DryTide Usage & Care Guide

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.

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 →

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.

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.

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.

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 →

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.

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.

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.

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 →