Dry Bags in Australia: What Size You Actually Need + What They’re Really For

If you spend any time on the water in Australia, a dry bag is one of those bits of gear you only remember when something goes wrong. At some point, everyone has had a phone swim, a towel soaked, or a drone take a bath. Choosing the right size dry bag makes a bigger difference than most people realise, so here’s a simple breakdown based on real boating use not marketing fluff.

This guide covers the exact sizes True Blue Marine makes:
2L Phone Bag, 15L Dry Bag, 30L Dry Bag, and the 20L Collapsible Bucket.

2L Phone Dry Bag — The One That Saves Your Day

This is the smallest size, designed specifically for your phone, keys, wallet and maybe a small action camera. It clips to anything, stays out of the way, and is the bit of gear you’ll end up using the most.

Best for:
Jet skis, quick beach runs, sandbars, kayaking, SUPs, tender rides.

Real example:
You’re anchoring at Karragarra or Myora — you jump in and don’t want your phone sitting loose on the boat. This is the size that keeps the important stuff dry and floating.

15L Dry Bag — The Everyday Boating Bag

Fifteen litres is the sweet spot for most weekend boaters. It fits a towel, sunscreen, lunch, a shirt, a speaker, and still has room for small extras. It’s big enough to be useful without getting bulky.

Best for:
Day trips, island stops, taking the dog to the beach, fishing days.

Why Aussies like this size:
You can throw all your personal stuff in one bag and forget about it. It’s the “grab-and-go” size that works for almost any boating trip.

30L Dry Bag — The Big Adventure Bag

This is the size for people who spend the whole day out and need proper storage. Thirty litres handles towels, cameras, shoes, drones, clothing, lunch, and still has room to spare.

Best for:
Moreton Island runs, long days out, snorkelling trips, taking gear onto the beach.

Bonus:
If sealed properly, a 30L dry bag floats even when packed, which makes it handy in rough water.

20L Collapsible Bucket — The Most Useful Thing You Didn’t Know You Needed

Not technically a dry bag, but it earns its place. A collapsible bucket takes up no space and becomes a lifesaver on the boat.

Best for:
Keeping bait or fish chilled, washing sand off the dog, carrying water, holding snorkel gear, or using as a beach bucket.

Why it matters for boaters:
It’s strong, it folds flat, and you’ll end up using it every single trip.

What Actually Matters When Buying a Dry Bag

All the sizes above only work if the bag itself is built well. Here’s what to look for:

Thick PVC or TPU:
If the material feels thin or flimsy, it’s going to leak.

Welded seams:
This is the biggest difference between reliable bags and cheap ones.

Strong roll-top:
This is what seals the water out. If it’s soft or floppy, it won’t hold.

Floats when dropped:
Non-negotiable if you keep phones or keys inside.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want a simple setup that covers everything:

Get the 2L Phone Bag and the 15L Dry Bag.
They’ll handle 90% of what you do.

If you do big day trips to Moreton, Peel, or Tangalooma:

Add the 30L Dry Bag.

And the 20L Collapsible Bucket is one of those things you don’t think about until you have one — then it lives on the boat forever.

Where TBM Fits In

True Blue Marine bags are built for real Australian boating. Tough PVC, welded seams, proper roll-tops, and sizes designed around the way Aussies actually use their gear. Simple, durable, no gimmicks — just gear that keeps up.