What Size Dry Bag for Kayaking?

Kayaking allows you to connect with nature while paddling across a tranquil lake or meandering through a river. One thing you cannot avoid while out on the water is — water. This is where dry bags come into play. Dry storage bags serve the purpose of protecting your gear.

Not all dry bags are made equal — especially regarding size. Selecting the correct dry bag size for kayaking can spell the difference between a comfortable day on the water and flooded gear. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Common Dry Bag Sizes and Uses

Dry bags vary in size from an ultra compact 2 liter pouch to a large 60 liter sack. Here are the most common sizes used in kayaking along with their capacity estimates:

5L Dry Bag

• Ideale per: Essentials on short paddles or half-day trips

• What it fits: Phone, keys, wallet, clip on sunscreen and a light snack

• Why it works: It is stowable behind the seat and under the deck bungees.

10L Dry Bag

• Ideale per: Day trips

• What it fits: Towel, light jacket, go pro, gopro, snacks, small first aid kit.

• Why it works: It gives you suffcient space without overloading the kayak.

20L Dry Bag

• Ideale per: Day expedition paddles or Increased days with more gear.

• What it fits: Lunch box, spare clothes, rain jacket, towel

• Why it works: It is handy, balanced and fully manageable considering the amount of equipment that needs to be packed.

30L – 40L+ Dry Bag

• Ideale per: Multi day or overnight kayaking.

• What it fits: Sleeping bag, cooking gear, flip flops, change of clothes and dry shoes.

• Why it works: These carry larger equipment best suited for kayak camping.

Choose the Right Dry Bag by Kayaking Scenario

Different kayaking adventures call for different packing strategies. Here’s a breakdown of what size dry bag works best depending on the type of trip:

Half-Day Trips (5L–10L)

A well-suited option for paddlers intending to spend a limited number of hours on the water. Getting your phone, keys, ID, sunscreen, and maybe snack together is essential. A 5L or 10L dry bag should cover and be sufficient for all the essentials.

Full-Day Kayaking (15L–20L)

If you’re out the entire day, you’ll probably need to pack a lunch, extra clothing, or at least a towel. 15L-20L bags are fantastic for stowing and carrying everything you might need whilst still being easy to handle.

Multi-Day Expeditions (30L–40L+)

Space and organization become essential for overnight or multi-day trips. You will also have to carry sleeping gear, some spare clothes, food, and possible cooking supplies. A dry bag of 30L or more can easily handle the bulk of your items. Many paddlers use a collection of smaller and larger dry bags to evenly distribute weight and access items more easily.

Dry Bag Size-to-Item Reference Table

Tips for Choosing the Right Size

These factors can also play a role in size selection:

• Your Kayak’s Storage Space: Smaller kayaks have smaller hatches. If needed, measure the hatch opening to ensure bigger bags will fit.

• Body Size & Carrying Style: If you’re smaller or have limited carrying strength, a few 10L bags may be more manageable than one large 40L bag.

• Your Packing Habits: A minimalist may have fewer requirements, while a family or traveler may need higher capacity.

• Shoulder Straps or Handles: These simplify the transportation of the kayak bag during breaks and portages using single or double shoulder straps.

• Material Choice: TPU bags are better for regular paddlers because they are lighter and more flexible. PVC has budget advantages, but more expensive, heavy, and rugged.

Dry Bag Packing Tips

After picking the size(s), efficient packing could further aid in optimizing space and ensuring waterproofing:

• Pack bulky items at the bottom: Sleeping bags or jackets go first. Place smaller or frequently used items on top.

• Use compression bags: These aids in Shrinking the volume of clothes or sleeping gear before placing them in the dry bag.

• Leave sealing space: Don’t overfill. Leave room to roll the top at least 3–4 times to ensure a watertight seal.

• Use multiple bags by category: Leave space for rolling the bag’s opening at least 3–4 times to ensure all air is expelled for tight sealing.

• Opt for transparent or light-colored liners: Designate one dry bag for clothing, another for food, another for electronics, etc. This aids in organization while keeping the items tidy.

Conclusione

Selecting the appropriate size of dry bag for kayaking isn’t merely an issue of convenience – it is about ensuring that your gear is organized, protected from the elements, and dry. The right combination of dry bags for a user’s needs can enhance the experience whether going for a short afternoon paddle or a multi-day expedition.

It is not only about taking more, but also about taking in a more sophisticated manner. Invest in different sizes and arrange them according to their function to make your kayaking adventures dry and stress-free.