Why Every Outdoor Brand Needs a Custom Dry Bag

Custom dry bags are essential for outdoor brands, protecting valuable customer gear while acting as mobile advertisements. They boost brand visibility and solve a critical market need, making them a profitable addition to any product lineup.

This guide covers key design decisions, from printing methods to functional features like straps and pockets. It also details sourcing logistics like minimum order quantities (MOQs), factory pricing, and how to verify the waterproofing of your bulk order.

Why Every Outdoor Brand Needs a Custom Dry Bag

Custom dry bags are essential for outdoor brands because they protect valuable customer gear from water during activities like kayaking and hiking. They also act as mobile advertisements, displaying company logos wherever customers go, which boosts brand visibility and meets a critical market need.

Increase Brand Exposure with Mobile Advertising

A custom dry bag is more than just a piece of gear; it’s a mobile billboard for your brand. When customers carry a bag imprinted with your logo on trails, rivers, or beaches, they become active brand ambassadors. This organic exposure builds recognition in authentic outdoor settings where your target audience lives and plays.

These bags also serve as high-value promotional items that stand out at trade shows, outdoor expos, and corporate events. Their universal appeal ensures your brand connects with a diverse audience, from casual campers to dedicated kayakers.

Solve a Critical Customer Problem: Gear Protection

Every outdoor enthusiast shares a common concern: keeping their essential gear safe and dry. A reliable dry bag directly addresses this by protecting expensive electronics, phones, and extra clothing from water damage. This isn’t a niche accessory but a core solution to a widespread problem.

Offering a quality dry bag demonstrates that you understand and care about your customers’ experience. Features matter, and in our experience, durable construction builds immediate trust.

• ✅ Versatile Utility: Perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, camping, fishing, and hiking.
• ✅ Enhanced Trust: High-quality features like fully taped seams and RF-welded construction prevent leaks and reduce product returns.
• ✅ Peace of Mind: Customers can focus on their adventure, knowing their valuables are secure.

Create a Differentiated and Profitable Product Offering

Wholesale sourcing allows you to design a dry bag that perfectly fits your brand identity and customer needs. Instead of selling a generic product, you can create a unique offering that stands out in a crowded market. This level of control gives you a significant competitive advantage.

By partnering with an experienced manufacturer, you gain access to advanced waterproofing technologies and a wide range of customization options. Reasonable minimum order quantities (MOQs), often starting around 300–500 units, make it easy to manage inventory and test new designs without a massive upfront investment.

• 🚀 Full Customization: Choose specific features like roll-top seals, watertight zippers, and removable shoulder straps.
• 🚀 Material & Color Control: Select durable fabrics and match colors to your brand’s palette using Pantone matching.
• 🚀 Profitable Margins: Direct sourcing improves your bottom line while delivering a superior product to your customers.

Silk Screen vs. Digital Printing on PVC

The choice between silk screen and digital printing on PVC depends on your order size and durability needs. Screen printing is more cost-effective for bulk orders (100+ units) and offers superior, long-lasting prints. Digital printing is better for small batches and rapid turnarounds with minimal setup costs.

When customizing heavy-duty bags for retail or logistics, the printing method directly impacts cost, appearance, and performance. Both screen printing and digital printing have distinct advantages depending on the project’s requirements.

Feature	Silk Screen Printing	Digital Printing
Cost-Effectiveness	✅ Best for bulk orders (100+ units). High initial setup costs are distributed, making the per-unit price very low for large quantities.	✅ Ideal for small orders (under 50 units). Minimal setup costs provide a consistent and predictable per-unit price, perfect for samples or limited runs.
Durability & Longevity	✅ Produces a thick, vibrant layer of ink that chemically bonds to the PVC. It strongly resists cracking, peeling, and fading from UV exposure, which is critical for outdoor retail products.	⚠️ The print sits on the surface and can be more susceptible to abrasion and environmental wear over time. It’s suitable for products with less demanding physical requirements.
Production Speed & Flexibility	🚀 Once set up, this method is extremely fast for mass production, capable of printing thousands of identical items efficiently. It is less flexible for design changes.	🚀 Offers unmatched flexibility with almost no setup time. It easily handles variable data, complex full-color images, and on-demand production without minimum order quantities.

