HOW TO CLOSE A ROLL-TOP
Pack your backpack or bag so you leave some room at the top for the roll-top closure. Keep bulky or hard items away from the top of the bag so they don’t interfere with the roll. Make sure the opening is clean, flat, and free of wrinkles.
Bring the two sides of the opening together and make sure the top edges are evenly aligned. The material below the edges should lie flat and be free of wrinkles.
If you want to reduce the bag’s volume, gently press out some excess air before rolling. This is optional and not required for proper closure. You don’t need to squeeze the bag completely flat. If you want the bag to float when properly closed, skip this step and leave some air inside.
Roll the top down at least three full times, keeping each roll tight, even and flat across the width of the bag. Avoid loose sections or large wrinkles. The tighter and more even the roll, the more reliable the closure.
After rolling, bend both ends of the rolled section back in the opposite direction to the roll. If you rolled the top forward, bend the ends back. If you rolled it backward, bend the ends forward. This helps keep the roll tight and secure before fastening the buckle.
Fasten the two ends together with the buckle. Make sure the buckle is fully engaged and the ends are held securely together. The buckle keeps the rolled closure securely in place, while the rolled closure itself provides the water protection.
Before heading out, make sure:
- the bag has been rolled at least three full times
- the roll is tight and even
- there are no large wrinkles or objects caught in the closure
- the buckle is fully engaged
That’s it. Your DryTide bag is ready for use.
PRO TIP: Keep the bag reasonably full when possible. The gear inside supports the roll-top from below, helping keep the closure tight and reducing the chance of it loosening during use.
The roll-top works by folding the opening back onto itself several times, creating a long, tightly folded barrier that helps keep water from reaching the inside of the bag. For this reason, always make at least three full rolls before securing the buckle.
SEE HOW TO CLOSE A ROLL-TOP
ROLL-TOP CLOSURE FAQ
How many times should I roll a dry bag?
Roll the top down at least three full times. Keep the rolls tight, even and flat across the width of the bag.
Should I remove all the air before closing a dry bag?
No. Push out excess air if you want to reduce the bag’s volume, but you don’t need to squeeze it completely flat. Leaving some air inside can also help a properly closed bag float on the water.
Can I close a roll-top bag when it is only partly full?
Yes. A roll-top closure can be adjusted to the amount of gear inside the bag. Keeping the bag reasonably full is a slight advantage, as the contents support the roll-top from below and help keep it tight during use.
With standard dry bags, you can make more than three rolls if you want to reduce the bag’s size further or remove excess material at the top. At least three full rolls are required for proper closure.
With roll-top backpacks, the number of additional rolls is more limited because the shoulder straps and other backpack components eventually prevent the top from being rolled down further.
Why is my roll-top bag not closing properly?
First, check that the opening is clean, flat and free of wrinkles or trapped material. Make sure bulky items are not interfering with the closure. Then make at least three tight, even rolls and check that the buckle is fully secured.
Does the buckle make the bag waterproof?
The buckle holds the rolled closure securely in place. The rolled closure creates the water barrier, while the buckle prevents the roll from coming undone.
Can I roll the bag more than three times?
Yes. Three full rolls are the minimum recommended for a proper closure. Additional rolls can be made when enough material is available, mainly to reduce the size of the bag or remove excess material at the top. Always make sure the roll remains tight and secure.
With regular dry bags, you can make several additional rolls if needed. With roll-top backpacks, the number of rolls is more limited because the shoulder straps and other backpack components eventually prevent the top from being rolled down further.
THREE WAYS TO SECURE THE ROLL-TOP
Buckling the roll ends together is the most secure (waterproof) way of closing the roll top bags and backpacks, but it's not the only one. Once you have rolled the top down at least three times, there are several ways to secure it:
| How to secure the roll-top | Waterproof protection | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Buckle the ends together | Best protection | Heavy rain, splashes and situations where the bag could fall into the water |
| Buckle the ends to the sides | Good protection | Everyday use and normal rain |
| Secure with the top strap | Basic protection | Quick access when maximum waterproof protection is not required |
For the best waterproof protection, buckle the two ends together.
Not all closure options are available on every DryTide bag or backpack. The table below shows which options are available for each model.
| Product | Ends together | Ends to sides | Top strap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18L Waterproof Backpack | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 30L Waterproof Backpack | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 50L Waterproof Travel Backpack | ✓ | Possible | — |
| 50L Waterproof Travel Duffel | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dry Bags | ✓ | — | — |
Note: On the 50L Waterproof Travel Backpack, the side buckles are primarily designed for compression and for attaching gear. They can also be used to secure the roll-top to the sides, but this leaves one buckle hanging down.
WATERPROOF AND AIRTIGHT ZIPPERS
Some DryTide products use waterproof or airtight zippers instead of a roll-top closure. These zippers require a little more force than a regular zipper because the sealing surfaces are pressed tightly together to keep water, and in the case of an airtight zipper, air from passing through. It is normal for an airtight zipper to feel harder to operate than a waterproof zipper.
USING A WATERPROOF OR AIRTIGHT ZIPPER
Always make sure the zipper is fully closed when you need the bag to be waterproof or airtight.
When opening or closing the zipper, hold the material near the top of the zipper with one hand and pull the slider with the other. Pull the slider in a straight line rather than at an angle.
Do not force the zipper over sand, dirt or other debris. Keep the zipper clean before closing it.
For detailed information about waterproof and airtight zippers, including what to do if a zipper becomes difficult to open or gets stuck, see our guide:
Stuck Waterproof Zipper: Why It Happens and How to Fix It →
ZIPPER CARE
Rinse the zipper with fresh water after every use in saltwater. This helps prevent salt deposits from building up and affecting the zipper.
