The sky looked fine at the trailhead. Two hours later, it’s pouring, your pack cover is flapping in the wind, and you’re starting to wonder how dry your sleeping clothes really are.
Most hiking backpacks aren’t waterproof. Water gets in through zippers, seams and the back panel, even with a rain cover on. A dry bag is the cheap, simple fix.
But “dry bag” covers two very different things: tough PVC roll-top bags you can carry on their own, and featherweight dry sacks that go inside your pack. We compared six popular options from Earth Pak, MARCHWAY, HEETA, Frelaxy and Wise Owl Outfitters to help you pick the right type and size.
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How we researched this: Materials, sizes and features come from the brands’ listings and retailer specs. JoinHikes has not hands-on tested these bags. Amazon prices, sizes and colors change, so check the listing before you buy.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Waterproof Bag for Hiking?
The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is the best all-round pick. It’s made from tough 500D PVC with a roll-top seal, comes in sizes from 5L to 55L, and includes an IPX8 waterproof phone case.
For rough, wet trips, the MARCHWAY has welded seams and floats when sealed. For backpacking, the Frelaxy 5-Pack of ultralight sacks keeps your clothes, sleep gear and electronics dry and organized inside your pack.
Simple rule: carrying the bag on its own or near water? Choose PVC. Putting it inside a backpack? Choose ultralight sacks.
Quick Comparison: Best Waterproof Bags for Hiking
On a phone, swipe the table sideways.
| Bag | Type | Material | Sizes | Carry | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earth Pak Dry Bag | Heavy-duty roll-top | 500D PVC | 5L–55L | Strap or backpack straps | Best overall | Check price |
| MARCHWAY Floating Dry Bag | Heavy-duty roll-top | PVC tarpaulin, welded seams | 5L–40L | Strap or backpack straps | Most rugged | Check price |
| Frelaxy Dry Bag 5-Pack | Ultralight sacks | 210T polyester, taped seams | 5 sizes | Inside your pack | Best organization | Check price |
| HEETA Dry Bag | Clear roll-top | See-through, welded seams | 5L–40L | Shoulder strap | See-through budget pick | Check price |
| Wise Owl Outfitters 3-Pack | Lightweight sacks | 190D ripstop nylon | 5L, 10L, 20L | Inside pack, D-ring | Tougher fabric sacks | Check price |
| Frelaxy Dry Bag 3-Pack | Ultralight sacks | 210T polyester, taped seams | 3 sizes | Inside your pack | Small, simple kits | Check price |
Specs from brand and retailer listings. Sizes, colors and included extras vary by Amazon variant, so check the exact listing.
PVC Dry Bags vs Ultralight Dry Sacks: Which Do You Need?
Short answer: PVC dry bags are for carrying gear on their own, near water or in rough conditions. Ultralight dry sacks are for keeping gear dry inside your hiking backpack. Most backpackers want the second kind.
| Feature | PVC roll-top bag | Ultralight dry sack |
|---|---|---|
| Example | Earth Pak, MARCHWAY, HEETA | Frelaxy, Wise Owl |
| Weight | Heavier (Earth Pak 20L ≈ 1.1 lb) | Very light (often a few ounces or less) |
| Toughness | Resists scrapes and rocks | Can tear on sharp edges |
| Carry on its own | Yes, with strap or backpack straps | No, goes inside a pack |
| Best use | Kayaking, beach, river crossings, camp | Backpacking, organizing clothes |
The 6 Best Waterproof Bags for Hiking, Reviewed
1. Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag — Best Overall
Best for: Day hikes near water, camping, kayaking and beach trips.
The Earth Pak is the classic do-it-all dry bag. It’s made from 500D PVC, a thick, scrape-resistant material, and closes with a roll-top and buckle. Roll the top down three or more times, clip it, and water has a hard time getting in.
The size range is huge, from 5L up to 55L. The 10L and 20L come with an adjustable shoulder strap. The 30L and bigger sizes get padded backpack straps and a chest strap, and the 55L adds a waist belt.
It also includes an IPX8-rated phone case that fits phones up to about 6.5 inches, so you can keep your phone in reach and still protected. The trade-off is weight. The 20L is listed at about 1.1 lb, which is a lot to put inside a backpack.
- Tough 500D PVC.
- Widest size range here.
- Waterproof phone case included.
- Backpack straps on bigger sizes.
- Many colors.
- Heavy for ultralight backpacking.
- Straps aren’t as comfy as a real hiking pack.
- Must be rolled correctly to seal.
Who should buy it?
Hikers and campers who spend time near lakes, rivers or the beach and want one tough bag.
Who should skip it?
Ultralight backpackers who only need liners inside their pack.
2. MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag — Best Rugged Option
Best for: River crossings, paddling trips and muddy, rough trails.
The MARCHWAY uses multi-layer PVC tarpaulin with welded seams. Welded seams are melted together instead of stitched, so there are no needle holes for water to sneak through.
