If you spend a lot of time camping or being outdoors period, you know how important it is to carry a dry bag with you. You should also know how important it is to choose one that is the best quality. Consider it as an investment – you want something that will provide you with the functionality you need, but also stand the tests of time.There are a lot of brands out there, each with their own specs and features that sound great. But which ones actually deliver on what they say they do? Let’s take a look at a few features to help you decide what exactly you’re looking for and find the best dry bag for you.Regardless of what type of outdoor trip you’re going on, you are going to need the best waterproof bag you can get your hands on. However, it’s still important to keep in mind you’ll make the best choice if you shop for waterproof bags with your activities in mind. Will you be sailing? Sticking to dry land? Here are some key features you should keep an eye out for when comparison shopping:Of course the main reason for buying a waterproof dry bag is to store your gear while out and about.

But do you know how to pack and store your things best, using one of the bags reviewed here? Using bags that come in a multi pack with different sizes is probably a top choice for most people who enjoy being outdoors. Particularly if you’re going to be out a while.Use the smaller bags such as 2 or 5 liters for storing your phone, camera or other gadgets. Use the larger ones for clothes. The larger ones can also be used for separating your dirty and clean clothes if you’re out camping. When carrying multiple bags, you can also store them one inside the other (assuming you have left enough room to do so for convenience.Going back to keeping your type of activity in mind, here’s some more examples of what adventure requires what type of bag. For hiking, a lightweight coated bag made of nylon or polyester is a common choice. If you’re going paddling or kayaking, heavy duty bags made of vinyl provide the necessary durability that withstands being stored in tight boat hatchets.When it comes to packing your things, a common challenge is making sure excess air is out of the bag.

To work around that annoyance, look for a waterproof dry bag that features a purge valve, A purge valve is a handy feature that enables you to force excess air out, all while keeping outside air form getting in the bag. You’ll find that bags with a purge valve are one of the best choices out there.If the bag you choose doesn’t have a purge valve, don’t worry. Depending on the material try rolling the bag to get excess air out. Here’s how you do it:That won’t be the way to squeeze air out of your bag every time you need to pack up and head out.The technique will be vary depending on what material your bag is made from and how much you need to pack. But generally, that method can be uses. So now with some usage tips, packing tips and specs in mind, let’s get into a few waterproof dry bag favorites that have proven to work well.Description: If you think you’ll need a variety of sizes for your next adventure, the Outdoor Products 3 pack dry bags might be what you need. Similar to others, these bags have a roll top closure and double stitched taped seams.

They’re made from a polyutherane coated fabric. Also similar to other bags, they have a disclaimer that they aren’t intended for submersion. They come in an assortment of colors and seem to be primarily used for kayaking and other water sports.fuhu backpackDescription: Geckobrands waterproof 30L backpack is great for a number of activities such as boating, hunting, kayaking and more. ascend 5400 backpack reviewEven if you just plan on spending a day by the pool or on the beach, these bags have proven to do quite well. cydwoq backpackSimilar to The Friendly Swede, Geckobrands also believes being outdoors should be a worry-free time. hype utopia backpack

So they created large dry bags with a 30 liter capacity.They don’t recommend extended periods on top of water, submersions or the bags being used as flotation devices. samsonite guardit laptop backpack 13-14You’ll find that those are typically the general rules for waterproof bags of all brands.backpack cha eun sangDescription: With a 4.5 star rating and plenty of great reviews, DryCASE Manonboro bags definitely set a standard in waterproof bags. Whatever the outdoor adventure you have in mind, these 100% waterproof bags are guaranteed to keep your belongings dry and secure. That sounds like a lofty guarantee, considering most other brands provide a disclaimer stating the exact opposite.But they follow through on their word. Additionally, another feature that makes DryCase’s bags such a great choice is the purge valve.

This unique feature allows you to inflate or compress the bag or enables you to drain the bag, if you’re using it for cooling or even showering. That’s a lot of versatility from a backpack.Description: Waterproof Dry Bags by Odyssey has an added bonus – a smartphone dry bag. So if you’re a modern outdoorsy type that doesn’t like to travel without your phone, this is probably your bag. Odyssey dry bags are guaranteed to keep your belongings dry and secure whether you’re kayaking in tough waters, deep diving or just enjoying a day on the lake.And remember earlier when it was suggested you treat purchasing a dry bag as an investment? Well Odyssey’s bags happen to be guaranteed to last a lifetime. So you definitely get a high quality, durable bag that is also very reasonably priced.Description: The Friendly Swede’s message is that they believe being outdoors should be a worry-free experience. To help ensure that, they created several different sizes and colors of dry bags that provide the right functionality, to fit your needs.

The only con is that they aren’t guaranteed to be 100% waterproof. However, most bags probably aren’t 100% waterproof (even if they say they are) so don’t let that deter you from giving this one a try anyway. It has plenty of great features that just might be what you are looking for.Description: The Baja dry bag is SealLine’s most popular choice. The versatility and durability of these bags has been proven for both land and water activities. The vinyl bags are 19 ounces deep, with a heavy duty 30 ounce bottom. They also feature the typical, strong roll top closure and D-rings and come in six sizes. The dimensions are 18” x 5” x 3” and is a light weight of 1.4 pounds.Description: These nylon dry bags manufactured by GadgetCenter are ultralight. Exped Fold Dry 4 Pack Drybag are made of a 15D nylon with a silicone coating on the outside. The inside coating is PU and guaranteed to do well for outdoor activities.Try it out for hiking, rafting, or even rock climbing. They’re even made of a translucent fabric so you can get to exactly what you need quickly.

The set of four includes 3 liter, 5 liter, 8 liter and 13 liter bags. According to Exped, nothing is more annoying than a waterproof drybag that does the opposite of what it claims.Specifically, letting moisture in instead of keeping it out. That’s a sentiment all adventurers probably find agreeable. So Exped has a very good attention to detail to make sure they deliver on what the guarantee. Quality and durability are their top concerns when it comes to their bags.Description: Karrimor Dry Bag 5 Litres are another great option for holding your belongings. They are available in a number of sizes like the smaller 5 liter, or even 40 and liters. They also come in a number of colors.The 5 liter bags are great for storing smaller items such as cameras, phones, batteries and more. Additionally, when it’s packed down it’ll fit into most rusack pockets.Description: According to Freegrace (and a lot of positive feedback from buyers) if you’re looking for the most durable and lightweight bag you can find, they are who want to go with.

They’re also pretty cost efficient. Freegrace Top Premium Lightweight Dry Sack/Dry Bags even goes the extra mile and offers a 90 day, money back guarantee if your bag doesn’t deliver. The bags are available in sizes small enough for you to just carry your phone, tablet, wallet or other smaller, light weight items. Additionally, they are available in sizes large enough to store your clothing and more.By now you know whether your adventures include white water rafting, hiking, mountaineering or something simpler like a day on the lake with friends, a waterproof bag is your greatest asset for keeping your things secure and of course, dry. The 9 waterproof bags above are all great options in their own ways, but it’s ultimately up to you to decide which is the best option.There are also plenty more types of bags within the brands mentioned here, for you to try. Before you settle on one, take a look at some other customer reviews as well to help you make your decision.Look for feedback that specifically deals with whatever activities you have in mind.