks offered by Skog å Kust. For fans of YETI, the submersible Panga backpack series is definitely worth your time to check out. If a heavy-duty backpack with a hip belt is what you want, be sure to learn more about the Sea to Summit hydraulic dry pack. 

Need a dry bag that can protect your laptop? Travel backpacks like Peak Design, Osprey Porter, and Aer are designed to carry laptops, but for a waterproof option, the Nomatic travel bag may pique your interest. Want a top-notch waterproof camo backpack with side pockets for your next hunting trip? The Filson dry backpack features a mesh pocket and a side zippered pocket. It comes in camo shadow grass brown which is great for blending into your wooded surroundings.  

For more of the latest news and reviews on waterproof dry bags, camping essentials, and other outdoor must-haves, check out myoutdoorgear.org. Don’t let stress ruin your weekend. Surf the internet and get what you need to be prepared for the great outdoors.