MARCHWAY Waterproof Dry Bag Review

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