What You Should Always Pack In Your Paddling Dry Bag

Dry bags are a paddler’s best friend. They keep all your essentials organized, close by, and most importantly - dry. Regardless if you are taking a quick paddle on your SUP board or a multi-day trip on a kayak, you should always bring a dry bag packed with everything you want to keep dry. The key is knowing exactly what is essential when packing your dry bag for a paddling journey.

When packing a dry bag for a paddling trip you should always remember to put a first aid kit, navigation equipment (including paper charts), flashlight, whistle, and all electronics inside. Pack extra clothing, a quick-dry towel, and rain gear in your dry bag as well. All your paddling snacks and sun protection should be packed near the top of your dry bag for easy access.

It’s always a good idea to prepare a packing list before a paddling excursion, no matter how long or short the route is. You may also want to go one step further and create a separate packing list for your dry bag. Knowing all the items you should put in your dry bag will ensure you never leave a crucial item out. Below is a list of 15 dry bag essentials to help you create the perfect dry bag packing list for your paddling needs.

15 Items You Should Always Pack In Your Paddling Dry Bag

1. Extra Clothing

If you are taking any paddling trip in cold or wet weather then a change of clothes is a must. Dry clothes can help prevent hypothermia when water is cold and can make you feel much more comfortable after you capsize.

Packing extra clothing in your quality dry bag ensures your change of clothes is dry and effective, even if you tip over.

2. Navigation Equipment

Navigation equipment is essential for nearly every paddling journey unless you are just having fun on a SUP board close to shore. Whether it’s a cell phone with a navigation app, or specific GPS navigation equipment to help you find your way, this important gear should be kept safe in your dry bag.

3. Emergency First-Aid

A first aid kit for paddlers is another essential on any journey. Most first aid, however, is not waterproof. Therefore, unless your emergency first aid is in a waterproof case, you must put it in your dry bag. This will keep all your first aid necessities safe and dry in case of an emergency.

4. Paddling Snacks

Delicious snacks are the highlight of every paddling break. While some shelf-stable paddling snacks are individually packaged and more or less waterproof, many others are not.

Keeping snacks in your dry bag ensures they stay fresh, and don’t get waterlogged.

There’s nothing worse than waiting for a long-awaited sandwich, only to find that it’s salty and soggy.

Pro Tip: Keep some snacks at the top of your dry bag so you can access them easily in case you need a boost of energy while you paddle.

5. Sunscreen

No matter the weather or time of year you must have sunscreen readily available. In strong sun you need to apply sunscreen every few hours, which means you need to pack plenty and keep it safe.

Keep sunscreen for your body, face, and lips near the top of your dry bag so you can reapply as needed. This will keep it safe from getting wet and diluted and will help prevent sun damage.

6. Rain Gear

If there is a chance of precipitation in the forecast, then you should pack your rain gear essentials. Rain gear can’t keep you dry if it is already soaking wet. Keeping it in a dry bag ensures you will always have dry rain protection when you need it. Even if rain is unlikely, a small foldable poncho is a good item to pack.

7. Cell Phone Or Communication Device

You should always bring a cell phone or reliable communication device with you when you paddle, especially if you are kayaking far from shore. This ensures you always have a way to communicate if you are in trouble or need some form of assistance.

Cell phones and communication devices are often water resistant, but if they fall into the water, they are useless. Keep your communication device safe and dry by packing it in your dry bag.

8. An Additional Insulating Layer

Temperatures can change quickly and without warning, especially on the water. Even on warm and sunny days, it's a good idea to pack an insulating layer. This is especially true if the water temperature is significantly colder than the air temperature. To ensure your insulating base layer stays dry and effective, keep it folded up in your dry bag.

9. Quick-Dry Towel

Whether it’s planned or unexpected, there’s always a chance you will take a swim while paddling. To dry off easily and effectively, you should have a towel readily available.