Designing Your Dry Bag: Straps, Windows, and Pockets

Designing a custom dry bag involves selecting key functional components like straps, windows, and pockets. Straps range from standard roll-top closures to padded or MOLLE systems for comfort and utility, while optional windows and various pocket configurations enhance visibility and organization for specific wholesale needs.

Straps and Closure Systems

The core of any dry bag’s function is its closure system. The industry standard is a reliable roll-top design secured with a sturdy clip. This simple mechanism not only creates a watertight seal but also doubles as a handle or an attachment point for clipping onto kayaks, backpacks, or belts.

From our experience manufacturing heavy-duty bags, we know that how a user carries the load is critical. That’s why we offer several strap customizations to meet different market demands.

• ✅ Padded Straps: Adding padding to shoulder straps significantly improves comfort, a must-have feature for larger bags intended to be carried for extended periods.
• ✅ MOLLE Webbing: For tactical or adventure-focused brands, integrating MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) systems allows end-users to attach smaller pouches and accessories, creating a fully modular setup.

Visibility and Access: Windows and Pockets

A good dry bag protects its contents from water, but a great one also provides smart access. Custom features can enhance usability without compromising the bag’s waterproof integrity.

Strategic additions allow users to find items quickly and store gear that doesn’t need to be sealed away.

• 💡 Clear Windows: A transparent window, typically around 4.5″ W x 6″ H, lets users see the bag’s contents at a glance. It’s perfect for quickly locating a phone or map without unsealing the entire bag.
• 💡 Mesh Side Pockets: These are ideal for storing a water bottle or wet gear that needs to drain and air out. The mesh construction ensures water doesn’t pool.
• 💡 Custom Pocket Layouts: We can add multiple zippered or slip pockets based on your exact specifications, providing tailored organization for specific tools, documents, or personal items.

Material and Waterproofing Considerations

The materials and construction techniques are what ultimately guarantee performance. Every handle, window, or pocket attachment point must be integrated without creating a potential leak.

We use seamless high-frequency welding technology to fuse components together, ensuring every seam and attachment point is as waterproof as the fabric itself.

• ✅ Durable Fabrics: We offer a range of materials, from lightweight 210T ripstop polyester for packable day bags to professional-grade 500D or 840D Oxford with a TPU coating for extreme durability and abrasion resistance.
• ✅ Guaranteed Waterproofing: Our standard dry bags are built to an IPX6 rating, meaning they can withstand powerful water jets from any direction.
• 🚀 Submersion-Ready Upgrades: For gear that requires the highest level of protection, we can construct bags to meet an IPX8 rating, making them suitable for continuous submersion.

MOQ for Custom Dry Bags: Starting Small

The minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom dry bags varies greatly by supplier. Retailers new to the market can find options as low as 25-50 units from promotional suppliers, while direct manufacturers often require 300 or more pieces for full customization.

Low MOQ (25-50 Units): Ideal for Market Testing

For businesses testing market demand or launching a new product line, a low minimum order quantity is the perfect entry point. This approach avoids the risk of a large capital investment in unproven inventory. You can order just enough stock to gauge customer interest, test designs, or supply a small-scale event.

Promotional product suppliers are often the best source for these small-batch orders. Many offer ready-made bags that can be customized with a simple logo print.

• ✅ Promotional Suppliers: Companies like 4AllPromos or AnyPromo can start orders as low as 25 units.
• 💡 Mid-Range Flexibility: Distributors such as Executive Advertising offer a balance, with MOQs around 50 units.

Standard MOQ (300+ Units): Scaling with a Manufacturer

Once you have validated your product and are ready to scale, working directly with a manufacturer becomes the most effective strategy. This tier is designed for established outdoor retailers who need to build a consistent, branded inventory. Committing to a higher volume unlocks significant advantages in customization and cost.

In our experience, direct partnership gives you control over the entire production process. You can specify materials, stitching techniques, hardware, and branding details for a truly unique product.

• 🚀 Deeper Customization: Manufacturers typically require around 300+ pieces to provide full OEM/ODM services.
• ✅ Better Per-Unit Pricing: Larger orders reduce production costs, leading to better profit margins.
• ✅ Quality Assurance: Direct oversight ensures that every bag meets your exact quality standards before it ships.

