Stuff Sacks/Dry Bags for AT Thru?

[RWheeler]

I got a gift card to Cabela's as a gift, and I'm not really sure what to purchase with it. At first I was thinking a Platypus bottle (their selection online is two different 1L (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cascade-Designs-Platypus-plusBottle/1240449.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3D searchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProduc ts%26Ntt%3Dplatypus%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHead er%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=platypus&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products) models, a 0.5L model (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Platypus174-Soft-Water-Bottles/1168806.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3D searchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProduc ts%26Ntt%3Dplatypus%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHead er%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=platypus&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products), and the Big Zip containers (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Platypus-Platy-Water-Tanks/1216133.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3D searchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProduc ts%26Ntt%3Dplatypus%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHead er%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=platypus&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products) in 2L and 4L), but I see they also have stuff sacks (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Sea-to-Summit-Stuff-Sacks/715321.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3D searchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProduc ts%26Ntt%3Dsea%2Bto%2Bsummit%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz _l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=sea+to+summit&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products) and dry bags (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Sea-to-Summit-Lightweight-Dry-Sacks/746177.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3D searchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProduc ts%26Ntt%3Dsea%2Bto%2Bsummit%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz _l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=sea+to+summit&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products). I was wondering what the practicality of individual bags is, if I plan to use a compactor liner (assuming I can figure out how to get one without buying an entire set of them, don't really know anyone with a compactor around me) and a pack cover. My sleeping bag is a synethetic bag (not down), and I was under the impression that the best storage method for those is to just... well... cram it into the pack. Since it's not down, and I'll already be using the liner and cover, a sack for it seems like it might be something to leave behind. I figured a stuff sack for food (not sure of what size to get?) and maybe a roll-top dry bag for camp clothes would be smart?

The only other thing I can think of that I'll still need to get, that can probably be an option at Cabela's, is some kind of bottle to store alcohol for my stove. But I'll probably just grab a bottle for contact lens solution or something like that at a dollar store, or the travel section at Target.

Input?

[Spokes]

A 20L Sea-to-Summit UltraSil sack is my preferred food sack. I carried my alcohol in a 14 oz. Tropicana OJ bottle. Lasted the entire thru hike. Wrap some duct tape around it.

If I did it over again I'd go to the liqueur store and get a cheap pint bottle of whiskey in one of those plastic hip flask style bottles since it would fit so easily in an outside pack pocket.

[TOMP]

i agree sea to summit bags are the best. I have a 35L for my sleeping bag, 20L for clothes and 13L for food. They are bigger then i need in all cases but its easier to fit everything and because they are the ultra-sil option they only weigh 1.5-2.8 ounces each. As for water bladder id go camelbak because the opening is easier to get water into then platy.

[Papa D]

Sea to Summit or Granite Gear - I also like the little GSI bags for water resistant type stuff - get different colors so you can easily tell what's what - once you get your system down, keep all your stuff in the same place

[RWheeler]

Are dry backs absolutely necessary if I'm already going to be using a pack cover and a compactor bag as a liner? Could I just grab some different stuff sacks for things like clothing, kitchen supplies, random tools, etc?

[Papa D]

you could use compactor bags but they will tear easily and are much more cumbersome - you can "burp the air" out of dry sacks for much neater packing. I do often carry one compactor bag though - nice to put your feet down in in a cold rain (like at lunch) - it'll warm you up quick - add that to your toolbox

[TOMP]

if you dont want to spend the money on a 20 dollar waterproof stuff sack try using a regular kitchen trash bag with elastic cord to tie it down. Wont last too long but you can replace as needed on the cheap. but id still opt for the real thing.