Kayak camper here looking for an affordable, waterproof cockpit bag shaped like a fishing tackle bag rather than a drybag for items I need en route: camera, lunch, jacket, etc. I don't like regular drybags (shaped like a tube) because it's hard to find things in them. I'm currently using a tackle bag---very convenient, lots of pockets, but it's not waterproof. Ideal would be submersible; waterproof material at a minimum if not submersible. Keywords: affordable, waterproof, rectangular, around *12 liters.* 20L does not fit in cockpit. Any ideas? Thanks!

Here's an idea I'm using in a similar situation: a bicycle touring handlebar bag (Ortlieb in my case). It's not submersible but it's made from waterproof material.

I put it on the floor of my canoe for quick access to my DSLR camera, etc. It keeps the contents out of the bilge water, and has magnetic catches on the flip-up lid for easy access.

I tether the bag to a thwart. If I ever capsize it will probably ruin the camera (though it's a Pentax so it's weather sealed), but as long as the magnetic catches hold it should keep the contents from going to the bottom of the lake at least. My plan is not to capsize.

Ortlieb isn't cheap (I already had one for my bike), but maybe another brand might have something cheaper that would work.

Brulu, thanks very much for your comment. I agree that bike bags like the Ortliebs are good candidates for on-water use. I'd like to find something like this, but very waterproof or with a submersible main compartment: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CF4OXZM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The camera is the main concern. I keep my cellphone and wallet in a drybag in a hatch. Keyfob goes in a dry case in my PFD. I realize the camera could go in its own drybag in the cockpit bag, but I think it would be good to have a submersible cockpit bag. For example, you wouldn't want to get a stored fleece jacket wet on a cold fall day.

There are a number of 40-liter and larger submersible duffels, some with an exterior pocket and bungees. I haven't found a miniature version of those.

LilyPond: "Kayak camper here looking for an affordable, waterproof cockpit bag shaped like a fishing tackle bag rather than a drybag for items I need en route: camera, lunch, jacket, etc. I don't like regular drybags (shaped like a tube) because it's hard to find things in them. I'm currently using a tackle bag---very convenient, lots of pockets, but it's not waterproof. Ideal would be submersible; waterproof material at a minimum if not submersible. Keywords: affordable, waterproof, rectangular, around *12 liters.* 20L does not fit in cockpit. Any ideas? Thanks!"

NRS has several dry duffls, like this one Dry duffle

WHendrix: "NRS has several dry duffls, like this one Dry duffle "

I'd like to have exterior pockets for easy access to things like a water bottle. Roll-top bags have the advantage of being submersible, but they rarely have an exterior pocket with any volume. They're cumbersome to open and close.

Lily, posting a link to THIS THREAD from a couple years ago, though I see you were part of the thread so you already knew about it.

I'm interested in a solution if you find anything, I'm still testing out my handlebar bag idea.

brulu: "Lily, posting a link to THIS THREAD from a couple years ago, though I see you were part of the thread so you already knew about it. I'm interested in a solution if you find anything, I'm still testing out my handlebar bag idea."

Thanks for reminding me of that thread. See if Fishpond has anything you like. I can't afford their products.

brulu: "I'm interested in a solution if you find anything, I'm still testing out my handlebar bag idea."

Is this anything you would be interested in?
https://nh.craigslist.org/spo/d/lee-sagebrush-dry-goods-cam-camera-dry/7638333168.html

Thanks for the ideas Lily, I have made note of them. The Sagebrush product is especially interesting.

I'm holding off on trying anything new for now while I test out the handlebar bag (unfortunately haven't made any trips lately to continue trying it). I like the idea of its flip-up lid. I've decided (for now anyway) I'm OK trading submersible for quicker access.

Are you finding anything that might work for your situation?

You may find that products designed for fly fishing would fit your need. Like Patagonia Guidewater bags, but I assume other brands like NRS, Simms, and Orvis may also have similar options. There's a Gecko Brands that also makes various bags that are lower cost.

brulu: "I've decided (for now anyway) I'm OK trading submersible for quicker access."

I concluded that the choice basically comes down to that. All submersible bags appear to depend on folding the top down three times, which is a hassle for quick access. Given that fact, I've sort of given up my quest and agree with you---I will probably give up the submersible idea.

I got this "waterproof" pouch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PLMC1R6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details It fits my small digital camera well but the velcro is too strong, the three folds are a hassle, and I have no expectation that it would be submersible for long. The camera is the real challenge, since wallet and keys can be put in a drybag in a hatch, but it would be nice to have the camera at hand.

My other idea is this waterproof bike rear trunk: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BDDDV8DM/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_7?smid=A2KI2W6ZNA7EH7&th=1

and this 2 liter dry bag for the camera (pretty rugged and IPX8): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BL29QYQG/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=AUF5WWW49H530&th=1

Another candidate: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BZ72TQQQ/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=AW6W1BTTYFPWI&th=1