Pros and cons of 2 closure systems for side backpack pockets

Or adjustable elastic and get it all.

Adjustable drawstrings are more secure, but not as handy for quick access for a water bottle.

The downside with elastic is that it weakens over time. Having external attachment points would help with replacement. I guess an active hiker would wear the rest of the pack out before the elastic dies.

@ Dale:
"The downside with elastic is that it weakens over time."

Right.
Can you provide an example from your experiences on how much did it weaken, and over how long of a period?

Static cord allows you to lock the pocket shut. This can help keep the contents secure, and the pocket flat to the pack while bushwacking.

I use both styles of closure depending on the pack. When I use shock cord, I put internal grommets on either end of the pocket, and fix the cord with knots. This allows the cord tension to be adjusted, and the cord replaced.

@ David:

Thanks!

I feel mighty embarrassed that this solution did not occur to me whatsoever….

I bought an 05-"06 pack a few months back. Had to replace the long dead elastic on all the pockets. Pack is a Six Moon Design Starlite.

Would have like to been able to do it without ripping the seams open.

My ULA packs has these shock cords you pull to tighten. Despite having own 3 of their packs since 2007, I just realized that I've never used them and just left them loose. I mainly use the side pockets for water bottles. On the few times I've used it for taller items (umbrella, sleep pad) where I use the higher side compression strap to hold it in place. If I'm carrying something else on the outside of my pack like a wet tarp or bivy sack, it goes into the main rear mesh pocket which is elastic.

For getting to a water bottle, you don't want a tight fit around the bottle or you won't be able to put it back in while hiking so I wouldn't want an elastic one. Perhaps if you mentioned what it was you wanted to store in the side pockets, we might be able to better visualize what it is you want to accomplish.

Visualize this:

I am about to order a long-haul pack (40+ liter main body) and am considering the options of extracting max value from its side pockets.
I may use them for water bottles, or for something else. Who knows.

Currently I mostly use my GG Gorilla, which does have elastic on the side pockets and I have been stashing 2 x 1-liter water bottles in there. I can pull the bottles out while hiking, and have no trouble in shoving them back in, elastic or not, at a pace of 3+ miles per hour on any terrain.

David Chenault already gave me the answer (a few posts above) to what would be best for me long-term.

As such, this thread served its purpose, and I won't be following it any further.
Thanks!

"@ Dale:
"The downside with elastic is that it weakens over time."

Can you provide an example from your experiences on how much did it weaken, and over how long of a period?"

I've seen elastic completely fail, turning into a slack noodle over a period of years. Many would trash the rest of the pack in the same time frame. I imagine the UV, ozone and other pollutants contribute to the decay. You see it in clothing too, but it takes a long time.

I would go for shock cord and a toggle in some sort of replaceable configuration. I use my mesh side pockets mostly for water bottles or to tuck in a bandana for quick in and out. More precious gear goes in a zippered pocket. Shock cord with a toggle is nearly as secure as static cord, but you can still have the stretch when you want it. Static cord would be okay for tall pockets used for tent poles and the like.