Switzerland is known for its beautiful mountains, lakes, and outdoor adventures. Whether you enjoy hiking, kayaking, camping, or cycling, having the right gear is important. One essential piece of outdoor equipment is a dry bag. A dry bag is a waterproof bag that protects your belongings from rain, splashes, and even full submersion in water. People use dry bags to keep clothes, electronics, food, and other essentials dry while enjoying outdoor activities.
Switzerland is home to many top outdoor gear companies that make high-quality dry bags. These brands focus on strong, durable, and waterproof designs that can handle harsh weather and extreme conditions. Some dry bags are lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for hiking and travel. Others are heavy-duty and extra waterproof, designed for boating, rafting, and extreme sports.
In this blog, we will introduce the top 10 dry bag manufacturers in Switzerland. These companies are known for making reliable, long-lasting, and well-designed dry bags for all kinds of outdoor activities. Whether you need a small dry bag for daily use or a large waterproof bag for an expedition, you’ll find the best options here. Let’s explore the top Swiss dry bag brands and what makes them special.
What Makes a Good Dry Bag?
A dry bag is an important piece of outdoor gear that helps keep your belongings safe and dry. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, camping, or traveling, choosing the right dry bag can make a big difference. But how do you know if a dry bag is good quality?
A high-quality dry bag should be fully waterproof, durable, and easy to use. It should also be comfortable to carry and the right size for your needs. Let’s look at the key features that make a good dry bag.
1. Waterproof Material
The main job of a dry bag is to keep water out. This depends on the material it is made from.
Best Materials for Dry Bags:
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)– Thick, waterproof, and durable. Best for boating, rafting, and extreme conditions.
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)– Lighter and more flexible than PVC but still very waterproof. Great for hiking and travel.
- Coated Nylon– A lightweight fabric with a waterproof coating. Works well for camping and short trips but may not be as waterproof as PVC or TPU.
Tip: If you need a strong, 100% waterproof dry bag, choose PVC or TPU. If you want a light and packable bag, go for coated nylon.
2. Strong and Durable Design
A good dry bag should be tough and long-lasting. It should handle rain, rough terrain, and frequent use.
Key Features of a Strong Dry Bag:
- Thick, tear-resistant fabric that does not rip easily.
- Reinforced seams to prevent leaks.
- Scratch-resistant coating to handle rocks, sand, and boat decks.
Tip: If you plan to use your dry bag often, choose one with reinforced seams and extra-durable fabric.
3. Secure Waterproof Closure
Even if a dry bag is made from waterproof material, it must close properly to keep water out.
Types of Waterproof Closures:
- Roll-Top Closure– The most common type. You roll the top 3–5 times and buckle it shut to create a watertight seal.
- Zipper Seals– Found on high-end dry bags. These airtight zippers provide full waterproof protection but need regular maintenance.
- Welded Seams– Instead of stitching, some dry bags use heat-sealed seams to block water completely.
Tip: A roll-top closure works for most activities. If you need full submersion protection, choose a zipper-sealed dry bag.
4. Right Size for Your Needs
Dry bags come in different sizes. Choosing the right one depends on what you want to carry.
Common Dry Bag Sizes and Uses:
- 5L (Small)– Holds phones, keys, wallets, and snacks. Best for short trips.
- 10L (Medium)– Can store a change of clothes, small towels, or light gear. Ideal for day hikes and kayaking trips.
- 20L (Large)– Fits several clothing items, shoes, and medium-sized gear. A good choice for overnight trips.
- 30L+ (Extra Large)– Best for multi-day trips, camping gear, and bigger equipment like tents and sleeping bags.
Tip: If you are unsure about the size, choose a slightly bigger bag to make sure you have enough space.
5. Comfortable Carrying Options
If you need to carry your dry bag for long periods, it should be comfortable to wear.
Types of Carrying Straps:
- Single Shoulder Strap– Good for small- to medium-sized dry bags, easy to carry over one shoulder.
- Backpack Straps– Found on larger dry bags, perfect for hiking and travel.
- Hand Carry Handle– A strong handle makes it easy to grab and move the bag.
Tip: If you plan to hike or travel, pick a backpack-style dry bag with padded straps..
Top 10 Dry Bag Manufacturers in Switzerland
Switzerland is famous for its mountains, lakes, and outdoor adventures, making it a great place for hiking, camping, kayaking, and cycling. For these activities, having a reliable dry bag is important to keep your belongings safe from water, dirt, and dust.
Many Swiss companies produce high-quality dry bags that are waterproof, durable, and built for extreme outdoor conditions. Some focus on heavy-duty waterproofing, while others make lightweight, eco-friendly options for travelers and hikers.
