Waterproof Backpacks

Hi Nate,

You might give Ortlieb a look, they specialize in waterproof packs of all sorts.

http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=3

I don't know how small the ArcTeryx waterproof pack line goes, but they do make some. The old Dana frame+drybag packs (RacerX et al) might be worth hunting down as well. FWIW the OR Summit Sack has a lot of capacity for a drybag-with-straps, but of course offers no support. It does have two side mesh pockets, FWIW.

Cheers,

Rick

Look at the gear store on this site- they have a bag I would like to get (If I had the money)

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/ula_arctic_dry_pack.html

Why not just use a pack cover…?

If you are happy with your pack and are just addressing weight gain form rain than a rain cover (or switching to a poncho) will be a cheaper solution than picking up a new pack. Other folks have listed a number of companies that make waterproof packs. The only other company I know of that wasn't listed in VauDe. They make some waterproof packs in their fast and lite line. One that I looked at was around 45l.

–Mark

I agree with David. I think a pack cover is a good solution.

A pack cover made of Cuben weighs less than an ounce.

-Sid

Would mld's revelation pack made of cuben be waterproof?

Nathaniel… Yes, the Spectralite (cuben) version used in the the 2009 Revelation is waterproof just as received. I've used it some torrential rain and everything stayed completely dry. I used seam grip on my 2007 Revelation (Spinntex) to waterproof and strengthen the seams and then that was waterproof, too.

.

Cuben Fiber ZPacks are waterproof. At Mt Whitney last weekend I awoke one night to discover my camp surrounded by/in water and my pack sitting in a puddle of rain. No water penetrated the pack and it's contents remained dry. Amazingly, the silnylon pockets kept my camera dry as well. No rain cover is required as the top of the pack folds down to protect the contents.

Thanks guys for the recommendations. It's too bad Zpacks is out of commission.

I have used a poncho (tarp) when I don't really expect rain. When I'm expecting rain, I like to wear a jacket and ditch the windshell rather than use a poncho. (Not to mention, carry a shelter separate from my rain gear.) And I'm not a fan of packcovers because they look stupid and don't protect your pack that effectively and require you carry something ELSE to lose, weigh you down, fiddle with, etc.

Hence, the waterproof pack. =)

Looks like Zpacks is the clear winner for this site…..December.

The MLD Revelation (cuben) is the winner for me! Waterproof out of the box. And I don't have to wait for December to get it!

Take care,

Doug

Isn't the MLD Prophet waterproof as well? Dyneema X fabric is fully waterproof if I'm not mistaken.

It's a bit heavier than the Revelation, but completely bombproof.

-Sid

Have you tried the BPL Pack Liners?
I started using these this year instead of a pack cover and I really like them. They’re easy to use, lighter than most pack covers and as a bonus you can just keep hiking when it starts to rain. It’s also nice to have my camera and other loose gear bundled up inside the pack liner in my tent at night so nothing gets wet from dripping condensation or spray from rain.

G

Naos

The Arcteryx packs are nice but super heavy. The smallest Naos (45L) weighs 4lbs, 3oz. That goes up to 6lbs 8oz for the largest size (85L).