View Full Version : Water running down your back...Waterproof chemicals?
I have a question for my fellow hikers. I use a pack cover, but rain always runs down my back between me/pack and soaks any contents I don't have in a waterproof 'bag'. I don't use a poncho - don't like anything hanging over my head, and too hot in summertime......
Here is the question.....Can I use scotchgard...or some other waterproofer for the pack, or will this possibly break down and get in my pores on my back, or "seep" while wet. All advice is welcome!
I have a question for my fellow hikers. I use a pack cover, but rain always runs down my back between me/pack and soaks any contents I don't have in a waterproof 'bag'. I don't use a poncho - don't like anything hanging over my head, and too hot in summertime......
Here is the question.....Can I use scotchgard...or some other waterproofer for the pack, or will this possibly break down and get in my pores on my back, or "seep" while wet. All advice is welcome!This isn't very helpful specifically, but the waterproofing should be appropriate to the pack material (silicone for silnylon, etc).
At Trail Days I ordered a Packa, an integrated rain jacket and pack cover. My bag doesn't leak much, and I use a trash comp[actor bag inside, but the straps get wet and so does the padding in back and makes the pack pretty heavy in the rain. The Packa should cure that.
http://www.thepacka.com/
Cedar Tree was very helpful, offering to add a few inches to the sleeves (to accomodate my gorilla arms) and to use a drawstring closure on the sleeve rather than the standard velcro.
Thanks for the tip, will check it out for sure ;)
minnesotasmith
05-19-2005, 07:25
My back never got wet from rain. The ventilation with a Packa is good enough that I hardly sweat extra from having it on, either. These things work well.
SGT Rock
05-19-2005, 08:36
I vote packa
Hammock Hanger
05-19-2005, 08:39
I LOVE my packa. :) Sue/HH
TakeABreak
05-19-2005, 08:45
I saw the packa at trail days 2002, I really looked like a neat idea and invention, before i do another thru hike I plan to buy one. I lady I was hiking in 2000 had a pack cover that came around and covered the side and and top of pack harness. it kept the wind and rain out, from what i saw the packa was step up from what she had, and would really work wanders in cold or rainy weather.
icemanat95
05-19-2005, 09:29
Most pack covers do a pretty poor job of protecting the section of the pack against your back. Actually covering that section poses some fit problems though because any pack cover you put in there will be slick and screw up the body/pack connection. The Packa sounds like just the ticket.
The Dana Designs pack covers have a hood that covers your head and runs the water off the sides that would have gone between your back and the pack, but it is also quite pricey and heavy.
Get an external pack and where a rain jacket. Pack does not rest on your back so no need to worry about chemical trasference. Long live externals!
Gonzo!
RockyTrail
05-19-2005, 11:10
Smile, do you use an internal or external frame pack?
My old-school external Kelty sits up off the back; rain runs down the vent space but really doesn't soak the pack cloth that much. Also you can lean the pack against a tree overnight and it doesn't sit down in the mud.
But I gotta try one of those new-fangled internals sometime, let us know if you figure the wet pack problem out.
Tha Wookie
05-19-2005, 11:27
An umbrella works for that problem.
I don't use a pack cover at all ever. I never have that problem. With an umbrella and a trash bag pag liner on the inside, my gear is ALWAYS dry.
RockyTrail, I use an internal frame Osprey75.
ThaWookie - good idea, but have a question about your 'brella. Do you use a standard one and hold the handle up? Maybe a full size 'brella hat would do the trick - hands free? Tell me more.....
As for the Packa - took a look - seems like a solution. But what I could not figure out from the photos is this - is it TWO different pieces...and if so how do they "merge" between the "jacket part" and the cover...maybe I am just being clueless, but at first glance I thought it was one piece...jacket with a big 'container' for your pack attached, please set me straight on this Packa users!
The cost seemed pretty steep....is it sturdy material?
Wow, much appreciate all the great advice you have all sent my way on this post ;-)
minnesotasmith
05-19-2005, 14:07
I've occasionally used an umbrella while hiking in the past, and carried one with me on my recent section hike. However, I won't bring one again on the AT anytime soon.
Why? My pack, like many others I saw on the Trail, goes up too high to easily allow holding an umbrella (expecially a lightweight one) where it needs to go. Whichever arm held the umbrella started aching in short order when I tried using the umbrella.
