Keep it Dry: Top 5 Dry Bags for Solo Wild Swimmers (2026 Guide)

There is a sublime, almost meditative peace that comes with solo wild swimming. Whether it’s a dawn dip in a mirrored Scottish loch or a sunset bob in the English Channel, being alone in the water connects you to the landscape like nothing else. But as any solo swimmer in the UK knows, independence brings a unique set of logistical headaches.

The biggest question isn’t usually about the water temperature or the tide; it’s: “Where do I put my car keys and my dry clothes?”

Leaving your phone, wallet, and a £150 changing robe unattended on a busy beach or a public riverbank is a recipe for anxiety—the very thing we go swimming to escape. In 2026, the solution is the Inflatable Dry Bag Tow Float. These ingenious devices don’t just make you visible to boats; they act as a waterproof vault for your gear, allowing you to take your world with you as you swim.

As a traveller who has explored the “blue spaces” of these islands from the Scilly Isles to the Shetland Isles, I have put dozens of bags to the test. Here are the top 5 dry bags that will keep your gear bone-dry while you focus on your stroke.

The Solo Swimmer’s Dilemma: Visibility vs. Storage

When you swim alone, you have two priorities: Visibility and Security.

A standard “dry bag” from a hiking shop will keep water out, but it will sink. A “tow float” will keep you visible, but most don’t have storage. The “Swim-Run” style dry bag combines both. It features a dual-chamber system: one for air (to keep it afloat and buoyant) and one for your gear.

Top 5 Dry Bags for Solo Swimmers in 2026

1. Swim Secure Wild Swim Bag (The Gold Standard)

Swim Secure is the brand that arguably started the tow-float revolution in the UK. Their Wild Swim Bag is a robust, orange beast designed specifically for the rugged solo explorer.

• The Performance: Features a double-air chamber for extra safety—if one chamber punctures, the other keeps your gear afloat.

• UK Benefit: The extra-large valves are easy to use even when your fingers are numb from a $6^\circ\text{C}$ January dip.

2. Lomo 30L Swimming Dry Bag (The Value Powerhouse)

Based in Glasgow, Lomo knows all about wet weather. Their 30L bag is massive, allowing you to fit a full change of clothes, boots, and a towel inside.

• The Performance: Made from heavy-duty PVC with high-quality welded seams.

• UK Benefit: It is incredibly affordable, making it the perfect “entry-level” bag for those starting their solo swimming journey.

3. Zone3 Wild Swim Bag / Backpack (The Versatile Hybrid)

If your swim involves a hike—say, up to a remote tarn in the Lake District—this is the bag for you. It features removable shoulder straps so you can wear it as a rucksack on land.

• The Performance: Sleek and hydrodynamic in the water, but surprisingly comfortable on the trail.

• UK Benefit: Saves you carrying a separate backpack, keeping your “hike-to-swim” transition seamless.

4. Puffin Billy Eco-Float (The Sustainable Choice)

Puffin is a UK-based brand leading the charge in eco-friendly swim gear. Their Billy Eco-Float is made from recycled plastic (RPET) rather than virgin PVC.

• The Performance: Lightweight and very buoyant, with a bright “fluo” colour that is visible even in the “grey” Atlantic light.

• UK Benefit: Perfect for the environmentally conscious swimmer who wants to protect the waters they swim in.

5. Restube Active (The Minimalist’s Secret)

Technically not a “bag” for clothes, but the ultimate security device for solo swimmers who travel light. It’s a tiny pouch worn on a belt that inflates into a buoy only when you pull a trigger.

• The Performance: Zero drag. You won’t even know you’re wearing it until you need it.

• UK Benefit: Ideal for confident swimmers in tidal waters who just want a “life-line” and a dry pouch for their car keys.

Comparison: Solo Swim Bags at a Glance

3 “Solo Safety” Rules for Using a Dry Bag

1. The “Air First” Rule: Always inflate the air chambers after you have put your gear inside. If you inflate first, you won’t be able to roll the top down tightly enough to create a waterproof seal.

2. The “Phone-in-a-Pouch” Rule: Even in the best dry bag, condensation can happen. Always put your smartphone in a small, dedicated waterproof pouch before putting it inside the tow float. It’s the “belt and braces” approach to UK swimming.

3. The “Tether Check”: Before you enter the water, ensure the waist belt is snug and the tether line isn’t so long that it will get tangled in your legs. A shorter tether is better for “sighting” the bag behind you.

FAQ: Security and Safety in the Wild

1. Can a tow float be used as a life-saving device?

No. Tow floats are designed for visibility and gear storage. While they can support your weight if you need to rest, they are not certified life-preservers. Never rely on one as a substitute for swimming ability.

2. How do I stop the bag from “dragging” and slowing me down?

Ensure the bag is correctly inflated and floating flat on the surface. Most high-quality bags from Zone3 or Swim Secure are designed to sit in the “draft” of your kick, meaning you’ll barely feel them at all.

3. Will my car “key fob” be safe in the bag?

Yes, provided you roll the top at least three times. However, for peace of mind, many UK solo swimmers use a “Key Safe” or a “Surf Lock” attached to the car wheel, using the dry bag only for non-electronic items.

4. How do I clean my dry bag?

Rinse it in fresh water after every swim (salt and sand can degrade the seals). Dry it out of direct sunlight—the British sun isn’t constant, but UV rays can eventually make the PVC brittle.

5. What is the best colour for UK waters?

Orange or Neon Pink. These colours offer the highest contrast against the dark blues, greens, and greys of the British sea and lakes, making you visible to boat pilots and jet-skiers.