8 Essential Waterproof Dry Bags and Tie Downs for River Rafting and Bikepacking

Picture a sudden flip in a Class III rapid or a torrential downpour halfway through a rugged mountain singletrack. When gravity and water conspire against your gear, the difference between a successful expedition and a soggy disaster comes down to your rigging and waterproofing choices. Selecting the right combination of dry bags and tie-downs ensures your sleeping bag, electronics, and dry clothes survive to see the next campsite.

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Why Rigging Matters on the River and the Trail

Water is incredibly heavy and unrelenting, capable of ripping loose gear right off a raft frame in seconds. On a bikepacking rig, constant trail vibrations and sudden bumps will rattle unsecured dry bags loose, sending your gear into the dirt or, worse, into your spokes. Proper rigging keeps your load centered, preserves your craft’s or bike’s handling, and guarantees that your survival gear remains dry and attached.

Relying on cheap hardware store bungee cords or thin garbage bags is a recipe for catastrophic failure. High-quality straps and purpose-built dry bags work as a system to compress your load and lock it to your frame. When your gear is integrated seamlessly into your raft or bike, you can focus on navigating the line ahead rather than worrying about what is floating downstream behind you.

Heavy-Duty Dry Bag – NRS Bill’s Bag 110L

When multi-day river trips demand packing sleeping bags, tents, and dry clothing for an entire week, you need a massive, impenetrable vault. The NRS Bill’s Bag 110L serves as the primary cargo hold for rafters, designed to swallow immense amounts of gear while enduring brutal abrasion against aluminum raft frames. Its heavy-duty construction means it can be tossed onto rocky shores and piled under heavy metal dry boxes without tearing.

Built from heavy-duty TobaTex material with a reinforced polyester bottom, this legendary bag features padded backpack straps that make hauling gear up steep, muddy riverbanks manageable. The classic fold-down StormStrip closure system creates an airtight seal when rolled tightly at least three times.

• Capacity: 110 liters (6,700 cubic inches)
• Material: 21 oz TobaTex body, 34 oz TobaTex bottom
• Best For: Multi-day river expeditions, gear hauling, raft cargo floors
• Not Ideal For: Ultralight bikepacking, small kayak hatches

Keep in mind that this bag is massive and extremely heavy when fully loaded, requiring proper lifting technique to avoid back strain. It is a specialized tool for rafters and canoeists rather than bikepackers, who will find its bulk impossible to mount on a bicycle. If your adventures involve deep water, heavy loads, and rugged river canyons, this is the gold standard of expedition haulers.

Compression Dry Sack – Sea to Summit eVent

Bulky sleeping bags and insulated jackets take up valuable real estate, which is at a premium inside kayak hatches or seat harnesses. The Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack solves this by allowing you to compress soft gear to a fraction of its original size while maintaining a fully waterproof barrier. It utilizes a clever air-permeable base that lets air escape as you compress, but keeps water from entering.

Constructed with 70D ripstop nylon and featuring an eVent fabric base, this sack eliminates the need for purge valves which can easily break or leak. The four even straps distribute tension across the cap, preventing the lopsided “banana” shape that makes packing round bags so difficult.

• Sizes Available: 5L to 30L capacities
• Fabric: 70D nylon body, eVent waterproof breathable base
• Best For: Sleeping bags, down jackets, bikepacking seat bags, tight kayak hatches
• Not Ideal For: Sharp metal tools, external raft rigging without a protective outer bag

Because the compression straps put immense pressure on the seams, do not over-stuff this bag past its recommended capacity. This bag is perfect for backcountry travelers who need to minimize pack volume without sacrificing waterproofing, but it should not be dragged directly across abrasive rocks or gravel.

Handlebar Bag – Ortlieb Ultimate Six Classic

Navigating a trail requires quick access to navigation gear, snacks, and cameras without stopping to unpack your entire bike. The Ortlieb Ultimate Six Classic mounts directly to your handlebars, keeping essential items dry and within arm’s reach while riding through torrential rain. It acts as the command center for your cockpit, protecting sensitive electronics from both direct downpours and tire spray.

Made from extremely durable, PVC-free polyurethane-coated polyester, this bag features a reinforced lid with a magnetic closure that can be operated easily with one hand. It is fully dustproof and waterproof, meeting the strict IP54 standard to ensure your valuables remain safe even in dust storms or relentless rain.

