Dry Bags

Dry Bags

Dry bags are a great storage space designed to protect your belongings with a watertight seal, making them the ideal pack for water sports enthusiasts. Perfect for a day out on the water, whether you’re sailing, boating or kayaking, dry bags will keep your valuables safe from water damage. Dry bags are also useful for keeping your contents dry and safe during a camping or hiking adventure.

What’s the difference between a dry sack and dry bag?

These two options can almost be split into two completely different things. A lightweight dry sack is often designed to go within another bag, such as a hiking backpack whereas a heavy-duty dry bag is robust and durable enough to be carried on its own.

A lightweight dry sack is still tough, designed with a higher denier making them suitable for activities such as boating. Your heavy-duty bag is built to withstand wetter environments such as a storm, making them a great choice for hiking, camping and motorbike touring where you may not have much cover.

What can you put in a dry bag or sack?

BCF’s dry bag range varies in sizes from 2L up to 35L, so it goes without saying that the size you select will determine what you can stow away for water-resistant protection. Smaller dry bags are much more suited to storing phones, wallet and keys whereas larger bags can hold sleeping bags and bulkier clothing. You may find that you will have to carry more than one dry bag for your needs which is perfectly normal and quite common.

Are dry sacks waterproof?

Although a robust bag that is designed to be buoyant depending on the weight of its contents, dry sacks are not entirely ‘waterproof’, rather, they are water-resistant. Each brand will advise their water resistance rating that will estimate the length of time the sack can be submerged without causing damage to your belongings. While they can withstand this level of submersion, they are not designed to be a sole watertight barrier to protect your electronic items such as mobile phones, cameras and other items sensitive to water damage.

To test the effectiveness of your dry sacks waterproof abilities, you may want to try submerging the bag at home in a tub. You can also turn it inside out and fill it with water to see if it leaks.

Can you wash a dry bag?

Yes, you can wash your dry bag. If you take your dry bag camping or hiking, you’ll likely notice some scuffs and dirt gradually building up on the outside of your pack. Most of these marks can be removed by simply wiping them down with a wet cloth or with a hose. For more stubborn stains, you can wash the pack with soap though it is recommended to avoid putting them through a washing machine in case it damages the water-resistant material. Do not attempt to tumble dry a dry bag – always air dry. Even though the material is usually strong and durable, you should avoid dragging along the ground and ensure it doesn’t come into contact with sharp objects. Additionally, it’s best to keep the bag away from solvents and insect repellent.