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What’s The Difference Between A Wet Bag And A Dry Bag?
Any avid outdoor enthusiast knows the importance of bringing the right gear on any trip. Two essential items for any outdoor adventure are wet and dry bags. But what exactly is the difference between the two? We help you differentiate.
What is a Dry Bag? What is a Wet Bag?
Dry bags are an ideal way to keep your electronics and clothes dry when swimming outdoors or being around water. They are perfect for keeping any gear or belongings dry in wet conditions.
Wet bags are designed specifically to store wet items, made with water-resistant materials such as canvas or vinyl to keep water from leaking out. They're perfect for storing wet clothes or towels after a swim.
The Caribee Expedition Series are our 100% waterproof wet bags
Can You Use A Dry Bag As A Wet Bag?
It is possible to use a dry bag as a wet bag; however, a dry bag is specifically designed to keep your belongings dry, while a wet bag is specifically designed to store wet items.
If you attempt to use a dry bag as a wet bag, it is only for the purpose of keeping water inside the bag. For example, this would prevent your wetsuit from soaking your car interior or leaking. This is an ideal way to store and transport a wet wetsuit!
While many people will throw all their wet gear into a dry bag after a swim or if they get soaked in the field, it is important to remember that a dry bag is an ideal way to store wet or soaked items once you no longer need the bag to keep your belongings dry.
Do Dry Bags Float?
As a general rule, dry bags are buoyant as they are typically watertight and airtight to prevent the ingress of water.
Dry bags are not designed to float, but it is useful to know this in case you drop your dry bag into the water. That said, dry bags should not be dragged behind you on a long swim, as they are not designed for long-term submersion.
The 360 Degrees Dry Bag protects your gear against wet weather in a lightweight and durable package
Given that a dry bag can be used as a wet bag, do we really need wet bags at all?
Whether a wet bag is necessary or not depends on your packing habits. But if you are super organised, wet bags are a convenient and cheap way to manage wet gear.
Dry bags are a great way to keep your belongings dry when you are in the rain or near bodies of water. They are waterproof and will float if they fall in the water. When you are out in the field particular, they are a fantastic way to keep your belongings dry on the waterside.
With dry bags, it is important to pack and seal them correctly to avoid any leaks, and some dry bags come with an internal zip-lock bag for extra protection against water damage, which is important when storing electronics and mobile phones outdoors.
Wet bags are brilliant for storing and are a really convenient way for anyone to manage their wet gear.
Whether you need a dry bag or a wet bag will depend on what you are using it for – but both can be great tools for managing what you bring out on the field or when you travel for leisure.