There are fewer things worse than trudging around in wet, soggy clothes. Having no dry clothes to change into might be one of them. That’s why it’s so important to keep items in your backpack dry when you’re traveling. Dry sacks can do just that. These nifty water-resistant bags slot into your rucksack and help to protect your belongings from getting wet.
There are many options to choose from, such as the Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Compression Dry Sack, which is ideal for camping due to its ability to minimize items to one-third of their size.
What to know before you buy a dry sack for travel
Dry sack vs. dry bag
Many people are not aware that there is actually a difference between a dry sack and a dry bag. While both essentially provide the same function, keeping your gear dry, they are used in very different ways.
Dry sacks: These keep your gear organized and dry while inside another bag. They are ideal for keeping wet clothes away from dry ones and preventing items from getting wet if you briefly get caught in the rain. They are typically thin and lightweight, so they don’t take up much room or add a lot more weight to your bag. However, this same quality also means they aren’t as strong as dry bags. Dry sacks are water-resistant, not waterproof. They aren’t designed to be submerged in water, for this you will need a dry bag.
Dry bags: These are heavy-duty bags that can be used independently. Their tough construction and waterproof nature make them ideal for watersports. They tend to be heavier than dry sacks, yet this typically isn’t a big concern.
Dry sack material
Unlike dry bags, which are made from either PVC or nylon, dry sacks are nearly always constructed out of the latter. Nylon is both lightweight and durable, making it ideal for traveling. For the sacks to keep items dry, manufacturers either use a waterproof coating on the fabric or utilize Cordura nylon, which is itself waterproof.
What size dry sack should I buy?
If you only want to protect a few valuables, such as a phone or camera, a 3-liter sack should suffice. For larger electronics, such as tablets or laptops, you’ll need to check the dimensions of the bag. Alternatively, you could invest in a specific waterproof laptop sleeve. To accommodate most of your clothing, you’ll need at least a 15- or 20-liter selection. Most travelers purchase a few bags in various sizes. These help to organize and compress your belongings, similar to packing cubes, with the added benefit of keeping them dry.
Dry sack for travel features
Roll-top closure
The best dry sacks on the market feature a roll-top closure. This is an effective feature for keeping water out of the bag, provided you follow the instructions and close the sack correctly.
Compression dry sacks
Some dry sacks have a compression feature that helps to minimize the space items take up in your bag. They are ideal for bulky items such as sleeping bags or winter coats as they can reduce their size by up to two-thirds. Although they are great for saving space in your bag, it’s important to remember the weight of the items will remain the same. Travelers should be wary of their backpack becoming too heavy to carry.
Dry sack colors
If you’re going to use multiple dry sacks, it’s a good idea to choose a few different colors. This will help you to differentiate between items in your luggage without having to unroll and open each sack to see what’s inside.
Dry sack for travel cost
For a small dry sack with reasonable waterproofing, you should expect to pay $10-$15. The larger the sack, the more expensive they will be, with 15- to 35-liter sacks being priced at roughly $20-$30. Compression dry sacks tend to cost a little more again.
Dry sack for travel FAQ
Do I need dry sacks for traveling?
A. Dry sacks are perfect for traveling as they not only help to compartmentalize your belongings but also help to prevent them from getting wet. If you get caught in a storm, you’ll be thankful for some dry clothes, and for a place to store your wet ones, too.
How reliable are dry sacks?
A. There are a number of companies producing dry sacks with varying levels of reliability. As a rule of thumb, products from well-known and respected companies are likely to be more resilient than unknown brands. That said, always remember that dry sacks are not intended for full water submersion.
Which dry sack should I get for travel?
Best of the best dry sack for travel
Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Compression Dry Sack: available at Amazon
Our take: The perfect space saver for backpacking or hiking.
What we like: This sack maximizes space in your pack by compacting bulky items to up to one-third of their size. It’s available in several sizes from 3 liters to 20 liters.
What we dislike: It’s approximately double the weight of most non-compression alternatives.
Best bang for your buck dry sack for travel
Outdoor Products 3-Pack All-Purpose Dry Sack: available at Amazon
Our take: This reasonably priced set is ideal for those on a budget who don’t intend to trek for hours in torrential rain.
What we like: These lightweight sacks provide enough protection to keep clothes dry in mild conditions. Plus, the three bags come in different colors, making them easy to identify in your bag.
What we dislike: They don’t offer as much protection as more expensive products.
Honorable mention dry sack for travel
Osprey UltraLight 3 Dry Sack: available at Amazon
Our take: This excellent sack from a well-respected brand is perfect for keeping electronic devices and small items dry.
What we like: This product holds up well in wet conditions. And as it’s constructed out of 40-denier ripstop nylon, it should stand the test of time.
What we dislike: Some colors are more expensive than others.
Catherine Bushen is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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