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Post by trekkerman on Mar 31, 2018 10:39:26 GMT -8
I never understood why backpacks need rain covers. You pay $250 and the damn thing is not waterproof. Why don't they just make the thing out of rain proof material? At least make the top flap out of rain proof material and long enough to extend all the way down the outside of the pack. And so many of them have too damn many snaps, buckles, straps, pockets and zippers. I have a feeling they just "tech 'em up" so the younger generation thinks they're getting more for their money. Go-lite had the right idea years ago with big bag with straps and one outer zipper pocket. (Of course Go-Lite went under) Whew! I feel better. Trekkerman in Big Wyoming |
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Mar 31, 2018 11:00:30 GMT -8
I, too, prefer one big sack to drop all of my gear into. Never mind the outside pockets, and closures. As for the rain cover, I'd rather it has a separate cover, so I can bring it or not, depending on the area of the country I hike. Lots of desert SW never needs a cover, and a rainproof outer would just add weight to my pack. I currently use a ULA Circuit, which has 3 outer mesh pockets.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Mar 31, 2018 12:23:46 GMT -8
Waterproof materials are better at keeping water in than out, so I never want a waterproof backpack. I do carry a cover, though, to slip on during downpours (and overnight if I leave it out).
Too many pockets is bad. Not enough pockets is bad.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Mar 31, 2018 12:44:54 GMT -8
Well, there's rain, and then there's rain.
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Post by trekkerman on Mar 31, 2018 12:49:28 GMT -8
Come to think of it we were born without any pockets.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Mar 31, 2018 15:21:35 GMT -8
I have a waterproof pack. It weighs a ton. I also have a non-waterproof pack and pack cover. I prefer a pack cover as mentioned. I have gone through three pack covers. Waterproofing only lasts so long unless it is designed with thick material. I do use DWR on my pack. It is enough to hold out the rain for an occasional rainy night or two. My pack cover is adjustable, can be used to cover external items if needed, or just store over stuff I want to keep outside since my pack usually goes under legs for extra insulation. The idea of a waterproof pack that remains waterproof for maybe a year until spots start to wear...seems like a waste of money.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Mar 31, 2018 15:56:10 GMT -8
Come to think of it we were born without any pockets. And that is why we had to invent clothes  |
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Post by hikerjer on Mar 31, 2018 16:10:59 GMT -8
I prefer a cover and generally take one with. I've tried using an internal waterproof bag once and wound up with a puddle of water in the bottom of the pack. Also, I'm sure my pack was heavier when it rained since it's fabric adsorbed water.
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Post by dayhiker on Mar 31, 2018 16:41:29 GMT -8
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Post by trekkerman on Mar 31, 2018 18:55:22 GMT -8
For what it's worth comment: A couple of years ago my wife and walked the Coast to Coast trail from St. Bee's on the west coast of England to Robin's Hood Bay on the East coast. (About ten days.) It rained ever single day. Constantly. The point is: although we had the latest technological gear, we were soaked to the bone at the end of each day. Thank God for the pubs and B &B's along the way. Tenting was out of the question. Enjoy. Life gets short especially near the end.
Trekkerman in Big Wyoming.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Apr 1, 2018 5:27:31 GMT -8
My Zpacks Arc Blast is waterproof. The construction of the main compartment itself is essentially no different than a drybag -- impermeable cuben fabric, taped seams, roll-top closure. And it weighs a smidge over one pound.
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Post by Coolkat on Dec 12, 2023 5:03:04 GMT -8
So recently I've heard a few of the popular backpacking youtubers say that pack covers don't work. I've been backpacking for 15 years and have always used a pack cover with no issues. Even in an all day rain. So I thought I'd come here to see what others thought and it looks like most of you agree that pack covers work just fine. Maybe the people who don't like them don't put them on correctly?? but I find that difficult to believe since the concept is very simple.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 12, 2023 10:57:51 GMT -8
Pack covers work, heavy soakers otherwise get in everywhere, so I carry one; but tbt? I can’t remember the last time I used one.
That said my sleeping bag is double protected inside a waterproof sack of its own and that’s what I most care about. Once I’ve eaten my food down a bit another fully waterproof shelter for things is my bear canister.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Dec 12, 2023 13:59:26 GMT -8
Pack covers work, heavy soakers otherwise get in everywhere, so I carry one; but tbt? I can’t remember the last time I used one. That said my sleeping bag is double protected inside a waterproof sack of its own and that’s what I most care about. Once I’ve eaten my food down a bit another fully waterproof shelter for things is my bear canister.
Yes, if it rains hard enough and long enough, there can be water intrusion in the back. Even then, it's not usually enough to bother anything. I used a pack cover for many years and never had a problem with my gear getting wet in a storm. (I also always keep my sleeping bag and a few critical items in their own waterproof bags).
More recently, when I carry my full dyneema McHale pack with DCF lining (which is most of the time), I don't use a cover and I haven't had any problems. (I still use a separate waterproof bag for my sleeping bag and a few critical items).
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Post by Coolkat on Dec 13, 2023 4:54:03 GMT -8
That said my sleeping bag is double protected inside a waterproof sack of its own and that’s what I most care about. This is what I do also along with my down jacket. My newish backpack is suppose to be waterproof but since I've never tested it in the backyard I still carry a pack cover and I have used it. Its at most 2 ounces but I think some bag liners are 1/2 of that if not more but its been a while since I've looked into liners. |
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