10 Essential Dry Bag Packing Lists for Stand Up Paddleboarding

Imagine launching a paddleboard onto a glassy lake or coastal bay, only to have a sudden wake capsize the board and soak your dry clothes, phone, and car keys. Having the right gear properly stowed in a dry bag is the difference between a minor splash and a ruined trip. This guide outlines the essential gear to pack for a successful stand up paddleboarding (SUP) adventure, ensuring safety, comfort, and peace of mind on the water.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

How to Choose the Right Dry Bag Size for Paddleboarding

Choosing the wrong size dry bag is a common mistake that leads to either a cluttered deck or soggy gear left behind. For quick, warm-weather afternoon paddles, a 10-liter to 15-liter bag is usually plenty of space for a phone, keys, sunscreen, and a lightweight windbreaker. If the plan involves a full-day excursion or paddling in variable shoulder-season weather, step up to a 20-liter to 30-liter bag to accommodate extra layers, lunch, and safety gear.

Keep in mind that a dry bag must be rolled down at least three times to create an airtight, watertight seal, which eats up a surprising amount of usable volume. Buying a slightly larger bag than anticipated is always smarter than stuffing a smaller one to its absolute limit. Overpacking prevents a clean roll, compromising the seal and risking water ingress if the bag takes a swim.

Dry Bag – Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

The dry bag is the foundation of any SUP gear setup, serving as the primary barrier between sensitive gear and the water. It must withstand abrasion from the board’s deck grip, exposure to harsh UV rays, and potential submersion during a fall. A flimsy dry bag will quickly puncture or leak under these demanding conditions.

The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag stands out due to its heavy-duty construction designed for rugged paddle sports. Its white TPU interior laminate reflects light, making it incredibly easy to find small items at the bottom of the bag. Multiple heavy-duty lash loops allow for secure attachment directly to the board’s deck bungees or D-rings.

• Material: 420D nylon fabric
• Waterproof Rating: Heavy-duty, non-submersible water protection
• Best Uses: Kayaking, rafting, and stand up paddleboarding in rough waters

This bag features a roll-top closure that requires careful rolling—at least three tight folds—before clipping the buckle to ensure a true seal. While extremely water-resistant and capable of surviving temporary submersion, it is not rated for prolonged underwater use. It is perfect for paddlers navigating rocky rivers or salty coastal waters, but might be overkill for casual, flat-water lake paddlers who only need basic splash protection.

Waterproof Phone Case – JOTO Universal Waterproof Pouch

A smartphone is a vital safety tool for navigation, weather monitoring, and emergency communication on the water. Keeping it bone-dry while maintaining full touch screen usability is non-negotiable when paddling away from the shoreline. A standard dry bag is too inconvenient to open every time a call or photo is needed.

The JOTO Universal Waterproof Pouch features an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning it can handle continuous submersion up to 100 feet. The clear window material allows for unobstructed photos and easy touch-screen operation, even with wet fingers. It also comes with a sturdy, adjustable lanyard that secures around the neck or wraps tightly to a personal flotation device (PFD).

• Waterproof Rating: IPX8 (certified up to 100 feet)
• Compatibility: Fits devices up to 7 inches diagonally
• Key Feature: Clear window on both front and back sides

Before every trip, test the pouch by submerging it at home with a piece of paper towel inside to check for seal integrity. Saltwater can corrode the locking mechanism over time, so rinse the pouch in fresh water after coastal paddles. This pouch is an essential, low-cost insurance policy for any paddler, though photographers wanting professional-grade, distortion-free images may prefer a dedicated hard-case housing.

Packable Towel – PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Towel

A wet paddleboarder gets cold quickly once the wind picks up, making a reliable towel necessary for warming up and drying off after a swim. Standard cotton towels are bulky, heavy when wet, and take hours to dry, making them a poor fit for a compact dry bag. A specialized packable towel solves this space-to-performance dilemma.

The PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Towel absorbs up to four times its weight in water and wrings out almost completely dry in seconds. Made of a polyester/nylon microfiber blend, it packs down to the size of a water bottle, leaving precious space inside the dry bag for other essentials. Polygiene odor control treatment keeps it smelling fresh even after multiple uses on multi-day trips.

• Material: 85% Polyester, 15% Nylon microfiber
• Absorption Rate: Absorbs 4x its weight in water
• Special Treatment: Polygiene odor control

Microfiber towels have a distinct, suede-like texture that can feel unusual to those accustomed to plush home towels. Hang the towel to dry using its integrated snap loop whenever taking a break on land. It is ideal for space-conscious paddlers, though anyone looking for a thick, cozy beach blanket should look elsewhere.

