The way I tried it already was to put the bag over the top so the opening is facing down. Then I cut two slits for the strapgs however this doesnt "feel" right. Any suggestions?

buy a pack cover, they are real cheap. The problem with garbage bags are that there is nothing keeping it on (like a draw cord).
Another cheap option it so make one. Get a yard of silnylon some drawcord and a cord lock, make measurements on how big to make it, add a couple more inches to your measurements and either hand sew or machine sew a sleeve on all four sides leaving the corners open, add a draw string and you have a pack cover/water bag/gear hammock/...
OR... Add some lash straps over your plasic bag and around the "you side" of the backpack. I usually do this with commercial pack bags. I would duct tape a bottom to your bag to keep your pack dry when you put it down on the ground.
OR... Use the garbage bag as an internal liner letting the ouside of you pack getting wet.
I beleive that covers every option...
TB

Some trash bags have a drawcords - I would think you could use the size for large outdoor trash cans by simply slipping them over the pack and cinching to where the pack straps and hip belt are (would have to use a bit of twine to tie the ends of the drawcords in place to be reusable). The size trashbag needed to do this would likely slip completely over your pack when not being worn - so it would protect it from driven rain in camp.

The way I tried it already was to put the bag over the top so the opening is facing down. Then I cut two slits for the strapgs however this doesnt "feel" right. Any suggestions?

You can do it that way, keeping the slits as short as possible or detach your shoulder straps at the bottom and draw the shoulder straps through a smaller slit and reattach them below the bag.

The only downside here is you need to take your shoulder straps apart often if you don't roll up the cover to be stored in the pack's lifting loop. However, if you do the latter it's always ready to go. Either way, it helps if you reinforce the slit with duct tape. I've had one last an entire trail.

I would just line the inside of the pack with a heavy (construction like) trash bag. I don't see how an external cover will stop the rain down your back from entering into the pack

I would just line the inside of the pack with a heavy (construction like) trash bag. I don't see how an external cover will stop the rain down your back from entering into the pack

This is correct. A pack cover is a contradiction in terms. Packs are inherently sponges. They are designed to soak up as much water as possible. One manufacturer offered a waterproof pack years ago but it didn't sell. People adore sponge packs. Use a kayak bag mounted to an external frame and leave the sponge home.

I don't see how an external cover will stop the rain down your back from entering into the pack

A trash bag covers everything but the bottom, the back is protected.

I left my new LL pack out in the rain the other day.
Stuff stayed dry.Yeah,it's new.
Oldfivetango

I don't understand the idea of putting a trashbag inside your pack to keep everything dry. The outside of the pack gets soaked, holding all that water and all that extra weight. Sure, the inside stays dry, but the carry weight would increase by pounds. The silnylon cinch covers are worthless in my opinion. Watched several hikers throw them out at Neel's to buy a more sturdy pack cover. Check out sea to summit pack covers. Slightly more weighty, but my pack has stayed bone dry in downpours.

arc'tyrex makes waterproof packs.

That are outrageously heavy/expensive and not worth it, use a trash bag or some kind of pack cover....

arc'tyrex makes waterproof packs.

That's the one. I'm glad they still make them. I'll have to get one for when mine wears out.

I don't understand the idea of putting a trashbag inside your pack to keep everything dry. The outside of the pack gets soaked, holding all that water and all that extra weight. Sure, the inside stays dry, but the carry weight would increase by pounds. The silnylon cinch covers are worthless in my opinion. Watched several hikers throw them out at Neel's to buy a more sturdy pack cover. Check out sea to summit pack covers. Slightly more weighty, but my pack has stayed bone dry in downpours.


That depends on the pack. Our gearskins weigh about a pound a piece, and barely soak up anything when wet. Hang them up and they're dry by morning given half a chance.

I agree that many packs with full-blown back padding and heavy materials soak up lots of water and take forever to dry, but most of the light/ultralight packs are just a single layer of material. I quit messing with packcovers years ago and never looked back. A packliner of some sort (compactor bag, Pneuno drybag, etc) works great for us.

That depends on the pack. Our gearskins weigh about a pound a piece, and barely soak up anything when wet. Hang them up and they're dry by morning given half a chance.


I think I'll try using a trash bag as a pack liner with my Catalyst since it has a dry-lock bag type top closure, and if it doesn't work out just convert it into a pack cover. IMO, the hassle of dealing with a pack cover is a PITA.

Speaking of gearskins, I finally got mine and took it out for a test drive this weekend. It felt great. Waterproofing wise I am going to put everything into seperate seatosummit bags. With my sleeping bag one having a trash compactor bag as a second layer, and my hammock underquilt is in a sil sack (not completly waterproof) inside of the seatosummit one.

Another thought is I am going to use my ccp with the fold at the top (haven't tried this yet). When I clinch down the pack, the pad almost overlaps on the sides. The ccp is completly waterproof and drys super quick. This should keep most of the water out of the pack. The only entry point is a little on the sides and bottom.

For those with closed cell foam pads, this might be something to consider trying.

We use the pads a bunch of differnt ways, but I have had good luck overlapping the top when it's raining.

The way I tried it already was to put the bag over the top so the opening is facing down. Then I cut two slits for the strapgs however this doesnt "feel" right. Any suggestions?

I do the same thing, except I dont cut slits. All you need is a 2" hole to insert the straps through.

I use an elastic band that is made as a trash bag holder. One of these will hold the trash bag to your pack tightly and help keep water from leaking onto your pack.

I use a pack cover AND I line the inside of my pack with a garbage bag, which weighs all of a few ounces. My stuff is guaranteed to stay dry. If I need to save an ounce or two, I'll find another way to do it.

great thread, thanks everybody. i think i'll go double trash bag (one in and one on the outside) reinforced with duct tape at the 2 inch slits. thanks blackmath, is there a hobo hiker forum?

In my opinion the optimal way to use a trashbag for pack cover is to open the trashbag and place the packcover in it. Then walk outside and place the trashbag on the curb for the garbage man to pick up. Then buy a Packa so you can be comfortable when you hike. I have a couple 2nds I'll let go at a big discount to Whiteblaze members who contact me. Thanks
CT