Dry Bag

This is a water resistant dry bag that has at least half a gallon of storage space. If you follow the directions right you are sure to have a water tight bag.

Step 1: Supplies

To make this bag you don't need a lot of materials and it's pretty easy to make. These are the materials you will need.

• water proof fabric
• thread
• side release buckle
• plastic sheet

You will also need a couple tools.

• sewing machine
• scissors
• safety pin
• pins
• steam iron
• measuring tape
• ruler
• lighter

Also if you steam iron the cloth be very careful because most water proof fabrics are made of plastic and melt easily.

Step 2:

You will need to cut out a round piece of fabric with a diameter of 7 inches. You will also need to cut a rectangular piece of fabric with the dimensions of 22 inches by 14 inches. After that take the rectangular piece and fold it in half inside out so that it makes a 11 inch by 14 inch rectangle.and sew the ends together so that it makes a cylinder. Next sew the circle inside out at the end of the cylinder. Make sure that it is sown on tight because you want it to be water resistant.

Step 3:

The bag should still be inside out. Now take the lighter and melt all the seams so that water won't be able to pass. After that flip the bag inside in and check for holes.

Step 4:

You will need to flip the bag inside out, flatten it out and have the seam of the cylinder in the middle of the bag.Put the piece of sheet plastic at the top of the bag and cut it so that it is the right length it should be 2 inches by 9 inches. After that fold the piece of sheet plastic in half this will give it rigidity. Once that is done fold the inside of the bag out and slide the piece of sheet plastic in it. Sew the flap all around the bag.

Step 5:

You will know need to cut a strand of cloth that is 3/4 inch by 20 inches. Put the slide release buckle 9 1/2 inches apart and sew them on. Then sew the two straps hanging together. after that lay it across the top of the bag on the side opposite of the piece of sheet plastic. The bag should still be inside out. Then sew the strap on. Then carefully cut two holes under the slide release buckles and put the slide release buckles through the hole. Finally flip the bag inside in and sew the slide release buckle on that side.

Step 6:

Your bag is finished but if you don't know how to close the bag here's how. You will want to take out some of the excess air from the bag. Then roll down the stiffened cross bar down into the bag at least three tight rolls. Then clip the slide release buckle.

Step 7:

I'm not sure if I was clear enough in explaining the steps, but I think
the photos will help. Also if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Suggestions and corrections are appreciated. I hope you enjoyed making this bag.

Comments

[allyourcode]

Is this suitable for storing potable water?

[Ralove]

Hi, thanks for the instructions. I have made my first dry/stuff bag for my son who's off to Scout camp next month. It's made entirely from things I had in the house, or found in the charity shop. The material came from a charity shop, I don't think it will be completely waterproof, but it is shower-resistant. The best bit is that the piece of fabric is huge, big enough for several bags in different sizes, and a foam "sitter"

[Ralove]

And another picture (full of socks)

[DUDU_T]

Hi, this is a really nice and practical project.
I have a question though, how come the tiny holes that the sewing machine makes do not affect on its "dryness"? Aren't the seams burned beyond the sewing line?
Thanks for sharing, and excuse my English, not my native languaje.

[Timothee Gillier]

Thanks for the question, I melted the entire seam and I tested it and it is water resistant but if it doesn't work for you, you can seal it with a silicon seam.

[trailogy]

Well it looks like this might be a cheaper option for hiking. Could I get a weight for it? I go to Philmont every other year and will hopefully use this as a cheaper option than the 30$ dry bags. Thanks!

[Timothee Gillier]

I weighed my bag and it weighs about 1.5 ounces but you can use lighter
materials like Cuben Fiber but it is more expensive than the
polyurethane laminate that I used, but it has other advantages.

[tpeterson1959]

I haven't used Cuben, but could the bag be sealed with silicon seam sealer at the seams? If not, would rolled seams provide sufficient protection for all but the worst of dunkings? Either way, the current weight at 1.5 oz is still great for the size and the fact that it is a dry bag! I made a ditty bag out of Tevyk, sealed it with seam sealer, and have never had an issue despite rain and a trip down the Colorado (which included a capsizing mid-river).

[Timothee Gillier]

Thanks for the idea, I never thought of that but I'll try it. Even what I did is water resistant but that could make even better.

[trailogy]

Great! Thank you. I'm planning on scaling down also to make it lighter.

[Timothee Gillier]

I'm glad I could help you.

[tpeterson1959]

Great looking bag!

[Timothee Gillier]

Thank you very much.

[XandOsDad]

Great job !!! Please use the bag and report back in a few months on the durability and if you have any improvements. You have a great idea and this would make a great gift for anyone that plays by water.

[Timothee Gillier]

Thank you. I'm planning on using it soon so I hope to report the durability and if I have any improvements.

[CraftAndu]

Well,this is a big money saver!
Step 4 is bit hard to understand. Why did you put the plastic sheet in there?
And by the way how did you get this project into four contests? :D
Voted!

[Timothee Gillier]

I'm very sorry if it was hard to understand but the plastic sheet is to make it water proof and so that when you roll the bag it stays nice and flat preventing water to enter. And about the contest, I entered 3 contest when publishing and the afterwards entered the other contest on the contest page.

[seamster]

This is a great looking bag. Where did you get the waterproof fabric, or, what is it made of exactly? Thanks!

[Timothee Gillier]

I don't know where I got the fabric from since I already had it, but the waterproof fabric is made of PUL, or polyurethane laminate.