Best dry bags for wild swimmers
Keep your wet kit separate from your cosy layers with our pick of the best dry bags for wild swimmers
ORCA Dry Bag, £20
Pro: Robust and feels like it will last
Con: Not submersible
I regularly use this roomy 25L dry bag to store a sopping wet wetsuit in my kit bag, and it always performs brilliantly, keeping the rest of my kit dry. The clip closure and heat-sealed seams keep all moisture contained – although Orca are keen to point out that it does not provide watertight protection when completely submerged. For what I need it for, though, it’s ideal. It’s a decent size – I’ve also used it as a stuff sack for the Orca changing robe, to create more space in my bag. It’s lightweight, quick to dry, and rolls down small when not in use. A robust and reliable dry bag.
OSPREY Ultralight Dry Sack w/ Window 6L, £22
Pro: It folds up small
Con: A longer handle or strap would be useful
This Osprey dry sack is super lightweight and folds down small – yet when it’s in use, it can hold a surprising of stuff. It is ideal to throw in a backpack or suitcase when on the move. The window design makes it easy to find kit. It comes in three colours and sizes, which is useful when you’re travelling and have different types of ‘stuff’. It’s also ideal to keep wet kit away from the rest of your kit.
SHORE2SEA 15L dry bag, £32
Pro: Versatile with detachable straps
Con: None
We love Shore2Sea’s range of 5L, 10L, 15L and 20L dry bags, which feature quirky pattens from lobsters to puffins and seagulls. As a bonus, for every sale of the eye-catching yellow welly boot design, Shore2Sea will donate £1 to the RNLI. Made from tough 500D tarpaulin with heat welded seams, these vibrant bags are durable in all weather conditions. They are also fully waterproof when briefly submerged, so they’re a great choice for taking with you to adventurous swim spots, or for strapping to a paddleboard or kayak. They come with adjustable, detachable straps – or if you plan to walk further, you can buy a set of padded straps for £6.
SNOWDONIA GEAR & REPAIR Awning Roll Top, £28
Pro: Very lightweight and packable
Con: Only splash proof
These lightweight but durable roll-top bags – made using either repurposed caravan awning or paraglider material with deadstock webbing and hardware – are great for storing dry clothes or keeping your wet and dry kit separate. They’re a good size for stuffing in a down jacket or a complete set of post-swim layers. As the seams haven’t been sealed like a dry bag, they are only water resistant rather than completely waterproof so you wouldn’t want to submerge them or use them for valuable items that can’t get wet, but they’re still great for organising your kit bag with minimal environmental impact.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
