8 Best Dry Storage Gear for Stand Up Paddleboard Touring

There is a distinct, quiet magic to loading up a stand up paddleboard and sliding into the water for a multi-day tour. Unlike backpacking, where every ounce sits on your shoulders, a SUP lets the water carry the weight—but only if that gear stays bone-dry and balanced. Having the right waterproof storage system transforms a potential gear-soaking disaster into a seamless, confident journey across the water.

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Understanding SUP Touring Gear Storage Challenges

Paddleboard touring presents a unique set of gear storage hurdles that land-based adventurers rarely encounter. On a SUP, your gear is constantly exposed to direct splashes, paddle drip, rain, and the ever-present risk of a complete capsize. Unlike a kayak with enclosed hatches, everything you bring sits right on the open deck, vulnerable to the elements and shifting winds.

Furthermore, weight distribution on a paddleboard is unforgiving. High-profile gear catches the wind like a sail, while poorly secured bags can slide, throwing off your balance and making paddling exhausting. The goal is to keep your center of gravity low and your gear locked down tight, requiring a strategic mix of specialized dry bags rather than a single massive pack.

SUP Deck Bag – Sea to Summit SUP Deck Bag

A dedicated deck bag sits directly in front of your feet, serving as your cockpit console for quick-access items. During a long day on the water, you cannot afford to untie your main dry duffels just to grab a rain shell, a snack, or sunscreen. This bag keeps your essentials secure, visible, and instantly accessible without disrupting your paddling rhythm.

The Sea to Summit SUP Deck Bag excels here because of its low-profile, contoured design that hugs the deck and minimizes wind resistance. Built from exceptionally tough 420D waterproof fabric, it utilizes a roll-top closure secured with side-release buckles to keep spray and rain completely out. The included self-adhesive lash patches and aluminum hooks make securing it to either hard or inflatable boards incredibly straightforward.

• Capacity: 12 Liters
• Material: TPU-laminated 420D nylon
• Best Uses: Snacks, navigation tools, sun protection, light layers

Keep in mind that the suction cups work best on smooth, fiberglass hardboards; inflatable SUP users will want to utilize the included adhesive d-rings or existing deck bungees. While highly water-resistant against heavy splashes, this bag is not designed for prolonged submersion. It is ideal for active touring paddlers who value on-the-water efficiency, but not meant for storing bulky sleeping gear.

Dry Duffel – Yeti Panga 50 Waterproof Duffel

The dry duffel is the workhorse of your SUP touring setup, tasked with carrying your most critical, high-volume gear like tents, sleeping bags, and dry clothing. Because this bag holds the items that keep you warm and safe at night, it must offer uncompromising waterproof protection. It also needs a wide opening so you can easily find gear at camp without emptying the entire bag.

The Yeti Panga 50 Waterproof Duffel is an absolute tank of a gear hauler, featuring a Hydrolok zipper that makes the bag fully submersible. Its ThickSkin shell resists punctures, abrasions, and the rough gravel or barnacles of coastal landing spots. The heavy-duty lash points along the sides make it incredibly easy to strap securely to your board’s deck rigging.

• Capacity: 50, 75, or 100 Liters
• Closure Type: Fully waterproof zipper
• Portage Options: Removable backpack straps and duffel handles

Be aware that the airtight zipper requires a firm, positive pull to close completely and needs periodic lubrication with the included wax to glide smoothly. The bag itself is heavier than standard roll-top dry bags, which is a trade-off for its unmatched durability. This is the ultimate choice for multi-day expedition paddlers who cannot risk wet sleeping gear, whereas casual day-paddlers might find it overbuilt.

Dry Sack – Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack

When packing for a multi-day paddle, organizing your gear inside larger bags is just as important as keeping it dry. Standard dry sacks act as protective cells, grouping your clothing, cooking gear, or food into manageable, color-coded packages. This modular system ensures that even if your main duffel is opened in a rainstorm, individual items remain shielded from moisture.

The Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack is the gold standard for internal organization due to its pliable 70D nylon construction and slick polyurethane coating. It features fully taped seams and a white interior lining that makes finding small items in low light remarkably easy. The roll-top closure is reinforced with a durable stiffening strip to ensure a watertight seal every time you roll it down.

• Size Range: 1.5 Liters to 35 Liters
• Waterproofness: 10,000mm hydrostatic head
• Weight: Extremely lightweight (e.g., 65g for the 13L)

These sacks are designed for internal organization and should not be strapped directly to your SUP deck unprotected. The lightweight fabric can puncture if dragged across sharp rocks or scraped against rough dock edges. It is a must-have accessory for any paddler looking to organize their kit, but not suitable as a primary, standalone external gear bag.

