Dry Sacks – Waterproof Bags for Travel & Outdoor Adventures

Dry sacks are one of the most versatile pieces of travel and outdoor gear you can own. They keep your valuables waterproof through river crossings, sea kayaking, tropical downpours, and wet luggage holds — and double as organisers, laundry separators, and shoe bags when you don't need the waterproofing.

Travel Gear is an authorised Australian stockist for Sea to Summit — the Australian brand that pioneered ultralight waterproof bag technology. All orders ship from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.

What to Use Dry Sacks For

• Electronics protection: Phone, camera, passport, and documents in kayaks, on boats, or in heavy rain
• Wet/dirty laundry separation: Keep used clothes separate from clean gear in your hiking pack or suitcase
• Shoe bags: Isolate muddy or wet shoes from clothing in your bag
• Packing organisation: Colour-coded dry sacks work like packing cubes with the added benefit of waterproofing
• Camping & hiking: Protect sleeping bag liners, down jackets, and food from moisture on the trail
• Beach & water sports: Keep valuables dry at the beach, on boats, or during water activities

Dry Sack vs Compression Sack – Which Do You Need?

Type	Waterproof?	Compresses?	Best For
Dry Sack	Yes	No	Protecting valuables from water
Compression Sack	Some models	Yes — up to 60%	Reducing bulk of sleeping bags & down gear
Compression Dry Sack	Yes	Yes	Both waterproofing and compression in one

What to Look for in a Dry Sack

• Waterproof rating: Look for welded seams and a roll-top closure — the gold standard for waterproofing
• Material: TPU-coated nylon or PVC for maximum waterproofing; lighter fabrics for travel use where submersion isn't expected
• Size: 1–2L for phones and documents; 5–10L for clothing; 20–35L for sleeping bags and bulky gear
• Weight: Sea to Summit's Ultra-Sil Nano dry sack weighs just 17g — adds almost nothing to your pack weight
• Transparency: Clear or mesh panels let you see contents without opening

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dry sacks fully waterproof?

Quality dry sacks with welded seams and a roll-top closure are waterproof for splashing, rain, and brief submersion. They are not designed for extended submersion or diving. For electronics, always use a dedicated waterproof case for full submersion protection.

What size dry sack do I need?

A 2–5L sack suits phones, wallets, and documents. A 10–20L sack suits a change of clothes or a down jacket. A 20–35L sack suits a sleeping bag or bulky gear. Most travellers benefit from having 2–3 different sizes for different uses.

Can I use a dry sack as a packing cube?

Yes — dry sacks work well as waterproof packing organisers. For pure organisation without waterproofing, packing cubes are lighter and easier to compress. For wet environments or separating dirty laundry, dry sacks are the better choice. For a full packing system, see our ultimate Australian packing checklist.