Custom TPU dry bags use a premium flexible film that stays supple in the cold, resists UV and welds cleanly. TPU costs more than PVC but wins on cold-weather performance, clarity and an eco-friendlier profile.
People searching for "custom tpu dry bags" usually want a direct, practical answer - and this page delivers one. This guide breaks down how to bring a custom TPU dry bag to market - OEM versus ODM, the specification and sampling steps, branding and packaging options, and the MOQ and lead time you should plan for. It is written for brands, importers and startups turning an idea into a product.
Why choose TPU
Thermoplastic polyurethane welds into strong, flexible seams and stays flexible well below freezing, where PVC stiffens. It also handles UV better and is free of the phthalate concerns tied to PVC.
Where TPU shines
Cold climates, clear or colored waterproof pouches, phone bags and premium outdoor gear all favor TPU. The higher material cost is justified where performance matters.
Welding TPU
TPU is typically hot-air or RF welded, and the factory must dial in temperature and speed carefully. Confirm the factory's TPU welding experience with a sample before a large run.
OEM vs ODM vs private label, defined
OEM (original equipment manufacturing) means the factory produces a custom TPU dry bag to your specification - your dimensions, materials, colors and hardware. You own the design, which is confirmed in writing before tooling begins.
ODM (original design manufacturing) means you take an existing factory design and apply your colors, logo, label and packaging. Private label is essentially the same as ODM: you brand a proven product rather than engineering a new one.
What to prepare before you request a quote
A factory can quote faster and more accurately when you provide a drawing or reference sample, target material, dimensions, closure type, colors and print placement. A tech pack is ideal but not required for a first estimate.
Include your target quantity and timeline. These two numbers change everything on a custom TPU dry bag quote, because material pricing, tooling amortization and freight all scale with volume and speed.
Tech pack and specification details
A custom TPU dry bag tech pack specifies dimensions, materials, colors, hardware, printing placement and testing requirements. The more precise the pack, the fewer surprises in the sample and the cheaper the final product.
Even a one-page spec is better than a verbal brief. Include tolerances, a Pantone or color reference, and a photo or reference sample so the factory has a concrete target to match.
Customization options that actually matter
Customization goes beyond a printed logo. On a custom TPU dry bag you can change material and thickness, size and shape, closure type, webbing and buckle color, valves, windows, handles and straps, plus woven labels and full retail packaging.
Prioritize changes that affect function and brand perception first - closure, material and logo - then add packaging. Each option has a cost and lead-time impact, so confirm the trade-offs before finalizing the spec.
Sampling, MOQ and lead time for custom orders
A custom TPU dry bag starts with a pre-production sample, typically 6--10 day for a standard design and up to 14 days with new tooling. Approve the sample before bulk, because changes after approval restart the clock.
MOQ for OEM is usually 500 pieces or more per design; ODM stock programs can start around 300 pieces. Bulk production runs 35-50 days after sample approval, then freight adds 3-6 weeks by sea or 5-10 days by air.
Design ownership and tooling custody
For a custom TPU dry bag, design ownership should be explicit in the contract. You own the design you commission; the factory owns its base ODM designs. If you pay for dedicated tooling, ownership or exclusive custody should be documented too.
Protect yourself with an NDA before sharing artwork and a clear clause on exclusivity. Without it, your design or colorway can appear elsewhere, which is especially risky if you are building a brand around a unique product.