Here are 10 of the best dry bag manufacturers in Switzerland, known for their quality, innovation, and durability.
1. Ortlieb Switzerland – Best for Extreme Outdoor Conditions
- About the Brand:Ortlieb is one of the most trusted brands for waterproof gear in Switzerland. They are known for making heavy-duty dry bags, backpacks, and panniers for extreme outdoor use.
- What Makes Their Dry Bags Special?
- Made from tear-resistant, fully waterproof fabric.
- Features welded seamsand roll-top closures for 100% waterproof protection.
- Designed for hikers, bikers, and adventure travelers.
- Best For:Cycling, hiking, and long outdoor trips.
2. Exped – Best for Lightweight and Eco-Friendly Dry Bags
- About the Brand:Exped is a Swiss company specializing in lightweight, eco-friendly outdoor gear. Their dry bags are designed for hikers, travelers, and backpackers.
- What Makes Their Dry Bags Special?
- Uses sustainable and PVC-free materials.
- Ultra-lightweight and easy to pack.
- Comes in multiple sizes and colors.
- Best For:Hiking, travel, and eco-conscious adventurers.
3. Mammut – Best for Climbing and Mountaineering
- About the Brand:Mammut is a well-known Swiss outdoor brand specializing in climbing, mountaineering, and extreme adventure gear.
- What Makes Their Dry Bags Special?
- Designed for harsh weather conditions.
- Made from extra-tough, waterproof materials.
- Includes compression strapsfor better packing.
- Best For:Mountaineering, trekking, and professional climbers.
4. SealLine Switzerland – Best for Water Sports
- About the Brand:SealLine is a global leader in waterproof bags, and their Switzerland branch offers high-quality dry bags for kayaking, rafting, and boating.
- What Makes Their Dry Bags Special?
- Made with marine-grade waterproof materials.
- Features radio-frequency welded seamsto prevent leaks.
- Available in small, medium, and large sizes.
- Best For:Kayaking, paddleboarding, and whitewater rafting.
5. Bach Equipment – Best for Heavy-Duty Outdoor Use
- About the Brand:Bach Equipment is a Swiss outdoor company specializing in rugged backpacks and waterproof bags.
- What Makes Their Dry Bags Special?
- Built for tough outdoor conditions.
- Uses reinforced stitching and durable waterproof fabric.
- Designed for campers, trekkers, and outdoor professionals.
- Best For:Camping, trekking, and long-term outdoor adventures.
6. Deuter Switzerland – Best for Travel and Everyday Use
- About the Brand:Deuter is a well-respected brand in outdoor and travel gear. Their dry bags are designed for everyday use, travel, and short outdoor trips.
- What Makes Their Dry Bags Special?
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Uses water-resistant coatings.
- Stylish and available in various colors.
- Best For:Travelers, casual hikers, and urban explorers.
7. Tatonka Switzerland – Best for Versatile Waterproof Bags
- About the Brand:Tatonka is a well-known outdoor brand that offers high-quality backpacks, dry bags, and waterproof storage solutions.
- What Makes Their Dry Bags Special?
- Features TPU-coated fabric for strong waterproofing.
- Offers different carrying options, including backpack straps.
- Designed for multi-purpose use—from travel to extreme adventures.
- Best For:Multi-purpose outdoor activities, travel, and daily use.
8. Vaude – Best for Sustainable Outdoor Gear
- About the Brand:Vaude is a Swiss-German outdoor brand known for eco-friendly and sustainable waterproof bags.
- What Makes Their Dry Bags Special?
- Uses recycled, PVC-free materials.
- Strong waterproof protection with heat-sealed seams.
- Lightweight and compact for easy packing.
- Best For:Environmentally-conscious hikers and travelers.
9. OverBoard Switzerland – Best for Fully Waterproof Dry Bags
- About the Brand:OverBoard specializes in 100% waterproof bags for extreme conditions. Their dry bags are used by boaters, scuba divers, and water sports enthusiasts.
- What Makes Their Dry Bags Special?
- Features airtight zippers and fully welded seams.
- Designed for full submersion in water.
- Offers backpack-style waterproof bags.
- Best For:Scuba diving, boating, and extreme water sports.
10. Fjällräven Switzerland – Best for Stylish and Functional Dry Bags
- About the Brand:Fjällräven is a Swedish-Swiss brand that combines style, function, and waterproof technology.
- What Makes Their Dry Bags Special?
- Simple, stylish designs with high-quality waterproof materials.
- Lightweight and great for urban and outdoor use.
- Offers minimalist, durable dry bagsfor everyday adventures.
- Best For:Stylish travelers, urban explorers, and outdoor lovers.
How to Choose the Best Dry Bag for Your Needs
A dry bag is a must-have for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, camping, and traveling. It helps keep your clothes, electronics, and other items dry in wet conditions. But with so many dry bags available, how do you choose the right one?
