Last updated on November 6th, 2023.
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A dry bag can come in handy when you carry items that need to stay dry no matter what. We tell you what to look for.
Table of Contents:
How to Choose the Best Dry Bag
Best Dry Bag Quick Answer List
Best Dry Bags for Fishing 2023 Reviewed
How to Choose the Best Dry Bag
Dry bags have become a popular piece of gear for outdoor enthusiasts. Their primary purpose is to keep the gear inside dry, hence they are mostly built with one big compartment. (Make sure to check out our Guide to the Best Waterproof Backpacks) They are made from waterproof material such as nylon and almost always feature a roll-top closure where you fold the top of the bag a few times and then close it with a buckle strap. This mechanism ensures that no water enters and your gear stays dry no matter the outside conditions.
As fly fishermen we know a thing or two about staying dry. Hence we compiled this review to give you our recommendations of the best dry bags on the market in 2023. Let’s jump right in.
Best Dry Bag Quick Answer List
2. Filson Large
4. Fishpond Thunderhead Roll-Top
5. Umpqua Tongass Fly Fishing Waterproof
6. Skog Å Kust Waterproof Floating
8. KastKing
Best Dry Bags for Fishing 2023 Reviewed
Of course the term “best” is somewhat personal. Spending a lot of time out on the water, we have put many dry bags for fishing to use and hence feel comfortable giving you our favourites in this review.
Notice: We take part in affiliate programs. If you click on one of the links in the text and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we are convinced of.
Sea to Summit Big River
Brand new for the 2023, we want to bring you the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag for Fishing which already was a great product before the makeover but now it’s gotten even better. This is a waterproof dry bag (beware: it’s not fully submersible) that shines due to its lightweight build (even in the huge 65L version it only comes in at 15.3oz).
It’s available in 6 different sizes ranging from 5L all the way 65 L and four colors. Personally I’m a big fan of the new red which is subtle enough along the river but still highly visible. The closure buckle of the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag for Fishing is straight forward. You just roll it a few times and tighten the buckle – that’s it. On the side of the dry bag, you can attach other gear or attach the bag itself to a raft or drift boat.
DIMENSIONS: 15.0 x 13.9 x 28.3 inches | 38.1 x 35.2 x 71.8 cm (in the 65L version)
Filson Large – Best Dry Bag for Fly Fishing
The Filson Large is one of the toughest dry bags for fishing on the market. Made from TPU-coated 840D nylon it can stand the test of the roughest conditions. The side handle makes it comfortable to grab and carry it no matter how heavy loaded it is. The detachable shoulder strap comes in handy when carrying the Filson Large over longer distances.
You open and close the Filson Large by rolling the top of the bag about three times and then close it with the buckle. Comes in green and bright orange. If you are looking for something a little smaller, check out the Filson Small Dry with a capacity of 4.5L.
DIMENSIONS: 29-1/4”H x 12-1/2”W x 7-1/2”D, CAPACITY: 27L
Simms Dry Creek
The Simms Dry Creek is a dry bag as simple, yet functional as they come. It’s available in a bright orange color and three different sizes (Size S – 10L, Size M – 20L and Size L – 36L). All sizes are made with Simms’ seam-sealed technology to ensure waterproofness. The medium-sized dry bag is the right choice if you want to bring a set of spare clothes and some camera equipment for example.
The Simms features a D-ring next to the buckle to attach it on a boat or to some other gear you might be carrying. Made from TPU-coated nylon, non-submersible (which means you can’t immerse it).
DIMENSIONS: 20.5″ x 12″ x 6.5″; 3 rolls closed: 16″ x 12″ x 6.5″ – CAPACITY: 20 L; 1220 cu. in. – WEIGHT: 4.8 oz.
Fishpond Thunderhead Roll-Top
The Fishpond Thunderhead Roll-Top is another excellent choice if you are looking for a tough dry bag companion. Made from recycled nylon, the Fishpond Thunderhead Roll-Top‘s strength is its simplicity. A straightforward bag with a roll-top closure and a D-ring to attach it to other gear or secure in a boat or raft.
The Fishpond Thunderhead Roll-Top comes in two colors, green (pictured above) and a bright orange which can be a good choice if you want to use it for whitewater rafting for example due to its high visibility.
DIMENSIONS: 13″x9.5″ when rolled closed – WEIGHT: 8lbs
Umpqua Tongass Fly Fishing Waterproof Bag
The Umpqua Tongass Fly Fishing Waterproof Roll-Top is a good choice if you are looking for a lightweight dry bag. Umpqua describes it as highly water-resistant, hence not waterproof. Made from durable 420D nylon it can take anything you through at it.
The Umpqua Tongass Fly Fishing Waterproof Roll-Top comes in sizes of 2L, 10L, 20L and 35L.
Skog Å Kust Waterproof Floating
If you are looking for the utmost in choices in terms of sizes and colors, the Skog Å Kust Waterproof Floating is for you. Just like the other products in this review, the Skog Å Kust Waterproof Floating features a roll-top closure and a buckle for secure protection from the elements.
The front slip pocket of the Skog Å Kust Waterproof Floating offers quick access to a fishing or boating license without the need to open the main compartment. A D-ring attached to the buckle and the detachable shoulder strap offer a lot of flexibility. The Skog Å Kust Waterproof Floating comes in three sizes (5L, 10L, 20L).
Earth Pak-Waterproof
The Earth Pak-Waterproof is another very versatile dry bag. Made from a heavy 500D PVC, the neat features of the Earth Pak-Waterproof are its waterproof phone case that comes with the bag and the small zippered pocket on the front that allows quick access to essentials such as car keys, a license or a wallet (not waterproof).
The Earth Pak-Waterproof also comes with a D-ring and a detachable shoulder strap. You can choose from a large variety of sizes (10L, 20L, 30L and 40L) and six colors.
KastKing
The KastKing is a good choice if your focus is on keeping your gear organised. The see-through design on the front allows you to easily know what’s inside your bag. Another neat little feature of the KastKing is the waterproof phone case that comes with it.
The KastKing features a detachable shoulder strap and a D-ring. It comes in multiple sizes (10L, 20L and 30L) and wide variety of colors.
Conclusion on Dry Bags
As you can see from our review almost all dry bags are built the same way. They open and close to a main compartment with a roll-top closure and buckle. Almost all also feature a D-ring which allows to attach the bag to other gear or safely secure it on a boat or raft. They also come in all sort of sizes and colors. Some of them feature a shoulder strap, others keep it to a minimum and need to be carried holding on to the top handle.
Best Dry Bag FAQ
A good size dry bag is one that can hold all your gear. Since everybody has their own preferences, dry bags come in all sorts of sizes ranging from very small ones that hold 2L all the way up to 30L.
Yes, dry bags are completely waterproof, hence the name dry bag. Some dry bags are even fully submersible which means you can put them under water for a certain amount of time without water entering the inside of the bag.
A dry bag is a great option for water sports such as sailing, SUP riding, kayaking or fishing from a boat. Especially if you are carrying expensive gear such as a camera, a dry bag just adds a layer of protection.
Read more of our Gear Guides here:
Ultimate Guide: Best Wading Jackets
Buyer’s Guide Best Wading Boots
Guide to the Best Fly Rod under 200$
A Guide to the Best Fly Fishing Starter Kits
Topo Designs Quick Pack: A Hip Pack Not Only for Fly Fishermen
Guide to the Best Fly Reels for Saltwater
Oakley Clifden Review: Great for Fly Fishing
Patagonia Wading Jackets: Buyer’s Guide
Notice: We take part in affiliate programs. If you click on one of the links in the text and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we are convinced of.
