What Size Dry Bag Do I Need?
Dry bag sizing is measured in litres, but the number on the label is the volume before you roll it closed. Expect to lose roughly a fifth of that capacity to the seal — which is why size choice matters more than it first appears.
Choose 2L for essentials you cannot replace — phone, keys, wallet. Choose 5L for a day out, adding a jacket, towel and snacks. Choose 10L for a full change of clothes or an overnight trip. Rolling the top down three times costs roughly a fifth of the stated volume, so size up rather than down.
Quick comparison
| Size | Role | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2L | Everyday Essentials | Beach days, paddleboarding, kayaking day trips, festivals, boat passengers. |
| 5L | Adventure Essentials | Day hikes in wet weather, fishing, canoeing, motorbike touring, day-boat use. |
| 10L | Day Expedition Equipment | Multi-hour paddles, overnight trips, four-wheel driving, camping, anyone packing for two. |
What fits in a 2L, 5L and 10L dry bag?
- What fits
- Phone, keys, wallet, cards, sunglasses, a small first aid kit.
- Best for
- Beach days, paddleboarding, kayaking day trips, festivals, boat passengers.
- What fits
- Everything above plus a light jacket, a spare t-shirt, a towel, snacks, a compact camera.
- Best for
- Day hikes in wet weather, fishing, canoeing, motorbike touring, day-boat use.
- What fits
- A full change of clothes, a mid-layer, food for the day, a compact sleeping layer or camera body with lenses.
- Best for
- Multi-hour paddles, overnight trips, four-wheel driving, camping, anyone packing for two.
Three rules for sizing correctly
Size up, not down. A bag rolled three times seals properly; a bag stuffed full rolls once and leaks. Leave headroom.
Separate, don't consolidate. Two smaller bags beat one large one — you open only what you need, and the rest stays sealed against spray.
Match the bag to the activity, not the gear. A 2L on a wrist strap in a kayak is more useful than a 10L wedged under a seat.
Still deciding?
If you are choosing your first dry bag, start with how dry bags actually work, then look at how they are used in Australian conditions. Travelling somewhere specific? Read dry bags in Australia, state by state.
The TECTON Expedition System
Three purpose-built waterproof dry bags — 2L, 5L and 10L — engineered to work together as one modular system. Designed in Australia.