Choosing Dry Storage for a Small Boat or Kayak — Size, Closure & Fit

The short answer

For a small boat or kayak, choose the smallest bag that fits the actual dry load and can be closed without obstruction. The OverBoard Dry Tube 20L is a compact choice for towels and spare layers; the NRS Bill’s Bag 65L is for a much larger load that needs backpack carry and compression straps.

The two products solve different storage jobs. Neither soft bag is our only protection for a phone, camera, or radio. Put sensitive items in a dedicated waterproof case inside the bag.

Measure the load and the locker

Start with what you actually carry: one change of clothes, two towels, or a full overnight kit. A 20-liter bag keeps a small day load together without taking over the deck. A 65-liter bag makes more sense when it replaces several bags, but its packed shape needs a larger opening and a place where it can be secured.

The OverBoard tube measures 44 cm high by 25 cm in diameter and weighs 0.47 kg. The NRS Bill’s Bag 65L measures 14 inches in diameter by 24 inches high when packed and closed. Check both the opening and the space around the bag; a cylinder that fits the locker can still be awkward to retrieve if it is buried.

Compare closure, carry, and water limits

The OverBoard 20L review covers a fold-seal roll top, top handle, and removable shoulder strap. Dry Bags UK says to roll the top tightly at least three or four times before securing the buckle. Its IP66 listing is for brief submersion, and the merchant warns that some water may seep in if the bag remains underwater.

The NRS 65L Bill’s Bag review covers its fold-down StormStrip closure, four compression straps, and removable padded backpack harness. Its larger capacity is useful for bulky gear, but do not treat any soft roll- or fold-top bag as a guarantee against extended immersion. Check the exact closure instructions and water exposure that matter for your trip.

Keep electronics and tackle in their own zones

Use a separate waterproof case for devices even when they ride inside a dry bag. For fishing tackle, use a box with compartments and give wet hooks a chance to dry before closing them away. The Plano EDGE 3600 review explains the compact-box approach; our fishing tackle storage guide covers the reset routine after a saltwater trip.

Price, delivery, and the right comparison

The OverBoard 20L tube was listed at £29.99 GBP on October 16, 2026; U.S. delivery was not confirmed by the product page’s UK shipping table. NRS listed the Bill’s Bag 65L at $219.95 direct on the same date. Those are different currencies and bag sizes, so compare the full destination-specific total and the amount of gear each bag actually replaces.

If the compact tube fits your load, see the Dry Bags UK partner offer. The supplied code is centralized on that page; eligibility and checkout acceptance have not been tested.

Bottom line

Measure first, then choose by capacity and carry. A 20L tube is easier to place for a day load; a 65L duffel is better when one large bag can carry bulkier gear. Follow the exact closure routine, separate sensitive electronics, and match the water rating to the actual exposure.