Cheap vs Expensive Dry Bags: Kmart vs Macpac — Do You Really Need to Spend More?

Since the beginning of my hiking journey, I’ve been rocking Kmart dry bags — the cheapest and quickest option at the time. I wanted to make my entry into overnight hiking as cheap as humanly possible. I splashed out on the important things — a good sleeping pad and a few “you need this” items my sister swore by — but for the little things that were light and didn’t affect my sleep or safety? Kmart did the job.

I even scored my tent second-hand on Facebook Marketplace — a Kathmandu Bora for $100, apparently “used once” by a European backpacker who couldn’t take it home. It was in perfect condition, originally worth around $400 and weighing just 2.88kg. Bargain of the century.

But alas, many kilometres later, over many mountains, beaches, and probably too many questionable instant meals, I have finally made the bold move… and updated my dry bags! At the moment I'm utilising both Kmart dry bags and some more sexy and sleek Macpac ultralight dry bags, and here is my take on both.

The Kmart Era

These little orange and blue bags have seen things. Once, when Ames and I were at Wilsons Prom in summer and found out the rainwater tank at our campsite might be empty, we actually filled a 10L dry bag and used it as a water reservoir. Lost a little water out the top, sure — but hey, it worked! Not the most practical, but you do what you can in the bush.

So yes, the Kmart dry bags earned my respect.

They’re made from 190T polyester taffeta, which sounds fancy but really just means a lightweight woven polyester. It's a pretty thick and sturdy material when compared to ultralight dry bags on the market. I trust the fabric to not bust on me, which I can't confidently say about other ultralight dry bags. However, the price you pay for this is in weight. It is slightly heavier and beefier in comparison to more expensive dry bags.

The Kmart dry bags are definitely water-resistant (not fully waterproof unless seam-sealed or treated). Kmart says theirs have waterproof seams and taped sealing, and honestly, they held up well for a while. But over time, the seams started to split a little around the top roll — fair enough, considering how many times I’ve squished, stuffed, and sat on them.

For the price? Not bad at all.

I was never too worried about them failing, since we usually hike inland and I also use a plastic pack liner (literally just a heavy-duty garbage bag) inside my pack. So for water to reach my gear, it would have to get through three layers. But I wouldn’t trust the Kmart ones for full submersion — let’s just say they’re “rainproof,” not “river-proof.”

Enter: The Macpac Upgrade

Fast forward a few years — a few paychecks, a few life lessons — and I decided to upgrade to Macpac ultralight dry bags. At this point, I’d already spent over $1,000 (even while budgeting) on hiking gear, so a little quality bump felt justified.

The Macpac dry bags are made from 100% Cordura® nylon fabric with a Hydrostatic Head of 10,000 mm, which basically means “very waterproof.” They’ve got taped seams, a roll-top closure, and that sleek, tough look that says “I hike responsibly now.”

As much as I do love these dry bags, I will say the material is so thin that I do worry about busting it when I have technology items or things with pointer edges inside them. But this is the trade off you make to carry less weight on the trail. All this means is that you have to be a little more gentle when stuffing your pack on those early trail mornings. Ultimately, I'm a fan of these bags.

But here’s the kicker: the price difference.

• Kmart 5L Dry Bag: $7

• Macpac 5L Dry Bag: $29.99 (or $24 on sale for members)

  
  

That’s an 80% price difference for something that — let’s be honest — does almost the same thing unless you’re planning on dunking your pack in a river.

Cheap vs Expensive Dry Bags, The Verdict

So, are you willing to pay 80% more to save a few grams and get slightly better waterproofing? Maybe — if you’re regularly trekking through torrential rain, kayaking, or swimming across fjords.

But if you’re like me — someone who hikes mostly inland, uses a pack liner, and values a bit of dirtbag practicality — when it comes to cheap vs expensive dry bags, Kmart dry bags are perfectly fine.

They might not be ultralight or bulletproof, but they’ll keep your gear dry, your wallet happy, and your inner cheapskate thriving.

Verdict:

Kmart Dry Bag — Budget-friendly, surprisingly tough, slightly leaky personality.

Macpac Dry Bag — Premium feel, reliable waterproofing, makes you feel like a pro.

Either way, your snacks stay dry — and that’s what really matters.

📊 Practical Info: Dry Bag Prices & Materials in Australia

If you’re wondering where the Kmart and Macpac options sit in the grand scheme of things, here’s a quick look at some common hiking dry bags on the market — from ultra-budget to premium.

Typical price ranges:

• 🪶 Small gear (1–5 L) – $10–$20

• 🎒 Standard hiking size (5–20 L) – $20–$40

• 🚣‍♀️ Heavy-duty / kayaking bags (20 L+) – $40–$100+

  
  

Material quick guide:

• Polyester taffeta – lightweight, water-resistant, budget choice.

• Nylon / Cordura® – stronger, longer-lasting, great waterproofing.

• PVC / Tarpaulin – ultra-durable, completely waterproof, heavier.

  
  

If you’re hiking inland or in fair weather, budget polyester bags will do fine (especially if you use a pack liner). But if you’re heading into wetter or more rugged terrain, investing in a tough Cordura or PVC option is worth it.