View Full Version : pack covers
ekeverette
01-11-2012, 13:52
i bought a pack cover from walley world for 10/15 bucks, and has served me well on section hikes with 2 day rains, and the pack remained dry. do the 50.00 dollar ones from the outfitter store work better, waterproof?.... i always keep my stuff inside a trashcompactor bag anyway.... didn't know if a cover from osprey, my type pack would add extra protection.
RWheeler
01-11-2012, 13:55
More expensive covers are more expensive for different reasons:
-The brand.
-Specialized fit for a specific pack,
-The material; it could be much lighter, or potentially have longer-lasting ability to keep packs dry.
-Other features, such as being able to double as a poncho, serve as a stuff-sack, etc.
The advantage to the $50 dollar ones is mainly weight. That being said, the weight difference is negligible. No matter which pack cover you get, it's going to get torn up. The $50 ones might take a little more of a beating, but they're all getting punctured eventually. The stuff sacks for your gear inside your pack are important, but remember, if you pack gets wet, it gets heavy and it's a pain to deal with a wet pack at night. Furthermore, if it freezes, that will suck when it comes time to pack up.
check the material and weigh differences. Most pack covers are water resistant and not water proof so I use it in combination with the trash bag pack liner.
RWheeler
01-11-2012, 16:56
That being said, does anyone know a good resource to get small quantities of compactor bags? I checked Sears, and they only had them in packs of 25+, and I feel like it'd be a waste buying something like that online for a 2-3 pack and have to pay for the shipping and everything.
I'm using a GoLite Jam, btw, if the sizing is that critical.
ekeverette
01-11-2012, 17:03
had the same problem.... hard to find. guess you don't have a foodlion up in conn?.... lowes had them too. goodluck.
RWheeler
01-11-2012, 17:08
Sadly, no Food Lion.
I'll check out Lowes, or Home Depot. I need to get some flashing to make a windscreen/pot stand anyway.
What could possibly work better than a cover that kept your pack dry in a two day rain?
ekeverette
01-11-2012, 18:20
it was a misty type rain not a deluge. just back from outfitters..... bought a waterproof.... fits good. i'll find out soon enough, that no matter what, your butt's going to get wet!