The biggest advantage of a Dry Bag is that it is flexible. Its flexibility allows it to be stored in places that normally go unused and out of the way, like in the bow of your kayak or in front of your feet. The flexibility of the Dry Bag also means that you can stow larger, bulky gear in it, like tents, sleeping bags, and roll-tables. Dry bags are also light. If you empty the contents of the bag during a trip and no longer need the bag, it can be folded or rolled up and easily stowed. In most cases Dry Bags will float. Obviously, this will depend somewhat on what is loaded in them, but there is a significant amount of air that gets trapped in the bag that typically is more than enough to compensate for the standard gear that is loaded inside. You will definitely want to test this before trusting that your gear will float should you capsize or drop the bag overboard.

Dry Bags usually have a gear loop or D-ring sewn into them that allows you to tether the bag to yourself, your kayak or backpack. This is especially handy when you want to keep the dry bag in the cockpit with you but don't want to risk having it float down river if you capsize.

Dry Bags also work excellent for organizational purposes. Several smaller Dry Bags in different colors can help you keep your gear organized in your pack or kayak as well make it easy to sort out when you get to camp. There are various versions of Dry Bags that are made with clear or opaque materials that allow you to see what is in them without having to dig around or empty them. In some cases the materials that make up the clear or opaque Dry Bags is lighter duty so check the specs on these and make sure they are suitable for your situation. Most dry bags will last through several seasons of hard use and the better ones can even be patched if they develop a small tear.

There are two main disadvantages to most Dry Bags. The most popular and inexpensive Dry Bags have a roll-top closure. This means that all of your gear is loaded in through the top and the gear is stacked on top of other gear, meaning that if you need something in the bottom of the bag, you need to completely unload the Dry Bag to get to it. Also, since it is a roll-top closure, which typically requires 3 rolls to properly close them, you lose a significant amount of the bag to the closure. There are Dry Bags that are duffle style that have zippers, allowing you easier access to the gear stored inside. Lastly, most Dry Bags are not designed to remain water-tight if they are submerged, they are meant to protect from splashes and short, shallow, quick submersions.

The biggest advantage to a Dry Box is that it is rigid and can contain padding inside. This rigidity keeps its contents protected from impacts or crushing blows. Boxes can be lightly padded with a layer of foam or rubber or they can be filled with foam. Sometimes the foam is a block of foam that can be carved to fit specific items or it can be 'Pick and Pluck' foam. 'Pick and Pluck' foam fills the entire case and is perforated which allows you to remove small sections of it to make a custom fit for your items. Boxes with 'Pick and Pluck' foam are excellent for larger cameras or other items that are sensitive to shock. Dry Boxes also have the advantage of being quick and easy to open. Typically they have one or two latches on them so they can be accessed easily. This makes Dry Boxes a better choice than Dry Bags when you know that you will need to access your gear like a camera or phone multiple times a day. Dry Boxes like Dry Bags will float, but again you will want to test this with your gear in the box.

Dry Boxes are available in various colors so gear grouping and organization is possible. Some Dry Boxes have clear lids or are completely clear. You will have to give up the protection of foam or rubber liners in the clear boxes but they are handy if you have several boxes and need to be organized.

Liter for liter Dry Boxes are more expensive than Dry Bags, so for cost efficiency a combination of the two may work best. Due to their rigidity, Dry Boxes are sometimes more challenging to store in smaller areas and their shape can make them tough to fit through some hatch openings. As well they can be difficult to stow in a backpack since their corners can press into your shoulders or back if not situated properly. Like Dry Bags, most Dry Boxes are not rated for submersion, they are meant to protect from splashes and short, shallow, quick submersions.

Make sure to read the specs for each Dry Box or Dry Bag before you choose one. There are options on the market to compensate for the shortcomings of both Dry Bags and Dry Boxes, but there is added expense to them as well. There are Dry Bags and Dry Boxes that are rated for submersion usually to 3 meters for up to 30 minutes, although there are boxes that are rated for deeper depths. Expect to pay a premium for these features but depending on what's inside it may make the investment worth it. Dry Bags and Boxes can last through several seasons of hard use just make sure you keep them clean and stored properly so they are ready to go when you are.

Still have questions?  Call us or email us customer@austinkayak.com and we are happy to discuss and what is right for you.