• Volume Options: 5L, 6.5L, and 8.5L sizes
• Mounting System: Compatible with KlickFix and Ortlieb mounting sets (sold separately)
• Best For: Bikepacking, touring, protecting cameras, phones, and maps
• Not Ideal For: Whitewater rafting, carrying heavy camp stoves

Note that the mounting bracket is usually sold separately, so ensure you purchase the correct clamp size for your handlebar diameter. This bag is designed specifically for cyclists who value fast, one-handed access to delicate items, but it is not built for immersion on a river raft.

Waterproof Duffel – YETI Panga 50 Dry Duffel

Traditional roll-top dry bags can sometimes slow you down when you need to find a specific item at the bottom of the bag. The YETI Panga 50 Dry Duffel provides the wide-mouth access of a classic duffel bag while offering the absolute water tightness of a heavy-duty dry bag. It is completely submersible, meaning it can float down a rapid alongside your raft without letting in a single drop of water.

The secret lies in the Hydrolok Zipper, a high-performance, airtight zipper that creates a hermetic seal against the elements. Wrapped in a ThickSkin shell made of high-density nylon, this duffel is nearly puncture-proof and resists UV degradation from long days under the baking sun.

• Capacity: 50 liters (also available in 75L and 100L)
• Closure: Hydrolok Zipper with U-Dock locking end
• Best For: Raft cargo decks, open boat transoms, muddy truck beds, saltwater environments
• Not Ideal For: Budget-conscious travelers, ultralight bikepacking

The zipper requires occasional lubrication with the included T-handle zip tech lube to keep it sliding smoothly, and opening it requires a firm pull. This premium gear fortress is ideal for rafters and boaters who demand instant, wide-open access to dry gear and do not mind paying for top-tier durability and engineering.

River Cam Strap – NRS 1-Inch HD Utility Strap

If you ask any river guide what their most valuable piece of gear is, they will likely point to a collection of cam straps. The NRS 1-Inch HD Utility Strap is the undisputed workhorse of the paddle sports world, used to secure heavy dry bags, coolers, and frames to raft rubber. Unlike bungee cords, these straps do not stretch under load, ensuring your gear stays exactly where you strapped it, even during a high-side wrap on a boulder.

Woven from polypropylene webbing with a 1,500-pound Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS), these straps feature a custom-designed cam buckle with dual stainless-steel springs for a bite that will not slip. The strap length is clearly stamped on the buckle, saving precious time when rigging your boat in the morning.

• Lengths: Available from 1 foot to 20 feet
• Webbing: 1-inch wide polypropylene (does not stretch when wet)
• Best For: Rigging rafts, securing coolers, tying kayaks to roof racks
• Not Ideal For: Lightweight bikepacking frames (metal buckles can scratch paint)

Be aware that the heavy metal buckle can easily ding gelcoat, car paint, or carbon fiber bike frames if swung carelessly. Use a protective buckle pad or wrap the excess webbing around the buckle to prevent cosmetic damage. This is a mandatory tool for any rafter, kayaker, or truck-bed hauler who needs bulletproof cargo security.

Elastic Utility Strap – Voile Straps 20-Inch

Bikepacking frames and cargo cages require a tie-down system that can adapt to odd shapes and remain tight despite intense vibration. The Voile Straps 20-Inch (often called the backcountry’s duct tape) is a polyurethane strap that stretches slightly to grip dry bags, water bottles, and spare tubes securely to your frame. It will not slip, stretch out over time, or absorb water like traditional nylon straps.

Made from tough, UV-resistant polyurethane with a non-marring heat-treated aluminum buckle, these straps hold up in extreme temperatures and muddy conditions. They provide a predictable, high-tension hold that actually tightens against your gear as you bounce over rough trails.

• Length: 20 inches (other sizes from 6 to 32 inches available)
• Material: Polyurethane with aluminum buckle
• Best For: Securing dry bags to cargo cages, fastening pumps to frames, emergency trail repairs
• Not Ideal For: Securing massive 100-liter raft loads

While incredibly versatile, a single 20-inch strap has a limited reach, so you will often need to daisy-chain two together for larger bundles. This strap is a must-have for every bikepacker and outdoor enthusiast who needs a lightweight, indestructible tie-down that performs flawlessly in mud, rain, and snow.

Self-Locking Tie Down – Nite Ize CamJam Strap

Standard tie-down methods often require tying complicated knots or handling heavy metal cam buckles that are overkill for mid-sized gear. The Nite Ize CamJam Strap offers a lightweight, highly adjustable tensioning system that is perfect for securing dry sacks to paddleboards, kayak decks, or bike racks. It simplifies the rigging process by allowing you to pull the webbing through the mechanism to lock it instantly in place.

