The IPX rating scale runs from IPX0 to IPX9K, with IPX4 for splashes, IPX6 for jets, IPX7 for brief immersion and IPX8 for continuous submersion. For dry bags, IPX6 to IPX8 is the useful range.
People searching for "ipx rating scale" usually want a direct, practical answer - and this page delivers one. This guide explains IPX rating scale ratings and how waterproofing is actually tested, so you can read a spec sheet and a test report with confidence instead of trusting a label.
The scale at a glance
IPX1-2 cover drips, IPX3-4 cover spray and splashes, IPX5-6 cover jets, and IPX7-8 cover immersion. IPX9K is an intense high-pressure hot-jet test rarely used for soft bags.
Where dry bags sit
A dry bag should hold at least IPX6 for rain and spray, with IPX7 or IPX8 for electronics and submersion. Anything below IPX6 is not truly waterproof for outdoor use.
Using the scale
Match the rating to the activity: splash-prone gear needs IPX4-6, while phones and cameras want IPX7-8. A higher number means more protection.
Leak, inflation and seam tests
A leak test seals the bag and submerges it under pressure to watch for bubbles, or places dry paper inside and checks for moisture. An inflation test fills the sealed bag with air and submerges it to find tiny leaks fast.
A seam strength test pulls a welded seam until it fails to confirm the weld is as strong as the film. Together these tests validate the two failure points of a IPX rating scale: the seams and the closure.
IPX7 vs IPX8, clearly explained
IPX7 is a fixed standard: the bag must withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. IPX8 is a higher immersion level defined by the manufacturer, which can be deeper, longer or both.
That means a IPX rating scale rated IPX8 is not automatically better than IPX7 unless you know the IPX8 test conditions. Always check the stated depth and duration before trusting a claim.
Rating vs real-world performance
A IPX rating scale rating is a controlled test, not a promise for every situation. A bag that passes IPX7 in the lab can still leak if it is overpacked, the closure is dirty or the seam is damaged.
Treat the rating as a baseline and protect against the gaps: close the bag correctly, inspect seams and closures, and re-test periodically. Real-world care extends what any rating delivers.
What to ask a supplier about testing
Before you trust a IPX rating scale, ask for the test report, the standard used, the depth and duration for any IPX8 claim, and the production batch sampling plan.
Written answers are better than verbal ones. A dated report that matches your product and material is the evidence your brand and customers need.
How the IPX scale works
The IP scale uses two digits: the first rates solids from 0 to 6 and the second rates liquids from 0 to 8, with X meaning the digit was not tested. A IPX rating scale only concerns the liquid (second) digit.
The key levels for dry bags are IPX6 (powerful water jets), IPX7 (30 minutes at 1 meter) and IPX8 (continuous immersion beyond 1 meter under stated conditions). Higher is not automatically better without the test context.
Reading a test report
A credible IPX rating scale test report states the standard, the test conditions, the sample and the result. Check the date and that the report matches the product and material you are buying.
For OEM buyers, ask for the test report before bulk and keep a copy with your compliance documents. A dated, matching report protects both your brand and your customers.
| Rating | Level |
|---|---|
| IPX4 | Splash |
| IPX6 | Jets |
| IPX7 | Brief immersion |
| IPX8 | Continuous immersion |
| Rating | Protection | Typical dry bag use |
|---|---|---|
| IPX6 | Powerful water jets | Splash and rain protection |
| IPX7 | 30 min at 1 meter | Kayaking, brief submersion |
| IPX8 | Deeper / longer immersion | Expedition, sustained water |
| IP68 | Dust-tight + immersion | Beach, dust and water |
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Test standard | IPX7 / IPX8 with stated conditions |
| Depth & duration | Must be stated for IPX8 |
| Report | Dated, matching the product |
| Batch testing | AQL sampling plus leak test |
| Seam test | Seam strength test result |
| Test | What it checks | How |
|---|---|---|
| Submersion | Water ingress | Immerse under pressure |
| Inflation | Tiny leaks | Air bubbles in water |
| Seam pull | Weld strength | Pull seam to failure |
| Zipper | Closure seal | Water pressure on teeth |
| Claim | What it means |
|---|---|
| IPX6 | Resists powerful jets |
| IPX7 | 30 min at 1 meter |
| IPX8 | Deeper/longer, as specified |
How the IP rating digits actually work
When buyers want to see this on a real line, the team at JUNYUAN BAGS opens its Quanzhou factory for a live walkthrough.Waterproof claims only mean something once you decode the rating system. the IPX rating scale uses the Ingress Protection code, which is two digits after the letters IP: the first rates protection against solids and dust (0 to 6), and the second rates protection against liquids (0 to 8). An X means that digit was not tested. So IPX7 means dust was not rated but liquid protection was tested to immersion; IP68 adds dust-tight sealing on top of deeper immersion.