First Aid Kit – Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight

Scrapes from river rocks, oyster shell cuts, and unexpected sun blisters can quickly turn a fun day on the water into a medical problem. A marine-ready first aid kit provides the necessary tools to patch up minor injuries before they worsen. Standard home first aid kits will quickly degrade if exposed to moisture, making a watertight version essential.

The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .5 is designed specifically for wet environments, featuring a dual-layer waterproofing system. The inner contents are sealed inside a re-sealable DryFlex bag, which is housed in a durable, water-resistant outer nylon pouch. It contains high-quality medical supplies optimized for outdoor injuries, including blister treatment, band-aids, and antiseptic wipes.

• Weight: 3.6 ounces
• Waterproof System: DryFlex inner bag with water-resistant outer pouch
• Group Size: 1 to 2 people for 1–2 days

This kit is exceptionally compact, but it only contains supplies for one to two people on short trips. Regularly inspect the sterile packaging of the internal contents, as extreme heat inside a dry bag on a sunny day can degrade adhesive bandages over time. It is perfect for day-tripping paddlers who prioritize weight savings and water protection, but larger groups will need to supplement it with additional supplies.

Portable Power Bank – Anker PowerCore Solar 20000

Cold temperatures, GPS tracking apps, and searching for cellular signals on the water can drain a phone battery surprisingly fast. A rugged power bank ensures that emergency communication devices remain fully charged throughout the journey. Standard indoor power banks are highly vulnerable to moisture, dust, and drops, making an outdoor-rated charger necessary.

The Anker PowerCore Solar 20000 is built for the outdoors, featuring an IP65 dustproof and water-resistant rating along with a shock-absorbing corner design. It offers massive battery capacity, capable of charging a modern smartphone multiple times over. The integrated solar panel provides emergency topping-off capability when far from any electrical grid.

• Capacity: 20,000mAh
• Protection Rating: IP65 water-resistant and dustproof
• Outputs: Dual USB-A ports for simultaneous charging

While the solar panel is a great backup feature, solar charging is slow and should not be relied upon as the primary charging method; charge the unit fully at home before heading out. Keep the charging ports securely covered with the rubber flap when not in use to maintain water resistance. This heavy-duty power bank is ideal for multi-day touring paddlers, but is heavier than necessary for casual paddlers who stay close to shore.

Sport Sunscreen – Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen

Water reflects UV rays, compounding sun exposure and increasing the risk of severe sunburn even on overcast days. A high-performance sunscreen that stays on despite sweat and splashing water is a safety priority for any open-water activity. Standard daily lotions wash off too quickly, leaving the skin unprotected and harming delicate aquatic life.

Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection without harmful chemicals like oxybenzone. It offers the highest level of water resistance allowed by the FDA (80 minutes), ensuring it won’t wash off immediately upon contact with water. The formula is highly biodegradable and reef-safe, making it environmentally responsible for sensitive aquatic ecosystems.

• Active Ingredient: 20% Zinc Oxide (non-nano)
• Water Resistance: 80 minutes (FDA maximum)
• Environmental Rating: Reef-safe and biodegradable

Mineral sunscreens are thicker than chemical alternatives and require thorough rubbing to minimize the white residue left on the skin. Apply it at least 15 minutes before launching to allow the protective barrier to set properly. This is the perfect choice for eco-conscious paddlers seeking long-lasting physical sun protection, but those who dislike a slightly heavier skin feel may find it takes some getting used to.

Rescue Knife – Gerber Gear River Shorty Blunt Tip Knife

Entanglement in discarded fishing line, anchor ropes, or underwater debris is a serious hazard that can trap a paddler underwater. A dedicated rescue knife provides a fast, reliable way to cut free from dangerous situations. Standard pocket knives are difficult to deploy quickly and will rust rapidly when exposed to moisture.

The Gerber Gear River Shorty Blunt Tip Knife features a corrosion-resistant stainless steel blade designed specifically for high-stress water environments. The blunt tip prevents accidental punctures to inflatable paddleboards, PFDs, or skin during emergency situations in moving water. Its serrated edge quickly saws through thick ropes and heavy webbing.

• Blade Length: 3.0 inches
• Blade Steel: High-carbon stainless steel
• Tip Design: Blunt safety tip

The knife comes with a hard plastic sheath designed to mount directly onto a PFD lash tab for instant access. Rinse the blade with fresh water and dry it thoroughly after saltwater use to prevent surface rust, despite its corrosion-resistant coating. This life-saving tool is highly recommended for river paddlers and coastal tourers, but is generally unnecessary for flat-water lake recreation.

