Dry Bag Upgraded 45L/40L/30L/20L waterproof dry sack with phone pocket and shoulder straps

The essentials

A waterproof dry bag is one of those items you don’t think about until you really need it. The Dry Bag Upgraded comes in 20L, 30L, 40L and 45L sizes and is designed to keep gear dry and organised for paddling (paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing), trips on the water, and even everyday use like camping, fishing or travel.

On paper, it ticks a lot of practical boxes: a 100% waterproof approach, some extra features for accessibility (like a telescoping side pocket) and a rethink of how you carry it (wider shoulder straps on the larger sizes). It’s not trying to be a minimalist sack—more like an all-rounder that aims to reduce faff when you’re out on the water.

What it’s designed to do (and what you’ll notice)

The core job is straightforward: keep your equipment protected when conditions turn wet. The bag uses a waterproof construction, and the brand positions the outer zipper as not meant for long submersion while you’re underwater. In most real-world paddle outings, though, you’re typically floating rather than staying submerged for extended periods—so the “float and keep dry” guidance matters more than a scenario where everything is fully immersed for a long time.

In use, the V-shaped back and transparent section are mainly about finding things quickly. That sounds like a small detail, but it helps when you’re rummaging for a phone, snacks, or a small essential bag while staying focused on your session.

It also includes an extra internal bag space for valuables. That’s a sensible upgrade if you want your phone or keys separated from bulkier items—less chaos at the end of the trip.

One more detail that stands out for day-to-day practicality: there are telescoping pocket/grip additions on the left and right sides intended for items like water bottles, and the bag also includes a shoulder-carry setup that can be detached and adjusted.

Key features that affect buying decisions

Carry comfort (especially if you go large)

If you’re choosing between sizes, the carrying system is a big clue to who this is for. The 40L/45L versions come with wider shoulder straps to reduce pressure when you’re transporting heavier loads. That’s the kind of difference you’ll feel after a longer walk to the water, or when you’ve packed properly and you’re not trying to travel light.

Still, it may not suit everyone. If you tend to carry very light loads or you prefer ultra-compact sacks, the added pockets and internal compartments might feel like “more bag than you need”.

Organisation and quick access

The transparent portion and V-shape are there to help you locate items faster. Pair that with the inside valuables bag and the dedicated phone dry bag/phone area concept mentioned in the product name, and it’s clearly aiming at people who want more than just a single sealed blob.

There’s also a carry-by-hand option via grips, which is handy when you’re moving between car, beach, and boarding point.

Sizing and materials: choosing the right volume

You’ve got multiple capacities: 20L, 30L, 40L and 45L. The smaller size is described as being made from 500D-PVC, with high-frequency welding, and it weighs 0.7kg for the 20L version. The listing doesn’t give the same material-and-weight breakdown for every size, so it’s worth checking the specific size you’re buying if that level of detail matters.

As a general buying rule for dry bags, the right volume depends on what you’re trying to keep dry and how much you want to fit without squashing everything flat. If your plan is mostly phones, wallets, and a light layer or towel, 20L/30L can be plenty. If you’re loading up for longer sessions or bulkier camping/fishing gear, 40L/45L makes more sense.

Pros, limitations, and who it suits

What you’ll likely like: - A clear 100% waterproof approach for keeping kit protected in wet conditions. - Quick findability thanks to the V-shaped back and transparent element. - Extra internal storage for valuables, reducing mix-ups. - Side telescoping pocket/grip for items like water bottles. - Wider shoulder straps on the 40L/45L sizes if you carry heavier loads.

What to keep in mind: - The zipper on the outer layer is noted as not preventing immersion for a long time. If you’re planning prolonged submersion, it’s worth thinking twice and reading the listing guidance carefully. - Dry bags work best when you seal them properly. The listing tip is to roll the seal down firmly 3 to 4 times and fasten the buckle—if you don’t, you’re more likely to get problems.

It makes sense if: You want a waterproof sack for paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, camping or fishing where you need reliable protection and some organisational thinking. It also suits people who prefer shoulder carry but still want grab-and-go options.

It may not suit you if: You need something designed for long-duration full immersion underwater, or you’re after a super-slim, no-fuss dry bag with minimal add-ons.

Everyday use example (how it plays out)

Imagine a wet morning paddle where you pack your phone, wallet and a spare layer first. With the V-shaped/transparent back, you can reach in and locate what you need without turning the whole bag into a jumbled mess. Once you’re on the water, you can use the side telescoping pocket area for a bottle so you’re not constantly opening and reopening your main storage. When you’re done, you roll the seal down firmly (3 to 4 times, per the tip) and buckle it—then everything stays neatly organised until you’re back at the car.

Getting the most from it: simple checklist

Before you buy, check these practical bits: - Which capacity fits your trip length and gear bulk? Bigger isn’t always better if you don’t need it. - How you’ll carry it most of the time: shoulder carry is covered, and wider straps are specifically mentioned for the larger sizes. - Your sealing routine: roll 3 to 4 times and buckle tightly for best results. - Your water scenario: if your use involves long immersion, the zipper note means you should be cautious.

What’s included

The listing mentions a dry bag setup with a phone dry bag/area and shoulder pads/straps in the product description, plus the bag includes added internal and side-access features as described. Exact accessory contents aren’t fully detailed beyond that, so it’s worth checking the product page for the specific items included for your chosen size.

Final verdict

Is it worth it?

This Dry Bag Upgraded is worth considering if you want a waterproof dry sack that focuses on day-to-day usability: easier item finding, a separate space for valuables, and some carrying comfort improvements for the larger volumes. It’s the kind of bag that suits paddlers and outdoors users who value organisation as much as protection.

You may want to skip it if long-duration underwater immersion is part of your plans, because the outer zipper guidance suggests it’s not meant to solve that scenario. And if you dislike any sort of bulk or multi-pocket organisation, the feature set could feel like overkill.

Quick FAQs

FAQ: does the outer zipper make it safe for long submersion?

The listing suggests the outer zipper cannot prevent immersion in water for a long time, even though the bag is positioned as waterproof for general wet conditions.

FAQ: how should I seal it properly?

Roll the seal down firmly 3 to 4 times and fasten the buckle, as advised in the listing tip.

FAQ: which size should I choose?

Use the size based on how much you need to keep dry. The listing covers 20L, 30L, 40L and 45L, and the larger sizes have wider shoulder straps aimed at heavier carrying.

FAQ: is it only for water sports?

No—the listing also points to camping, fishing, travel, and even home storage, not just paddleboarding or kayaking.