| Property | TPU |
|---|---|
| Cold flex | Excellent |
| UV | Good |
| Cost | Higher |
| Eco profile | Better |
| Factor | OEM dry bags | ODM dry bags |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Your design or tech pack | Existing factory design |
| Customization | Full (size, shape, material) | Color, logo, label, packaging |
| MOQ | Typically 500+ pcs | Often 300 pcs to start |
| Lead time | Longer (design + tooling) | Faster |
| Design ownership | Yours | Factory owns base design |
| Unit cost | Higher | Lower |
| Spec item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Material | TPU / PVC / coated nylon + thickness |
| Size | Liter volume + L x W x H in cm |
| Closure | Roll-top / zipper / clip |
| Hardware | Buckles, D-rings, valve, handles |
| Printing | Method, colors, placement |
| Packaging | Poly bag, hangtag, box, barcode |
| Stage | Typical time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Quote | 1-3 days | Price from your spec |
| Sampling | 6--10 day | Pre-production sample |
| Approval | 1-3 days | Your sign-off |
| Production | 35-50 days | Bulk manufacturing |
| Freight | 3-6 weeks | Sea; 5-10 days air |
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Screen printing | Bold logos, 1-6 colors |
| Heat transfer | Full-color artwork |
| Woven label | Premium, durable branding |
| Embossed hardware | Subtle, high-end feel |
TPU thickness spec and weld parameters
TPU dry bags are built from TPU-laminated polyester or nylon, usually 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm total thickness. 0.5 mm is the mainstream retail spec; 0.7 mm is the expedition and rental-fleet spec; 0.35 mm is the packable, ultra-light spec. The fabric is heat-welded rather than stitched, with a typical weld temperature of 380 to 420°C, weld pressure of 0.3 to 0.4 MPa, and dwell time of 1.5 to 2.5 seconds depending on fabric thickness.
Seam peel strength on a well-made TPU bag lands at 25 to 35 N per 25 mm per the ASTM D751 test. Below 18 N the seam is considered weak and will delaminate on a loaded strap. Ask the factory for a dated peel test report on each lot, and for a visual weld-width callout of 8 to 10 mm on every seam. Weld width below 6 mm is a quality red flag. The production process behind these specs is handled by our parent company, an OEM/ODM dry bag factory that has been welding bags in Quanzhou since 2014 and ships DDP to 100+ countries.
UV, temperature and cost comparison
TPU outperforms PVC on UV: after 500 hours of Xenon-arc UV exposure per ASTM G154, a 0.5 mm TPU bag loses roughly 10 percent of its tensile strength, while a comparable PVC bag loses 30 to 40 percent and becomes chalky. TPU also stays flexible to −30°C versus about −5°C for PVC. The trade-off is cost: TPU-laminated fabric runs about 30 to 40 percent higher per metre than PVC, which adds roughly USD 1.50 to USD 2.50 to a 20 L bag's unit cost at MOQ 1000.
For premium outdoor brands selling at USD 60+, TPU is the default. For value and rental fleets selling at USD 15 to 25, PVC still wins on price. A hybrid build uses TPU on the roll-top and high-abrasion panels, and PVC on the main body, to split the difference. When you spec a TPU bag, call out the laminate brand (Bemis, Covestro or equivalent) and the fabric weight in denier, not just the thickness.
What to check before you buy or reorder
Before committing to a custom tpu dry bags order, walk through the spec sheet line by line. Confirm the fabric weight in grams per square metre, the laminate thickness in millimetres, the weld width in millimetres, the seam peel strength in newtons per 25 millimetres, and the hardware material for buckles and D-rings. Those five numbers are the difference between a bag that arrives looking the same as the sample and one that drifts between batch one and batch ten. Request a dated test report for the waterproof claim, and ask which AQL level will be applied to pre-shipment inspection. Without those numbers on the purchase order, the factory has no spec to hold itself to.
For first-time buyers, order a pre-production sample before bulk. The sample costs USD 30 to USD 80 and takes 6 to 10 working days, but it is the only way to lock fabric hand-feel, colour, print placement and strap length. Bulk production runs 35 to 50 working days after sample approval, so building a 2-week sample round-trip into the calendar is cheaper than discovering a spec issue after the fabric is cut. For reorders, hold the approved sample against the new lot on receipt, and reject any batch where the weld width, buckle material or fabric colour drifts beyond the approved tolerances.
After the bag arrives, rinse it, inflate it or submerge it in a bathtub for ten minutes, and roll the closure three to five times before the first real trip. That habit catches 90 percent of the rare sealing defects that slip past AQL. Store the bag loosely unrolled, out of direct sun, and re-test the seal at the start of each season. Treated this way, a welded dry bag built to a real spec sheet will outlast its marketing and become the piece you reach for first on every trip.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most frequent mistake with a custom tpu dry bags order is overpacking the closure. When the bag is stuffed beyond about 80 percent of its rated volume, the roll-top cannot compress fully, the buckle sits on the first or second roll, and the seam along the top edge is no longer sealed. That single error accounts for the majority of 'it leaked' complaints, even on a perfectly welded bag. Leave the top 15 to 20 percent empty so the closure can roll four times and clip cleanly.