Dry Backpack – Watershed Animas Waterproof Pack

Paddleboard touring often requires carrying gear across rocky shorelines, up steep riverbanks, or over portage trails between lakes. A dry backpack bridges the gap between a rugged, submersible dry bag and a comfortable trail pack. It allows you to carry heavy gear hands-free, leaving your arms free to handle your paddleboard safely.

The Watershed Animas Waterproof Pack stands out because of its legendary ZipDry closure, which operates like an industrial-strength freezer bag seal to create a completely airtight, submersible barrier. Made from polyurethane-coated ballistic nylon, this bag is virtually indestructible and handles abrasion with ease. The removable, padded shoulder straps and waist belt distribute weight comfortably during long walks to camp.

• Capacity: 40 Liters
• Closure: Patented ZipDry seal
• Durability: 420D nylon with heavy-duty TPU coating

Opening and closing the ZipDry seal requires a specific “S-curve” pinching technique that takes a few tries to master. The seal also requires periodic maintenance with a silicone-based protectant to keep it supple and easy to close. This pack is perfect for wilderness touring where portages and hikes are inevitable, but may be excessive for simple flatwater cruising.

Phone Pouch – Joto Universal Waterproof Case

A smartphone is your primary tool for navigation, weather monitoring, and emergency communication on a SUP tour. However, salt water and electronics are natural enemies, and a single drop into the lake can instantly ruin your trip. A dedicated, lanyard-equipped phone pouch keeps your device safe on your chest, ready to use at a moment’s notice.

The Joto Universal Waterproof Case offers reliable, budget-friendly protection with an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning it can handle complete submersion. The transparent windows on both the front and back allow you to operate the touch screen and take crisp photos without exposing the phone to water. Its secure snap-and-lock seal is simple to use and highly resistant to sand, dust, and water intrusion.

• Sizing: Universal fit for phones up to 7 inches
• Rating: IPX8 certified up to 100 feet
• Carrying: Heavy-duty, detachable neck lanyard

Keep in mind that touch screens will not respond under water due to water pressure, so you must use your phone’s physical volume buttons to snap photos when wet. Also, leaving your phone in this plastic pouch under direct sunlight can cause it to overheat rapidly. This is an indispensable safety item for any paddler, though those using heavy protective phone cases may need to slide them off before insertion.

Protective Case – Pelican 1120 Protector Case

While soft dry bags protect against water, they offer zero protection against physical impacts, crushing, or the accidental stomp of a foot on deck. For delicate electronics, expensive sunglasses, or compact cameras, a rigid hard-sided case is essential. It provides a crushproof sanctuary that can bounce off rocks or survive being pinned under heavy dry bags without damage.

The Pelican 1120 Protector Case is the gold standard for rugged, small-scale storage, featuring an IP67 waterproof rating and an automatic pressure equalization valve that prevents vacuum lock during altitude changes. The interior utilizes customizable Pick ‘N’ Pluck foam, allowing you to create a perfect, shock-absorbing nest for your specific gear. Its double-throw latches are easy to open yet remain securely locked even during a rough tumble.

• Exterior Dimensions: 8.4″ x 6.7″ x 3.9″
• IP Rating: IP67 (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
• Protection: Crushproof copolymer polypropylene shell

Because this case is completely rigid, it takes up a fixed footprint on your board and will not compress as you empty it. You must secure it to your board’s deck bungees using a carabiner, as its smooth exterior can slide easily on wet fiberglass. This is a crucial investment for paddlers traveling with expensive camera gear or drones, but overkill for those carrying only soft items.

Compression Sack – Sea to Summit eVent Dry Sack

Space on a paddleboard deck is highly limited, and bulky items like sleeping bags and insulated jackets can quickly crowd your setup. Standard dry bags trap air inside, making them puffy and difficult to pack efficiently. A waterproof compression sack solves this by allowing air to escape while keeping water locked out, shrinking your soft gear to a fraction of its original size.

The Sea to Summit eVent Dry Sack achieves this through a brilliant eVent fabric base, which allows air to be squeezed out through the bottom while remaining completely waterproof. You simply roll the top down, buckle it, and then pull the four compression straps tight to create a rock-hard, space-saving package. The body is made from durable 70D nylon, ensuring it handles the high tension of tight compression.

