What Is A Roll Top Dry Bag? (& Why Do You Need One?)

If you spend time by the water, you’ll probably have experienced the sinking feeling of discovering your spare clothes, snacks, and even your phone or other valuables, all completely soaked. Whether it’s from rogue waves, a heavy downpour, or even a slip or trip when carrying your kit to the shore, water can cleverly find its way into pretty much everything, particularly if your belongings aren’t properly protected. This is where a roll top dry bag can change the game and give you the peace of mind you need.

What Is A Roll Top Dry Bag?

A roll top dry bag is exactly what its name implies: a waterproof bag that seals using a roll closure secured by a clip. They’re made from tough and tear-resistant materials, typically with welded seams to be completely watertight even when fully submerged. 

The best roll top dry bags can come in a range of sizes and configurations, including larger backpack styles for ultimate portability (we’ll come to this later), but all are engineered in the same simple but surprisingly effective and robust way: with a roll-top, impermeable closure that locks out water and protects your essentials. 

Why You Need A Roll Top Dry Bag

The design of a roll top dry bag is undoubtedly very clever, but just why is it so useful? Well, it’s hard to deny just how much more enjoyable any water-based activity will be if you know that your belongings are going to stay dry. Adventures can last longer with the ability to take a change of clothes and a towel with you (and know that they will stay dry), while the ability to carry your phone, wallet and keys without risk of water damage certainly makes things safer.

There are a number of key properties of a roll top dry bag that make all of this possible.

Versatile Protection 

One of the biggest advantages of roll top dry bags is how adaptable they are. Whether you’re paddleboarding, kayaking, open water swimming, or even commuting to work on a wet morning, the same simple bag can protect your belongings. 

When it comes to the best roll top dry bags, this versatility extends to how you use them. Smaller options (including our 10L dry bag) are great for carrying the essentials, then doubling up as a swim float when you do hit the water. Equally, larger models can double up as companions for multi-day adventures or SUP trips, with ample room to stash clothing and food while still benefiting from that trusted watertight protection you need. 

Rugged & Adventure Proof 

It’s not just water that a good roll top dry bag can fend off, as they are made from tough, puncture-resistant fabrics that shrug off the wear and tear of everyday use. You can drag them across the sand, come into contact with rocks and branches, and use them year after year on SUP trips without the worry of breaking. And, when you’re finished, they’re just as easy to wipe clean.

Practical, Fuss-Free Carrying

No matter how protective it is, a bag is only useful if it’s comfortable and easy to carry. Fortunately, roll top dry bags are designed to be as fuss-free as possible, with lightweight attachment points and handy straps on larger designs so that you can sling them over your shoulder or securely clip them onto your inflatable paddle board. 

Unlike hard cases, a roll top dry bag also moulds around your gear and packs down easily when not in use. They’re as convenient to take on a quick swim as they are a longer expedition, with no annoying fiddly zips or locks to contend with.

Red Equipment’s Roll Top Dry Bags

At Red Equipment, we’re super excited to have launched our newest range of roll top dry bags, designed to really harness the versatility of this type of waterproof bag construction. We’ve created an option for all needs and load sizes, with each available in 3 different colours to suit your style.

Waterproof Roll Top Dry Bag 10L

Ocean Blue/Forest Green/Bitter Orange

Don’t be fooled by its size, our 10L roll top dry bag is the perfect option for carrying your essentials on and around the water. It’s compact, streamlined, and completely waterproof, made from super-tough fabric with impermeable welded seams. Kit stays dry even when fully submerged thanks to the reliable roll-top closure, while a zipped internal pocket ensures your valuables stay safe and easy to find. Of course, this small roll top dry bag is also incredibly versatile, with a detachable padded shoulder strap and the ability to double up as a swim float if you need it to. 

Waterproof Roll Top Dry Bag Backpack 30L

Ocean Blue/Forest Green/Bitter Orange

For longer days on the water, our 30L roll top dry bag offers a tougher and more spacious solution without compromising on convenience. This waterproof bag is also built from rugged, wipe-clean fabric with fully welded seams and a secure roll top closure, but comes with added and removable airflow straps which convert the bag into a hands-free backpack. Daisy chain attachment points give you the option to clip on extra gear, and the internal zipped pocket keeps the main compartment free for all of your towels and layers. 

Waterproof Roll Top Dry Bag Backpack - 60L

Ocean Blue/Forest Green/Bitter Orange

When you need maximum capacity and ultimate durability, our 60L roll top dry bag is built to protect everything you need for extended adventures. Two padded airflow backpack straps make it comfortable even when loaded with heavy kit, and the huge 60-litre volume provides ample space for everything you need for expeditions, weekends away, and even hauling larger equipment like your Titan II pump. A reinforced base then adds stability and strength, promising everything you need to push your limits. 

The entire range of new Red Equipment roll top dry bags is available online now. If you have any further questions about the range, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.