Waterproof bags are used wherever gear has to stay dry in rain, spray or water. The most common uses are:
Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding, where roll-top dry bags and dry backpacks protect clothes, food and phones from splashes and capsizes. Boating and sailing, where large dry bags and boat totes sit on wet decks. Cycling and bikepacking, where handlebar, frame and seat bags face rain and road spray. Motorcycle touring, where tail bags and saddlebags ride through hours of rain at speed.
Travel, where waterproof duffels, toiletry bags and vacuum compression bags protect luggage on ferries, wet tarmac and campsites. Swimming and the beach, where phone pouches, waist packs and wet bags keep valuables dry and wet swimwear apart from everything else. Fishing, where waist packs, slings and fly fishing packs must survive wading. Camping and hiking, where dry bags keep sleeping bags and electronics dry inside a pack.
The right type depends on how wet it gets. For rain and spray, a bag rated IPX5 or IPX6 is enough. For anything that may go under water, choose a bag rated IPX7 or IPX8, with welded seams and a closure that seals. Browse our dry bags and waterproof bags, or read what each waterproof rating proves.