View Full Version : Pack Cover
Who has an opinion on a cover for a bridger, 4000ci, poles and pad outside? I tend to lean back on stuff, so maybe rugged is a plus. Do the new Pack Flies by DD attach the same? Let er rip!
grrickar
02-24-2005, 11:07
For a rugged cover, check out the REI Ducks Back line of covers. Their website should gove you an idea on which size you need. It comes in a black cordura type case that doubles as a place to carry other small items. It appears durable, but is heavier than silnylon.
I purchased a silnylon pack cover made by Equinox at the beginning of a section hike at Bluff Mountain Outfitters, and while I can't comment about it's long term durability, it has help up well over 134 miles in varying conditions, and it packs down small and light.
Rain Man
02-24-2005, 11:19
Well, you asked for opinions about covers. I'm a section hiker and have used both a Gregory cover for my Gregory Reality pack, and a trash compactor bag inside the pack itself. Based on my experience so far, I have ditched the used-one-time cover altogether and now use a white trash compactor bag placed inside my pack.
:sun
Rain Man
.
IMHO: pack covers don't really help, usually water collects in the bottom of the cover & holds it nicely against the bottom of your pack, soaking the pack & the stuff in it. Like Rain Man, I put all "stuff" in a trash compactor bag, & sleeping bag in another, both sealed with a simple twist tie.
With rain cover: all my stuff got wet.
With trash compactor bags: nothing got wet.
If your main concern is damage to the pack when you lean against something while wearing it, stop leaning against something while wearing the pack :)
Doctari.
Footslogger
02-24-2005, 14:13
About the only thing I really depend on a pack cover for is keeping my pack out of the weather at night when it won't fit inside the tent. I cover the pack and gather up all the strappage and lay it flat on the ground or lean it against a tree. In that application it does seem to work.
With the exception of a light drizzle, a pack will get wet despite a cover sooner or later ...either from water gathering in the bottom (as already pointed out) or the rain running down between the pack and your back and soaking it out from behind.
The only way I've ever found to ensure that the pack contents will stay dry is the pack liner. I use the plastic trash compactor bags myself.
'Slogger
AT 2003
NICKTHEGREEK
02-24-2005, 16:02
Who has an opinion on a cover for a bridger, 4000ci, poles and pad outside? I tend to lean back on stuff, so maybe rugged is a plus. Do the new Pack Flies by DD attach the same? Let er rip!I never met a pack cover that really worked. Water always managed to intrude around the harness and through the back where the cover- well, doesn't cover it. Now one of those ponchos cut so you wear it over your pack and harness does work- at least it keeps the pack dry, but you get kinda wet compared to good raingear. Gotta agree with others that lining the inside of your pack is a better approach, at least to a degree. Works great in single compartment top loaders. You stuff all your things in, seal her up then throw your wet and muddy tent in on top and secure the pack lid. Doesn't do much for organization though.
I prefer to let the pack get wet but keep tent, clothing, sleeping gear and food packed in dedicated OR Advanced Hydroseal Stuff Sacks. Properly sized and closed, they simply don't leak even when fully immersed. My stove, fuel, and kitchen can stay wet forever as far as I care, and good ziplock freezer bags handle the rest pretty adequately.
May not be the answer for ultra-light and or ultra frugal types, but it works great for me.
Anyone try one of those? I'm in the process of looking to get one of would love to hear how dry it does keep your pack and yourself...
Thanks
Glee
superman
02-25-2005, 10:22
Yes
compactor bags: nothing got wet
Footslogger
02-25-2005, 10:30
Anyone try one of those? I'm in the process of looking to get one of would love to hear how dry it does keep your pack and yourself...
Thanks
Glee====================================
Mine is supposed to arrive today. Won't have too much opportunity to test it out in the woods here in Wyoming for a while yet but once I've had a chance to check it out I'll post something here at Whiteblaze.
'Slogger
AT 2003
HikeLite
02-25-2005, 10:41
Those of you who use compacter bags, how do you close the top of the compacter bag? Just roll it or how?
Footslogger
02-25-2005, 11:22
Those of you who use compacter bags, how do you close the top of the compacter bag? Just roll it or how?===================================
Yes ...that's exactly what I do. Just draw up the excess plastic on top, roll it over and cinch down the backpack.
