What Size Dry Bag Do I Need?

Choosing the correct size dry bag for your needs is crucial whether you're going kayaking, hiking, or on a boat trip. Imagine you're on a multi-day kayaking trip, and you're about to hit a large rapid. You've got all your essentials—clothing, electronics, food, and maybe even a camera. The last thing you want is for any of your gear to get soaked. That's where a dry bag comes in.

But what size dry bag do you need? Picking the wrong size could mean you're either carrying more than you need or worse—running out of space for your essentials. This article will guide you in selecting the perfect dry bag for your next adventure by breaking down the most common sizes, what fits in them, and the activities they're best suited for.

Why Dry Bags Are Essential for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Before diving into the sizes, it's important to understand why dry bags are crucial. Dry bags are designed to protect your valuables from water, whether you're white-water rafting or just hiking in the rain. Made from materials like PVC or nylon with waterproof coatings, these bags are durable, and some are even fully submersible. Their roll-top closure system ensures that no water gets in, provided you seal them properly. No matter the size, a good dry bag can be the difference between a successful trip and a soggy disaster.

The Different Dry Bag Sizes and What They Can Hold

Dry bags come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 1 liter to 55 liters or even larger. Here's a breakdown of common dry bag sizes and their typical uses:

1-2 Liters: Small Essentials

These tiny dry bags are perfect for minimalists or day trips where you only need to keep your small electronics or personal items safe. You can typically fit items like:

• Keys
• Phones
• Wallets
• Passport
• Small snacks

Best for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or short hikes where you're not carrying much.

5 Liters: Day Trip Essentials

A 5-liter dry bag is a versatile option for short trips. It can hold:

• A light jacket
• Snacks
• Small first-aid kit
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

This size is often used for day trips when you don’t need to bring a lot, but still want to protect a few important items.

10 Liters: Light Packing

A 10-liter dry bag is a great middle-ground option. It’s big enough to carry a day's worth of supplies for most outdoor activities. You can fit:

• A full change of clothes (depending on the season and bulkiness)
• A small towel
• Food for a day
• Larger first-aid kit
• GoPro or similar small camera equipment

This size is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or even day hikes.

20 Liters: Day-to-Overnight Packing

With 20 liters of space, this size can hold enough for an overnight trip if you're careful about packing efficiently. A typical packing list might include:

• Two changes of clothes
• A larger towel
• Food for a day or two
• Camera gear with extra batteries
• Water bottle
• Toiletries

It's perfect for longer day trips or short overnight adventures where you need to keep essentials dry.

30 Liters: Weekend Trip or Heavy Day Use

A 30-liter dry bag is often used for weekend trips or if you're carrying a lot of gear for a day-long adventure. It can fit:

• Several changes of clothes
• Food for a couple of days
• Bulky camera gear or a drone
• Larger towel
• Cooking supplies
• Wet/dry separation of clothing or gear

If you're doing an overnight kayaking trip or a long hike, a 30-liter bag will be sufficient to store your essentials.

40-55 Liters: Extended Trip or Group Gear

When you're planning a multi-day trip or need to pack for more than just yourself, larger bags from 40 to 55 liters come into play. These are ideal for:

• Multiple sets of clothing
• Food for several days
• Sleeping bag (compact)
• Cooking equipment
• Tents (for lightweight solo tents)

These sizes are often used for multi-day rafting trips, expeditions, or as a group dry bag for collective items.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dry Bag Size

Choosing the right size dry bag is not just about how much it can hold. Consider the following factors before making your choice:

1. Activity Type

The activity you're doing will dictate what size dry bag you need. If you're going on a multi-day river trip, you’ll need something larger to store clothes, food, and equipment. For day trips, a smaller bag will suffice.

2. Bulkiness of Items

Some items, like sleeping bags or down jackets, take up more space. If you're carrying bulky items, go for a bigger dry bag or multiple smaller bags to separate your gear.

3. Group vs. Solo Packing

If you're packing for a group, you'll need a larger dry bag to store collective items like food, group tents, or cooking gear. For solo trips, a smaller bag will often suffice.

4. Wet/Dry Separation

If you anticipate needing to separate wet and dry items, you may want to opt for two smaller dry bags rather than one large one. This helps keep things organized and prevents cross-contamination of wet gear with dry items.

5. Durability and Weight

Larger dry bags tend to be heavier and more cumbersome to carry, especially if you're hiking. Always balance the size of the bag with its weight and how much you're comfortable carrying.

How to Properly Pack and Seal Your Dry Bag

Once you've chosen the right size, it's essential to pack your dry bag correctly to ensure it stays waterproof. Here are a few tips:

1. Roll Down the Top at Least 3-5 Times

Always roll the top down at least three to five times to create a proper seal. This ensures no water can seep in through the top.

2. Use Compression Sacks for Bulkier Items

For bulky items like sleeping bags, use compression sacks inside your dry bag. This will help maximize space.

3. Keep Valuables in Smaller, Inner Bags

Use smaller dry bags inside your larger one to keep valuables like phones and wallets extra secure.

4. Don’t Overpack

Overpacking can stress the seams and make it harder to close the bag properly. Always leave a bit of room at the top for a proper seal.

Real-World Examples of Dry Bag Use

• Kayaking: For a day-long kayaking trip, a 10-20 liter dry bag should suffice. It can store lunch, a camera, and a change of clothes.
• Hiking: On a multi-day hike, opt for a 30-liter bag. This will store your sleeping bag, clothes, and food, ensuring they remain dry if it rains.
• Rafting: For extended rafting trips, you might need a 40-55 liter dry bag. These will store group gear, including tents, cooking supplies, and food for several days.

Conclusion: Match Your Dry Bag to Your Adventure

In summary, the size of the dry bag you need depends largely on the length of your trip and how much gear you’re bringing. Smaller bags (1-10 liters) are perfect for day trips, while medium-sized bags (20-30 liters) suit overnight or weekend adventures. For multi-day or group trips, larger bags (40-55 liters) are your best bet. Remember, the right dry bag ensures that no matter what conditions you face, your gear will stay dry.

Choosing the right dry bag size is as much about the activity as it is about how you pack. Take the time to consider the gear you'll bring, the size of your items, and how much protection you need.