[at-l] Keeping your pack dry: Nikwax vs. Rain Cover vs. Garbage bag

[freighttrain7@home.com (Abe)]

ive used both a $40 custom fit  pack cover and  "heavy duty" trashbag on my
thru, and the trashbag beats the packcover hands down.     just pull the bag
all the way down over your pack, feel where the shoulder straps are and cut
two vertical slits and pull the shoulder straps thru.    the side against
your back will only go down to the hip belt, the other side hangs down below
the bottom of the pack.   the hip belt is not protected no matter which you
use.
 an added bonus to the trashbag is that you can replace it for next to
nothing.. i just added a few trashbags to each maildrop. one for my sleeping
bag... one for a raincover
so i never had to buy a box on the trail and could replace as needed... gave
away extras or left em in hiker boxs. (you will get holes in it from bushes,
blowdowns, falling or whatever.. even a packcover will get holes)
 **care must be taken when putting the pack on or taking it off as to not
tear the plastic
** water can be shaken off of the trashbag.... a packcover needs to dry out

make a few and try it out...  jump in the shower with your pack if you want
to.. your not gonna damage anything although your guaranteed to feel a bit
odd standing in the shower with your pack on :)

freighttrain
----- Original Message -----
From: "Papa Bear" <papa_bear_nyc@yahoo.com>
To: "AT-List" <at-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, January 21, 2002 9:22 PM
Subject: [at-l] Keeping your pack dry: Nikwax vs. Rain Cover vs. Garbage bag


How do folks keep their packs dry in the rain?

Waterproofing stuff (e.g. Nikwax)?  Can you soak the whole pack in wash-in
treatment?

Rain cover?  Expensive?

Garbage bag? What about staps and hip belt?

Thanks
Pb


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