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Waterproof Storage

Types of Waterproof Storage

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Waterproof Hard Cases

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Waterproof Soft Cases

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Dry Bags

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Dry Packs

Top Picks

How we choose: The best waterproof storage highlighted here were selected based on 105 reviews of 72 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.

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Top Dry Bag / Compression Sack

Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (11 reviews)

A necessary accessory for any down sleeping bag, combining water resistance with good compression. A bit heavyweight, but it’s definitely lighter than a pound of water inside your sleeping bag. Quite durable and very convenient to use.

Reasons to Buy

  • Offers good protection from accidental water exposure
  • Easily compressible
  • Durable 70D Nylon fabric, lasts for years
  • Offered in various sizes

Reasons to Avoid

  • A bit heavyweight
  • Larger sizes are quite expensive

Fully compressed XS bag with 3-season sleeping bag inside (compared to 450ml Toaks mug) Before purchasing a pair of such bags in 2013 I traveled a lot with synthetic sleeping bag packed into a regular fabric compression sack. In bicycle trips sometimes we have to ride under a week-long rains, so a good protection against water exposure (especially in case of sensitive equipment, such as sleeping bag) is a must for us. We know that the water will always find a way under any rain cover. Traditionally we packed our gear to plastic bags from nearby shop (or carried a roll of durable trash bags in long trips), and in really bad weather we doubled the bags for ultimate protection.

Read more: Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack reviews (11)

Dry Bag

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag First Aid

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

Quick to spot, this easily identifiable dry bag is an ideal way to store one’s First Aid Kit. This waterproof bag is available in 1L and 3L sizes- ideal for the minimalist, groups, or a first responder with a larger First Aid Kit. Being waterproof (not submergible), this bag is ideal for virtually anyone on the go- not just for hikers and water sports.

Reasons to Buy

  • High Visibility (Also Light Reflective)
  • Clear Window To Identify Important Contents
  • Waterproof

Reasons to Avoid

  • Plastic Buckle/D-Ring May Break Over Time

SUP'ing at Saltpeter Creek near the Chesapeake Bay   In the ever-growing field of outdoor recreation, few innovative products catch the eye of the ‘Outdoor Industry’. Born in Australia in 1983, Sea to Summit continues to modernize the outdoor world with the First Aid Lightweight Dry Bag. Although simple, the idea of a high visibility First Aid Kit seems to be a ‘no brainer’…   3L version next to a standard 32oz. Nalgene bottle for reference High visibility is important for locating important items, like a First Aid Kit  This dry bag (First Aid Kit not included) has an easy to use roll-top style closure, with a D-Ring.

Read more: Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag First Aid review (1)

Top Dry Pack / Daypack

Exped Cloudburst 25

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

A lightweight, completely waterproof summit and day pack that can ride in a bigger pack for doing side trips on longer hikes, doubles as a dry bag in the pack. Attention to details make it comfortable and highly functional.

Reasons to Buy

  • Lightweight, compact when not in use
  • Rugged enough for extended use
  • Completely waterproof
  • Sternum and waist straps
  • Stretch cord for attaching helmet or other items

Reasons to Avoid

  • No hydration or other pockets

My wife has a habit of conveniently forgetting critical items so that she can replace them with something newer and better. For five years or so we both have been using the minimalist Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Packs for side trips on longer backpacking trips. On the first stopover on our recent trip to Iceland, a daughter-visit in Oslo, my wife discovered she had forgotten hers. So we found our way to an outdoor gear emporium downtown, and sure enough they had the S2S packs prominently displayed right next to the cash register.

Read more: Exped Cloudburst 25 review (1)

Dry Bag

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

This review is for the Ultra-Sil 1 L. size bag ( in orange) that I use while canoeing, to protect my electronic keys and/or flip phone. It would also be very suitable for protecting items while hiking, snowshoeing, or in any foul weather conditions. I certainly can recommend this bag, as I have used it successfully (gear has not been damaged by water) for over a year.

Reasons to Buy

  • Lightweight
  • Has proven to have nice water resistance
  • Roll top closure works well

Reasons to Avoid

  • Not recommended for boating use (though I do use it for such)

I purchased this bag to protect my electronic car key and fob, while canoeing, and sometimes while snowshoeing in wet weather. Since this car key is bulky, it does not fit well in many waterproof container options, at least not which permit me to then put it in my pocket. This little bag (9 in. x 4 in) can hold my keys, and/or my flip phone, and then can be put inside a zippered pocket, or in my waterproof canoe bag. Since Sea to Summit reports that "This product is not intended for boating or marine use", and also recommends double bagging sensitive electronics, I gave the bag an immersion test.

Read more: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks reviews (2)

Explore more top-rated waterproof storage from Sea to Summit:

Dry Pack

SealLine Pro Dry Pack

user rating: 5 of 5 (3 reviews)

Used in BWCA for an 11-day trip. No problems!

Reasons to Buy

  • Strong
  • Water tight
  • BIG
  • Comfortable enough
  • Legitimate harness and hipbelt

Reasons to Avoid

  • Hard to see inside (black interior)

My wife and I used this pack on an 11-day trip in the Boundary Waters. During this time she and I both portaged loads in excess of 70 lbs, covering distances of up to one mile. While this pack has nowhere near the amount of support needed to to use as a dedicated backpack, for a portage pack, I haven't found anything better. The hip belt and shoulder harness are adequate to the task for short (.25-1.5 mile) hauls that one typically encounters while on a canoe trip. Due to the size of the pack, and the fact that the top will extend higher than one's shoulders, I don't recommend for solo paddlers trying to 'single-track' (I.E.

