What Is A Dry Bag – 8 Top Types of Dry Bags And How To Use Them!
Have you ever wondered what is a dry bag? In this post, we cover 8 different types of dry bags along with explaining how they are used in different situations!
In a nutshell, dry bags are a type of luggage designed to keep your gear dry under a variety of conditions.
These can come in extremely handy. Whether you are camping in the rain, planning a hike, or even an extended trekking adventure, a dry bag can be a literal lifesaver! These can also be used in sports such as kayaking and sailing as well as on the beach or even on the back of a motorbike.
Throughout this article, we not only cover the different types of bags but also what is a dry bag used for in each of these different scenarios! Hopefully, this guide will help you choose the perfect dry bag to suit your needs.
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Different Types Of Dry Bags & How To Use A Dry Bag
Barrel Roll Top Dry Bags
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The barrel shape of a Barrel Roll dry bag is probably the most popular style of dry bag.
The cylinders have an opening at one end. In these dry bags, the seams are normally welded with RF welding to make them watertight.
Gear is loaded into the bag from the open end. Usually, the open end is closed by rolling down the extra material at the top and fastening it with two clips.
In most cases, this method is waterproof. The bag should withstand rain, waves, and provide a sufficiently airtight seal to allow it to float in water for a reasonable amount of time if dropped in.
As the water slowly makes its way around the folded material of most rolldown bags, the water will eventually make its way in if the bag is submerged under water long enough.
For most situations, you would have to physically force the bag underwater and hold it there to achieve this.
It is possible, with some drybags, to see the contents and locate items at the bottom of the bag through transparent viewing panels on the side.
This style of bag is popular for use as sailing dry bags.
Dry Bag Holdalls
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Dry bag holdalls usually have wider openings than barrel bags with roll tops. Access to the contents is easier than with a barrel bag.
Generally speaking, a holdall bag’s closure is not as watertight as a barrel bag because it is more difficult to maintain pressure on the rolled-down material.
Even in total immersion situations, the bags are still watertight in most conditions.
Motorcycle Dry Bags
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A motorcycle ride can often be just as wet as many watersports, with driving rain pelting against you while traveling at speeds of up to 70 mph. Keeping your gear dry in such conditions can be challenging.
Dry bags for motorcycles are becoming more common. These bags can be used in several ways.
Often, dry bags are strapped to the tail of the bike with wider ones sitting on top of panniers on the side.
Holdall-style bags are popular for weekend trips since they can be taken off the bike and carried straight into your hotel just like a normal bag, but still, keep your gear dry.
Rucksack dry bags are also popular in smaller sizes around 30L. These are very popular for commuting and also for adding to your carrying capacity given by your tail bags.
Dry Bum Bags
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If you want to keep some key items close at hand, these dry bum bags are particularly useful. As well as being handy for sailing and motorcycling, they can also be used for many other purposes.
Mobile phones and keys can often be kept in them.
As a dry bag is intended to keep expensive electronics dry and there is a risk of you falling in the water whilst still wearing the bag, it would be advisable to ‘double bag’ your phone in these circumstances; a small lightweight dry bag can be used for these purposes.
Distance swimming is not recommended with Dry Bum Bags because they would be completely submerged for long periods and water may eventually work its way through the closure.
Mobile Phone Dry Bags
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Mobile phones are one item that you should make sure stays dry. As well as being able to use the phone while it is in the bag, you’ll probably want one that has a transparent front and works with touch screens on modern smartphones.
Most mobile phone dry bags will have a roll-down top, similar to a mini barrel bag, and will be able to withstand most downpours, but are not designed to be completely submerged for long periods; don’t use them while snorkeling!
You may be able to use some products with hard plastic closures to submerge your phone underwater if you need to do so.
First Aid Dry Bags
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In many different sports, first-aid dry bags are used to keep first-aid kits dry. As users often have different preferences as to what a first aid kit should contain, the contents are not always included in the dry bag purchased and you will need to account for that.
Cycling Dry Bags
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Cycling dry bags will be used for everything from commuting to work to cycling across the country and should absolutely form part of your bikepacking kit gear list.
People will of course choose different types of bags according to their needs. When commuter cyclists arrive at work, they lock their bikes and walk to their workplace with a waterproof rucksack in hand.
In the Autumn and Winter months, hi-viz drybag rucksacks are very popular because they will keep your gear dry as well as help you to be seen on the road.
Touring cyclists often use panniers in conjunction with other bags, such as dry bag rucksacks and handlebar bags.
Bikepacking Dry Bags
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Bikepacking is a relatively new sport that is aimed at people who wish to go touring on their mountain bikes.
Like a cross between backpacking and biking, bikepackers carry their gear on a mountain bike in a way that allows them to negotiate rougher terrain than traditional pannier setups would allow.
A typical bikepacking dry bag would include a frame bag, seat pack (a giant saddlebag), and handlebar bag.
Final Thoughts – What Is A Dry Bag And What Are They Used For
There is a multitude of different dry bags which are all designed to keep your valuables and gear nice and dry, especially in wet or unexpected rainy conditions.
The best dry bag will really depend on what you need to use it for. From cycling to motorcycling, hiking, sailing, or even to keep that all-important first-aid kit safe and dry, there’s a dry bag for every occasion.
Hopefully, this guide has shed the light on dry bags and their main uses and purpose!
