Why a KiffLab Dry Bag Can Change Your Plunge Game

Cold water immersion has a way of pulling you in.


It starts as curiosity, a buzzword you’ve heard tossed around on podcasts or at the gym. Then one morning, you find yourself standing on a frosty dock or beside a plunge tub in your friends backyard, heart racing, toes curling, every instinct screaming don’t do it - and then you do.

You come up gasping, awake in a way that coffee never quite manages. That’s when the ritual begins. And if you’ve been there more than once, you already know: what happens after the plunge matters as much as the plunge itself.

This is where something as simple as a dry bag stops being an accessory and becomes part of the practice.

Cold water plunge Nova Scotia


The Quiet Hero of Cold Water Immersion

We didn’t invent dry bags. But at KiffLab, we’ve spent years refining them for moments just like these, those minutes between icy water and warm clothes, when the only thing that matters is getting dry, fast.

Here’s why people who plunge at home, in the wild, or at their local spa - swear by them:


1. Keeps Your Warm Layers Actually Warm

There’s no worse feeling than pulling on a damp hoodie in freezing wind. A roll-top dry bag locks out snow, rain, and spray so your towel, robe, and thermal layers stay bone dry until the moment you need them.


2. Handles Wet Gear Without Leaks

After your dip, everything wet goes straight back in the bag. No leaks in your car. No puddles on the locker room floor. No juggling plastic bags that rip halfway to the parking lot.


3. Built for Weather You Can’t Predict

Most plunges aren’t done in sunshine. They’re done in sleet, sideways rain, and mornings where you can see your breath. That’s why our bags are made from rugged TPU or heavy-duty nylon - waterproof, windproof, mud-proof, and still easy to open with cold hands.


4. Outperforms Standard Duffels

Gym bags soak through. Zippers jam in the cold. Fabric holds onto odor. Dry bags? Hose them off, hang them upside down, and they’re ready for tomorrow’s plunge.


KiffLab Cold Water bags

What to Pack: Pre- and Post-Plunge

The ritual looks different for everyone, but here’s a setup we’ve seen work time and time again:

Before the plunge
– Flip flops or insulated booties
KiffLab Change robe or parka
– Beanie and gloves
– Waterproof phone case (for timer or temp)
– Thermos of something warm

After the plunge
– Quick-dry towel or fleece wrap
– Insulated jacket or dry robe
– Dry socks & shoes
– Snacks for a quick energy hit
– Emergency blanket (for wild swims)

The layers you’ll need first pack on top. Use small pods or pouches to keep it organized; cold fingers don’t like rummaging.


For Backyard Plunge Pools

Cold water immersion isn’t just for mountain lakes anymore. More people are bringing the ritual home - stock tanks, ice barrels, DIY plunge tubs. But home doesn’t mean weatherproof.

The Canadian Meteorological Society reports that 70% of Canadian cities see rain or snow on more than 110 days a year. That means your towel, robe, and clothes are just as vulnerable on your deck as they would be at a frozen lake.

“I keep my towel, Kiff change robe, and dry socks in my KiffLab bag next to my tub. It’s the easiest part of my plunge routine.”
- Daniel (customer)

For Wild Dips in Lakes and Rivers

Wild swimming has exploded - up 47% since 2020, according to the Global Wellness Institute. And for good reason: nothing compares to the hit of plunging into a mountain-fed river or an icy coastal cove.

“I hike out to a river once a week, and my KiffLab backpack is always with me. Everything stays dry - even when I place it in the snow.”
- Zoe (customer)

A dry bag lets you trek with confidence: valuables in a sub-pouch, warm clothes packed tight, bag clipped to a rock or tree while you swim. Bright colors help you spot it in fog or fading light.


For Spa Days and Nordic Baths

Contrast therapy - hot sauna, cold plunge, repeat - is everywhere now. ISPA reports that 68% of wellness spas offer cold immersion or hydrotherapy features, and most require moving between indoor and outdoor zones.

“Tried a high-end spa, but my tote got soaked. KiffLab’s bags kept everything dry”
- Ana (customer)

A dry bag makes transitions seamless. No soggy tote. No wondering where to stash your robe. Just one clean, sealed space for everything.


Staying Warm: A Few Simple Habits

Feet first: dry socks and shoes on top of your bag for instant access
Layer smart: base layers separate from outer layers so you can dress fast
Robe first, towel second: wrap up before drying off to conserve heat


Cleaning is Effortless

No special care needed. Rinse it out, hang it upside down, and you’re good. Unlike canvas or duffels, it won’t trap odor or stay damp. Tomorrow, it’s ready for round two.


Final Thoughts

Cold water immersion isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up - for your body, your mind, your day. And having gear you can trust turns that “maybe” into a habit. That’s why we make what we make: bags that get out of the way so you can get in the water.

Cold water plunge robe


FAQs Cold Water Dry Bags

Cold water immersion (CWI) involves submerging in cold water — from plunge pools to wild lakes — to support recovery, mental clarity, and resilience. It’s proven to help circulation and reduce inflammation.

If you’re outdoors or even on a wet deck at home, yes. A dry bag keeps towels, clothing, and valuables dry before your plunge and contains wet gear afterward - no leaks in your car or locker.

Yes. Quality dry bags are designed to be fully waterproof and maintain their seal in freezing conditions, provided they’re rolled or zipped properly.

Absolutely. Just separate items - dry gear at the top, wet gear on bottom, or use inner pouches to organize them.

10–15L: Towel, clothes, small essentials
20–30L: Full kit including robe, footwear, snacks
40L+: Group gear or year-round plunging essentials

Pre-plunge essentials: flip flops, robe, beanie, gloves, thermos.

Post-plunge: towel, dry socks, insulated jacket, snack, heat pack.

Layer your bag: dry clothes on top, wet items sealed in separate pouches afterward. Keep dry socks and gloves most accessible.

Yes - roll it out or use its smooth exterior as a barrier on wet or muddy ground.

It won’t heat gear, but it keeps wind, water, and snow out — which helps retain warmth.

Most do, especially when partially filled with air. Handy for river swims or lakeside plunges.

Rinse with fresh water, wipe out any residue, and hang upside down to air dry. No harsh detergents required.

Not if you rinse and dry it after use — unlike fabric duffels, dry bags don’t absorb moisture or odors.

Keeps towels and robes dry on wet decks and prevents drips in your home after the plunge.

Durability, sustainability, and practical design — roll-top seals, modular compartments, and versatile use for everything from cold plunges to festivals.

Protect your gear from the elements.

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ABOUT

OUR KIFF STORY

The word "Kiff" is a South African term meaning "cool".

We're a crew of outdoor-loving, rain-dodging, sea-sprayed adventurers who believe gear should keep up with real life. From weekday commutes to weekend chaos. Inspired by the rugged coastlines of Canada and Southern Africa, we create dry bags, waterproof backpacks, soft coolers, and change robes that are tough, sustainably made, and anything but ordinary.

Whether you’re plunging into an alpine lake, stepping into a backyard ice bath, or walking between sauna and cold pool at a spa, KiffLab’s got your back - literally.