It comes in 5L to 40L. The 5L and 10L have a removable shoulder strap, and the 20L to 40L have backpack straps. A D-ring lets you clip it to a kayak or pack. When sealed with some air inside and not overloaded, it floats, which is handy if it goes over the side of a boat.
One honest note from the listing: it’s built for rain, splashes and waves, not for long periods underwater.
- Welded seams.
- Very tough material.
- Floats if dropped in water.
- Backpack straps on 20L+.
- Heavier than nylon sacks.
- Not for long submersion.
- No phone case listed.
Who should buy it?
Hikers who also paddle, cross rivers or camp in very wet places.
Who should skip it?
Gram-counters who just want liners inside a backpack.
3. Frelaxy Ultralight Dry Bag 5-Pack — Best for Backpack Organization
Best for: Backpackers and multi-day hikers.
If you’ve ever emptied your whole pack in the rain to find dry socks, this set is for you. You get five lightweight dry sacks in different sizes and colors, so you can give each one a job: sleep clothes, spare layers, toiletries, electronics, food.
Frelaxy uses tear-resistant 210T polyester with fully taped seams and roll-top closures. The sacks weigh very little and squash flat when empty.
They’re made for rain protection inside a pack. Frelaxy itself says to avoid full submersion, so don’t use them for river swims.
- Five bags for full organization.
- Very light and packable.
- Color-coding makes things easy to find.
- Great value per bag.
- Not for carrying on their own.
- Thin fabric can tear on sharp gear.
- Not for submersion.
Who should buy it?
Anyone packing for an overnight or multi-day hike.
Who should skip it?
Paddlers who need a bag that can take a dunking.
4. HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag — Best See-Through Budget Pick
Best for: Casual hikers and beach days.
The HEETA’s party trick is that it’s clear. You can see exactly what’s inside without unrolling the top, which is handy when you’re hunting for keys or a snack in the rain.
It has a roll-top closure, welded seams, an adjustable shoulder strap and a grab handle, and the listing includes a clear phone case. Sizes run from 5L to 40L.
Some buyers say the 5L is smaller than they expected, so size up if you want to fit a towel or jacket.
- See contents at a glance.
- Phone case included.
- Budget-friendly.
- Many sizes.
- 5L runs small.
- Less tough than 500D PVC.
- Clear bags show dirt quickly.
5. Wise Owl Outfitters Dry Bag 3-Pack — Best Tougher Fabric Sacks
Best for: Weekend backpackers who want sacks that hold up a little better.
This set gives you three sizes, 5L, 10L and 20L, in 190D ripstop nylon. Ripstop has a grid weave that stops small tears from spreading, which is helpful if you stuff sacks next to tent stakes or a stove.
Each has a roll-top with a buckle and a D-ring for clipping on. Like most lightweight sacks, treat it as rain protection. Listings disagree on whether to call it “water resistant” or “waterproof,” so don’t count on it underwater.
- Ripstop fabric.
- Three useful sizes.
- Light and packable.
- Fewer bags than the Frelaxy 5-Pack.
- Not for submersion.
- No shoulder strap.
6. Frelaxy Ultralight Dry Bag 3-Pack — Best Small Starter Set
Best for: Day hikers and overnighters who want a simple setup.
Same Frelaxy design as the 5-pack, just fewer bags. That’s fine for many trips: one sack for spare clothes, one for sleep clothes and one for small essentials.
Pick this set if you don’t need five sacks or if it’s cheaper per bag on the day you shop.
- Light and simple.
- Enough for short trips.
- Easy to add more later.
- Less organization than the 5-pack.
- Not for submersion.
Which Waterproof Bag Should You Buy? Picks by Hiker Type
| If you are… | Get this bag |
|---|---|
| Hiking and camping near water | Earth Pak Dry Bag |
| Crossing rivers or paddling | MARCHWAY Floating Dry Bag |
| Backpacking for 2+ nights | Frelaxy 5-Pack |
| On a tight budget, casual trips | HEETA Dry Bag |
| Rough on your gear | Wise Owl 3-Pack |
| New to dry sacks, short trips | Frelaxy 3-Pack |
What Size Dry Bag Do You Need for Hiking?
For day hikes, 5–10L is enough. For backpacking, use a few sacks: about 5L, 10L and 20L. Remember the top must roll down three times, so you lose some space.
| Size | What fits |
|---|---|
| 2–5L | Phone, wallet, keys, first-aid kit, socks |
| 10L | Rain jacket, fleece, snacks, toiletries |
| 20L | Sleep clothes and spare layers for a weekend |
| 30–40L | Down sleeping bag or lots of camp gear |
| 55L | Big camping or boat loads (Earth Pak only) |
Waterproof vs Submersible: What Do Dry Bags Really Protect Against?
Most dry bags handle rain and splashes, not swimming. Even the tough PVC ones can leak slowly if held underwater, especially if the top wasn’t rolled properly.
Rain and splashes
All six bags here are made for this. Roll the top at least three times.
A quick dunk
PVC bags like Earth Pak and MARCHWAY handle it better than thin sacks.
Long underwater
None of these should be trusted for it. Double-bag electronics, like the Earth Pak’s IPX8 phone case.
