You’ve just finished an amazing dive, but now your wet gear needs to get home dry. A good dry bag is your best friend for protecting everything in your dive bag.
It’s frustrating when a cheap bag leaks, soaking your clothes and electronics. You need something you can truly trust, whether you’re on a boat or traveling.
We tested seven popular dry bags to see which ones hold up. We checked their seals, durability, and how easy they are to use with wet hands.
Our results might surprise you. Let’s dive into which bags are worth your money and which ones you should avoid for your scuba adventures.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
TORRAS IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch | Underwater Touchscreen | PRICES |
 |
GoHimal Scuba Diving Bag, XL Mesh Backpack | Excellent Drainage | PRICES |
 |
Bulex XXL Mesh Duffle Bag | Excellent Ventilation | PRICES |
 |
Athletico Mesh Dive Duffel Bag | Excellent Airflow | PRICES |
 |
Frelaxy Dry Bag 3-Pack/5-Pack | Roll-Top Closure | PRICES |
 |
Cressi Heavy Duty Mesh Backpack 90 liters Capacity for Scuba Diving, Water Sport Gear | Roatan: designed in Italy | Massive Capacity | PRICES |
 |
Scuba Choice Diving Snorkeling Mesh Drawstring Bag | Excellent Ventilation | PRICES |
TORRAS IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch
This waterproof pouch lets you use your phone’s touchscreen underwater, which is a game-changer for scuba divers.
It’s rated IPX8 waterproof, so you can take it down to 100 feet. The clear window is crystal clear for photos and videos. You can even operate your screen through the case.
It has a secure double-lock seal to keep water out. The included lanyard is strong and adjustable. It’s a simple, reliable way to protect your phone on a dive.
Pros:
👍 True underwater touchscreen functionality
👍 IPX8 waterproof rating for deep dives
👍 Crystal clear window for photography
👍 Secure double-lock seal system
👍 Includes a sturdy, adjustable lanyard
Cons:
👎 Screen sensitivity can be slightly reduced
👎 Specific size fits phones up to 7 inches only
👎 Not a substitute for a dedicated dive housing
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, affordable solution for divers who want to snap photos. It’s not a pro housing, but for casual underwater use, it works incredibly well. I’d trust it on any recreational dive.
GoHimal Scuba Diving Bag, XL Mesh Backpack
This XL mesh backpack is a fantastic all-in-one solution for hauling your wet gear from the boat to the shore.
Its large main compartment easily swallows fins, a mask, and a snorkel. The mesh design is perfect for letting water drain and gear dry quickly after your dive. You won’t have to carry a sopping wet bag back to your car.
The backpack straps make it comfortable to carry even when fully loaded. It’s built from a durable, reinforced mesh that can handle the rough and tumble of dive travel.
Pros:
👍 Excellent drainage and drying with full mesh body
👍 Comfortable backpack straps for easy transport
👍 Spacious XL size fits all essential gear
👍 Durable and reinforced construction
👍 Affordable price point
Cons:
👎 No separate dry compartment for electronics
👎 Minimal internal organization pockets
👎 Straps could be more padded for very heavy loads
My Honest Opinion:
If you need a simple, effective bag to get your wet gear from point A to point B, this is a top pick. It does one job—carrying and draining wet equipment—exceptionally well without any fuss.
Bulex XXL Mesh Duffle Bag
This massive mesh duffle is perfect for hauling all your wet gear while letting it air out on the go.
Its extra-large size easily swallows fins, masks, wetsuits, and towels. The full-length mesh panels are key for ventilation, helping wet items dry faster.
It’s surprisingly lightweight and features comfortable, padded shoulder straps for easy carrying. The durable material holds up well to saltwater and rough handling.
Pros:
👍 Excellent ventilation dries gear quickly
👍 Huge capacity fits all your equipment
👍 Comfortable padded shoulder straps
👍 Lightweight and easy to carry
👍 Durable construction for marine use
Cons:
👎 No separate waterproof compartments
👎 Mesh can snag on sharp objects
👎 Lacks internal organization pockets
My Honest Opinion:
If you need a simple, breathable bag to haul wet gear, this Bulex duffle is a fantastic choice. I love how it prevents that musty smell by letting everything air out. Just don’t expect it to keep things dry in the rain.
Athletico Mesh Dive Duffel Bag
This mesh duffel is a game-changer for letting your wet gear breathe and dry out quickly.
Its large XL size easily swallows fins, a mask, snorkel, and a wetsuit. The heavy-duty mesh panels are tough but allow maximum airflow. You’ll love how light and easy to carry it is, even when fully loaded.
The bag is built from durable, water-resistant materials that can handle the harsh marine environment. It has comfortable padded handles and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap. Multiple external pockets help you organize smaller items like keys or a dive computer.
Pros:
👍 Excellent airflow dries gear fast
👍 Very spacious XL capacity
👍 Durable and water-resistant build
👍 Comfortable carrying options
👍 Helpful external organization pockets
Cons:
👎 Not a fully waterproof “dry bag”
👎 Mesh can snag on sharp objects
👎 No dedicated compartment for boots
My Honest Opinion:
This is my top pick for divers who need a bag for wet gear after the dive. It’s fantastic for ventilation, but remember it’s for wet items, not for keeping things dry during transport.
