Which holds up better on the water: Ultra Dry Adventurer or Helly Hansen?

If you’re choosing between a budget-friendly 35L dry bag backpack and a Helly Hansen Sport II, you’re really deciding between utility-first waterproof storage and a more established outdoor brand. For UK paddling, boating, beach days, and wet-weather camping, the right pick depends on whether you want maximum capacity and accessories or a lighter, simpler carry. Both are rated 4.6/5, but the number of reviews and the brand reputation tell a different story. Here’s the straight answer on which one makes more sense to buy.

Our PickPremium 35L Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack, Sack with Phone Dry Bag, Perfect for Boating/Kayaking/Canoeing/Fishing/Rafting/Swimming/Camping/Snowboarding (35 L, Black)

Premium 35L Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack, Sack with Phone Dry Bag, Perfect for Boating/Kayaking/Canoeing/Fishing/Rafting/Swimming/Camping/Snowboarding (35 L, Black)

£39.994.6 (1,985)
Helly Hansen Unisex Sport II, Red, XXS

Helly Hansen Unisex Sport II, Red, XXS

£34.254.6 (3,326)

Our Recommendation

Product A is the better buy for most people because it gives you a true 35L waterproof backpack setup plus a phone dry bag, which is exactly what matters for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and wet UK conditions. It also delivers the same 4.6/5 rating as Product B, so you are not sacrificing buyer satisfaction to get the extra capacity and accessories. Product B is cheaper and has more reviews, but the lack of listed capacity and bundled features makes it feel less useful for active watersports storage. If you want the most practical all-in-one option, Product A is the definitive pick.

Detailed Comparison

Display

This category doesn’t apply in the usual electronics sense, so the real comparison is visibility and usability on the water. Product A includes a phone dry bag, which is a practical bonus for keeping your phone visible, accessible, and protected during kayaking, canoeing, or a rainy walk to the launch point. Product B, being a Helly Hansen item, is more likely to prioritise a cleaner, more refined outdoor design rather than bundled accessories. Winner: Product A, because the included phone dry bag adds immediate real-world utility.

Performance

For performance, the key question is how well each product matches the job. Product A is explicitly a 35L waterproof dry bag backpack, which makes it the stronger choice if you need to carry spare layers, lunch, towels, camera gear, or kit for a full day out on UK waters. That 35L capacity is especially useful in changeable British conditions, where a dry fleece, waterproofs, and a backup layer can make the difference between a good day and a miserable one. Product B’s exact performance specs are not provided here, and the XXS sizing strongly suggests it is not intended as a large-capacity carry solution. Winner: Product A, by a clear margin for load-carrying and waterproof utility.

Build quality and design

Helly Hansen is the more trusted outdoor brand on name recognition alone, and Product B benefits from that reputation. With 3,326 reviews versus Product A’s 1,985, Product B has a broader proof base, which can matter when you want confidence in stitching, materials, and long-term durability. That said, Product A’s rating is identical at 4.6/5, so it is clearly well liked by buyers and likely delivers strong practical waterproofing for the money. On pure design for watersports, Product A’s backpack-dry-bag format is more purpose-built; Product B may be better as a general outdoor item, but the listing details don’t show the same kit-hauling focus. Winner: Product B for brand trust and review depth, but only narrowly.

Battery life

Neither product has battery life, so this category is not relevant. If you’re taking electronics on the water, Product A’s included phone dry bag is the more relevant feature because it protects your device rather than powering it. Winner: Tie.

Price and value for money

Product A costs £39.99, while Product B is £34.25, making Product B cheaper by £5.74. On sticker price alone, Product B wins. But value is more than price: Product A gives you a 35L waterproof backpack plus a phone dry bag, which is a meaningful bundle for boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, rafting, swimming, camping, or even snowboarding. If you would otherwise buy a separate phone pouch, Product A’s bundle can quickly justify the extra spend. Winner: Product A for overall value, Product B for lowest upfront cost.

Game library/features

Again, this is not a gaming product category, so the best equivalent is features and versatility. Product A is loaded with practical features: 35L capacity, waterproof construction, backpack carry, and a phone dry bag included. That makes it more versatile for mixed-use weekends, especially in the UK where one bag might need to handle a paddle session, a damp campsite, and a train ride home. Product B’s feature set is not detailed here, so while Helly Hansen usually does outdoor essentials well, it doesn’t appear to offer the same bundle of useful extras. Winner: Product A.

Overall user experience

Product A is the more immediately useful choice for anyone who wants a one-bag solution for wet outdoor adventures. It looks like the kind of kit you grab before a windy day on a Scottish loch, a kayak trip on the Norfolk Broads, or a soggy coastal walk where you need everything to stay dry. Product B has the edge in brand heritage and review volume, and if you specifically want Helly Hansen, that reassurance matters. But with the information provided, Product A is the more complete package for actual watersports use, while Product B is the safer pick only if brand trust and a slightly lower price matter more than features. Overall summary: Product A wins for most buyers because it offers more practical waterproof storage, better bundled value, and stronger all-round usefulness on the water. Product B is a respectable alternative, but it feels more like a brand-led buy than the most capable option here.

Buy the Premium 35L Waterproof if...

Buy Product A if you need a proper 35L dry bag backpack for day trips, paddling sessions, fishing, or camping where you want clothing, snacks, and valuables kept dry. It is also the better choice if you want the included phone dry bag and prefer one purchase that covers more of your kit-protection needs.

Buy the Helly Hansen Unisex if...

Buy Product B if you trust Helly Hansen’s outdoor reputation and want the lower upfront price. It also makes sense if you are not specifically after a large-capacity dry bag and prefer to spend a bit less while still getting a highly rated product.

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