Footslogger
05-19-2005, 15:31
As for the Packa - took a look - seems like a solution. But what I could not figure out from the photos is this - is it TWO different pieces...and if so how do they "merge" between the "jacket part" and the cover...maybe I am just being clueless, but at first glance I thought it was one piece...jacket with a big 'container' for your pack attached, please set me straight on this Packa users! ==========================================
You are correct ...the Packa is a one-piece garment. You pull it on like a rain coat and it drapes over your pack. There is a shock cord on the backside that allows you to snug it down to your pack.
I recently bought one and found Eddie (Cedar Tree) a pleasure to work with. I carry a pack that is smaller than some and does not take up as much room as is provided in even the small sized Packa. Eddie took a stock Packa and cut it down to meet the size of my pack. Fits like a glove now and does not have all the extra fabric (silnylon) to flap around in the breeze.
'Slogger
AT 2003
trippclark
05-19-2005, 15:33
I've occasionally used an umbrella while hiking in the past, and carried one with me on my recent section hike. However, I won't bring one again on the AT anytime soon.
Why? My pack, like many others I saw on the Trail, goes up too high to easily allow holding an umbrella (expecially a lightweight one) where it needs to go. Whichever arm held the umbrella started aching in short order when I tried using the umbrella.
I don't mean to start a debate here, and I guess each person's experiences and preferences are different, but I have to agree with "Tha Wookie" about using an umbrella. I have used an umbrella on the AT with 4 different packs (1 external Coleman Peak 1, 1 internal Exponent, 2 internal Gregory - G-Pack and Z-Pack) and would never want to hike in the rain without an umbrella. Not only does it solve the problem originally raised in this thread, but it is obviously completely breathable. Before hiking with an umbrella, I used a "breathable" goretex rain suit. In spite of claimed breathability, when hiking up a mountain on the AT in the summer I quickly became sweat soaked and clammy --- YUCK! This is not an issue with an umbrella.
YES, I will concur with your point that in a prolonged rain the arm gets tired of holding the umbrella . . . so you switch arms! :datz Compared with the total discomfort of hiking in a sweaty rainjacket, poncho, or rain suit; I'd choose an umbrella every time.
Of course, like I said at the start, every body has different preferrences and experiences, but I'd suggest that anyone who is tired of sweating in their raingear should at least give an umbrella a try -- it is a 9 oz. experiment that just may change the way you backpack in the rain! :D
Footslogger
05-19-2005, 16:50
Of course, like I said at the start, every body has different preferrences and experiences, but I'd suggest that anyone who is tired of sweating in their raingear should at least give an umbrella a try -- it is a 9 oz. experiment that just may change the way you backpack in the rain! :D==============================================
Are you referring to the Golite umbrella here ?? Almost got one during my thru in 2003. Just curious, how long is the shaft of that umbrella ??
'Slogger
minnesotasmith
05-19-2005, 17:01
1) If the rain is at all windblown away from falling vertically, or (as both Jardine does, and I have) you are using the umbrella as protection vs. the sun (and what percentage of the time is the sun essentially directly overhead?), you likely have to use a specific arm to hold the umbrella.
2) I use a walking staff while hiking on hills, whether up or downhill. This describes the majority of the AT I have been on so far. So, switching arms would not accomplish all that much, if both are doing something. (This is also one of the reasons I won't carry poles such as a pair of Lekis, any more than I would use two walking staves.)
Cedar Tree
05-19-2005, 17:12
I do appreciate everyone's positive comments about the Packa. Meeting, and working with hikers is probably the most fun and rewarding part of this business. Frosty, yours is in the mail.
CT
Hammock Hanger
05-19-2005, 17:15
Ed - Thank you for your WONDERFUL customer service.
Sue/HH
Footslogger
05-19-2005, 17:36
I do appreciate everyone's positive comments about the Packa. Meeting, and working with hikers is probably the most fun and rewarding part of this business. =================================================
It goes both ways Ed. My experience working with you was a distinct pleasure.
'Slogger
Ok, so i understand that this is a one piece garment, from the photos, it looks like two on the website...a pack cover, then the next photo there's a jacket on with a pack cover. I think I get it now, thanks for all of the details.
Is a full size umbrella hat non existent? I'm thinking that an umbrella may be a good choice as well. Debating with myself on this one.... I would think it would be easier to have a hat umbrella, than to hold one in hand, I hike with poles, so it would be pretty hard to manage all of that at once.
Does Sinylon breathe better than say a poncho with a shock cord around the pack? Seems like a $100 plus difference to do it that way......
the Packa is a great idea though, anyone know what country they are made in?
minnesotasmith
05-20-2005, 06:14
in the U.S. Cedar Tree lives near Gainesville, GA, less than an hour from the Trail. See his website http://www.thepacka.com .