MARCHWAY Waterproof Dry Bag

The MARCHWAY dry bag is one of the best-selling waterproof bags on the planet for a reason — it keeps your gear dry, it floats, and it costs less than a round of drinks.

With over 32,000 reviews globally and a price tag of $29, the MARCHWAY has become the default recommendation whenever someone asks for a cheap, reliable dry bag. It is a roll-top waterproof bag available in sizes from 5 litres to 40 litres, made from lightweight PVC-coated material that keeps water out and lets the bag float if dropped overboard. For divers, it is the go-to solution for keeping phones, wallets, car keys, and spare clothes dry on boat decks and beach entries across Australia.

## Overview

The MARCHWAY uses a standard roll-top closure system. You fold the opening over three or more times and clip the buckle to create a waterproof seal. The bag body is a single-piece PVC-coated material with welded seams, so there are no stitch holes for water to seep through. A detachable shoulder strap lets you carry it hands-free. The bag is available in a wide range of sizes and colours, so you can match the capacity to your intended use — 5L for a phone and wallet, 20L for a change of clothes and towel, 40L for a full day's worth of dry gear.

## Key Features

- Roll-top waterproof closure with clip buckle - PVC-coated material with welded seams - Floats when sealed with air inside - Available in 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, and 40L sizes - Detachable adjustable shoulder strap - Lightweight and packable when empty - Wide range of colour options

## The Good

- It keeps things dry. That sounds obvious, but plenty of cheap dry bags fail at this one job. The MARCHWAY's roll-top seal and welded seams have kept our phones, wallets, and clothes bone-dry through dozens of boat dives, beach entries, and rain-soaked surface intervals from Exmouth to Eden. - The floating ability is a genuine safety feature. If the bag goes overboard — and on Australian dive boats, things go overboard — it bobs on the surface rather than sinking. We tested this deliberately and it floated with reasonable buoyancy even with a phone and wallet inside. - The range of sizes is useful. The 10L is perfect for a phone, keys, and wallet on a shore dive. The 20L holds a change of clothes and a towel for a boat day. The 40L can serve as a dry gear duffel for a full day trip. Buy the size that matches your use case, or grab a couple. - At $29, the value is exceptional. You are getting a genuinely waterproof bag for less than the cost of replacing a water-damaged phone screen protector. Even if it only lasts a season, it has paid for itself. - The shoulder strap frees up your hands for carrying tanks, weight belts, and other gear between the car and the water. - The material is lightweight and packs down small when empty. Stuffed into a BCD pocket or a corner of your gear bag, it takes up almost no space.

## The Bad

- The roll-top seal requires you to actually roll it properly. Three full rolls minimum, with the air squeezed out, and the buckle clipped. If you rush the closure — and people do, especially on a busy boat — it will leak. - The PVC material is not the most environmentally friendly option. Alternatives made from TPU are available at a higher price if that matters to you. - Durability is adequate but not exceptional. The material resists puncture from normal handling, but dragging it across barnacle-covered rocks or sharp coral will damage it. - The shoulder strap attachment points are the weakest part of the design. Under heavy load, the plastic D-rings flex noticeably. - It is not truly submersible. The roll-top seal is rated for splash, rain, and brief immersion — not for being taken underwater. - The detachable strap has a basic plastic clip that can pop open if snagged. Keeping the strap attached to your body rather than dangling loose avoids this.

## Verdict

The MARCHWAY dry bag is one of those products that does exactly what it claims at a price that makes overthinking the purchase pointless. It keeps your valuables dry on dive boats, at beach entries, and during rain. It floats. It packs small. And it costs $29. The roll-top seal demands proper technique, the material is not indestructible, and it is not a submersible bag — but within its intended use case, it is excellent value. Every Australian diver should have one in their gear bag.

**Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars**