Roll-top dry bags beat 'waterproof' lunch boxes

The best waterproof lunch box for riding is a roll-top dry bag, not an insulated lunch bag with a zipper.

Most “waterproof” lunch boxes aren’t. The zipper is the weak point — water gets in after a few miles of rain, and the fabric soaks through eventually. Roll-top dry bags are the kind kayakers use. They seal with a fold and a clip, which actually keeps water out. When they’re empty they roll down to nothing, which is perfect if you’re stuffing it under a motorcycle seat or into a backpack.

The tradeoff is insulation. A bare dry bag won’t keep anything cold. But you can fix that with a small insulated pouch inside, or just pack a frozen bottle of water next to your sandwich. On a bike, that’s more reliable than any soft-sided cooler with a fake waterproof rating.

For motorcyclists, get a dry bag with compression straps or just lash it to the rear seat with bungee cords. For cyclists, a roll-top bag fits nicely in a frame bag or a backpack. Both work better than a rigid box that doesn’t fit anywhere.

Your lunch isn’t a fashion statement. It needs to stay dry, and a roll-top bag is the only thing that actually delivers.