When you’re out on your paddleboard for hours, there’s nothing worse than worrying whether your phone, keys, or spare layers are going to end up soaked.
After testing the Bluefin Dri-Tide Deck Bag through autumn paddle sessions and intentional splash tests, I can tell you this 22-litre waterproof bag offers a solid alternative to fiddly roll-top dry bags. It’s built from heavy-duty TPU, attaches securely to your board, and keeps everything accessible while you’re on the water. Here’s everything you need to know based on real use.
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At a Glance
Best For: Day-long paddleboarders and kayakers who want organised, accessible gear storage
Price: £115 (currently £98 for Black Friday)
Tested Over: Multiple autumn paddle sessions, including intentional water exposure testing
The Bluefin Dri-Tide Deck Bag is a 22-litre waterproof bag designed specifically for paddleboarders. Unlike traditional roll-top dry bags, this features a waterproof zip for easier access, a semi-circular opening design, and a secure carabiner attachment system.
Built from robust TPU material with heat-sealed seams, it includes backpack straps for comfortable transport, mesh side pockets for quick-grab items, and front bungee cording for extra storage. It’s designed and tested in the UK for British paddling conditions.
Top Features of the Bluefin Dri-Tide Deck Bag
The Bluefin Dri-Tide packs several thoughtful features that make it stand out from basic waterproof bags. Here’s what matters when you’re actually out on the water.
Waterproof Dri-Seal Zip System
The standout feature is the waterproof zip that runs across the top of the bag in a semicircle. Unlike roll-top bags, where you’re constantly folding and unfolding, this zip gives you quick access to your gear. Bluefin calls it their “Dri-Seal” system, and it’s genuinely waterproof when properly sealed. The zip is deliberately stiff to maintain that watertight seal, which some might find frustrating at first, but that stiffness is what keeps water out. Bluefin includes silicone zip lubricant to help keep it running smoothly over time.
Secure Carabiner Attachment System
At the top and bottom of each side of the bag, you’ll find straps with carabiners attached. These clip directly onto the D-rings on your paddleboard (typically found near the front bungee section). Once clipped, you tighten the buckles to lock everything in place. The bag doesn’t shift or bounce around once secured, which is exactly what you want when you’re paddling. When carrying the bag as a backpack off the board, these straps clip neatly out of the way.
Multiple Storage Options
Storage is split across several areas. The main 22-litre compartment opens wide thanks to that semicircular zip, making it easy to pack and unpack. On the outside, you get mesh side pockets that self-drain and work perfectly for water bottles or anything you don’t mind getting splashed. The front features stretch bungee cording where you can stash a towel, jumper, or extra layers. There’s also nylon daisy chain webbing with gear loops for clipping on additional items like carabiners or a dry bag.
Padded Backpack Straps and Carry Handles
Two foam-padded backpack straps make transporting the bag comfortable, even when it’s fully loaded. This is particularly handy when you’re carrying your board and bag from the car to the water. The bag also has two reinforced top handles, so you can carry it like a tote bag if you prefer. The foam padding on these handles means they’re comfortable to grip even when your hands are cold or wet.
Rigid Internal Structure
Bluefin includes a rigid internal skeleton that slots inside the bag to maintain its shape. This serves two purposes: it keeps the bag streamlined to reduce drag in windy conditions, and it makes packing easier because the bag doesn’t collapse in on itself. You don’t have to use this insert if you prefer a more flexible pack, but I found it helpful for keeping everything organised.
Bluefin Dri-Tide Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 22 litres |
| Weight | 1.43kg (empty) |
| Material | Heavy-duty nylon TPU |
| Seam Construction | Heat-sealed, waterproof seams |
| Closure System | Waterproof Dri-Seal zip |
| External Storage | 2x mesh side pockets, front bungee cord, daisy chain webbing |
| Carry Options | Padded backpack straps, dual carry handles |
| Attachment System | Carabiner clips with adjustable buckle straps |
| Internal Structure | Removable rigid skeleton frame |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Colour Options | Black |
| Included Accessories | Silicone zip lubricant, internal skeleton |
| Design Origin | Designed and tested in the UK |
At 1.43kg empty, this bag is heavier than simple roll-top alternatives (which typically weigh 300-500g for similar capacity). That extra weight comes from the rigid structure, waterproof zip hardware, and padded straps. For context, most 20-25L roll-top dry bags weigh around 400g, so you’re carrying an additional kilogram for the convenience and organisation features.