Featuring a zinc alloy tensioning mechanism paired with high-density polypropylene webbing, this system allows for both fixed-end and loop configurations. The die-cast zinc tensioner provides a secure grip on the strap, while the integrated clip allows you to anchor it quickly to D-rings or frame loops.

• Webbing Length: Available in 10-foot and 18-foot options
• Load Limit: Working load limit of 700 lbs; break strength of 2,100 lbs
• Best For: Kayak deck rigging, paddleboard cargo, securing light gear on bike racks
• Not Ideal For: Heavy commercial rafting rigs, high-stress whitewater frames

Ensure you do not exceed the working load limit, as this strap is designed for medium-duty cargo rather than locking down massive raft frames. It is the perfect choice for recreational paddlers and bikepackers who want an easy-to-use, knot-free tie-down system that adjusts in seconds.

Waterproof Backpack – Patagonia Disperser 40L

When transitioning from river rafting to hiking, or when riding through deep river crossings, you need a fully waterproof pack that sits comfortably on your shoulders. The Patagonia Disperser 40L is a submersible backpack designed to keep your gear bone-dry even when you are wading through chest-deep water. It keeps your hands free for paddling or steering, making it invaluable for portaging and technical river crossings.

Constructed from 100% recycled nylon plane weave with a double-sided TPU coating, this pack features a robust, waterproof zipper that keeps water out completely. The ergonomic, non-absorbent shoulder straps and back panel do not hold water, meaning the pack will not gain weight or chafe your skin after getting wet.

• Volume: 40 liters
• Material: 100% recycled nylon with a TPU coating
• Best For: Wet portages, fly fishing, heavy rain commuting, stand-up paddleboarding
• Not Ideal For: Minimalist bikepacking, budget-focused day hikers

The minimalist interior design has only a small organizer pocket, meaning you will need to organize your gear using smaller stuff sacks. For water sport enthusiasts, anglers, and wilderness travelers who need a comfortable, highly durable backpack that can handle total immersion, this pack is an exceptional investment.

How to Secure Your Gear for High-Speed Rapids

Securing gear for high-speed whitewater requires understanding the forces of moving water during a flip or a wrap. Always rig your gear so that everything is tied to the frame, not to other loose bags, creating a unified cargo block that will not shift or float away. Utilize a three-point tie-down system for large dry bags, running straps through the bag’s carry handles or dedicated D-rings to prevent them from sliding out under pressure.

Avoid the temptation to leave loose straps dangling, as these create extreme entanglement hazards for swimmers in a capsized boat. Tightly tuck or wrap all excess strap webbing, securing them with rubber bands or Velcro wraps. Remember that if a bag can move even an inch under your straps on dry land, the hydraulic force of a rapid will violently wrench it loose once you hit the water.

Testing Your Dry Bag Seals Before Launching

Never assume a dry bag is waterproof just because it has a roll-top closure or a heavy zipper. Before packing critical electronics or warm bedding, perform a simple air-trap test by closing the bag with a pocket of air trapped inside. Squeeze the bag firmly and listen for the faint hiss of escaping air, or submerge it in a bathtub or pool to look for escaping bubbles.

For zippered dry bags like the YETI Panga, check that the zipper is fully docked in the rubber garage at the end of the track. Even a millimeter gap at the end of the zipper can let in cups of water during a prolonged swim. If air escapes during your test, clean the closure, re-roll the top at least three full times, and test it again before packing your gear.

Maintaining Waterproof Gear for Multi-Day Trips

Grit, sand, and saltwater are the natural enemies of waterproof coatings, roll-top buckles, and airtight zippers. After every multi-day trip, thoroughly rinse your dry bags and straps with fresh water to remove abrasive silt and salt deposits. Dry your gear completely in the shade before storing, as trapping moisture inside a sealed bag will quickly lead to mold, mildew, and the delamination of the waterproof inner coating.

Store your dry bags loosely rolled or hung up in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can degrade polyurethane and PVC fabrics. Periodically lubricate your airtight zippers with specialized silicone lubricant and check plastic buckles for stress cracks. Taking these simple maintenance steps ensures your expensive gear remains reliable and ready for your next wild launch.

With the right dry bags and robust tie-downs in your kit, you can confidently face unpredictable weather, roaring rapids, and muddy trails. Investing in high-quality rigging systems means your essential gear remains safe, dry, and secure throughout your entire journey. Gear up properly, secure your load, and let the adventure begin.