Water Bottle – Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Trail Series

Dehydration on the water leads to fatigue, muscle cramps, and poor decision-making under the hot sun. A durable, insulated container keeps drinking water cold and refreshing throughout the day, encouraging regular hydration. Cheap, single-use plastic bottles warm up quickly and are easily dropped or lost overboard.

The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Trail Series is engineered to be 25 percent lighter than standard Hydro Flask bottles, reducing deck weight without sacrificing insulation performance. Its double-wall vacuum insulation keeps liquids icy cold for up to 24 hours, even when exposed to direct sunlight on a paddleboard deck. The tough stainless steel construction withstands drops onto rocky shorelines.

• Capacity: 24 or 32 ounces
• Material: Lightweight professional-grade 18/8 stainless steel
• Insulation: TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation

Unlike standard bottles, the lightweight Trail Series has thinner steel walls, meaning it can dent more easily if dropped onto concrete or hard surfaces. Pair it with a compatible sport cap for easy, one-handed drinking while holding a paddle. It is perfect for weight-conscious touring paddlers, but casual users who do not mind a heavier bottle may prefer more budget-friendly standard models.

Waterproof Headlamp – Black Diamond Storm 500-R

Whether an afternoon paddle runs late or a planned tour starts before dawn, navigating in low-light conditions requires hands-free illumination. A waterproof headlamp allows the paddler to see oncoming hazards and remain visible to motorized vessels. Standard headlamps will quickly fail if dropped into the water or exposed to a heavy downpour.

The Black Diamond Storm 500-R features a robust IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it can operate normally after being submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes. It outputs a powerful 500 lumens of light, with multiple modes including red, green, and blue night vision. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery can be topped off via micro-USB, eliminating the need for disposable batteries.

• Max Output: 500 lumens
• Waterproof Rating: IP67 (dustproof and waterproof)
• Power Source: Integrated 2400 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery

Lock the headlamp using the button-lock feature before packing it to prevent the light from accidentally turning on and draining the battery inside the dry bag. The elastic headband will absorb water if submerged, so rinse it with fresh water and hang it to dry after use. It is a critical safety item for dusk, dawn, or night paddlers, but unnecessary for those who strictly paddle during mid-day sun.

Packable Rain Jacket – Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Weather conditions on open water can shift rapidly, bringing sudden wind, rain, and temperature drops. A reliable waterproof jacket blocks wind chill and keeps the torso dry, preventing hypothermia in challenging conditions. Heavy, non-breathable rain gear traps sweat and restricts movement while paddling.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L utilizes a 3-layer H2No Performance Standard technology that provides exceptional waterproof durability while remaining highly breathable. This prevents the humid, sweaty feeling common with cheaper, plastic-like rain jackets during active paddling. It packs down incredibly small, fitting easily into the bottom of a dry bag until needed.

• Technology: 3-layer H2No Performance Standard shell
• Material: 100% recycled nylon ripstop face fabric
• Packability: Stuffs into its own left handwarmer pocket

The jacket has a stiff, durable feel due to the 3-layer construction, which may feel less supple than lightweight running jackets but offers far superior protection against heavy downpours and wind. Clean and retreat the jacket periodically with a DWR (durable water repellent) wash to maintain its water-beading performance over years of use. This is a premium protective shell for serious paddlers facing variable weather, though casual warm-weather paddlers might opt for a simpler, less expensive windbreaker.

How to Properly Secure and Tie Down Gear to Your SUP

Having the best gear packed inside a premium dry bag means nothing if the entire setup slides off the deck and sinks into the depths. Most modern paddleboards come equipped with a nose bungee system or integrated D-rings designed specifically for securing cargo. Slide the dry bag underneath the bungees, ensuring the heaviest items are positioned toward the center of the board to maintain stability and tracking.

For rough water, river rapids, or windy coastal conditions, bungees alone are rarely enough. Use heavy-duty, non-stretch utility straps or carabiners to clip the dry bag’s roll-top buckle or lash loops directly to the board’s D-rings. Always double-check that the bag is oriented with the roll-top closure facing away from oncoming waves to minimize direct water pressure against the seal.

Lastly, balance is key to a smooth paddle. Distribute the weight evenly across the centerline of the board, keeping the load as low to the deck as possible. An unbalanced board will list to one side, making paddling inefficient and significantly increasing the likelihood of a spill.

Equipping a paddleboard with the right gear ensures that unexpected shifts in weather or water conditions remain minor adventures rather than emergencies. By selecting durable, waterproof essentials and securing them properly to the deck, paddlers can confidently explore new waters. Pack smart, double-check those seals, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared for the water.