Travel essentials: Watertight containers

Living beneath an oft-parched, clear-blue sky, it may be difficult to imagine moments when you might struggle to keep your belongings dry. Diving and kayaking are obvious soggy pursuits which demand some kind of watertight container for your clothes and valuables, but dry bags are not necessarily specialist items. They can come in handy on a variety of trips, from snorkelling in Thailand to camping in Scotland.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack

With its tubular shape and roll top, this bag has all the hallmarks of a classic dry sack. Yet it is much more lightweight as well as cheaper than most of its rubber-coated counterparts. It is very compact. When empty it rolls up neatly until required. When full, it pliable enough to cram into your luggage around other items. Available from www.amazon.com from $15.95 (Dh59) plus shipping.

Ortlieb Rack Pack

This bag is sturdy and substantial, a replacement for rather than a complement to another piece of luggage. Unlike many other dry sacks, you fill this bag from the side rather than from the top. As a result it is straightforward to pack and easy to find things again. The straps and handles are rugged and the fabric feels tough and durable. Available from www.amazon.com from $104.45 (Dh384) plus shipping.

Kwik Tek Dry Pak Alligator Wallet

This handy receptacle is roughly a 10cm by 10cm plastic square, just big enough to hold credit cards, money and keys. It is watertight, so you can use it while swimming or during other watersports. The lanyard means you can carry your valuables with you rather than leave them on the beach. Available from www.amazon.com from $7.99 (Dh29) plus shipping.