Best Dry Bags for UK Hiking, Kayaking and Camping 2026

Why Dry Bags Beat Rain Covers

Rain covers leak. They don't seal at the back where your pack contacts your body, and wind blows rain underneath them. A dry bag inside your pack keeps gear dry regardless. Use both if you want, but the dry bag is the one that actually matters.

In UK conditions — where rain is not a possibility but a certainty — proper waterproof storage isn't optional. We've seen countless people arrive at camp with a soaking sleeping bag because they relied on a rain cover alone. A £10 dry bag prevents that entirely.

Top 5 Dry Bags

1. Exped Fold Drybag — ~£10–20 (Best All-Round)

Available in multiple sizes (1L to 40L), welded seams, roll-top closure. Tough enough for regular use, light enough for backpacking. The no-fuss option that just works.

Pros: Great value, reliable seams, range of sizes, durable Cons: Not the lightest, basic design

2. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack — ~£12–18 (Best Ultralight)

30D siliconised nylon, incredibly light (30g for the 8L). Perfect for sleeping bags, down jackets and electronics. Not the toughest but impressively waterproof.

Pros: Ultralight, packs tiny, reliably waterproof Cons: Thinner fabric snags more easily, not for sharp objects

3. Alpkit Airlok Drybag — ~£8–15 (Best Budget)

TPU-welded, available from 1L to 20L, decent durability at Alpkit's keen pricing. Good honest dry bags from a British brand.

Pros: Cheap, well-made, range of sizes Cons: Slightly heavier than ultra-sil options

4. Ortlieb PS490 — ~£15–25 (Most Durable)

German-made, thick PVC, virtually indestructible. Heavy but will survive years of abuse in kayaks, canoes and rough use. The professional's choice for water sports.

Pros: Extremely durable, bombproof waterproofing, D-ring attachments Cons: Heavy, stiff material, overkill for backpacking

5. Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Bag — ~£30–45 (Best for Water Sports)

Heavy-duty TPU with a roll-top and removable shoulder strap. Designed for proper water exposure — kayaking, canoeing, coasteering. Fully submersible.

Pros: Tough, submersible, shoulder strap, excellent for water activities Cons: Expensive, heavy, too much for simple hiking

Size Guide

The Colour-Coding System

Use a system: one small dry bag for electronics, one medium for sleeping bag/clothes, one for food. Colour-code them so you can find things quickly. It's faster than rummaging through one massive bag in the dark.

Our system: blue for sleeping gear, yellow for electronics, green for food, red for first aid. You'll develop your own, but consistency is what makes it work.

Pro Tip

A dry bag makes an excellent emergency pillow when partially inflated. Roll the top closed with some air trapped inside — instant pillow that weighs nothing because you're already carrying it. Multi-use items are the hallmark of efficient packing.