The best dry bag for you depends on how you plan to use it. Some are small and lightweight, perfect for short trips, while others are large and heavy-duty, designed for extreme outdoor adventures. To make the right choice, here are some important factors to consider.
1. Choose the Right Size
Dry bags come in different sizes, ranging from small 5-liter bags to extra-large 50-liter+ bags. The size you need depends on what you want to carry.
Dry Bag Size Guide:
- 5L (Small)– Best for small items like phones, wallets, keys, snacks, and first-aid kits. Great for quick trips, cycling, and short hikes.
- 10L (Medium)– Holds a change of clothes, a towel, and some personal items. Ideal for day hikes, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
- 20L (Large)– Can fit several clothing items, shoes, and medium-sized gear. A good option for overnight trips and camping.
- 30L+ (Extra Large)– Perfect for multi-day trips, camping, and boating. Holds tents, sleeping bags, and multiple outfits.
Tip: If you’re not sure what size to get, choose a slightly bigger bag than you think you need. It’s always better to have extra space than not enough.
2. Pick the Right Material
The material of a dry bag determines how waterproof, durable, and flexible it is. Different materials work better for different activities.
Common Dry Bag Materials:
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)– Thick, strong, and 100% waterproof. Best for boating, rafting, and extreme outdoor conditions.
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)– Lighter and more flexible than PVC but still very waterproof. Great for hiking, backpacking, and travel.
- Coated Nylon– A lightweight fabric with a waterproof coating. Works well for hiking, camping, and light rain, but not as waterproof as PVC or TPU.
Tip: If you need a strong, fully waterproof dry bag, choose PVC or TPU. If you need a lightweight, packable option, coated nylon is a better choice.
3. Select the Best Closure System
Even if a dry bag is made from waterproof material, it must seal properly to keep water out. The closure system is one of the most important features to check.
Types of Dry Bag Closures:
- Roll-Top Closure– The most common type. You roll the top 3–5 times and buckle it shut to create a watertight seal.
- Zipper Seals– Used on high-end dry bags. These airtight zippers provide full waterproof protection but require regular maintenance.
- Welded Seams– Instead of stitching, some dry bags use heat-sealed seams to block water completely.
Tip: A roll-top closure works well for most activities, but if you need full submersion protection, choose a zipper-sealed dry bag.
4. Choose the Best Carrying Option
If you need to carry your dry bag for long distances, it should be comfortable to wear.
Types of Carrying Straps:
- Single Shoulder Strap– Good for small and medium-sized dry bags, making them easy to carry over one shoulder.
- Backpack Straps– Found on larger dry bags, perfect for hiking and long trips.
- Hand Carry Handle– A strong handle makes it easy to grab and move the bag.
Tip: If you’re going on a long hike or carrying heavy gear, choose a backpack-style dry bag with padded straps for extra comfort.
5.Look for Extra Features
Some dry bags come with extra features that make them more useful.
- Waterproof Phone Case– Some dry bags include a small waterproof pouch for phones and electronics.
- External Pockets– Mesh or zippered pockets allow you to store small items separately.
- Transparent Windows– A clear panel lets you see inside the bag without opening it.
- D-Rings & Attachment Points– Useful for attaching the dry bag to a kayak, boat, or backpack.
Tip: If you plan to use your dry bag often, these extra features can make packing and organizing easier.
Conclusion
Switzerland is home to some of the best outdoor gear manufacturers, producing high-quality dry bags designed for hiking, kayaking, camping, cycling, and extreme adventures. Whether you need a lightweight, eco-friendly dry bag for travel or a heavy-duty waterproof bag for harsh weather conditions, Swiss brands offer durable and reliable options.
In this article, we explored the top 10 dry bag manufacturers in Switzerland, each known for innovation, performance, and quality:
- Ortlieb, Mammut, and Bach Equipmentspecialize in heavy-duty dry bags built for extreme outdoor conditions.
- SealLine and OverBoardoffer waterproof bags perfect for boating, kayaking, and water sports.
- Exped and Vaudefocus on eco-friendly, lightweight dry bags for hiking and travel.
- Deuter and Fjällrävenprovide stylish and functional waterproof bags for everyday adventures.
- Tatonkadelivers versatile, multi-purpose dry bags for both outdoor and urban use.
When choosing a dry bag, consider size, material, waterproofing level, carrying comfort, and extra features to find the perfect match for your needs. Swiss-made dry bags are known for durability, high performance, and sustainability, making them an excellent investment for any outdoor enthusiast.
No matter where your next adventure takes you, a high-quality dry bag will keep your gear safe, dry, and protected in all conditions.
