There’s nothing worse than a soggy bottom. Whether you’re baking a cake or travelling home after a day at the beach, dampness where it doesn’t belong is a universal nuisance.
In the past, when plastic bags were disastrously ubiquitous and the height of practicality, those crinkly carriers were the default solution for anything mildly moist. Wet swimsuit? Chuck it in a plastic bag. Sweaty gym kit? Same again. My mum always had a stash of them in the boot during summer holidays to Bournemouth, ready to contain whatever dripping item emerged post-sea swim or splash park. Functional, yes. Chic? Not remotely.
But there’s a better way. One that doesn’t involve single-use plastic, rogue leakage, or apologetically soggy laps on the train ride home? Allow me to introduce you to the humble dry bag. No longer just the preserve of hardcore hikers and paddleboarders, the dry bag has undergone something of a glow-up.
Now, they come in all shapes, sizes and, crucially, styles – sleek roll-tops with waterproof seals, pouches made from recycled plastic, and mesh-lined compartments that air out damp swimwear without soaking everything else in your tote.
Whether you’re braving Brockwell Lido year-round, packing for a Mykonos mini-break, or simply navigating the chaos of school swimming lessons, a good dry bag is the kind of low-effort, high-impact upgrade that makes life feel a little more put together.
We’ve rounded up the best dry bags on the market right now – some stylish enough to double as a beach clutch, others roomy enough to swallow your entire après-swim ensemble. Think of them as your soggy kit’s new best friend. Your summer (and your handbag) will thank you.
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Best dry packs for casual swims
Niwaki Dry Bag
Sturdy, waterproof, sand-proof and complete with a high-end feel, this dry bag from UK-based specialists in Japanese tools, Niwaki, comes with an adjustable strap with three connection points. It can also be used as a standard, weather-proof crossbody daypack for adventures in or near water.
Buy now £18.00, Niwaki
Yeti Sidekick Dry 1L Waterproof Gear Case
Spacious and incredibly tough – much like all gear from Yeti – the Sidekick pouch is perfect for separating valuables from larger items when travelling, as well as storing wet swimming gear. It features a Hydroshield Magnetic Closure, which’ll keep water out wherever you roam, and keep the wet stuff from mingling with the dry when you’re on your way home. It’s compatible with a variety of Yeti bags (hence the name Sidekick) and can be slotted onto the outer straps with ease.
Buy now £40.00, Yeti
Nabaiji Waterproof Swimming Pouch 3L
Offered in three different, fun colourways, this perfect little water-resistant pouch is brilliant for regular swimmers. It has a three-litre capacity and will stop other items in your bag from getting wet. Perfect for schoolkids who struggle to keep textbooks dry.
Buy now £5.99, Decathlon
Hightide Nahe Logo-Print Pvc Packing Pouch
Available in a quartet of chic colours, this PVC packing pouch is brilliantly multi-purpose. Crafted by Japanese lifestyle brand Hightide which, rather aptly, takes much of its inspiration from the ocean, this utilitarian piece of kit is perfect for keeping wet clothes separate from dry items after a day at the beach. In the off-season, wipe it clean and use it as a toiletry bag, makeup pouch, or whatever else your heart desires.
Buy now £13.00, Selfridges
Speedo Pool Side Bag Blue/Black
Compact, lightweight and water-repellent are the operative words when it comes to describing Speedo’s poolside bag. It’s large enough to house toiletries and valuables, and has a fantastic zippered, waterproof compartment inside for keeping your wet kit separate from all your other belongings. The hanging loop makes securing it in changing rooms a breeze, too.
Buy now £18.00, Speedo
La Pochette Wet Bag Large - Walnut / Neon Green
Whether you’re off to the lido, the lake, or on holiday, La Pochette’s wet bags are the chicest around, and they’re also crafted from recycled plastic bottles with an anti-stain coating. The main compartment features a triple-lock system that prevents leaks, while the outer zipped pocket is perfect for essentials like SPF and post-swim toiletries. Though available in multiple sizes, the large option is your best bet if you’re often travelling with a buddy, as it’ll fit a few pairs of wet swimwear. What’s more, it’s machine-washable at 30 degrees. Winner winner.
Buy now £70.00, La Pochette
Best dry packs for wetsuits and water sports
Fit 4 Me Deep Blue Wetsuit Changing Mat
Best for: a changing mat and wet bag in one
Designed for wetsuits and wetsuits alone, if you’re simply looking for somewhere to store your neoprene kit after a wild swimming session, this is a great value for money option that’ll prevent the rest of your belongings, or your car boot floor, from getting wet.
What’s more, it doubles up as a changing mat so that you don’t have to get your freshly dried toes sandy all over again.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
HH Ocean Dry Bag L
Best for: all protection, no fuss
Experts in creating equipment for sailors and skippers alike, Helly Hansen certainly has some practice when it comes to making waterproof designs fit for all kinds of sports.
Because it’s a roll-top design, it won’t provide complete protection if fully submerged. Nevertheless, this cherry red Dry Bag is made from extra-strong 420D nylon with waterproof TPU backing, which has been reinforced by welded seams. With a D-ring attachment point and a removable strap for taking this bag from A to B, this is a pratical and budget-friendly option without any bells and whistles.
Buy now £50.15, Amazon
Osprey Ultralight Drysack 12L
If you’re looking forward to all the surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and every other water-based activity you’ll do on holiday then the Osprey Ultralight Drysack is perfect for keeping all of your belongings dry and safe. This 12L bag is made from Ripstop nylon which means it is both tough and ultralight so won’t weigh you down as you go about your adventure.
The roll-top closure of the bag and taped seams ensures your prized possessions will be completely safe from water no matter how wet it gets. Its rectangular shape can make packing more efficient and the range of bright colours offered means your bag will stay visible even as night falls.
Buy now £20.00, Osprey
