View Full Version : Why don't you see more waterproof backpacks?
No one would pack a tent or tarp that wasn't waterproof. Why don't manufacturers make backpacks that are waterproof? After all, you know it's going to get wet.
I did a search and the only one I found that looked trail-worthy was the Eureka Mudslide Stormshield. It was 2965 cu. in. and weighed 4 lbs. 12 oz. Too heavy for a lot of people.
Found some other ones that looked like fold-down dry bags with harnesses. These looked very suspect for comfort.
With all the new water-repellent materials, you would think that someone would make a really light waterproof backpack, eliminating the need for a cover.
Or is there something out there I don't know about?
TJ aka Teej
11-24-2005, 20:13
They do make them, mostly for caving and winter climbing. I once tried to waterproof my own pack with seamsealer and Scotch-guard. Ended up with a puddle of water in the bottom of the pack. :D
Whistler
11-24-2005, 21:09
You can pretty much waterproof your pack's contents with a 3oz trash bag or silnylon liner. If you're using a light pack, like something made of silnylon or Dyneema [see models from GoLite, Gossamer Gear, Granite Gear, ULA], the pack itself won't absorb much water anyway. But you could supplement your pack liner with a 2-3oz pack cover and pretty much guarantee you'll come out fine. Most hikers just don't spend a lot of time with their pack submerged or being hauled up waterfalls in canyons... Basically just a weight trade-off. Completely waterproof packs are also usually lacking in features like pockets and easy access to the inside.
-Mark
orangebug
11-24-2005, 21:15
Water proof could also be uncomfortable in helping you deal with the daily sweat from back and shoulders. I wish there was some way to keep more water off shoulder straps, after a very wet and cold hike this week in VA.
They do make them, mostly for caving and winter climbing. I once tried to waterproof my own pack with seamsealer and Scotch-guard. Ended up with a puddle of water in the bottom of the pack. :D
TJ. Your experience illustrates why waterproof packs aren't very popular. Once water gets inside -- and that's inevitable given the many openings in most packs -- it's very difficult to dry out.
The same waterproofing that keeps water out, keeps it in once a moment of carelessness allows any wetness in.
soulrebel
11-25-2005, 09:17
dana designs racer x and hydrophobe are basically pack chassis w/ whatever size drybag you wanna use...
http://danadesign.com/packs/specialist/racerx.asp
or raid z 50L
http://danadesign.com/packs/specialist/raidz.asp
justusryans
11-25-2005, 09:25
you can stick a hefty bag over your pack and poof... instant waterproof pack cover. all for about .20 cents.
Nothing is truly waterproof. Even Hoover Dam is leaking.
Youngblood
11-25-2005, 10:34
TJ. Your experience illustrates why waterproof packs aren't very popular. Once water gets inside -- and that's inevitable given the many openings in most packs -- it's very difficult to dry out.
The same waterproofing that keeps water out, keeps it in once a moment of carelessness allows any wetness in.
That is my take on this also. I've seen packcovers with the same flaw in that they have a bath tub bottom-- water finds a way into that on all day rains (the shoulder straps and suspension system wick it right there), the folks that use them slosh water around and it soaks into the bottom of the pack when they set their pack down. I use pack covers that are open on the bottom because of that, watch where I set it down and put my sleeping bag in the bottom with its stuff sack lined with a plastic bag.
That is my take on this also. I've seen packcovers with the same flaw in that they have a bath tub bottom-- water finds a way into that on all day rains (the shoulder straps and suspension system wick it right there), the folks that use them slosh water around and it soaks into the bottom of the pack when they set their pack down. I use pack covers that are open on the bottom because of that, watch where I set it down and put my sleeping bag in the bottom with its stuff sack lined with a plastic bag.
My pack cover routinely collected a pool of water in the bottom -- or did until I jabbed a few holes in it with my trail knife.
Youngblood
11-25-2005, 11:54
My pack cover routinely collected a pool of water in the bottom -- or did until I jabbed a few holes in it with my trail knife.
I suggested that to a young guy I was hiking with. He was reluctant to do that to his gear but was much happier afterwords. It was really frustating him listening to the water sloshing around on every step on those all day rains. All day rains can be depressing even when all your gear works fine but it is really bad on the folks who have gear problems. I saw a few waterproof/breathable rain jackets fail in Maine, those folks got hypothermal and this was in early August. Of course your ability to reason is one of the first things to go when you get hypothermal, basically several of us had to demand that they stop early at the first shelter and get them into their dry sleeping bags... it took them what seem like forever to get into their bags.
SalParadise
11-25-2005, 13:20
The Arcteryx backpacks are high-quality, waterproof packs. They work great but are super-expensive. The people who had them on the Trail were happy with them, but they also weigh quite a bit.
but you don't need a raincover regardless of your pack. I didn't use one with my Osprey on my hike and had zero problems. On rainy or threatening days I'd move my sleeping bag to the bottom of my pack inside a garbage bag. Though they never did get wet, there's nothing else in my pack that absolutely had to stay dry. My MP3, camera and Handbook I kept in a ziplock bag.
I have yet to find anything that even comes close to a few good old compactor bags.
blindeye
11-26-2005, 17:59
i have researched this quite a bit and although a little pricey luxurylite makes a great pack under 2lbs, external frame and i am buying one.
i have tried them great packs.
one of the drawbacks is you can only buy them on line BUT there is a money back gurantee. i think medicineman knows more than i do.
luxurylite.com check it out
Olive Drab
11-27-2005, 14:56
I prefer a non waterproof pack with grommets on the bottom to act as drain holes. Inside the pack I will store my items in a waterproofed manner via zip lock bags, trash can liner or wet weather rubber lined bags. I dont want to lug around extra water so the grommets are perfect for me.
Blindeye, that is some interesting stuff; that pack is definitely outside the box.
Very informative website. The luxury lite system looks like a great solution to carrying bear cannisters.
Nothing is truly waterproof. Even Hoover Dam is leaking.
Hayduke lives! :D