At Jetpilot, we build gear for the reality of PWC riding. Spray that finds its way into everything, glovebox dust, wet hands, and the occasional "oops" moment at the ramp.
If you are shopping for a waterproof bag for jet ski use, use this checklist to buy once, buy right, and keep your essentials bone dry.
What's in this guide
- Water-resistant vs waterproof — what the labels actually mean
- Dry bag closures that work on a jet ski: roll-top vs waterproof zip
- What size waterproof bag for jet ski? (5L to 30L guide)
- Attachment points and carry comfort for PWC riding
- How to pack a dry bag to keep gear dry on a jet ski
- Waterproof bags to avoid on a jet ski — common mistakes
- FAQ
Water-resistant vs waterproof — what the labels actually mean
This is where most people get stitched up when buying a dry bag for jet ski use.
- Water-resistant usually means "handles splashes and light spray". It is great for quick-access storage on the ski, but it is not meant for full dunking.
- Waterproof should mean a sealed construction designed to keep water out, even when conditions get ugly. The most reliable way to compare products is an IP rating (an international standard for ingress protection) rather than vague marketing terms.
A practical rule:
- If it is carrying something you cannot lose or ruin (phone, keys, wallet), go waterproof with a known rating where possible.
Example: our Venture Waterproof Phone Pouch is IP68 certified and designed to protect from water, dust, and sand, with a multi-stage closure system.
Dry bag closures that work on a jet ski: roll-top vs waterproof zip
Closures are the whole game on the water. The material can be tough as nails, but a dodgy seal will still leak.
Roll-top
Roll-tops are the classic dry bag seal for a reason. They are simple, reliable, and easy to check visually. Most waterproof bag guides favour roll-top designs when reliability is the priority.
What to look for:
- A stiffened top strip for clean rolls
- Enough material to get a proper seal (aim for 3 to 4 rolls)
- Welded seams if possible — heat-welded or sonic-welded seams eliminate stitch holes that can let water in over time
Waterproof zip
Waterproof zips can be great for quick access and organising gear, but they need care and they can fail if they get jammed with grit or sand.
Our take for jet ski dry bags:
- Roll-top for stuff you absolutely need dry, especially on longer rides
- Zip for quick-access bags that you open often, but only if the zip and construction are built for water use
What size waterproof bag for jet ski? (5L to 30L guide)
The best bag size is the one that matches how you actually ride. Here is how each size translates to real-world jet ski packing.
5L — day ride essentials
Perfect for quick sessions when you just want the basics:
- Phone, keys, wallet
- Sunscreen, lip balm
- Small tool or safety bits
Jetpilot pick: Venture 5L Drysafe Bag
10L — the sweet spot for most riders
This is the most popular PWC dry bag size and suits the majority of riders:
- Everything in 5L
- Light jacket or rashie
- Snacks, water bottle
- Small camera or fishing add-ons
Jetpilot pick: Venture 10L Drysafe Backpack
25L — short mission becomes a proper day out
This is where a quick ride turns into a full day on the water:
- Food and drinks, or a larger gear load
- Extra layers
- Towel, spare gloves, recovery strap, first aid basics
If your 25L is built as a cooler, it can be surprisingly roomy. For reference, our 25L Sealed Soft Cooler holds up to 36 cans, which gives you a good mental picture of real capacity.
30L+ — jet ski touring and multi-stop days
A great touring size when you are packing more than you think:
- Extra clothes plus towel
- Bigger safety loadout
- More food, more water
- Space to keep wet gear separated from dry gear
Jetpilot tip: if you are constantly sitting on your bag to close it, you bought too small.
Also worth knowing: we run smaller dry bags in 2L, 5L, and 10L, plus bigger backpack-style options up to 60L for serious gear loads. Browse the full range here.
Attachment points and carry comfort for PWC riding
Jet ski storage has two modes: strapped down and quick access. You usually need both.
