One dunking can destroy a phone, a GPS, or a camera. Dry bags and waterproof cases are cheap insurance against expensive accidents. Here is how to choose.
Dry Bags
A dry bag is a welded or taped seam bag with a roll-top closure — roll the top three to four times and clip it closed and the contents are waterproof to a stated depth rating. They are the most versatile waterproofing solution for outdoor use: stuff a sleeping bag inside one, roll the top, and it floats; wedge one behind your kayak seat with your phone, wallet, and car keys inside, and it survives a capsize.
Material: 500D PVC is bombproof and heavy; 210D nylon is light but less abrasion-resistant. For gear that is protected rather than carried, PVC is appropriate. For items you carry all day in a pack, nylon weight is worth the trade-off.
Sizing: 5L for phone, wallet, and small valuables. 10L for a full-day's food and a camera. 20–30L for a sleeping bag or a significant portion of a pack's contents. Buy multiple sizes rather than one large bag you partially fill — an underfilled dry bag does not compress and is awkward to pack.
Waterproof Pouches for Phones
A waterproof pouch is a sealed bag with a transparent face that allows touchscreen use and photography through the material. Adequate for kayaking, wade fishing, and boating where the phone is in and out of spray regularly. Not a substitute for a rated waterproof case if you intend to take photos underwater or in heavy rain while using the phone actively.
Hard Cases (Pelican, SKB)
Injection-moulded with O-ring seals and pressure relief valves. Rated to significant depth (3+ metres). Crush-resistant. The right solution for cameras, GPS units, and electronic equipment on [remote fishing trips](https://wildrangelife.com/blog/jardine-river-fishing-camp-cape-york) where pack loads put gear under compression. Heavy and bulky — appropriate for vehicle travel and float trips, less so for backpacking. Browse our outdoor accessories and storage range.
against your back whilst hiking, lighter materials are the go. ## Waterproof Cases: The Hard Option When dry bags won't cut it, waterproof cases step up. These rigid containers excel where gear needs protection from impacts alongside moisture. Pelican cases remain the gold standard, though brands like Seahorse and SKB offer excellent alternatives at lower price points. For camera equipment and electronics, the O-ring sealed construction provides unmatched protection. A [Pelican 1400 Case on Amazon](AMAZON_LINK) handles most DSLR setups whilst remaining carry-on compliant for flights to remote hunting locations. The foam interior customises to your exact gear layout, preventing internal damage during transport. Smaller cases like the Pelican 1010 micro case perfectly protect car keys, phones, and emergency beacons during water crossings. At around $30-50, these tiny cases punch above their weight. The lanyard attachment means they stay connected even if dropped overboard. ## Size Selection Strategy Choosing the right capacity prevents gear shifting and maximises protection. For day packs, 5-10 litre dry bags handle spare clothing and food. The 20-30 litre range suits overnight gear like sleeping bags and spare clothing. Larger 60+ litre dry bags work for extended expeditions or as gear storage at base camp. Over-sizing creates problems - excess air inside bags makes them bulky and less waterproof. Under-sizing means struggling with the roll-top closure or jamming gear inside. As a rule, fill the bag to 70-80% capacity for optimal sealing. ## Australian Climate Considerations Australia's diverse conditions demand specific approaches to waterproofing. In the Top End during the wet season, constant humidity means gear never fully dries. Multiple smaller dry bags allow rotation - use fresh bags whilst others dry out completely. Saltwater environments accelerate corrosion and zipper failure. After beach fishing or boat trips, rinse all waterproof gear with fresh water, paying attention to zippers and seals. Salt crystals act like grinding paste, destroying waterproof barriers over time. The red centre's dust penetrates everything. Whilst not waterproof, dust-tight storage prevents fine particles destroying camera sensors and GPS screens. Cases with positive pressure venting allow temperature changes without dust ingress. ## Expert Packing Techniques Professional guides use specific techniques to maximise waterproof storage for [multi-day fishing expeditions](https://wildrangelife.com/blog/how-to-plan-remote-fishing-trip-logistics). The "Russian doll" method places critical gear in smaller waterproof containers inside larger ones. Electronics go in hard cases, which then sit inside dry bags as backup protection. For clothing, compression packing expels air and reduces bulk. Roll clothing tightly, then place in appropriately sized dry bags. Remove air before sealing - this creates a vacuum effect that improves waterproofing and saves space. Sharp objects need special attention. Tent stakes, knives, and fish hooks can puncture dry bag materials from inside. Wrap sharp items in cloth or place them in rigid sheaths before storage. ## Temperature and Condensation Management Rapid temperature changes create condensation inside sealed containers. When bringing cold gear into warm environments, allow gradual temperature equalisation before opening containers. This prevents moisture forming on electronics and optics. Desiccant packets help manage moisture in hard cases. Silica gel sachets work well, though reusable options like Eva-Dry units offer long-term convenience. Replace or regenerate desiccants regularly - saturated packets become useless or even counterproductive. For camera gear, lens cloths and sensor cleaning supplies should travel in separate waterproof storage. Condensation on lenses is inevitable when shooting in humid conditions - being prepared prevents missed shots. ## Maintenance and Longevity Regular inspection prevents waterproof gear failing when you need it most. Check dry bag roll-tops for fabric wear or coating degradation. Small holes can be patched with seam sealing tape, but large tears usually mean replacement time. Having reliable [essential camping gear](https://wildrangelife.com/blog/gear-needed-for-first-camping-trip-australia) that you can trust is crucial for any outdoor adventure.