The Best Dry Bag
A bombproof German-made roll-top sack that keeps your gear bone dry trip after trip. · Updated June 26, 2026
Ortlieb Dry-Bag
Also at us.ortlieb.com
★star.shop pickWirecutter pick
star.shop researches products across the internet, Reddit, Wirecutter, and other review sites, filters out SEO spam and fake reviews, and recommends the single best option, so you can buy with confidence, no digging required.
Pros
- Burly PVC-coated fabric with welded seams that shrugs off abrasion and submersion
- Reliable roll-top closure keeps gear dry even in rough, splashy conditions
- Available in a wide range of sizes from a few liters up to 100+ liters
- German-made build quality that holds up for years of hard use
- Wide opening makes packing and retrieving gear easy
Cons
- More expensive than basic budget dry bags for similar capacity
Minor nitpicks
- No exterior pockets or lash points on the standard model
- PVC coating is heavier than lightweight nylon/TPU alternatives
- Opaque fabric (on most sizes) makes it harder to see contents inside
The other picks
- WirecutterSea to Summit Big River Dry Bag — Upgrade pick with tougher fabric and useful lash loops for rafting
- WirecutterEarth Pak Original Waterproof Dry Bag — Budget pick that's far cheaper and fine for casual use
The sources we read for this pick (1)
- WirecutterWirecutter: The Best Dry Bag