If the zipper becomes harder to operate, a small amount of silicone-based zipper lubricant can help it move more smoothly. Apply only a tiny amount to the top zipper teeth and open and close the zipper a few times to spread it. Do not use oil-based lubricants because they attract dirt.
Important: Lubrication is not required for normal operation. It is mainly useful when you want to reduce friction and help keep the zipper working smoothly over time.
BEFORE USING YOUR BAG
✓ Check the bag: Look for any visible cuts, punctures or other damage before use.
✓ Pack sharp objects carefully: Sharp or pointed items can damage the waterproof material if they are not packed properly.
✓ Check the closure: Make sure the roll-top is rolled and secured properly. For products with a waterproof or airtight zipper or a zip-lock closure, make sure the sealing surfaces are clean before closing, then close the zipper or zip-lock completely.
CLEANING AND SALTWATER CARE
Rinse your DryTide bag with fresh water after using it in saltwater. This removes salt and sand that can build up on the material and closures.
For normal cleaning, wash the bag with fresh water. If needed, use a small amount of mild soap and gently clean the surface.
Allow the bag to air dry before storing it. Avoid using high heat to dry the bag.
After saltwater use: Rinse with fresh water → remove any sand or salt → air dry.
STORAGE
Before storing your DryTide bag, make sure it is clean and completely dry. This helps prevent unpleasant odours and keeps the materials and closures in good condition.
Store the bag in a dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
For bags with a roll-top closure, leave the roll-top open or loosely rolled rather than keeping it tightly rolled for long periods.
For products with waterproof or airtight zippers, keep the zipper fully closed during storage. This prevents the zipper slider from pressing on the same spot for a long time and creating an indentation that could affect the waterproof seal.
PROTECTING THE MATERIAL
DryTide bags are made for regular outdoor use, but the waterproof material can still be damaged by sharp objects, excessive abrasion or harsh chemicals.
Avoid dragging the bag over sharp or rough surfaces. Take extra care when packing objects with sharp edges, such as fishing hooks, knives or other pointed equipment.
Keep the bag away from solvents, strong chemicals and excessive heat. These can damage the waterproof coating or material.
If you notice a small puncture or tear, repair it before using the bag in wet conditions.
Small damage can usually be repaired. See our guide to repairing a torn or punctured DryTide bag →
WATERPROOF LIMITATIONS
DryTide bags and backpacks are made with waterproof materials and welded seams. These materials and seams prevent water from entering through the main construction of the bag. The openings are the part that needs more attention.
ROLL-TOP CLOSURE
A properly closed roll-top provides excellent protection against rain, splashes and everyday exposure to water. However, a roll-top closure is not completely waterproof when submerged for an extended period.
If the roll-top remains underwater for more than a few seconds, water can slowly begin to seep through the closure. How quickly this happens also depends on how carefully the roll-top has been closed.
This does not mean that water will suddenly flood the bag. The roll-top is designed to keep water out during normal use, including heavy rain and exposure to splashes. If there is a risk of the bag falling into the water, roll the top tightly and buckle the ends together.
The roll-top remains a simple and reliable closure for everyday use because it is easy to operate and has no complicated mechanism.
WATERPROOF AND AIRTIGHT ZIPPERS
Waterproof and airtight zippers provide a sealed closure when they are fully closed. They offer a different approach to waterproof protection than a roll-top and are used on products where a fully sealed zipper closure is needed.
PROTECTING CRITICAL GEAR
For everyday use, a properly closed DryTide bag provides excellent protection from rain, splashes and other normal exposure to water.
If you are carrying particularly important, sensitive or irreplaceable items that absolutely must stay dry, you may want to use two layers of waterproof protection. This can be especially useful in extremely wet situations, around water or whenever there is a risk of the bag being submerged.
Place the items in a waterproof dry bag, then place it inside your DryTide backpack or bag. This provides an additional layer of protection and a better-safe-than-sorry approach, giving you extra peace of mind if the outer bag is damaged, not closed properly or exposed to water beyond its intended use.
Important: One properly closed DryTide bag is normally enough to protect your gear from rain and everyday exposure to water. No waterproof bag can guarantee that its contents will remain dry in every situation. For items that absolutely must not get wet, an additional waterproof layer provides extra protection and peace of mind.
FLOTATION
DryTide bags and backpacks can float when properly closed. Air trapped inside the waterproof main compartment provides buoyancy and can help keep your gear on the surface if the bag falls into the water.
For the bag to float, it needs to be properly closed with enough air trapped inside. If you squeeze most of the air out before closing the bag, there may not be enough buoyancy for it to float.
Important: A floating DryTide bag is not a flotation device. Do not use it to support a person or rely on it for safety in the water.
REPAIRS
DryTide bags use welded construction to keep water from entering through the seams. Some parts, such as attachment points and other components, are stitched with regular thread. These stitches are made on separate pieces of material that are then welded to the waterproof body of the bag.
This means that even a regular stitched seam should not simply be sewn back together if it becomes damaged. Adding new stitches directly through the waterproof body creates holes in the material and can compromise the waterproof protection.
Small punctures or tears in the material can be easily repaired with DryPatch. For larger damage or damaged seams, our repair guide explains different repair methods, including how to reinforce and seal damaged areas.
A proper repair of a welded seam requires specialized, factory-level welding equipment. We do not offer this type of repair because the cost of shipping the bag back to the factory and carrying out the repair would be higher than the value of the bag.
Important: Do not sew directly through the waterproof body of the bag to repair a damaged seam or attachment point. The new needle holes will compromise the waterproof protection.
Need to repair your bag?
See our guide: How to Repair a DryTide Bag →