Lash points that actually work
Look for:
- Multiple attachment points so you can balance the load
- Webbing loops that sit flat and do not flap at speed
- A shape that does not block gauges, steering, or your knees
For quick-access items like keys, a small snack, or sunnies, a handlebar bag is perfect. Our Venture Handle Bar Bag is built to fit jet skis and works as a water-resistant storage solution — ideal for "grab it fast" items, not for valuables that must stay bone dry.
Carry comfort matters more than you think
If you are walking gear to a beach launch, or touring between stops, go for:
- Padded straps
- A stable back panel
- Straps that do not slip when wet
A waterproof backpack for jet ski use that is annoying to carry becomes the bag you leave at home.
How to pack a dry bag to keep gear dry on a jet ski
Even the best bags can take a knock. Here is how we pack when we want "no drama" protection.
The double-bag technique
- Critical items get their own inner layer — phone, keys, wallet, and car fob go in a small inner dry bag or pouch.
- That goes inside the main bag — the outer bag handles spray, bouncing, and external wear.
For phones, the cleanest solution is a dedicated waterproof phone pouch with a proper seal and rating. Our Venture Waterproof Phone Pouch is IP68 certified and built for water, dust, and sand protection — a solid way to keep your phone dry on a jet ski without worrying about it.
Electronics rule
Keep electronics in the centre of the pack, wrapped in something soft (rashie, towel), so impact forces do not hit them directly.
Waterproof bags to avoid on a jet ski — common mistakes
Not all dry bags are built for PWC use. Here are the most common mistakes we see riders make:
- Standard zippers and "rain cover" backpacks — These are built for hiking rain, not jet ski spray. Water hits differently at 60+ km/h. A rain cover will funnel water straight into the bag at speed.
- One-buckle roll-tops with a short roll length — If you cannot get 3 to 4 clean rolls before buckling, the seal is compromised. Cheap dry bags often skimp on material at the top.
- Stitched seams instead of welded seams — Thread creates needle holes. Over time, those holes wick water. Look for heat-welded or sonic-welded seams on any bag that claims to be waterproof.
- No attachment points — A bag that rolls around in your footwell or slides off the rear deck is a safety hazard. If it does not have proper lash points, it was not designed for PWC.
- Tossing loose keys into a water-resistant bag and hoping for the best — Water-resistant is not waterproof. Your car key fob does not care about the difference, it will just stop working.
- Buying by price alone — A $15 dry bag that leaks on the first ride is not a saving. Match the bag to what it is protecting. A $200 phone deserves better than a $10 sack.
Browse the full Jetpilot dry bag and cooler range to see what purpose-built PWC storage looks like.
Frequently asked questions
Are dry bags actually waterproof?
It depends on construction. A quality dry bag with welded seams and a proper roll-top closure (3 to 4 rolls) will keep water out in real-world jet ski conditions — spray, splash, and the occasional wave over the bow. Bags with stitched seams or short roll-tops may only be water-resistant, which is fine for light splash but not enough for valuables. Check for an IP rating if you need guaranteed protection.
What size dry bag do I need for a jet ski?
For a typical day ride, a 10L bag is the sweet spot — it fits your phone, keys, wallet, a light layer, snacks, and a water bottle. If you are just carrying the bare essentials, 5L is enough. For full-day touring with food, extra clothes, and safety gear, look at 25L to 30L.
Can I use my phone through a waterproof pouch?
Yes, most quality waterproof phone pouches have a touchscreen-compatible window. The Jetpilot Venture Waterproof Phone Pouch is IP68 rated and lets you use the touchscreen, take photos, and access your phone without removing it from the pouch.
How do I attach a dry bag to a jet ski?
Use the bungee tie-downs, grab handles, or rear deck rack on your PWC. The best dry bags have multiple webbing lash points that let you run bungee cords or straps through them. Avoid bags that only have a single carry handle — they will slide around at speed.
How do I stop my dry bag from smelling?
After every ride, open the bag fully, rinse it with fresh water, and let it air dry inside out. Salt water and moisture trapped in a sealed bag create mould and odour fast. Do not store your dry bag rolled up while it is still damp.
Ready to gear up?
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