Roll-Top Dry Bags & Deck Rigging Cargo Setup

Keep your gear dry, your boat balanced and nothing floating away.

Beginner

4 min

ROLL-TOP DRY BAGS & DECK RIGGING CARGO SETUP
[ ] 20L Bow Dry Bag
[ ] 10L Stern Bag
[ ] Deck Bungee Lashings

20L Bow Dry Bag and 10L Stern Bag: the owner's size spec. Check that each fits your boat's hatch or cargo space before you buy.
Deck Bungee Lashings: elastic cord that holds gear on the deck. Check it for UV damage and replace it when it gets brittle.
Roll-top closure: keeps water out only when rolled several times and clipped. Dry bags are splash-proof, and many are not designed to be fully submerged for long. Check the maker's rating.

Keep your exit clear. Cargo should never trap your legs or block the way out of the cockpit. Why it matters: you need to be able to leave the boat in a capsize.
Keep your weight low and balanced. Heavy items belong near the center and the bottom of the boat. A top-heavy boat tips more easily.
Use tethers with care. Tie down gear so it stays with the boat, but never attach yourself to a line that could tangle or drag. Cut or release any line that traps you, and carry a river knife or line cutter only if you know how to use it.

Gear types only.

Roll-top dry bags in different sizes
Deck bungee cord and rigging kit
Waterproof phone case
Carabiners or clips rated for your use
Insulated bottle for the water you carry (Wild Dirt carries drinkware)

Required gear, camping limits and launch rules vary by waterway, park and state. Check current local rules with the managing agency: nps.gov, fs.usda.gov or your state park website, and the U.S. Coast Guard (uscgboating.org) for boating basics.

Pack like you expect to flip, and you will paddle with peace of mind. Built by explorers, for the trail.

Dry bags

20L Bow Dry Bag for the front hatch or bow area
10L Stern Bag for the back of the boat
Check seams, roll-top and buckles for damage
Squeeze-test each bag for leaks, with a little air inside
Roll the top down at least three times and clip it shut, unless the maker says otherwise

What goes where

Heavy items low and near the center of the boat
Spare clothes and food in the dry bags
Items you need on the water within reach, such as snacks and sunscreen
Keep sleeping gear and electronics in a bag inside another bag
Put a spare layer in a dry bag you can reach quickly

Deck rigging

Deck Bungee Lashings fixed to the boat's deck rigging points
Bungees snug, not so tight that they warp the bag
Nothing loose that could snag your legs, paddle or rescue line
Keep the deck clear of anything that stops you from exiting the boat

Balance and trim

Load evenly side to side and keep the nose and stern level
Paddle a short loop near shore to check the boat's trim
Re-pack if the boat pulls to one side or the bow digs in

Float your gear

Tie or clip important items to the boat
Keep your phone, keys and map in a waterproof case

Dry bags

20L Bow Dry Bag for the front hatch or bow area
10L Stern Bag for the back of the boat
Check seams, roll-top and buckles for damage
Squeeze-test each bag for leaks, with a little air inside
Roll the top down at least three times and clip it shut, unless the maker says otherwise

What goes where

Heavy items low and near the center of the boat
Spare clothes and food in the dry bags
Items you need on the water within reach, such as snacks and sunscreen
Keep sleeping gear and electronics in a bag inside another bag
Put a spare layer in a dry bag you can reach quickly

Deck rigging

Deck Bungee Lashings fixed to the boat's deck rigging points
Bungees snug, not so tight that they warp the bag
Nothing loose that could snag your legs, paddle or rescue line
Keep the deck clear of anything that stops you from exiting the boat

Balance and trim

Load evenly side to side and keep the nose and stern level
Paddle a short loop near shore to check the boat's trim
Re-pack if the boat pulls to one side or the bow digs in

Float your gear

Tie or clip important items to the boat
Keep your phone, keys and map in a waterproof case