[pct-l] Waterproof Pack

[Brian McLaughlin]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Peterson" <wordgrouper at hotmail.com>
> 
> Just hiked all day in the rain--this has got me pondering the need for a
> waterproof pack. Any ideas?

Because packs have numerous seams, one or more large openings, 
and sometimes several zippers, it is very difficult to make them 
completely waterproof, even if you use waterproof materials. There 
are just too many things that can leak, abrade, degrade, wear off.

Pack covers seem like a good idea at first blush. Their big problem
is that they don't cover the back of the pack, where the shoulder
straps and waist belt attach, so they have a HUGE opening that
water can find and enter, then pool at the bottom of the cover. Eh!

Trash compactor bags are fairly heavy-duty, but also fairly light. 
They are seamless. Because they work inside your pack bag, not
outside it, they only have one opening to worry about and that 
opening can be twisted, doubled over and then tied off. They work
like a charm. Their one weakness is that they can't protect items
outside the main compartment, such as in top pockets or mesh
pockets. You can work around that.

Happy hiking!