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Why You Need a Dry Bag
Whether you're dipping or open water swimming in a cold loch or lake, paddleboarding at sunrise, or heading out for a kayaking session, one thing's non-negotiable: keeping your essentials dry. A good dry bag is the simplest way to carry and protect your valuables and spare layers from water, sand, and mud, so you can focus on the swim rather than what you left on the bank.
Choosing the Best Dry Bag for Swimming
Not all dry bags are built the same. If you're an open water swimmer or a cold water dipper, you'll want something lightweight and easy to carry. If you're out kayaking or paddleboarding, a larger dry bag gives you room for extra kit: a towel, a change of clothes, snacks, maybe your camera too.
Look for a roll-top closure and welded seams if you want genuine waterproofing rather than just water resistance. That's the detail that makes the difference when you get caught in a downpour, or end up taking an unexpected swim. Our tow float dry bag goes a step further with dual air chambers, so there's a backup keeping things buoyant even if one chamber needs a top-up. Dippy’s generous 28L capacity dry bag is a perfect choice.
Built for the Dippy Community
Dippy's dry bags are designed with outdoor swimmers and adventurers in mind. Lightweight enough to carry on any adventure, tough enough to handle whatever conditions you're heading into, and compact enough to earn a permanent place in your kit bag. Our tow float dry bags are made from a durable nylon PVC-coated material with fixed handles, and every one is individually inspected and tested before it reaches you, because we'd rather you trust your kit completely than think twice about it mid-swim.
Dry Bag FAQs
Are dry bags actually waterproof?
A quality dry bag with a roll-top closure and welded seams is genuinely waterproof, not just water-resistant. Rolling the top down correctly creates an airtight seal, so your contents stay dry even if the bag goes under briefly. Always check for welded seams rather than stitched ones if reliable waterproofing matters to you.
What size dry bag do I need for swimming?
While compact dry bags are great for the basics the dippy 28L dry bag covers all bases, it is the ultimate dry bag that people pick because it perfectly bridges the gap between lightweight convenience with maximum utility. However, a compact dry bag is enough for your valuables and a snack. But If you're kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming somewhere a bit more remote, a larger dry bag in the 20 to 30 litre range is perfect, plus the added safety of a Dippy 28L, a highly-visible float with an adjustable waist belt that fits up to 47 inches (119cm), with extra belts available if you need one.
Can I use a dry bag as a tow float?
Dippy's tow float dry bags are built to do both. You get a 28-litre waterproof compartment combined with a high-visibility swimming buoy, dual air chambers for extra security, and a built-in whistle so you can attract attention if you ever need to. A standard dry bag without air chambers isn't designed to double as a tow float, so if you want safety and storage in one, the tow float dry bag is the one to go for.
How do I close a dry bag properly?
Roll the top of the bag down at least three times to create a tight seal, then clip or buckle the ends together to hold it in place. The tighter the roll, the better the seal, and the more air you squeeze out before rolling, the more compact it'll be to carry.