Read more: SealLine Pro Dry Pack reviews (3)

Top Stuff Sack / Dry Bag

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

Want to have the best organized pack, ability to unpack fast, pack fast in any weather condition, then these pods are for you. Organization is so good that I only have four items in my bag. Crazy eh?

Reasons to Buy

  • Organization
  • Fast pack and fast unpack
  • 100% waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) and a water resistant zipper, they help weatherproof your pack system.

Reasons to Avoid

  • None

Ease of Use: After time, you will figure out what works in each pod.  For my large pod, I have my pillow, liner, bag, pad, sleeping clothes and spare clothes. The smaller pod holds all my other loose gear, but I also have my spare socks and fleece in this pod. Features: Waterproof material with tapered zipper. No chance of water seepage. Construction & Durability: 100% waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) and a water resistant zipper, they help weatherproof your pack system.

Read more: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods review (1)

Top Waterproof Hard Case

Pelican 1040 Micro Case

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

A very durable small package case to carry money, keys, wallet, identification, licences, medication, etc. Including a great case for a mini first aid case. Locks shut tight, no water, dirt, or dust intrusion, keeps everything clean and dry... Always.

Reasons to Buy

  • Strong, durable
  • Multi coloured
  • Stays closed in all conditions
  • Just the right size to carry and protect all the necessary and important items

Reasons to Avoid

  • The carabiner is sometimes in the way. But it's also removable.

As an avid outdoorsman in all weather and nature conditions, I play with land, water conditions all the time. If I'm not on the water paddling a lake or stream, then I'm on the trails backpacking or riding my ATV getting muddy or dusty. But no matter, I want my personal items to be protected for any and all conditions. I have several of these and one stays in my ATV. That one gets used the most. It's kept my wallet and truck keys dry more than once. I have another one for my first aid kit.

Read more: Pelican 1040 Micro Case reviews (2)

Dry Bag

Granite Gear eVent Sil Compression DrySack

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (2 reviews)

Awesome waterproof compression drysack. Ultralight and shaped to pack better than ever.

Reasons to Buy

  • Ultralight 2.6oz
  • Waterproof
  • Easy to use
  • Compresses amazingly
  • Colors are dope
  • Can be used as standard roll top drysack
  • Can replace broken straps with paracord or shoelace
  • eVent

Reasons to Avoid

  • Toggles on end of pull string are junk.

Fighting to fit everything in my pack from day one, I came across these somehow. The rectangular shape helps fill the pack way easier then a bunch of cylinder shaped sacks could from my experience. I had a 25 degree Halo sleeping bag which took up the entire sleeping bag compartment in my Baltoro pack. After compressing down in this sack, it was less than half the size of the original stuff sack, and was basically the size of a six pack of cokes now. Awesome because I was now able to fit my air mattress and a fleece in the same area and still had space.

Read more: Granite Gear eVent Sil Compression DrySack reviews (2)

Waterproof Hard Case

Outdoor Products Watertight Box

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

This watertight box has served me well! It is a simple, waterproof box that is great for keeping small electronics or paper products dry on the river, canoeing, rafting, or anywhere that there will be water.

Reasons to Buy

  • Waterproof
  • Durable
  • Keyring attachment
  • Hook attachment

Reasons to Avoid

  • No shock absorber
  • No grip

There is not too much to say about this product because it is so simple. However, I will say that I have had it for quite a while and have taken it canoeing and rafting a lot and it has held up wonderfully. It has been dropped on hard surfaces and slung against rocks and it has still not failed me. This box has been submerged in water multiple times and not once has it leaked any water.  This box comes with a key ring attachment that makes it easy to tie it off to a raft or canoe. It also has a hook attachment that makes it easy to hang on a ridge line or something to that nature (great for hanging it above your hammock).  This box does not have any shock absorber so if you plan to put delicate electronics inside of it, I would recommend...

Read more: Outdoor Products Watertight Box review (1)

Top Waterproof Soft Case

SealLine E-Case

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (4 reviews)

Reasons to Buy

  • Convenient
  • The small fits in your pocket
  • Adequate protection

Reasons to Avoid

  • Price
  • The small is very tight for an iPhone 4S

I have the small version of the Seal Line case so my review is based on that size only. It does the job, is very handy (fits in my pocket), and I can still use the touch screen on my iPhone 4S — all great attributes. I use my case primarily for protecting my phone during runs/hikes in the rain and it has adequately done the job — I cannot attest to how well it would work if it was dropped in the water. My reasoning for the four-star rating is due to the fact that my iPhone BARELY fits into it (with the case on).

Read more: SealLine E-Case reviews (4)

More Waterproof Storage

Trailspace reviewers have shared 105 reviews of 72 different waterproof storage. Narrow your search and view more specific waterproof storage container recommendations in these categories:

Waterproof Hard Cases

Waterproof Soft Cases

Dry Bags

Dry Packs

All Paddling Gear

Other Types of Paddling Gear

Find more paddling gear reviewed in these related categories:

Canoes

Kayaks

Rafts

+7 more types

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