No Minimums: Maximum Flexibility for Exploration

If you’re still in the conceptual phase, some suppliers offer the ultimate flexibility: no minimum order quantity. This option is available through large sourcing platforms where individual factories or traders are willing to produce single items or very small batches. It’s an excellent way to get a physical sample in your hands before committing to a production run.

This path allows you to order one or two bags with different designs or features to validate the concept and material choices without any significant upfront cost. Once you refine your ideal product, you can move to a supplier with a low or standard MOQ to begin production.

Factory Direct Pricing: Margins for Retailers

Factory direct pricing allows retailers to access goods at lower costs, creating room for profitable margins. Wholesalers typically target a 30-50% margin, often by doubling the manufacturing cost. This structure ensures both parties can profit while keeping the final retail price competitive.

Understanding Wholesale vs. Retail Margin Benchmarks

When you source products directly from a manufacturer, it’s helpful to understand the financial goals of everyone in the supply chain. Both wholesalers and retailers need healthy margins, but their benchmarks differ based on their business models.

• ✅ Wholesaler Margin: As manufacturers, we generally aim for a profit margin between 30% and 50%. This is achieved by selling in high volumes to a smaller number of buyers.
• ✅ Retailer Margin: Retailers typically apply a markup of 35% to 65% on wholesale items. This higher margin is necessary to cover costs like marketing, customer service, and brick-and-mortar overhead.

The system is designed for mutual benefit. We focus on efficient, high-volume production, which allows you to secure inventory at a cost that supports strong retail profitability.

Key Pricing Models: The 50% Markup and Keystone Rules

Manufacturers often use simple, predictable formulas to set wholesale prices. Understanding these models gives you insight into how your supplier arrives at their pricing. The most common method we see is the 50% markup rule.

This rule involves multiplying the total cost of manufacturing a product by two. This simple calculation sets the wholesale price and secures a 50% gross margin for the manufacturer.

💡 Example: Pricing a Heavy-Duty Moving Bag

• Cost to Manufacture: $15
• Wholesale Price Calculation: $15 × 2 = $30
• Manufacturer’s Margin: 50%

A similar strategy is Keystone pricing, where the wholesale price is set at exactly half of the suggested retail price. Both methods create a clear and predictable pricing structure for buyers.

How to Calculate Your Ideal Wholesale Purchase Price

To protect your own margins, you need to know the maximum price you can afford to pay for a product. Instead of guessing, you can use a simple formula to determine your ideal purchase price based on your target retail price and desired profit margin.

Here’s the formula our most successful retail partners use:

Target Retail Price × (1 - Desired Retailer Markup %) = Maximum Wholesale Price

Let’s walk through an example. Imagine you plan to sell a premium storage bag for $60 and want to maintain a 55% margin to stay profitable.

1. Determine your multiplier: 1 – 0.55 (your 55% margin) = 0.45
2. Calculate the max price: $60 (Target Retail Price) × 0.45 = $27

🚀 In this scenario, $27 is the highest wholesale price you should pay. This quick calculation lets you instantly assess if a supplier’s pricing fits your business model, ensuring every sourcing decision is a profitable one.

How to verify the waterproofing of your bulk order

💡 Quick Verification Guide: To verify the waterproofing of a bulk order, require suppliers to provide third-party testing reports compliant with international standards like the IP Code (IEC 60529). These reports should detail the specific methods used, such as immersion or hydrostatic pressure tests, and confirm the product’s performance after water exposure.

Key Standards to Reference: The IP Rating System

When you’re sourcing products, vague terms like “waterproof” or “water-resistant” are not enough. You need objective data. The most common standard is the Ingress Protection (IP) Code, detailed in IEC 60529. It provides a precise classification system for a product’s resistance to foreign objects and moisture.

The second digit of an IP rating specifically defines its protection against water. For outdoor and commercial gear, you’ll frequently encounter these ratings:

• ✅ IP65: Protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. Suitable for products that might be sprayed or rained on.
• ✅ IP67: Protected against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This is a common standard for portable electronics and gear.
• ✅ IP68: Protected against continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer, which are typically more severe than IP67.

Common Testing Methods for Different Product Types

The right test depends entirely on the product’s material and intended use. A supplier’s report should specify the method used to achieve a rating, as different tests measure different types of water resistance.

