Earth Pak Original Waterproof Dry Bag 20L Reviewed in 2025

A Minimalist Waterproof Sling Bag

The Original Dry Bag by Earth Pak is perhaps one of the most traditional dry bags in design, construction, and function. It might be one of the most traditional tube-shaped dry bags we’ve reviewed.

There are no marketing tactics here, no gimmicks, just an old-school tested design that is proven to work. It has a smooth, durable matte fabric, an easy-to-use rolltop opening with a clip and an adjustable shoulder strap.

We know this design to be practical for packing wet gear, beach towels and the like, but it is not famous for its organizational virtues. Nonetheless, this kind of bag is a reliable choice that will do the trick every time, anywhere.

We go on to test it in the water, leave it out in the rain, and are satisfied with its performance.

Details And External Features

Nothing is groundbreaking about the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag features. Its strength is found in its classic and reliable build. It comes in many matte colors and has no pockets, only a large rolltop compartment.

It features the simple and stylish Earth Pak logo, an adjustable strap and swivel hooks. It comes with an extra IPX8 transparent phone pouch for safely storing your phone.

Its clips and buckle are made of plastic and not of the highest quality, but that keeps the price tag low. The attached D-rings connect the bag to the side of a raft, boat, or backpack.

The roll-top closure allows for air-tight protection and stops water from entering the top of your bag.

While the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag lacks extra compartments, it is available in five sizes and eight colors, and getting multiple dry bags with different colors should help you organize your gear better.

While the 10L and 20L version of the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag features a basic shoulder strap, higher-volume variants (30L, 40L, and 55L) feature two padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap to accommodate all body types, the 55L version features an extra waist strap for a more secure and snug fit.

Construction, Waterproofing And Durability

This sling bag is durable and abrasion-resistant, so screens and sensitive gear will be protected, but it has no additional padding. It is made of 500D PVC with an IPX6 rating, making it safe for water use or heavy rain.

It’s not submersible, but it will be fine if submerged for just a few seconds, as indicated on the Earth Pak website. It will keep moisture out as long as it’s sealed properly.

Either way, it would be hard to submerge it, as it is buoyant and airtight so it is designed to float. It comes with a 5-year warranty.

We would not overstuff this bag, as we noticed that the bottom seams are prone to fraying, so stretching it to its limits will not help that. We did not have any leaks, though, so no complaints about the welding here.

Capacity And Usability

While the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag may lack certain features, it does make up for it with several convenient capacities for different uses and occasions. The smaller ones come at 5L, 10L or 20L and have a sling strap, while the larger bags in this series resemble a backpack to hold heavier loads securely and come at 30L, 40L and 55L.

The larger variants of the Waterproof Dry Bag are perfect for extended trips through the wilderness where you have to carry more than a few days’ worth of clothes, sleeping or scuba gear, beach towels and other necessities.

However, it is a fact that the Earth Pak Waterproof Sling does fall short in the organization department. There is only the extra pouch to store your phone, but that is easily lost among the other items when the bag is used, and that is not the most convenient way of organizing, at least for us.

Value

It is one of the best budget options in the market for its price. While the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag’s 20L version is already a great deal, its 55L version is pretty much a steal compared to prices for other large-capacity bags.

Moreover, the fact that the dry bag comes with Earth Pak’s 5-year warranty and the fact that you can buy several sizes at these prices, makes it a compelling alternative.

On the other hand, if you are not strapped for cash, you can always look for a bag that comes with better organization potential and sturdier hardware, either from the Earth Pak series or other brands.

Overall, the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is a high-value item for people needing simple watersports or sailing protection.

Comparing Waterproof Bags

We compared the Earth Pak Sling to the Skog Å Kust DrySåk Waterproof Bag, which is also a sling. It has high-frequency welded seams, durable hardware and a pocket on the front for organizing. It comes in various colors and stays within a budget price range.

We also compared it to the Earth Pak Summit Waterproof Backpack, which offers better organization, a front waterproof pocket, lash points for external storage and a more comfortable fit with its padded shoulder straps if you plan on longer hikes or heavier gear.

Check out our waterproof backpack guide for dry bags that are a lot nicer to carry when the load is heavier.

Do We Recommend It?

Like a lot of similar options, this is a simple dry bag that will keep gear protected when paddle boarding, kayaking or sailing. We’ve used this particular bag and others like it inside duffels when sailing for electronics like batteries.

The Earth Pak just does what it’s supposed to do and will do it reliably enough for at least a few seasons as long as it’s rinsed and kept out of the hard sun

For its price and usefulness, it is a bag worth considering.