Critically, the second digit 7 and 8 are not universal depths. IPX7 means 1 metre of fresh water for 30 minutes. IPX8 means continuous immersion beyond 1 metre, but the exact depth and time are set by the manufacturer and must be stated on the product - two bags both labelled IPX8 can perform very differently if one specifies 3 m and the other 10 m.
Rating | Protection | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
IPX4 | Splashes | Light rain only |
IPX6 | Powerful jets | Rough spray, whitewater |
IPX7 | 1 m / 30 min | Short immersion, drops in water |
IPX8 | Beyond 1 m | Extended submersion, diving |
Why a roll-top still sets the real limit
Here is the honest nuance buyers miss: the film may be IPX8-rated, but the closure is often the weakest link. A roll-top bag rated IPX7 survives a dip because the folded roll creates its own water barrier, but it is not a pressure-sealed diving container. True continuous submersion at depth needs a watertight zipper, a gasketed lid or a sealed dry box, not a rolled flap. When you compare products, look past the label to the closure type. A roll-top rated IPX7 is perfect for kayak drops, boat spray and rain; it is not the same as a phone dry box rated IPX8 to 10 m. Matching the rating to the actual activity prevents both overpaying and under-protecting your gear.
Dust, the first digit, and IP6X
The first digit is easy to ignore on a dry bag, but it matters for beach, desert and dusty trail use. A 6 means dust-tight: no dust enters at all. A dry bag with an open roll-top will let fine sand and dust in around the opening even if it keeps water out, so for photographers and electronics users the sealed-zipper or gasketed designs earn the dust rating while an open roll-top earns mainly the liquid rating. This is exactly why IP68 (dust-tight plus deep immersion) is reserved for sealed-lid products, while most roll-top dry bags are marketed as IPX7 or IPX8. Comparing an IP68 hard case against an IPX7 roll-top on "rating" alone misses the closure physics that actually governs your gear.
Reading a spec sheet like a buyer
When a supplier sends a spec sheet, verify three things: the rating digits, the stated depth/time, and the test date. If the sheet says merely "waterproof" with no IP digits, treat it as marketing. If it says IPX8 with no depth, ask for the manufacturer-specified immersion conditions. If the test report is undated or references a different SKU, request a fresh one for your batch. The smart buyer then matches the rating to use: IPX6 for jet spray and rafting, IPX7 for accidental immersion, IPX8 for deliberate submersion. Over-buying an IPX8 roll-top for daily rain adds cost and weight you do not need; under-buying IPX6 for whitewater leaves gear at risk.
Practical rating examples by activity
Map the rating to the activity before you buy or spec. Daily rain and commuter use need only IPX4 to IPX6 splash resistance, and a well-rolled roll-top comfortably exceeds it. Kayaking and boat spray sit at IPX6 to IPX7, matching rough spray and accidental one-metre immersion for 30 minutes. Snorkelling, diving and deliberate submersion demand IPX8 to a stated depth, usually on a sealed-lid or watertight-zipper design rather than an open roll-top.
The trap is trusting an open roll-top at depth: its rating describes accidental immersion, not pressure-sealed diving. When you compare SKUs, write down the rating digits, the stated depth and time, the closure type and the film gauge. That four-line spec prevents both over-paying for depth you will never use and under-protecting gear that one capsize would destroy. A rating without a stated depth is an unfinished claim.
The fine print: depth, time and what is not tested
Every waterproof rating hides fine print that changes the real-world meaning. IPX7 fixes the test at one metre of fresh water for exactly thirty minutes - it does not mean the bag can be worn snorkelling. IPX8 extends immersion beyond one metre, but the depth and duration are chosen by the manufacturer, so two IPX8 bags can mean three metres or twenty metres depending on the spec sheet. The X in IPX means the dust rating was never tested.
Always ask for three things: the rating digits, the stated immersion depth and time, and the date of the test report. A rating without a depth is an unfinished claim, and a report older than your current film batch is not evidence for your order. Then match the number to the activity - IPX6 for rough spray, IPX7 for accidental drops, IPX8 for deliberate submersion. Over-buying depth you will never use wastes money; under-buying it risks your gear.
Why these production numbers matter
For buyers evaluating this at production scale, the numbers that matter are concrete: a dedicated Quanzhou dry bag line running since 2014, a 4,950 square-metre facility on 7 production lines with 149 welding and sewing machines and about 137 trained operators, outputting roughly 200,000 pieces a month as verified by an SGS audit. Quality is backed by BSCI and ISO9001 systems, and finished orders ship DDP to over 100 countries. Those audited figures are what turn a well-written spec sheet into a repeatable supply of bags that actually keep gear dry, batch after batch, rather than a one-off sample that cannot be reproduced. For an importer, that repeatability is the difference between a launch that reorders smoothly and one that spends its first year chasing leaks and replacements.
People also ask
What are the different types of dry bags?