Easy home test: Before a big trip, put paper towels in your dry bag, roll and clip it, then hold it under the bathtub tap for a minute. Dry towels mean you’re good to go.
Dry Bag vs Pack Liner vs Rain Cover
| Option | Good at | Weak spot |
|---|---|---|
| Rain cover | Keeps the outside of the pack dry | Water still gets in through the back panel |
| Pack liner | Cheap and light, one big bag inside | No organization, everything in one space |
| Dry sacks | Organized, each item protected | Costs a bit more |
Many backpackers combine a pack liner or rain cover with a couple of dry sacks for the things that must stay dry, like a sleeping bag and sleep clothes.
How to Pack and Seal a Dry Bag
1. Don’t overfill
Leave about 3–4 inches at the top for rolling.
2. Push out the air
Squeeze gently so the bag packs smaller.
3. Line up the top
Keep the top edge flat, with no fabric caught in it.
4. Roll three times
At least three tight folds, then clip the buckle.
5. Pad sharp items
Keep tent stakes and stove parts away from thin sacks.
6. Dry it after
Open it at home so it doesn’t get musty.
Camp trick: A dry sack stuffed with your puffy jacket makes a decent pillow. Want a real one? See our best lightweight camping pillows for side sleepers.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Earth Pak VS MARCHWAY
| Feature | Earth Pak | MARCHWAY |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 5L–55L More choice | 5L–40L |
| Phone case | IPX8 included Bonus | Not listed |
| Seams | Roll-top PVC | Welded Tougher |
| Shop | Check price | Check price |
Frelaxy 5-Pack VS Wise Owl 3-Pack
| Feature | Frelaxy 5-Pack | Wise Owl 3-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | 5 More | 3 |
| Fabric | 210T polyester | 190D ripstop Tougher |
| Seams | Fully taped | Roll-top, D-ring |
| Shop | Check price | Check price |
Frelaxy 5-Pack VS Frelaxy 3-Pack
| Feature | 5-Pack | 3-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | 5 More | 3 |
| Best for | Multi-day trips | Day hikes, overnights |
| Shop | Check price | Check price |
6 Mistakes to Avoid With Dry Bags
1. Only rolling once
One fold isn’t a seal. Roll three times.
2. Overstuffing
Without room to roll, it can’t close properly.
3. Thinking waterproof means submersible
Most bags are for rain and splashes.
4. Carrying PVC inside a pack
Heavy PVC bags add weight. Use light sacks inside.
5. Trusting a rain cover alone
Water sneaks in at the back panel.
6. Packing it wet
Store dry bags open and dry to avoid mold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best waterproof bag for hiking?
The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is our top pick for all-round use. For organizing a backpack, we prefer the Frelaxy 5-Pack of ultralight dry sacks.
Do I need a dry bag if my backpack has a rain cover?
It’s a good idea. Rain covers don’t protect the back panel, and water can run down your back into the pack. A dry sack protects the items that matter most.
What size dry bag is best for hiking?
5–10L for day hikes. For backpacking, a set of 5L, 10L and 20L sacks works well.
Are dry bags fully waterproof?
They’re very water-resistant when rolled and closed properly, but most aren’t made for long underwater use. MARCHWAY and Frelaxy both say not to fully submerge their bags for long.
PVC or nylon dry bag: which is better?
PVC is tougher and better near water. Nylon or polyester sacks are much lighter and better inside a backpack.
Can I use a dry bag as a backpack?
Bigger PVC bags like the Earth Pak 30L+ have backpack straps, which are fine for short walks. For long hikes, a real hiking pack is more comfortable.
Do dry bags float?
Many do when sealed with some air inside. MARCHWAY says its bag floats when properly sealed and not overloaded.
How do I keep my phone dry while hiking?
Use a waterproof phone case, like the IPX8 case included with the Earth Pak, and keep it inside a dry bag when it rains.
How many dry bags do I need for backpacking?
Usually three to five: sleeping bag, sleep clothes, spare layers, toiletries and electronics.
How do I clean a dry bag?
Rinse with fresh water and mild soap, then dry it open and upside down before storing.
Final Verdict: The Best Waterproof Bag for Hiking
For one tough bag that handles lakes, rain and campsites, get the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag. The included phone case makes it extra useful.
Choose the MARCHWAY for the wettest, roughest trips. For backpacking, the Frelaxy 5-Pack keeps everything dry and easy to find. The HEETA, Wise Owl 3-Pack and Frelaxy 3-Pack are good budget and starter options.
Whatever you choose, roll the top three times and test it at home before the big trip.
Our winner: Check Earth Pak on AmazonMore Backpacking Gear Guides
Editorial disclosure: JoinHikes researched these bags using brand and retailer listings for Earth Pak, MARCHWAY, HEETA, Frelaxy and Wise Owl Outfitters. This is not a hands-on comparison by JoinHikes. Amazon prices, availability and ratings change, so check product details before buying. The bag drawings and photos are illustrations and do not show the exact products.
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