Frelaxy Dry Bag 3-Pack/5-Pack
This affordable multi-pack is perfect for divers who need to organize and protect multiple items from splashes and rain.
You get three or five ultralight dry sacks in one convenient pack. They are made from durable, waterproof TPU material with welded seams. The roll-top closure system creates a reliable seal to keep your gear dry.
These bags are incredibly lightweight and easy to pack. The simple roll-and-clip design is quick to use, even with wet hands after a dive.
Pros:
👍 Excellent value multi-pack
👍 Simple and effective roll-top closure
👍 Very lightweight and packable
👍 Durable waterproof construction
👍 Multiple sizes for organization
Cons:
👎 Not for full submersion
👎 Buckle feels less heavy-duty
👎 No shoulder strap included
My Honest Opinion:
I think these are fantastic for surface-level protection and organizing your dive bag. They’re not meant for taking underwater, but they’ll keep your post-dive clothes and electronics safe from boat spray and rain.
Cressi Heavy Duty Mesh Backpack 90 liters Capacity for Scuba Diving, Water Sport Gear | Roatan: designed in Italy
This massive mesh backpack is a game-changer for hauling all your wet gear without the weight of trapped water.
With a huge 90-liter capacity, it can swallow a full set of scuba gear or multiple water sports items. The heavy-duty mesh construction is built to last through saltwater and rough handling. It’s designed in Italy by Cressi, a trusted name in diving equipment.
The backpack straps are padded and adjustable for a comfortable carry, even when fully loaded. The open mesh design means water drains instantly, so you’re not carrying extra pounds. It’s simple, rugged, and does one job exceptionally well.
Pros:
👍 Massive 90-liter capacity holds everything
👍 Heavy-duty mesh is incredibly durable
👍 Drains water instantly to reduce carry weight
👍 Comfortable, padded backpack straps
👍 Trusted Cressi design and build quality
Cons:
👎 No internal compartments or organization
👎 Open design offers zero protection from weather
👎 Very large size can be cumbersome when empty
My Honest Opinion:
If you need a brute-force bag to get wet gear from point A to point B, this is a top contender. It’s not fancy, but its sheer capacity and drainability are perfect for serious divers.
Scuba Choice Diving Snorkeling Mesh Drawstring Bag
This mesh bag is a lifesaver for keeping your wet gear from soaking everything else in your dive bag.
It’s a simple, large drawstring sack made from durable, quick-drying mesh. The 25×13 inch size easily fits a mask, snorkel, and fins with room to spare for other beach gear.
The lightweight design is easy to stuff into your luggage when empty. The drawstring closure is secure and the mesh allows for maximum airflow to dry your equipment fast.
Pros:
👍 Excellent ventilation dries gear quickly
👍 Very lightweight and packs down small
👍 Durable mesh material holds up well
👍 Large capacity fits all essential gear
👍 Simple, effective, and affordable design
Cons:
👎 No padding or protection for fragile items
👎 Drawstring can be tricky with full, wet hands
👎 Mesh can snag on sharp objects if you’re not careful
My Honest Opinion:
This is a no-fuss, practical bag that does one job perfectly. If you need a dedicated wet bag to separate soggy gear, it’s a fantastic and budget-friendly choice.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Primary Use & Gear Type
First, decide if you need to protect electronics or transport gear. A waterproof phone pouch is essential for cameras and phones, while a mesh duffel is for bulky items like fins and wetsuits. Some trips require both types.
Durability & Material
For electronics, look for a high IPX8 waterproof rating and reliable sealing mechanisms like double roll-top closures. For gear bags, heavy-duty, reinforced mesh and strong stitching prevent tears from sharp fin edges or heavy loads.
Capacity & Portability
Gear bags come in sizes from small drawstring sacks to 90+ liter backpacks. Consider how much you carry and how you’ll transport it—backpack straps are great for hikes, while duffel handles are fine for short walks to the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a dry bag and a mesh bag?
Dry bags are sealed to keep water and sand out, protecting electronics. Mesh bags allow water to drain freely, perfect for wet scuba and snorkel gear so it doesn’t stay soaked.
Can I use a phone pouch for deep dives?
Check the depth rating. Pouches like the TORRAS with an IPX8 rating are typically good for shallow snorkeling, not deep scuba dives where pressure increases significantly.
How do I choose the right size mesh bag?
Measure your largest fin. An XL or XXL bag (around 25-30 inches long) is standard for a full set of gear. Smaller bags work for just a mask, snorkel, and accessories.
Are mesh bags durable enough for travel?
Yes, but look for reinforced stitching, padded straps, and robust zippers. Brands like Cressi and GoHimal build bags specifically to withstand the rigors of travel and gear transport.
Do I need a floating phone case?
It’s highly recommended. A floating lanyard, like on the TORRAS case, provides peace of mind if you drop your phone in open water, preventing it from sinking to the bottom.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For the best overall scuba diving dry bag solution, the Cressi Heavy Duty Mesh Backpack is our top pick. Its 90-liter capacity, durable Italian design, and comfortable backpack straps make transporting heavy, wet gear effortless. To protect your phone or camera, the TORRAS IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch is a reliable and touchscreen-friendly choice. For a simple, lightweight option, the Scuba Choice Mesh Drawstring Bag gets the job done at a great value.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific gear and travel needs, but focusing on durability and the right capacity will ensure your equipment stays secure.