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
★star.shop pickWirecutter pick
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
- Opaque fabric (on most sizes) makes it harder to see contents inside
Minor nitpicks
- No exterior pockets or lash points on the standard model
- PVC coating is heavier than lightweight nylon/TPU alternatives
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