Best Waterproof Bags for Kayaking and Canoeing — A Paddler’s Guide

Capsizing, spray, rain, and waves — kayaking and canoeing will test any bag to its limits. Here’s how to choose the right waterproof dry bag to keep your gear bone dry on the water.

If you’ve ever fished a soggy sandwich out of a soaked rucksack after a day on the river, you already know that a normal bag doesn’t cut it on the water. Kayaking and canoeing put your gear in direct contact with water — whether it’s spray over the bow, rain from above, or the occasional unplanned swim.

A proper waterproof bag for kayaking is essential kit for any paddler. Whether you need a kayak dry bag for a short paddle or a canoe dry bag for a multi-day trip, choosing the best dry bag for kayaking comes down to size and how you use it. But which size? And what features actually matter? Here’s our guide, based on years of supplying bags to kayakers, canoeists, and International Search and Rescue (ISAR) teams who use our gear in the most demanding water conditions on earth.

Why You Need a Dry Bag for Kayaking (Not Just a “Waterproof” Bag)

There’s a big difference between “water-resistant” and “waterproof.” Many bags marketed as waterproof will keep light rain out but fail completely when submerged or hit by sustained spray — exactly the conditions you face in a kayak or canoe.

Ultra Dry bags use a roll-top closure system that creates a watertight seal when folded down at least three times. There are no zips to fail, no seams to leak, and no flimsy rain covers to blow away. They’re rated for full submersion — so even if you capsize, your kit stays dry.

Which Size Dry Bag for Kayaking?

Sit-on-Top Kayak or Short Paddle (1–3 hours)

Recommended: 5L Dry Bag (£13.99) or 10L Dry Bag (£15.99)

For short paddles, you just need to protect the essentials: phone, keys, wallet, and maybe a snack. The 5L fits neatly in a cockpit or clipped to your deck. The 10L gives you room for a spare layer and a water bottle too.

Day Trip on a River or Lake

Recommended: 20L Dry Bag Backpack (£19.99)

A full day on the water means lunch, spare clothes, sun cream, and a proper first aid kit. The 20L has backpack straps so you can carry it to and from the water comfortably, then stow it in your boat during the paddle. It fits easily into most touring kayak hatches and canoe barrels.

Multi-Day Kayak Touring or Canoe Camping

Recommended: 35L Waterproof Backpack (£38.99) or 55L Waterproof Backpack (£45.99)

Looking for a waterproof bag for canoeing or multi-day touring? These trips mean sleeping gear, cooking kit, and multiple days of food. The 35L handles most overnight and weekend trips. For longer expeditions or if you’re carrying group kit in a canoe (where space is less of an issue), the 55L gives you room for everything.

Pro tip: Use a 5L dry bag inside your larger bag to keep your sleeping bag separate from everything else. That way, even if you open your main bag with wet hands, your sleeping bag stays guaranteed dry.

Features That Matter for Paddlers

• Roll-top closure — More reliable than zips, which can corrode and fail in saltwater environments
• Backpack straps — Essential for portaging between waterways or carrying gear from the car to the launch point
• Bright colours — If your bag goes overboard, you want to spot it quickly. Our bags come in high-visibility colours
• Durability — Kayak hatches, rocks, gravel banks, and canoe gunwales are all rough on bags. Ultra Dry bags are built from heavy-duty materials designed for exactly this kind of use
• Buoyancy — Our bags float when sealed with air inside. This means a capsize doesn’t mean losing your gear to the bottom of the river

Don’t Forget Your Phone

A waterproof phone case (£10.99) is a must for kayakers. Keep your phone accessible for photos, GPS navigation, and emergencies without risking water damage. Our IPX8-rated cases protect up to 10 feet underwater and the touchscreen works through the case.

Trusted on the Toughest Water

Our bags are trusted by International Search and Rescue (ISAR) teams who operate in extreme water conditions. The same waterproof technology that protects critical rescue equipment will keep your sandwiches, sleeping bag, and spare socks completely dry — guaranteed.

Every Ultra Dry bag comes with a 5-Year Guarantee. If it fails, we replace it.

Equipping a Kayak or Canoe Club?

We offer a B2B price list with up to 30% discount on bulk orders of six cartons or more. Perfect for paddling clubs, scout groups, outdoor centres, and activity providers. Contact mark@ultradrybags.co.uk for pricing.