The second mistake is mismatching the bag to the activity. A thin packable bag bought for a beach day will fail on a granite kayak deck within a season; a heavy expedition bag bought for a phone pouch is overkill and awkward to carry. Match fabric thickness to abrasion, match closure type to access frequency, and match volume to the bulkiest item you actually carry. Do not buy by litre alone; buy by the loadout.
The third mistake is skipping the pre-production sample. Bulk production starts from an approved sample, and if the sample was never checked for hand-feel, colour, strap length and buckle position, the entire production run arrives with the same drift. A USD 50 sample and ten days of review time is the cheapest insurance in the whole supply chain. Walk the sample, load it, submerge it, load it again, and only then approve it for bulk.
The fourth mistake is ignoring the after-sales conversation. Ask the factory before ordering how warranty claims are handled, what defective rate triggers a rework credit, and how replacement parts (buckles, D-rings, shoulder straps) are shipped to your market. A factory that answers those questions in writing before the order is a partner; a factory that deflects them will deflect them again when a real claim arrives. Keep the email thread, the approved sample and the AQL report on file for the life of the product.
People also ask
What is white label dry bags?
White label means buying an unbranded factory design and applying your own brand, packaging and marketing. It is the fastest and lowest-cost route to market.
What is private label vs OEM?
Private label is essentially ODM - you brand an existing product. OEM is a true custom build to your specification. The terms private label and ODM are often used interchangeably.
How many colors can I print on a dry bag?
Screen printing typically supports 1-6 spot colors. Full-color gradients usually require heat transfer or sublimation, which has material limitations.
What printing methods are used on dry bags?
Screen printing, heat transfer, woven labels and embossed or debossed hardware. The best method depends on the material and the logo detail.
Can I put my logo on a dry bag?
Yes. Logos can be screen printed, heat transferred or applied as woven labels, and hardware can be embossed. Provide vector artwork for the cleanest result.
What is the HS code for dry bags?
Dry bags generally classify under travel goods or bags headings such as 4202. Confirm the exact 10-digit code with your freight forwarder and the destination customs authority.
What customization options are available for dry bags?
Materials, colors, sizes, closure hardware, printed logos, woven labels, embossed buckles, windows, valves and custom retail packaging.
What certifications should I ask a dry bag supplier for?
REACH and RoHS material compliance for the EU, plus a third-party audit such as SGS. Ask for documents rather than verbal assurances, and check the test date.
Key takeaways
- Choose custom TPU dry bag by fixing the activity, size, material and closure before comparing options.
- Verify waterproofing with a stated IPX rating and a real test method, not a label.
- For bulk orders, confirm MOQ, lead time and a pre-production sample before committing.
- Match material to conditions: TPU for cold and UV, PVC for abrasion, coated nylon for weight.
- A physical pre-production sample is the only reliable way to lock material, color and printing.
- Store dry bags loose and shaded, and re-test the seal before trusting them with electronics.
Related guides
- What is a dry bag?
- Dry bag materials: TPU vs PVC vs nylon
- IPX / IP68 waterproof ratings
- Types of dry bags
- OEM dry bags
Step by step
- Decide between OEM (your design) and ODM (an existing design with your branding).
- Prepare a drawing, reference sample, dimensions, material and print placement.
- Confirm design ownership and tooling custody in writing before sampling.
- Approve a physical pre-production sample and any printed strike-off.
- Set the MOQ, lead time and packaging, then release bulk production.
Specification checklist
- Fix the specification first - material, size, closure, printing and packaging - so quotes are comparable.
- Verify waterproofing with a stated IPX rating and a real test method, and confirm the batch sampling plan.
- Order a pre-production sample and approve it before bulk production begins.
- Confirm MOQ, lead time, payment terms and the correct HS code before you commit.
