Pack Cover or Dry Sack?

[stars in her eyes]

+1 for compactor bags. I have one for the main interior and I wrap one around each of my down items and stick 'em in their respective stuff sacks.

[Chaco Taco]

Compactor grade trash bag with my sleeping bag, pad, clothing and anything I want dry. If my tent is wet, I pack it on the bottom with my tyvek on top. It will drain some of the water out of the pack. Use a pack cover too. I have hiked with wet gear one too many times and Id rather carry a couple of extra ounces to keep my stuff dry.

[Rain Man]

+1 for compactor bags. I have one for the main interior and I wrap one around each of my down items and stick 'em in their respective stuff sacks.

Might I suggest that Reynolds "Oven/Turkey Roaster Bags" are plenty strong, just the right size, and much lighter than trash compactor bags for use inside stuff sacks? Though, I absolutely agree with the trash compactor bag lining my pack itself for everything I want to remain dry, including items in those stuff sacks. I get double protection on the down.

RainMan

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[msupple]

I use an Aarn pack which comes with a removable inner waterproof liner specifically sized to the pack. It Velcros to the top of the bag opening so you don't even notice it when removing items etc. If you are on a shorter hike and you are sure of dry weather you can easily remove it. I've had it in a few big rains and it has kept my down gear perfectly dry. I'm bot sure if you can buy the liners separately. They are plenty tough and would surely outlast a plastic bag.

[Mountain Mike]

I like my pack cover. Helps protect gear strapped to outside of my pack & with a few logs or rocks makes a nice wash basin. I even used it as a makeshift bathtub with a few resupply boxes at Kennedy meadows while hiking PCT.

[Mountain Mike]

Picture or Video 4984.jpg Laundry on the Long trail

[TOMP]

I just play it safe and use a trash bag inside and a rain cover too. This is because my pack has thick padding that would stay wet if it was in a down pour for a long time. Both items only add a few extra ounces. Also the trash bag may be useful for other things like wind protection and a make shift rain poncho. Also I sleep in a solo tent and I am often spooning with my pack so if its wet im not happy.

[Mountain Mike]

<img style="margin: 1px;" id="vbattach_14583" class="previewthumb" alt="" src="http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=14583&amp;stc=1" attachmentid="14583">&nbsp;Laundry on the Long trail

[Echraide]

Trash compactor inside, Packa outside.

[Don H]

I used a trash compactor bag and it ended up leaking at the bottom seam. I'm looking for a dry bag large enough to hold the contents of my pack.

[rocketsocks]

I buy the el cheapo waterproof storage bags from walmart and put everything into them. You can pick up a set of 3 for a a few dollars. It helps me to sort my stuff and protects it. I use the roll down buckle type.

I too use these.Brought them home,stuff two shirts in one,walk over to my bebroom window,open,toss.Left it out for two days in a rain storm..........bone dry.a+

[atmilkman]

Pack cover to slow down the saturation a little, then individual bags inside a trash compactor bag. Bags inside of bags inside of bag. Think of it as packing for a walking canoe trip.

[bamboo bob]

Trash compactor inside, Packa outside.

How do you like the Packa? I just bought one. I hope I don't regret it. Ever have to pack up getting out of a tent?

[jacquelineanngrant]

Definately both. Trash Compacter bag lining the inside of my pack plus a rain cover. I also wrap my sleeping bag in another trash bag and keep my dry clothes in a sea to summit bag inside the contractor bag liner. These add very little weight and my stuff never gets damp at all. Keeping your camp clothes and bag dry are paramount during a through hike. When you get wet, and you will youneed dry clothes to put on when you stop for the day, put your wet stuff on when you hike out in the morning.