DryTide Owner’s Manual

DryTide owners manual
Contents
1 Closing DryTide Waterproof Bags and Backpacks
2 Video: How to Properly Close a Dry Bag (Waterproof Backpack)
3 Check Your Bag and Backpack Before Use
4 Waterproof Zippers
5 DryPatch – Transparent Self-Adhesive Waterproof Fabric Repair Patch (3-Pack)
6 DryTide Zipper Lubricant for Waterproof Zippers
7 Taking Care of DryTide Bags and Backpacks
7.1 Avoiding Punctures
7.2 Repairing Punctures
7.3 Washing Instructions
7.4 Zipper Maintenance
7.5 Storage
7.6 Keep away from…
8 Other Important Information
8.1 Maximum Load
8.2 Flotation
8.3 Threads
8.4 Waterproof Limitations
8.5 Waterproof Warranty

Closing DryTide Waterproof Bags and Backpacks

To keep the water out of your backpack or dry bag it is very important to properly close it. All the main compartments in DryTide waterproof backpacks, duffels and dry bags use the roll down closure system. When using backpacks and bags in rain a quick roll down is more that enough to stop the water. For extreme conditions like heavy rain and water use it is however important to make the roll down as tight as possible. The following images and videos demonstrate how to correctly close the roll down top.

close and align the seal 1

First make sure the bag or backpack is not overfilled so you have enough material to roll down. Then align the top edges of the main compartment and squeeze them together.

fold and roll down 1

Roll down the top of the bag or backpack at least 3 times as tightly as possible. Rolling the top tightly makes the seal better (please check the end of these instructions for the roll down closure limitations).

plug the buckle 1

Depending on the model of your bag or backpack there are from 1 to 3 ways to secure the roll down top so it doesn’t come loose. The most watertight option is to buckle the ends of the roll down top together (works with all DryTide gear except 50L duffel). To make the seal even better make sure you bend the ends in the opposite direction towards the back, away from the side where you rolled the top down. You should always close your backpack this way if you will be using it in extreme conditions!

plug the buckle on both sides 1

You can also buckle the ends to the sides of the backpack. This option is available with rainproof version of the 50L backpack, 30L daypack and 50L duffel. Closing the backpack this way is okay for regular use and using your backpack in rain. Buckling the roll down to the sides of the backpack makes the backpack look better (at least to most people).

Third option, available in 30L daypack and 50L duffel is to leave the roll down unbuckled and just secure it with a strap that goes over the top. This is the fastest way of closing, but obviously not very watertight.

closing the drytidy waterproof backpack roll down

A quick demonstration of how to close the backpack by buckling the ends to the sides of the backpack. Works with rainproof backpack, 30L daypack and duffel bag.

Video: How to Properly Close a Dry Bag (Waterproof Backpack)

When you close your bag or backpack there will be air trapped inside. This makes bags and backpacks float if you drop them into the water. If you want to make them smaller, release the air from the main compartment before you close it (recommended when you want to use the backpack as a carry on or when squeezing bags into tight spaces).

Check Your Bag and Backpack Before Use

DryTide bags and backpacks are made out of very sturdy material but still punctures can happen, so make sure that you check your bag or backpack before using it in extremely wet conditions (floating in water etc…).

 

Waterproof Zippers

All the DryTide bags and backpacks use special waterproof zippers on most of external pockets (for some small pockets it does not make sense). These zippers will keep the water out in heaviest of rains and will even stop the water for a while if you drop your bag into the sea and the zipper is pushed underwater. For the zipper to function properly it is important that you close the zippers all the way to the end.

Because they are airtight, these zippers are harder to open and close than regular zippers. Added pressure keeps the zipper tight and stops the water from getting through the zipper. So this is not a bug, it’s a feature:). If you find the zipper to hard to open you can use our zipper lubricant to make them run smoother and easier.

Repair and Maintenance Material

Taking Care of DryTide Bags and Backpacks

Avoiding Punctures

DryTide bags and backpacks are made out of sturdy materials, but it is still best to avoid the following:

  • Placing them on sharp objects like thorns that could cause punctures.
  • Dragging them across rough or abrasive surfaces, such as jagged rocks.
  • Using them to carry sharp items like exposed fish hooks, knives, or anything with thin, sharp edges.

Sharp objects can puncture the material making your bag no longer waterproof.

Repairing Punctures

If a puncture or a tear happens and it is not very big, you can easily fix it with DryTide DryPatch. Simple repair instructions are included with the repair patch, for a more in depth instructions on fixing waterproof bags check our repair article.

Washing Instructions

If your bag or backpack gets dirty you can simply wash it with water and soap and hang it up to dry. It is also recommended you wash the bags with fresh water after every salt water use. This is especially important with bags that have zippers. Salt water and salt deposits can jam the zippers!

Zipper Maintenance

Waterproof (airtight) zipper require a bit off attention if you want them to function properly for a long time:

  • After using in salt water, rinse the zippers with fresh water to prevent salt deposits that can jam the zipper.
  • If you find the zipper difficult to open or close, apply DryTide Zipper Lubricant.
  • This lubricant not only makes zipping easier, but also protects the zipper from salt, water, and other environmental elements, helping prevent corrosion and reducing wear and tear.
  • If you’re not using the zipper for an extended period, it’s best to leave it fully closed. Leaving the zipper head in the middle for too long can cause small indentations.

Storage

We recommend storing your bags and backpacks unfolded, with the roll-down top fully extended and all the zippers fully closed. Prolonged sharp creases in the material can cause damage over time.

Keep away from…

  • …solvents and insect repellents.
  • …extreme heat (sun is ok, fire is not).

Other Important Information

Maximum Load

DryTide bags and backpacks are designed to comfortably carry heavier items—such as electronics, cameras, lenses, and more—even when filled to capacity, making them more than sufficient for everyday use. However, carrying extremely heavy loads for extended periods may strain the seams and stitching, potentially leading to tears.

Flotation

Backpacks and bags will float on water surface if you drop them into the sea. However they are NOT flotation devices and should not be used as such.

Threads

We aim to make our backpacks and bags look as close to regular backpacks as possible. To achieve this, we’ve chosen a material that resembles traditional canvas and avoids the “plastic” or “shiny” appearance typical of most waterproof bags. The only drawback of this material is that occasionally small threads may come loose where it was cut. If this happens, the best way to remove them is by quickly burning them with a lighter (avoid pulling on them). These threads do not affect the waterproof functionality of the bags in any way.

Waterproof Limitations

All our bags and backpack are constructed in a way that makes them 100% waterproof. This means waterproof fabric and waterproof welded seams are used. The only “weak” point of waterproof bags are the openings. While the roll-down closure is the common closure type in dry bags, it’s important to note that it’s not completely waterproof (despite what the name might suggest or what some manufacturers claim). If the roll down top is submerged for an extended period (longer than a few seconds), water will slowly begin to seep in. This off course also depends on how carefully have you closed the roll down (see instructions at the beginning of this article).

Water slowly seeping in does not mean there will be a sudden flood, but it’s something to keep in mind. To keep your bag dry, avoid using it as a flotation device and avoid submerging it for long periods. Despite this limitation, the roll-down closure remains the best, most useful and most reliable closing system.

If you want to learn more we suggest that you read our full explanation on what exactly is the meaning of waterproof when it comes to waterproof bags and what can a waterproof backpack or bag do.

Waterproof Warranty

Because of the limitations mentioned in the previous paragraphs we do NOT give warranty on bag and backpack leakage.

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