Bikepacking Dry Bags For Every Purpose and Budget

When we’re holding our own in a wild place, sometimes the simplest things matter most. Like dry bags! Before becoming obsessed with bikepacking, I never would have guessed such a basic item could be so essential.

Dry bags, as you probably know, are waterproof sacks used to hold gear. They keep small items organized and allow you to strap gear all over your bike – to the fork, the handlebars, the top of a seat bag – without (or in addition to) a rack or bikepacking bags.

Most importantly, at the risk of stating the obvious, dry bags keep our bikepacking gear DRY. For mission-critical items like a sleeping bag, warm layers, and electronics, this is a matter of both comfort and safety.

If you’re just getting into this delightfully addictive pastime, you might be wondering which dry bags are best for bikepacking. Is a $40 dry bag really better than a $10 dry bag? Will a 12 liter dry bag fit your sleeping bag? What size is best for your fork cages?

I’ve been incorporating dry bags into my bikepacking setup for well over 10,000 miles, and I’m excited (yes really!) to teach you about this unsung hero of the bikepacking gear world. Let’s dive in!

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Dry Bag Features

Dry bags might seem simple, but they’re actually a varied bunch. Here are the most important features I look for in a good bikepacking dry bag.

Reliability: All but the most shoddily produced bags should be up to the challenge of a little rain, but not all are intended to be fully submersible. For sustained rainy weather (hello Pacific Northwest) or risky river crossings, choose more carefully.

Durability: Heavier fabrics offer more protection against scrapes and punctures. A thin lightweight dry bag is great for protecting electronics in your frame bag, but a burlier bag is a better choice for strapping to your fork or the sides of a rear rack.

Compression: Bikepackers love compression. Sometimes it’s the only way to fit all the things on the bike. Some dry bags come with built-in compression straps to make this easier, which is especially handy when trying to fit them on drop handlebars.

Loops and straps: Daisy chains and loops help you attach dry bags more securely. If you’ve ever looked down and noticed that something important has bounced off your bike sometime in the last few hours, you’ll appreciate this feature. Loops can also help you attach yet more dry bags to your dry bags, which is especially helpful for handlebar setups.

Closure type: Roll-top closures are the most common, and their flexibility is helpful for bikepacking. A long bag can be rolled up shorter to fit on drop handlebars or stuffed full to maximize cargo space on flat bars. A few purpose-built bikepacking dry bags have roll closures on both ends for easy access to small items (like warm layers) throughout the day.

Weight: As with most outdoor gear, durability and weight are often inversely related. Unless you’re a true weight weenie, differences in dry bag weight are probably the least of your packing list worries, but it can still make sense to choose dry bags that are no larger or burlier than you need.

Price: There’s no escaping “you get what you pay for” in outdoor gear. A sturdy, reliable, lightweight, thoughtfully designed bikepacking dry bag will cost more, especially if it’s made by a premium brand or a local manufacturer. I’m the first to say you don’t need the more expensive version, but you might enjoy it if you have room in your budget.

Related: Gear Ideas for Bikepacking on a Budget

Harnesses, Cages, and Straps

Once you have your dry bags, you’ll need to attach them to your bike. This can be a whole other can o’ worms, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

Straps: Bikepackers love stretchy rubber Voile straps. They’re perfect for attaching a dry bag to a handlebar harness, cargo cage, downtube, or other creative nooks and crannies. Tip: If you’re on a budget or like flexible multi-use gear, get the longer ones. Extra tails can always be tucked in, but you can’t make a short strap longer.

Gear and cargo cages: I’m a fan of Blackburn Outpost cages plus Voile straps. The Salsa EXP Anything Cage is also very popular. These cages are perfect for securely attaching a 2 – 5 liter dry bag to your fork or, if you have space, downtube.

Related: Cargo Cage Comparison: Blackburn Outpost vs. Salsa Anything

Handlebar harnesses: Technically you can strap a dry bag directly to your handlebars, but it’s not ideal because the bag will bounce around and rub against your cables. Instead, mount a handlebar harness like my current favorite from Revelate (or a number of other options) and then attach your dry bag and perhaps a second item like a tent.

Tip for drop handlebars: If your space is narrow and your dry bag fights with your brifters, compress it by wrapping a strap around it length-wise. Or, invest in a dry bag with compression straps.

Other Tips

Once you’re loaded up and ready to roll, here are a few more tips to keep your dry bags and your gear happy.

Close your bags carefully for good waterproofing. The roll-top closure is meant to be folded at least three times to completely seal out water. You can get away with less in light rain, but if it pours or you’re navigating serious water crossings it pays to be more precise.

Attach your bags carefully. If slipping a small dry bag into the shock cord on your seat bag or strapping under your downtube (both places that are hard to see while riding), make absolutely sure it won’t bounce out. For extra security run a strap through a daisy chain loop, if your bag has one, or the loop created by the closure buckle.

Repair torn or punctured dry bags with gear tape. I always carry a few squares of Gear Aid Tenacious Tape in my bikepacking fix it kit and have used it to repair everything from dry bags to tents, rain jackets, and hydration bladders.