- Match the material to the conditions: TPU for cold and UV, PVC for abrasion, coated nylon for weight.
- Ask for a dated test report and a pre-shipment inspection (AQL) for waterproofing and seams.
- Keep the most valuable items in an inner pouch as a second layer of protection.
- Rinse, dry and store the bag correctly to extend its lifespan season after season.
Bottom line
The bottom line is to match the route to your stage: ODM and private label are the fast, low-risk way to launch a brand, while OEM delivers true differentiation once demand is proven. Own the design in writing, approve a physical sample, and let the specification drive the quote rather than the other way around. For "custom tpu dry bags", this is the summary that matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is white label dry bags?
White label means buying an unbranded factory design and applying your own brand, packaging and marketing. It is the fastest and lowest-cost route to market.
Q2. What is private label vs OEM?
Private label is essentially ODM - you brand an existing product. OEM is a true custom build to your specification. The terms private label and ODM are often used interchangeably.
Q3. How many colors can I print on a dry bag?
Screen printing typically supports 1-6 spot colors. Full-color gradients usually require heat transfer or sublimation, which has material limitations.
Q4. What printing methods are used on dry bags?
Screen printing, heat transfer, woven labels and embossed or debossed hardware. The best method depends on the material and the logo detail.
Q5. Can I put my logo on a dry bag?
Yes. Logos can be screen printed, heat transferred or applied as woven labels, and hardware can be embossed. Provide vector artwork for the cleanest result.
Q6. What is the HS code for dry bags?
Dry bags generally classify under travel goods or bags headings such as 4202. Confirm the exact 10-digit code with your freight forwarder and the destination customs authority.
Q7. What customization options are available for dry bags?
Materials, colors, sizes, closure hardware, printed logos, woven labels, embossed buckles, windows, valves and custom retail packaging.
Q8. What certifications should I ask a dry bag supplier for?
REACH and RoHS material compliance for the EU, plus a third-party audit such as SGS. Ask for documents rather than verbal assurances, and check the test date.
Q9. What does waterproof mean on a dry bag?
Waterproof means the bag keeps water out under stated conditions. On a dry bag it is usually expressed as an IPX rating such as IPX7 or IPX8, which specifies immersion depth and time.
Q10. Does a dry bag factory provide packaging?
Yes. Most OEM/ODM factories provide custom hangtags, retail boxes, poly bags, EAN/UPC barcodes and insert cards as part of private-label service.
Q11. How much does a custom dry bag cost?
A simple PVC dry bag can cost a few dollars per unit at volume, while a premium TPU bag with custom hardware and printing costs more. Unit price depends on material, size, closure and quantity.
Q12. How do dry bags work?
The body is made of waterproof film or coated fabric, and the seams are welded or taped instead of stitched. The roll-top or zipper then seals the opening.
Q13. What is RoHS for dry bags?
RoHS restricts hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products. It matters mainly for dry bags with electronic or metal components.
Q14. What documents do I need to import dry bags?
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and any compliance certificates such as REACH test reports.
Q15. Can I visit a dry bag factory?
Yes. Serious suppliers welcome factory visits or provide a live video tour. Before visiting, prepare your spec, quantity and a checklist of what to inspect.
Q16. Do dry bags need CPSIA for the US?
Dry bags are not children's products, so CPSIA children's rules usually do not apply, but general consumer safety rules still do.
Q17. Do dry bag liters equal real capacity?
No. Liter ratings are approximate and the roll-top eats a few centimeters of usable length. Treat them as a guide and size up for bulky gear.
Q18. What questions should I ask a dry bag factory?
Ask which dry bag types they make, what welding method they use, how they test waterproofing, their MOQ and lead time, and whether they provide REACH/RoHS or audit reports.
Q19. Who owns the design in OEM vs ODM?
In OEM you own the design, confirmed in writing. In ODM the factory owns the base design and you own your branding. Dedicated tooling you pay for should be yours by contract.
Q20. What is the MOQ for custom dry bags?
Most custom dry bag orders start at 500 pieces per design and color. OEM custom designs are usually higher, around 500 pieces or more, because of pattern and tooling setup.