Common validation methods include:

• 💧 IPX Rating Tests: This is the standard for enclosures around electronics like phones, cameras, or GPS devices. The tests range from dripping water to high-pressure jets and full submersion.
• 💧 Hydrostatic Pressure Testing: Crucial for textiles and fabrics used in gear like tents, jackets, or our heavy-duty storage bags. This test measures how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before it leaks, providing a clear measure of its waterproof barrier (e.g., a 10,000mm rating).
• 💧 Humidity Testing: This evaluates a product’s ability to resist corrosion and degradation in consistently damp environments, which is essential for items stored long-term in basements or humid climates.

Demand Third-Party Lab Reports for Unbiased Results

A supplier’s internal testing can be useful, but for bulk orders, it’s not enough. Always insist on reports from an accredited, independent third-party laboratory. This removes any potential bias and ensures the results are objective and reliable. In our experience, partners like SGS or Intertek provide the level of validation that B2B buyers need.

A legitimate test report must include more than just a pass/fail grade. Look for these key details:

• ✅ Specific IP Rating Achieved: The report must clearly state the final rating (e.g., “IP67 certified”).
• ✅ Exact Testing Conditions: Details should include the water pressure, immersion depth, and duration of the test.
• ✅ Post-Exposure Performance Assessment: This is critical. The report must document the product’s functionality after being exposed to water. A device that survives immersion but no longer works is not truly waterproof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you buy custom dry bags?

Custom dry bags are available from specialized manufacturers and wholesale suppliers that provide OEM/ODM services. You can source them from direct manufacturers like Van Charlie Outdoor (MOQ 100 units) and HoneyDryBag (MOQ 300 units), or through promotional product distributors. Typical customization options include your choice of materials like TPU or PVC, specific waterproof ratings up to IPX8, and various logo applications such as silk screen or heat transfer printing.

Is it possible to order wholesale dry bags with a logo?

Yes, ordering wholesale dry bags with a custom logo is a standard service. Most suppliers in the outdoor gear and promotional products industries offer this. Companies that specialize in OEM/ODM services are well-equipped for these requests. Customization often extends beyond logo printing to include private labeling, unique package design, and specific colors or materials to align with your brand identity.

How are dry bags manufactured?

The manufacturing process begins with selecting waterproof materials such as TPU or PVC-coated fabrics. The fabric is constructed and then coated or laminated to make it impermeable to moisture. Components are cut and assembled using advanced seamless welding technology to create leakproof seams. The final stage involves quality control tests to ensure performance. For a typical wholesale order, a sample takes about 5-7 business days, while mass production requires 25-45 business days.

Who are the best private label outdoor gear suppliers?

The best private label supplier depends on your specific needs. For high-performance apparel, BOWINS Garment (China) is a strong choice. In the U.S. hunting market, Sitka Gear is a leader with a 15% market share. If you’re looking for U.S.-based manufacturing, American Stitchco and Goodwear USA are established options. For startups and smaller brands that need lower MOQs and design support, a supplier like Softline Brand Partners might be a better fit.

What is the typical cost of custom printed dry bags?

Wholesale pricing for custom dry bags varies based on size, quantity, and the level of customization. Small bags (around 2.5L) can start as low as $3.16 per unit in bulk. The average price for many promotional orders falls between $28.49 and $37.99. For premium or large-capacity bags (20-50L), the cost can range from $25 to $71 per unit. Most suppliers require a minimum order quantity anywhere from 12 to 250 units.

What is the minimum order quantity for custom bags?

Minimum order quantities (MOQs) depend on the supplier and the complexity of the customization. Some distributors that carry stock items may offer no minimum or very low minimums of 12-25 units. For standard custom orders, MOQs are often between 72 and 250 pieces. If you require a fully custom design directly from a manufacturer, bulk production minimums typically start higher, around 500 to 1,000 units.

Final Thoughts

Sourcing the right custom dry bag goes beyond simple logo placement. It means making strategic decisions on everything from durable silk screen printing for bulk orders to functional design elements like MOLLE webbing and IPX-rated waterproofing. Balancing minimum order quantities with your growth stage and using factory-direct pricing models ensures your product is both unique and profitable from the start.

Each of these details—from the closure system to the final IP rating verification—directly impacts your product’s market reception and your bottom line. By carefully managing these variables, you move from being a reseller of generic gear to a creator of a distinct, high-margin product. A reliable manufacturing partner simplifies this entire process, turning your design concepts into quality-assured inventory ready for your customers.