StormBag is the original sandless sandbag — a super-absorbent polymer flood barrier that deploys in 3 minutes, requires no sand, and is approved by FEMA, DHS, and field-tested by the National Guard. This page explains exactly how StormBag works, the science behind it, and how it compares to traditional sandbags.
StormBag uses a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) core — the same category of technology used in high-performance industrial and medical applications. SAPs are cross-linked polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining many times their weight in water relative to their dry mass.
When StormBag's SAP core contacts water — whether from a garden hose, a fire hydrant, or rising floodwater — the polymer chains rapidly absorb and lock water molecules into a gel matrix. This process is fast, consistent, and requires no external energy input. The SAP gel becomes dense and structurally stable under compression, which is what allows stacked StormBags to form a coherent flood barrier under hydraulic pressure.
The SAP core is encased in a durable polypropylene woven bag — the same industrial-grade material used in traditional sandbag construction. The polypropylene shell provides puncture resistance, UV stability, and containment of the expanded polymer gel. Unlike a traditional sandbag filled with loose sand, an activated StormBag's interior is a semi-solid gel matrix that does not shift or separate under pressure.
Dry dimensions of each StormBag are approximately 23" x 13" at 1" thickness. When fully hydrated, each bag expands to 6" thick and weighs 33 lbs — having absorbed approximately 4 gallons of water. The bag remains stable and form-holding when stacked, allowing for multi-layer barrier construction.
One person can deploy a complete StormBag flood barrier faster than a crew could source and fill a traditional sandbag.
Remove dry StormBags from storage and position them wherever floodwater may enter — doorways, garage openings, basement window wells, sliding glass doors, or foundation vents. At just 1 lb each, bags can be carried in bulk and positioned by a single person without additional equipment. Stack bags in an overlapping brick pattern for multi-layer barrier construction.
Activate each StormBag with a garden hose, spray nozzle, fire hydrant connection, or allow rising floodwater to activate them naturally. The super-absorbent polymer core begins absorbing water immediately upon contact. You do not need to submerge the bag — even moderate water contact initiates expansion. Each bag absorbs up to 4 gallons of water during the activation process.
Within 3 minutes of water contact, each StormBag expands from 1" thick to 6" thick and from 1 lb to 33 lbs — forming a dense, interlocking flood barrier. The activated bags conform to the ground surface and interlock when stacked, creating a stable barrier that resists floodwater pressure. Your home is protected. No sand. No shovels. No crew.
This video shows exactly how StormBag's sandless sandbag technology works — from dry storage to full flood protection.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dry Weight | 1 lb (0.45 kg) |
| Hydrated Weight | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
| Water Absorbed Per Bag | Up to 4 gallons (approx. 15 liters) |
| Dry Dimensions | 23" x 13" x 1" thick |
| Hydrated Dimensions | 23" x 13" x 6" thick |
| Deployment Time | Approximately 3 minutes per bag |
| Core Technology | Super-absorbent polymer (SAP) |
| Shell Material | Woven polypropylene |
| Water Type | Fresh water required for activation (any non-saltwater source — tap, hose, rain, pool water, or standing floodwater; does not need to be filtered or drinkable); effectively blocks salt water once hydrated |
| Government Approvals | FEMA Approved, DHS Approved |
| Field Testing | U.S. National Guard |
| Country of Manufacture | United States of America |
Traditional sandbags have been the default flood defense for over a century. StormBag was built to replace them — and the difference is clear.
| Feature | Traditional Sandbag | StormBag |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 30+ minutes | 3 minutes |
| Sand Required | ✗ | ✓ |
| Shovels Required | ✗ | ✓ |
| People Required | Multiple (filling, lifting, stacking) | One person |
| Dry Weight Per Bag | 30-40 lbs | 1 lb |
| Storage Space | Large — require sand storage | Compact — ship and store flat |
| FEMA Approved | ✗ | ✓ |
| DHS Approved | ✗ | ✓ |
| Made in the USA | Varies | ✓ |
| Shark Tank Backed | ✗ | ✓ |
Everything you need to know about StormBag's sandless sandbag technology, deployment, and performance.
StormBag replaces sand with a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) core. When the polymer contacts water, it absorbs up to 4 gallons and expands into a dense gel mass weighing 33 lbs — creating the same mass and pressure resistance as a sand-filled sandbag, without requiring any sand at all.
StormBag fully activates in approximately 3 minutes when exposed to water. The activation process begins immediately upon water contact and reaches full expansion within 3 minutes under normal conditions.
StormBag must be activated with fresh water. Salt water reduces the polymer's absorption efficiency and will result in incomplete expansion, so always use a garden hose or other freshwater source to hydrate the bags. However, once fully hydrated with fresh water, StormBag effectively blocks salt water flooding — including coastal storm surge and hurricane-driven floodwater. Activate with fresh water first, then deploy your barrier against any rising water, including salt water. Freshwater means any non-saltwater source — tap water, garden hose, rain, pool water, or standing floodwater. It does not need to be filtered or drinkable.
Stack activated StormBags in an overlapping brick-layer pattern — each bag offset from the one below it, similar to how bricks are laid. This interlocking arrangement distributes hydraulic pressure across the barrier and prevents individual bags from shifting. For doorway protection, 4–6 bags stacked two to three layers high is a common starting configuration.
An activated StormBag remains expanded as long as moisture is retained in the polymer gel. In outdoor conditions with sun and wind exposure, bags will gradually dry over approximately 1–2 weeks. In contact with standing floodwater, bags remain fully activated indefinitely.
Dry StormBags have an indefinite shelf life when stored in a cool, dry location away from moisture. Keep them in their original packaging or a sealed container. Do not expose dry bags to humidity, which could cause partial activation before deployment.
The number of bags depends on your home's entry points and flood risk level. For a standard doorway, 4–6 bags is a typical starting recommendation. For full perimeter protection of a home, 20–50+ bags may be needed. Use our Storm Protection Planner for a personalized recommendation based on your specific property.
StormBag's super-absorbent polymer core is the same class of material used in many consumer products. The activated gel should not be consumed. If a bag is damaged and gel contacts skin, rinse with water. Keep activated bags away from children and pets during and after deployment.
StormBag: FEMA & DHS approved sandless sandbag flood protection. As seen on Shark Tank. Made in the USA. Ships fast.
FEMA & DHS Approved · National Guard Field-Tested · Free Shipping on $50+ · Made in the USA