While I'm thinking about it ...when we were on the trail in 2003 someone found huge (like 30 gallon) heavy duty ziplocks. I think they were made for storing clothing and bedding. Anyway, I was told they were available at WalMart but I personally have never seen them since the trail. Nice thing about those was the air-tight closure at the top.
'Slogger
grrickar
02-25-2005, 11:44
Maybe I got lucky, but I never had water collect in my pack cover, and we had two day of steady rain - one of which was torrential downpours. I cinched the pack cover around my pack, and it fit well so the only way I can see water getting in would have been down my back. I many have been lucky, but nothing got wet. I did have things that I did want to stay dry in ziplocs. Ziplocs help me to keep things organized, and offer that extra protection. Now that I am using a down sleeping bag, I'm going to put it in a trash compactor bag.
The Solemates
02-25-2005, 12:19
How much do trash compactor bags typically weigh?
Footslogger
02-25-2005, 12:21
How much do trash compactor bags typically weigh?===============================
Good question ...I never weighed one. I'm at work right now but have a half dozen or so left in the gear locker at home. I'll weigh one when I get home and post my findings on this thread.
'Slogger
kentucky
02-25-2005, 12:44
Well like most I now after experience,use heavy trash bag or something comparible even some of the fishing industries water proof bags although little heavy very durable:) kentucky,usually lose my pack cover or gets ripped on tree branches do to my bushwacking adventures
Rain Man
02-25-2005, 15:39
How much do trash compactor bags typically weigh?
Okay, just pulled out my digital postage scale, and a Hefty Trash Compactor Bag (2' 1.75" x 2' 10"), and it weighs in at 2.3 oz. The bags come five to a box. I think my daughter went through two on her hike last year. She also started with a pack cover and sent it home.
By the way, I didn't mention, but I think I'd use one just because I can see to the bottom of my pack with one (it's white). Otherwise, forget it, looking down in that black hole.
:sun
Rain Man
.
The Solemates
02-25-2005, 15:55
Okay, just pulled out my digital postage scale, and a Hefty Trash Compactor Bag (2' 1.75" x 2' 10"), and it weighs in at 2.3 oz. The bags come five to a box. I think my daughter went through two on her hike last year. She also started with a pack cover and sent it home.
By the way, I didn't mention, but I think I'd use one just because I can see to the bottom of my pack with one (it's white). Otherwise, forget it, looking down in that black hole.
:sun
Rain Man
.
Well that surely beats the 5 oz pack cover I carry that doesnt work. I think Ive been converted!
OK. Seems contracter bags, twisted, folded, and rubber banded are old school. I expected Granite Gear is sweet, or don't buy OR. I guess what I'm hunting is something that would take Kentucy's abuse. Kevlar is out. I guess I gotta stop bouncing off stuff. Anyone tried Dancing Light Gear?
kentucky
02-25-2005, 17:45
I resent that remark Im a changed Man!kentucky:D
superman
02-25-2005, 18:04
I have used compacter bags when they are available but trash bags work fine also. I put one into my pack and load my stuff into the bag. That also prevents my sleeping bag and stuff from getting wet from my sweat. I leave a trash bag where it's handy if it starts to rain. It takes me a minute to poke two hople for my pack straps. The trash bag is put bottom side up and I put the straps through the holes. I've been through some awful hard rains. I cram my sleeping bag in the bottom, then I cram in my tent, then the cloths or food bag. I can usually fish my tent out of my pack without taking the bag off it. I set up my tent and take the bag off the pack as I put the back pack in my slick rock tent. In the morning I put my wet tent in a trash bag and take it out to dry during the day if the sun shows up.
Footslogger
02-25-2005, 20:22
How much do trash compactor bags typically weigh?====================================
OK ...I'm home now. Just got out one of my compactor bags and set it on the scale. These are the Wal-Mart brand. Measurements are 35" tall and 27" across. Weight is 2 oz. They appear to be 4mil thick, about the same as a heavy duty lawn/leaf bag but they are white ...and as previously mentioned, that allows you to see down inside your pack.
'Slogger
AT 2003