[pct-l] SuperSecrets - Zippers

[Hiker97 at aol.com]

I know everyone has their  SuperSecrets low level light on since the List has 
been down.  So, here is  the latest.
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Zippers can be a pain.  Even  ZipLock zippers can break and come off track.  
Here are some  suggestions.
 
1.  Be very careful about  adding extra zipper pulls to jackets, tents, 
sleeping bags, etc.  This is  very tempting to add a reflective or longer material 
to make it easier to  grasp.  This might seem to make sense at night when you 
are trying to  find the zipper.  I do not recommend doing this, except may be 
for  tents.  Why?
 
2.  Zippers mechanisms are  delicate.  They can break easily.  The more 
pulling power you have the  more likely you will damage your zipper.  Just use the 
little metal zipper  pull that comes with the zipper.  Be gentle and slow in 
using your  zippers.  I would recommend this with tents too, but if you are 
very  careful a reflective material for the door zipper is nice.  You be the  
judge if you can use the extra pull material gently.  Use a little wax to  make 
them easier to slide.
 
3.  What about the zipper type  ZipLock bags?  The complaint about them is 
that the lock will tear and  break.  Some people recommend the snap together 
bags.  I  disagree.  The ZipLock bags work fine if you are gentle and don't put 
too  much pressure on the lock device when you open and shut the bag.  I use 
ZipLock bags for everything  backpacking and they work fine.  They keep things 
organized, dry, and  clean.  
 
For rain protection I recommend you  still put your bags inside a pack bag 
too.  This is a large waterproof bag  inside your pack, like a trash bag.  The 
reason for this is that the  ZipLocks will get very wet on the outside from the 
rain even inside your  pack.  When you go to put them inside your shelter, 
the outside bag water  will wet everything.
 
I mark each of my ZipLock bags with  the contents and weight.  If you want to 
keep the markings from rubbing  off, just put a piece of clear packing tape 
over it.  Works  fine.
 
4.  Here is a trick to stop  zippers from opening too much.  Use a little 
ShoeGoo (the product I  recommend on the bottom of your shoes to keep the soles 
from wearing) on the  zipper track where you do not want the zipper to open any 
farther.  This  may be on backs and belly packs.  I use this method on my 
belly pack to  keep the main zipper compartment from opening too much and the 
contents slipping  out.
 
You have to decide how to use your  zippers and bags.  If you are gentle, 
then everything will work  fine.
 
Your hiking buddy, Switchback
Conqueror of Mt. Whitney .............. Portal Parking  Lot