Choosing a waterproof backpack: 5 litre, 10 litre or 20 litre?

An ordinary backpack cannot withstand a heavy downpour, let alone a dip in the water. A dry bag can. These bags are made from waterproof PVC material and are sealed by rolling down the top, preventing any water from reaching your belongings. Ideal if you are active outdoors and want to keep your phone, clothing or camera dry.

The difference from a waterproof bag? A dry bag backpack has shoulder straps, so you can carry it comfortably on your back. This makes it much more practical than a loose waterproof bag that you have to carry by hand.

A small 5-litre backpack is perfect when you need to carry little but want to keep it dry. Think of:

• Short cycling trips. Phone, wallet, keys and perhaps a rain jacket.
• Stand-up paddleboarding. You want to take your phone and car keys safely onto the water.
• Running in the rain. Just enough room for the essentials.
• Beach visits. Protect your belongings from sand and splashing water.

The dry bag 5 litre is our smallest option. Lightweight, compact and easy to roll up when not in use.

With 10 litres you have just that bit of extra space that makes the difference. This size is the most popular choice and for good reason:

• Day hikes. Room for water, lunch, an extra layer of clothing and your phone.
• Kayaking and canoeing. All your personal belongings fit inside, plus a towel.
• Cycling to work. A laptop will not fit, but a tablet, lunch and rain gear will.
• Festivals. Everything stays dry, even when it starts raining.

The dry bag 10 litre is the perfect middle ground. Large enough to carry serious gear, small enough not to get in the way.

A 20-litre backpack is the choice for those who need more. In terms of capacity, this is a full hiking backpack, but fully waterproof:

• Multi-day hiking trips. Clothing, sleeping bag liner, food and drinks: it all fits inside.
• Sailing and boating. All your gear for a day on the water, including spare clothing.
• Travelling. As cabin luggage on the plane or as a day bag at your destination.
• Motorcycling. Everything dry despite the rain, securely on your back.

With the dry bag 20 litre you have a hiking backpack that can handle a downpour. Or even full submersion, should it come to that.

Our dry bags are made from thick PVC material. Why PVC and not coated nylon?

• Fully waterproof. PVC does not let any water through, even with prolonged contact. Coated nylon can start leaking over time.
• Durable. PVC is resistant to UV, abrasion and wear. Your dry bag will last for years.
• Easy to clean. Simply rinse with water and it is as good as new.
• Welded seams. Instead of stitched seams (which let water through), the seams of a good waterproof backpack are welded. This makes it 100% waterproof.

Still undecided? Start with the 10-litre: for most people that is the best choice. If you specifically need a small bag for just the essentials, 5 litres is sufficient. Going on multi-day adventures or want to bring plenty of gear? Then 20 litres is your size.

• Order dry bag 5 litre
• Order dry bag 10 litre
• Order dry bag 20 litre

View all dry bags in our webshop and choose the size that suits your adventure.