Dry Bags
Dry bags come in many sizes and a few different shapes. They are made from very tough vinyl-rubber like material. The openings fold over several times and then the ends of the fold are buckled together. Dry bags are made specially for rafting, canoeing and kayaking. I
suspect they can leak but I have not seen one leak.
Food storage bags, trash bags, merchandise bags, etc. will all leak. They are not suitable for paddling activities.
These types of bags are the mark of a beginner who either has not received
proper guidance or has ignored good advice. I have seen lots of these leak.
Dry bags are used to carry or store most anything. They should always be tied to the boat in some manor. In cool and cold weather, a dry bag with a complete change of clothes is a requirement for any paddling activity. This
requirement is in addition to proper paddle clothing.
Dry bags can be carried inside most kayaks and canoes. They can also be carried on top of some kayaks using rubber bungee cords. For instance, a sleeping bag and pad could be carried in a large dry bag and lashed behind the cockpit of a sea/touring kayak. Heavier items should be
stowed as low as possible.
When selecting a dry bag, select a larger bag than you think you need.
Most dry bags can be sealed when only partially full and they will then be
flexible to fit in tight places such as in sealed kayak cargo spaces, bows and
sterns. Beware, some of the very large dry bags with back-pack straps
can't be sealed unless they are full.
Dry boxes are also available. They provide rigid waterproof storage and rapid access for delicate items
such as a camera, cell phone or PDA. Dry boxes are typically quite heavy as compared to dry bags of similar
volume so their use is usually limited to special applications.
© 2005 Chris Collins, All Rights Reserved