A quick-dry towel will take less space than most towels, and it will dry in a fraction of the time. Keep your quick-dry towel in your dry bag so it’s fresh and dry when you need it.

10. Camera

When you map out the perfect paddling route, you likely always incorporate some beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Having a camera readily available to capture some of these beautiful sites is a great way to keep and share these memories.

Keep your camera safe from water damage by storing it in your dry bag. Even if your camera is water-resistant or waterproof, keeping it in your dry bag protects it from corrosive natural elements, including salt.

11. A Foldable Sun Hat

In addition to sunscreen, it’s always smart to carry a sun hat with a wide brim. Not only does this give you added protection when paddling, but it also makes it easier to see where you are going.

If you start paddling when it’s early or cloudy, you may not need a hat, but you should always pack one. Keep a foldable sun hat near the top of your dry bag so you can grab it easily when the sun comes out.

12. A Whistle

A whistle or some type of loud alert signal is always good to have on hand. It is helpful when you are paddling in crowded areas, and also useful if you need to send out a distress signal. Keep the whistle attached to your dry bag. If you have a fog horn or some type of electronic sound machine, keep it protected in your dry bag.

13. Flashlight

It’s always wise to paddle with a flashlight. After all, you never know how long you will be out of the water. If you plan to paddle in the afternoon or paddle at night, then you must bring reliable flashlights.

Keep at least one flashlight in your dry bag, so you always have one dry and reliable light source in case of an emergency.

14. Bathroom And Toiletry Essentials

Toilet paper and other toiletry essentials should never be overlooked, especially on half-day trips or longer ones. Of all the items you pack, toilet paper is perhaps the most susceptible to instant water damage. Therefore, make sure you keep at least one roll extra-safe in your dry bag.

15. Paper Maps Or Charts

Lastly, if you are old-school, or simply prefer holding maps in your hand, then make sure you pack your charts and maps and store them in a dry bag. Even if they are on durable paper, your dry bag will keep your maps safe and in one secure place at all times.

Five Tips To Packing Your Dry Bag Successfully

1. Make A Dry Bag Packing Checklist

The best way to pack a dry bag and not forget anything is to make a checklist. Use the items above, add anything specific you always like to bring on a trip, and then write a list. Lists will change depending on the type of trip, duration, and climate.

Using a checklist is the best way to ensure you have everything you need in your dry bag to keep you safe and to ensure you have a great time on the water.

2. Don’t Overfill It

Almost all dry bags require some space near the top so you can fold the bag over multiple times. If you overfill your dry bag, you won’t be able to fold it several times. In turn, your bag won’t be as secure or waterproof as it would otherwise. Never over-pack your dry bag. If you need to, use a bigger bag, or take two different bags and organize them accordingly.

3. Pack Your Bag In Strategic Layers

In addition to creating a dry bag packing list, you should also have a packing method. Since most dry bags have one opening, at the top, this means items at the bottom of the bag (the ones you pack first) are the hardest to reach.

4. Use The Correct Dry Bag For Your Trip

If you’re a seasoned paddler then there’s a good chance you have more than one dry bag. Many dry bags come in packs of more than one, offering different size options. Depending on the length and type of trip you plan on taking, you will need more or less space in your dry bag.

Ensure you choose the best dry bag for your specific journey. Don’t pack an overly bulky bag on a short trip if you can avoid it. More importantly, never stuff a small bag beyond its capacity. This could rip or otherwise damage your dry bag and render it useless.

5. Leave Water And Most Waterproof Items Out Of The Bag

You must pack ample water to stay hydrated while paddling. You do not, however, need to keep your water in your dry bag. In most cases, it’s actually a bad idea to store your water in a dry bag.

For one, you want your water right next to you, so you can access it easily and frequently. Furthermore, if you are constantly opening and closing your dry bag to reach your water, there’s a greater chance water can find its way inside.

Feel free to keep backup water in your dry bag if there’s space, but keep your main water source outside of it.