Roll-top, zipper, backpack, tote, phone, floating, waist pack, duffel and pouch styles, each built for a different activity and access need.
Does dry bag material affect waterproofing?
The material supplies the waterproof barrier, but the closure and seams decide real-world waterproofing. A good film still leaks if seams or closures fail.
How are dry bags made?
The body is cut from waterproof film or coated fabric, seams are welded or taped, hardware is attached, and each bag is leak-tested before shipping.
What is a D-ring on a dry bag?
A D-shaped metal or plastic ring used as an attachment point for straps, carabiners or lashing the bag to a boat.
What is the difference between a dry bag and a dry sack?
They are the same product. Dry sack is the more common British and outdoor-store term, while dry bag is used more in the US.
What does IPX8 mean on a dry bag?
IPX8 means the bag survives continuous immersion beyond 1 meter under manufacturer-specified conditions. The depth and duration are only meaningful if stated.
Can you put a phone in a dry bag?
Yes, using a dedicated phone dry bag or a padded roll-top bag. Test the bag first and add padding for impact protection.
Are dry bags safe for electronics?
Yes for water protection, but they do not protect against impact. Use a padded or dedicated electronics dry bag and test it first.
Key takeaways
- Choose IPX rating scale 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
- Find the stated IPX or IP rating and the test conditions.
- Confirm the depth and duration for any IPX8 claim.
- Look for a dated test report that matches the product.
- Run your own leak test before trusting expensive gear.
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 treat an IPX rating as a claim to verify, not a guarantee to trust. A stated IPX7 or a fully specified IPX8 with a dated test report is meaningful; an unsupported IPX8 is marketing. Confirm the conditions and run your own leak test before relying on any bag. For "ipx rating scale", this is the summary that matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the different types of dry bags?
Roll-top, zipper, backpack, tote, phone, floating, waist pack, duffel and pouch styles, each built for a different activity and access need.
Q2. Does dry bag material affect waterproofing?
The material supplies the waterproof barrier, but the closure and seams decide real-world waterproofing. A good film still leaks if seams or closures fail.
Q3. How are dry bags made?
The body is cut from waterproof film or coated fabric, seams are welded or taped, hardware is attached, and each bag is leak-tested before shipping.
Q4. What is a D-ring on a dry bag?
A D-shaped metal or plastic ring used as an attachment point for straps, carabiners or lashing the bag to a boat.
Q5. What is the difference between a dry bag and a dry sack?
They are the same product. Dry sack is the more common British and outdoor-store term, while dry bag is used more in the US.
Q6. What does IPX8 mean on a dry bag?
IPX8 means the bag survives continuous immersion beyond 1 meter under manufacturer-specified conditions. The depth and duration are only meaningful if stated.
Q7. Can you put a phone in a dry bag?
Yes, using a dedicated phone dry bag or a padded roll-top bag. Test the bag first and add padding for impact protection.
Q8. Are dry bags safe for electronics?
Yes for water protection, but they do not protect against impact. Use a padded or dedicated electronics dry bag and test it first.
Q9. What are the parts of a dry bag?
Body fabric, roll-top or zipper closure, buckle, D-rings or attachment points, straps or handles, and optional purge valve or window.
Q10. What is the difference between a dry bag and a backpack?
A dry bag is waterproof and seals shut; a backpack is structured for carry but is rarely fully waterproof. A dry bag backpack combines both.
Q11. What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant?
Waterproof means it keeps water out under submersion or jets; water resistant means it resists light rain and splashes but will leak under pressure or immersion.
Q12. What is the difference between TPU and PVC dry bags?
TPU is lighter, softer and more UV-stable; PVC is heavier, more puncture-resistant and cheaper. TPU suits premium packable bags; PVC suits rugged, high-volume bags.
Q13. What is a purge valve?
A one-way valve that lets air escape after rolling, compressing the bag for packability.
Q14. What is a camera dry bag?
A camera dry bag is a padded, waterproof pouch or case that protects a camera from water, spray and sand during outdoor shoots.
Q15. Are TPU dry bags eco-friendly?
TPU is generally considered more eco-friendly than PVC because it is phthalate-free and easier to recycle, though no plastic is fully green.
Q16. 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.
Q17. What is the difference between IP67 and IP68?
IP67 survives 30 minutes at 1 meter. IP68 survives beyond 1 meter or longer immersion, but the exact depth and time depend on the manufacturer's spec.
Q18. What is a dry bag duffel?
A dry bag duffel is a large, roll-top or zippered duffel for expedition gear, often with shoulder straps and a wide opening.
Q19. Do dry bags protect against rain?
Yes. Even partially closed, a roll-top dry bag sheds rain far better than a standard backpack, which is why they are popular for travel and commuting.
Q20. What is a compression dry bag?
A compression dry bag adds straps or a purge valve that squeezes out air, shrinking bulky gear like sleeping bags and clothing.