The 22-litre capacity sits in the sweet spot for day paddles, giving you enough room for spare clothing, snacks, a towel, water bottles, and personal items without being excessively bulky.
My Personal Experience with the Bluefin Dri-Tide
I’ve been using the Dri-Tide Deck Bag since mid-October, putting it through several autumn paddle sessions to see how it performs in real conditions. Here’s what stood out during actual use.
First Impressions and Setup
Straight out of the box, the build quality is immediately apparent. The TPU material feels thick and durable, the stitching and heat-sealed seams look robust, and the whole bag has a premium feel to it. Setting up the attachment system for the first time took about five minutes to figure out, but once you understand how the carabiners clip to your board’s D-rings and how the buckles tighten, it’s straightforward.
I tested it on my Bluefin Cruise paddleboard (which obviously has the matching D-ring placement), but the system should work with most paddleboards that have front cargo loops or D-rings. When not attached to the board, the carabiner straps clip to the side of the bag itself, keeping them tidy when you’re carrying it as a backpack.
On-Water Testing and Accessibility
My main testing session was during early November for an autumn paddle. Conditions were calm with light winds, but I made a point of intentionally splashing the bag with my paddle to test the waterproofing. Water beaded off the TPU material exactly as you’d expect, and when I opened the bag afterwards, everything inside was bone dry.
What surprised me most was how accessible everything remained whilst paddling. When the bag is mounted on your board, the top of the backpack faces towards you, so all the storage options are within easy reach.
Need to grab your water bottle from the mesh pocket? Simple. Want to pull out a snack from the main compartment? Just unzip and reach in.
I was initially worried that the zip might be awkward to operate whilst balancing on the board, but it wasn’t an issue. The semicircular zip design means the front panel folds down completely, giving you clear visibility and access to everything inside.
The mesh side pockets worked well for holding water bottles, and the front bungee section held a light jumper securely without it bouncing around or threatening to slip off.
The Zip Situation
Let’s talk about the waterproof zip.. Yes, it’s stiff. This is particularly noticeable when you’re sealing it closed, where you need to apply firm pressure to ensure it’s fully sealed. This stiffness is deliberate—it’s what maintains the watertight seal. Bluefin includes silicone lubricant specifically to address this, and using it does help the zip run more smoothly.
Comfort and Transport
The padded backpack straps make a genuine difference when you’re carrying the bag from your car to the water, especially if it’s loaded with gear for a full day out. The foam padding on the handles is also a nice touch—you can grab the bag confidently even when your hands are wet or cold. That said, the lack of a chest strap on the backpack system is noticeable. When the bag is heavily loaded, a chest strap would help distribute weight more evenly and stop the bag from shifting around on your back.
Capacity and Organisation
Twenty-two litres is plenty for day paddles. I easily fitted spare clothing (fleece, waterproof layer), a towel, snacks, keys, wallet, and phone, with room to spare. The rigid internal structure kept everything organised rather than jumbled at the bottom like you often get with roll-top bags. That structure also makes packing more logical—you can see where things are going rather than feeding items into a floppy bag opening.
Performance in Different Conditions
I haven’t yet had the chance to test this in heavy rain or genuinely rough water, so I can’t speak to extreme conditions. My autumn testing was in calm-to-moderate conditions with intentional splashing to simulate wave spray. Based on this testing, I’m confident the waterproofing holds up for typical paddleboarding scenarios. If you’re planning to take this into serious whitewater kayaking or stormy coastal conditions, you might want additional protection for high-value electronics, but for regular SUP use, it’s sound.
Is It Overkill for Short Paddles?
Here’s an honest assessment: if you’re just popping out for a quick 30-minute paddle around your local lake, this bag is probably overkill compared to a simple 5-10L roll-top dry bag. Where the DryTide excels is in longer sessions where you want proper organisation, easy access to multiple items, and the confidence that everything stays dry. For touring, day-long adventures, or any paddle where you might need to grab different items throughout the session, it makes perfect sense.