• Sizes Available: 8L, 14L, 20L, and 30L
• Technology: Air-permeable eVent waterproof base
• Construction: Factory-taped, double-stitched seams

Remember that keeping down sleeping bags or jackets highly compressed for extended periods can damage the loft and reduce their warmth, so unpack them as soon as you reach camp. You must also ensure the roll-top is rolled down at least three times before compressing to maintain a watertight seal. This is an essential tool for paddlers attempting autumn or spring tours with thick layers, but less critical for minimal, warm-weather trips.

Waterproof Hip Pack – Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack

If you fall off your board in a swift current or windy conditions, your board can quickly drift away from you. Having emergency items like a whistle, PLB (personal locator beacon), car keys, and an energy bar strapped directly to your body is a critical safety practice. A waterproof hip pack keeps these items bone-dry and instantly accessible right on your waist without interfering with your personal flotation device (PFD).

The Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack is the premium choice for on-body storage, built with a fully submersible IPX7-rated waterproof zipper and tough, recycled nylon fabric. Its minimalist, snag-free exterior ensures your paddle shaft won’t catch on the pack during your stroke. The internal organization pockets keep your keys and small gear separated, while the breathable waistband prevents hot spots on warm days.

• Capacity: 9 Liters
• Waterproof Rating: IPX7 (submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
• Sustainability: Made from 100% recycled nylon face fabric

The heavy-duty waterproof zipper has a stiff pull and requires periodic cleaning to ensure it doesn’t seize up with salt or sand. While it fits comfortably below most high-back PFDs, you should test the fit with your specific life jacket before hitting the water. This pack is a game-changer for solo paddlers and safety-focused touring enthusiasts, though casual paddlers may find a simple deck bag sufficient.

How to Secure and Balance Heavy Gear on a SUP Deck

Loading a paddleboard for a tour is an art that directly impacts how well your board tracks and how stable you feel in choppy water. The golden rule is to place your heaviest gear—such as water filtration kits, fuel, and heavy dry duffels—as close to the center of the board and as low to the deck as possible. Splitting your gear weight roughly 60% on the front deck and 40% on the rear deck helps maintain the board’s natural waterline and prevents the nose from plowing into waves.

To secure the load, avoid relying solely on stretchy bungee cords for heavy bags, as they allow gear to shift when you tilt the board. Instead, use non-stretch cam straps or webbing straps threaded through the board’s D-rings to cinch heavy duffels down tight. Give the board a gentle shake test on land before launching; if you hear gear sliding or feel any wobble, tighten the straps until the entire load moves as one unit with the board.

How to Choose the Right Waterproof Rating for SUP

Understanding waterproof ratings ensures you do not overpay for overbuilt gear or, conversely, end up with soaked electronics. For items sitting on the deck where they will only experience rain and paddle splash, a standard roll-top bag made of polyurethane-coated nylon is more than sufficient. Look for bags rated to IPX5 or IPX6, which are designed to resist high-pressure water jets and heavy spray.

For critical electronics, keys, and sleeping gear that cannot afford a single drop of moisture, you must step up to IPX7 or IPX8 submersible ratings. These items utilize airtight, toothless zippers or rubberized seals that prevent water entry even when held underwater. Never trust precious camera gear or phones to a standard roll-top bag alone, as a capsize can force water through the folds if the bag is pinned underwater for more than a few seconds.

Essential Maintenance Tips for Waterproof Zippers

Fully waterproof zippers, like those found on submersible duffels and hip packs, are brilliant pieces of engineering that require regular maintenance to prevent failure. Sand, dirt, and salt crystals are the primary enemies of these seals, acting as abrasives that can tear the rubber teeth or jam the slider. After every trip, especially in saltwater environments, rinse your zippers thoroughly with fresh water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clear debris from the tracks.

Once clean and dry, apply a thin coat of the manufacturer-approved zipper lubricant or paraffin wax along the outer teeth and slide the zipper back and forth a few times to distribute it evenly. Never force a stuck or stiff zipper, as this can permanently strip the teeth and ruin the bag’s waterproof integrity. Finally, store your waterproof bags with the zippers fully closed (or slightly cracked per manufacturer instructions) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain the seal’s shape and flexibility.

With your gear secured, balanced, and reliably waterproofed, you are ready to tackle the water with complete confidence. Investing in the right dry storage system means you can focus on the rhythm of your paddle and the beauty of the landscape, rather than worrying about the safety of your gear. Pack smart, double-check your seals, and enjoy the freedom of the open water.