Keeping Dry Bags Dry

[SkunkedAgain]

Has anyone else noticed that dry bags do well in rain and what not, but that they leak air and if you submerge them the contents will get wet? I'm talking about the roll-down types.

Do these bags have a shelf life? It seems that they get worse the more that you use them.

It also seems that it might be safer to actually leave a bunch of air in the bags, so that if they go overboard/boat sinks/canoe flips, the bags will float for a bit instead of plunging to the bottom of the lake.

[PiedmontAngler]

I have found it best to place heavier items at the bottom. That way if you drop them over the rolled end stays up out of the water. (Granted you left enough air in them to keep them afloat).

I have the same set of bags going on 15 yrs and all of them still keep my gear dry each summer trip.

[Down Deep]

I think some of the bags are susceptible to UV and cracks develop after a period of time. I have a Cabelas dry bag and it has held up for about 5 years. I even tried the underwater test once. I think the strapping system and the thickness of the material is the key to this bag working so well. The opening gets rolled down. There are straps on both ends and around the center and they keep the bag securely closed. Another bag that works really well is the Duluth Pack. Duluth Pack makes plastic bags that you put into the pack. Roll the bag down and chinch up the pack and the contents will stay dry even in extreme wet conditions. The bags need to be replaced every couple of years, but only cost about $2.

[Surface Tension]

I white water rafter for 3 years in AK. I know about dry bags, well because I've flipped rafts.

The roll up types will not keep the contents dry when submerged. That would be impossible.

They do get gear dry in downpours. I still use dry bags on canoe trips for their large capacity and being rain proof. If your on a river trip and the bag falls overboard it will float and stay dry for a while. If you want the contents to stay dry after submersion then pack those in large zip lock bags. Yes they do make very large zip locks. Here is what makes the difference.

If your dry bag is lashed into a raft or canoe, it can't float like it wants to as its being held in place.

If it was floating freely down the river it probably stay dry but you'd never see it again.

[Northlander]

I always used the HUGE THICK leaf bags from Menards inside my dry bags just for this reason. Never had wet gear even when tipping a canoe. I twisted/folded and rubber banded the leaf bag then sealed up the dry bag.

[herefish101]

I always used the HUGE THICK leaf bags from Menards inside my dry bags just for this reason. Never had wet gear even when tipping a canoe. I twisted/folded and rubber banded the leaf bag then sealed up the dry bag.

exactly, i use this method when ever i go into the boundry waters, i'v never had wet gear, and i'v been through some pretty hairy stuff.