Bluefin Dri-Tide Pros and Cons
What I Like:
- Genuinely waterproof construction with heat-sealed seams and an effective zip system
- Secure attachment that doesn’t shift or bounce once properly tightened to your board
- Excellent accessibility whilst paddling—everything faces you and is within easy reach
- Multiple storage options with mesh pockets, a bungee section, and a spacious main compartment
- Comfortable padded backpack straps and reinforced handles for off-water transport
- Stylish, professional design that looks good on and off the board
What I Dislike:
- The waterproof zip is deliberately stiff, requiring firm pressure to seal properly
- At 1.43kg empty, it’s significantly heavier than basic roll-top alternatives
- May feel like overkill for short, casual paddles compared to a simple dry bag
Top Alternatives to the Bluefin Dri-Tide
If the Dri-Tide doesn’t quite fit your needs or budget, here are some alternatives worth considering.
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag (20L)
A classic roll-top design made from waterproof TPU laminated fabric with a wide opening for easy packing. This is much lighter (around 320g) and more affordable (typically £40-50), but you sacrifice the easy-access zip and organised storage of the DryTide. Best for paddlers who want simple, lightweight waterproofing and don’t need constant access to their gear.
Overboard Pro-Sports Waterproof Backpack (20L)
Features a similar waterproof zip design to the DryTide with padded shoulder straps, but lacks the SUP-specific attachment system. Priced around £60-70, it’s a middle-ground option if you want zip access but don’t need the carabiner mounting system. Better suited for multi-sport use (hiking, cycling, paddling) rather than being SUP-specific.
Pelican Dayventure Sling Cooler Bag (12L)
A different approach entirely—this is a waterproof cooler bag that can be slung on your board. Smaller capacity at 12 litres, but includes insulation to keep drinks cold. Around £55-65. Best for shorter paddles where you want refreshments kept cool rather than maximum gear storage.
| Feature | Bluefin Dri-Tide | Sea to Summit Big River | Overboard Pro-Sports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 22L | 20L | 20L |
| Weight | 1.43kg | 320g | 850g |
| Closure | Waterproof zip | Roll-top | Waterproof zip |
| SUP Attachment | Carabiner system | Lash points only | No dedicated system |
| Price | £99-£115 | £40-50 | £60-70 |
| Best For | Day-long paddles | Lightweight simplicity | Multi-sport use |
The Dri-Tide sits at the premium end specifically because it’s purpose-built for SUP use with features that make sense on the water. If you paddle frequently and want organisation and accessibility, it’s worth the extra investment. If you’re an occasional paddler or want minimal weight, the alternatives make more sense.
Final Thoughts
The Bluefin Dri-Tide Deck Bag is an excellent choice for regular paddleboarders and kayakers who value organisation, accessibility, and secure attachment over minimal weight.
After testing this through multiple paddle sessions, I’m impressed by how well-thought-out the design is for on-water use. The waterproof zip system, whilst stiff, genuinely works and makes accessing your gear infinitely easier than unrolling a traditional dry bag. The carabiner attachment system keeps everything secure without any shifting or bouncing. Multiple storage options mean you can organise gear logically rather than dumping everything into a single compartment.
That said, this isn’t the lightest option, and it won’t make sense for everyone. If you primarily do short paddles and just need to keep a phone and keys dry, a basic £20 roll-top bag will do the job. But if you’re out for hours, want easy access to water, snacks, layers, and other essentials without constantly stopping to unpack everything, the Dri-Tide’s convenience features justify the higher price point.
The build quality feels solid enough to last for years of regular use, and the UK design means it’s built with British paddling conditions in mind. At the current sale price of £99, it’s decent value for what you get. At the full £115, it starts feeling expensive compared to simpler alternatives, but you’re paying for convenience and organisation rather than just waterproofing.
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Learn More
Like this review? Well, you’re in luck as I’ve got a bunch of other great resources for you to explore here…
- How To Paddle Board: Complete SUP Guide for Beginners
- What To Wear Paddle Boarding
- 19 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Paddleboarding
- Best Paddle Board Accessories
- The Waterways Licence Explained
- Best Dryrobe Alternative Changing Robes
I was kindly gifted the Bluefin Dri-Tide Deck Bag to test and review. My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own unbiased opinions.
About the Author
Steve Cleverdon is an outdoor adventure specialist with 15+ years of hiking, camping, and paddle boarding experience. He has conquered Europe’s toughest trails including the GR20 in Corsica, walked 3,000km solo across New Zealand, and worked professionally in the outdoors industry. Steve’s gear reviews and recommendations are based on real-world testing across four continents, from coastal waters to mountain peaks. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.
